GB2308972A

GB2308972A - System to assist in the re-use of carrier bags

Info

Publication number: GB2308972A
Application number: GB9600468A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Geoffrey James Dobberson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1996-01-10
Filing date: 1996-01-10
Publication date: 1997-07-16
Anticipated expiration: 2016-01-10
Also published as: GB2308972B; GB9600468D0

Abstract

A slotted prong like device 10 can be slid onto a twice folded plastic carrier bag 12 and allow it to be rolled tightly enough to be inserted into a tubular handle 11 and the prong withdrawn leaving the bag in the handle ready for the next time it is required. The tubular handle also serves to slide onto the handles of the loaded carrier via a slit in its upper side preventing the handles from cutting into the fingers. A grove or "V" shape are provided at each end of the lower side of the handle to prevent it turning in the hand.

Description

SYSTEM TO ASSIST IN THE RE-USE OF CARRIER BAGS This invention relates to a means by which a carrier bag can be rolled up with the assistance of a prong like slotted device and inserted into a hollow handle for storage until required, the handle also preventing a heavy carrier bag cutting into the fingers when attached to the handles of the loaded carrier bag.

The carrier bag now plays a large part in our lives and due to their low cost are given away in vast numbers which consequently add up to vast amounts of raw materials e.g. oil for plastic and the energy necessary to manufacture being consumed. Due to increasing environmental awareness the need for conservation is now a prime global objective which we all must play a small part in, this device being a means by which this could be achieved.

According to the present invention there is provided a prong like device with a longitudinal slot which allows it to be slid onto a twice folded carrier bag and assist in its being rolled up so that the bag may be then inserted into the tubular handle and the prong then withdrawn leaving the bag ready for the next shopping trip. The handle being shaped on its underside for comfort to the fingers and having a slot along its upper face to facilitate its application to the handles of a loaded carrier bag. A "V" shape is also provided centrally at each end of the lower face to allow the carrier bag handles to locate into them and prevent the handle from trying to turn in the hand. The prong and the handle are preferably made from plastic or metal.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawing in which Figure 1/1. illustrates a side view of the tubular handle Figure 1/2. illustrates the end view Figure 1/3. illustrates the plan Figure 1/4. illustrates a side view of the prong for rolling Figure 1/5. illustrates an end view from "A" Figure 1/6. illustrates an end view from "B" Figure 1/7. illustrates the plan Figure 2/1. illustrates a carrier bag being folded once along its length Figure 2/2. illustrates a carrier bag being folded a second time Figure 2/3. illustrates the prong being slid on to the carrier bag at the opposite end to the handle Figure 2/4. illustrates the bag being rolled up in the direction of its handles Figure 2/5. illustrates the rolled up bag being inserted into tubular handle Figure 2/6. illustrates the prong being withdrawn leaving the bag in the handle for later use Referring to the drawing the system to assist in the re-use of carrier bags comprises a prong like device 10 and a tubular handle 11 . An empty plastic carrier bag 12 is folded twice along its length, fig. 2/1 and fig 2/2, the prong for rolling is then slid onto the bottom end of the folded bag by means of the narrow slot 13. The bag is then rolled in the direction of its handles fig 2/4 until reasonably tight around the prong and then bag and prong are inserted into the hollow handle fig 2/5. The handle is then withdrawn fig. 2/6 if the prong is a little tight it can contra-rotated slightly so that the rolled bag is a little less tight around it to facilitate its withdrawal. When at a shop the bag is required again it is pushed out of the handle, unrolled and is ready for use.

Another advantage of the handle is that it can be slid onto the handles of loaded carrier bags via the slit provided 14 and will stop them cutting into the fingers. At each end of the handle "V" shapes are provided 15 which the handles of the carrier bags can locate into when the handle 11 is picked up and will prevent the handle from trying to turn in the hand.

Claims

1 A system to assist in the re-use of carrier bags comprising a slotted prong like device for rolling up an empty plastic carrier bag and a tubular handle to insert it into to promote its re-use, the tubular handle also fitting onto the handles of the loaded carrier bag to prevent it from cutting into the fingers.

2 A system to assist in the re-use of carrier bags as claimed in claim 1 wherein the narrow prong is of round or oval cross section and has a slot along its length of dimensions allowing it to fit onto a twice folded carrier bag and assist in the bag being rolled small enough to fit into the tubular handle.

3 A system to assist in the re-use of carrier bags as claimed in claim 1 and 2 wherein a tubular handle having a grove or "V" shape in each end of its lower section to prevent it rolling in the hand when carrying loaded carrier bags.

4 A system to assist in the re-use of carrier bags as claimed in previous claims wherein the prong and the handle are made from plastic or metal.

5 A system to assist in the re-use of carrier bags substantially as described herein with reference to figures 1/1 to 2/6 of the accompanying drawing.