Apparatus for holding objects and methods of using and making the same

Abstract

An apparatus holds and/or grasps objects. The apparatus serves as a universal non-slip handle allowing users to hold and manipulate various sizes and shapes of objects, including, for example, beverage containers. Specifically, the apparatus is particularly useful for users having reduced hand function and/or grip strength. A non-slip strap allows objects, including beverage containers, to be gripped securely. Moreover, the non-slip strap allows an object of awkward shape and/or made from slippery materials and/or covered in condensation to be held and/or grasped that may otherwise cause the object to slip from the user's grasp or the grasp of another holder. An adjustable handle may be adjusted to fit the user's hand and/or appendage. Moreover, the non-slip strap may be removed and replaced without replacement of the entire apparatus.

1 . An apparatus for holding an object comprising:
 a handle; and   a flexible strap attached to the handle, said strap having a length, a first side, a second side, and attachment means for forming a loop with the strap having a perimeter, wherein the first side of the strap forms an inside surface of the loop and further wherein the first side of the strap comprises at least a portion having a sufficiently high coefficient of friction to provide a secure grip on the object, wherein the perimeter of the loop conforms to a shape of an object when the object is disposed within the loop without retaining a memory of the shape of the object when the object is removed from the loop.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the handle has a first leg, a second leg and a bend between the first leg and the second leg, wherein the first leg and second leg are disposed downwardly with the bend at the top of the handle. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 2  wherein the handle is bendable to move the first leg toward or away from the second leg. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the perimeter of the loop is adjustable. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the strap is removably attached to the handle. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the handle comprises at least one slot for receiving the strap and holding the strap to the handle. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the attachment means comprises a first mating portion at a first location on the strap and a second mating portion at a second location on the strap, wherein the first mating portion mates with the second mating portion to form the loop. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 7  wherein the strap has a first end and a second end and the first mating portion is disposed at the first end of the strap. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 7  wherein the strap has a first end and a second end and further wherein the strap has a buckle disposed on the second end of the strap, wherein the first end of the strap is disposed through the buckle to form the loop. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 9  wherein the first mating portion is disposed on the first end of the strap and the first mating portion mates with the second mating portion after being disposed through the buckle to form the loop. 
     
     
         11 . A method of using an apparatus for holding objects, the method comprising the steps of:
 providing an apparatus for holding an object, the apparatus comprising a handle and a flexible strap attached to the handle, said strap having a length, a first side, a second side, and attachment means for forming a loop wherein the first side of the strap forms an inside surface of the loop and further wherein the first side comprises at least a portion having a sufficiently high coefficient of friction; and   disposing the strap around an object and conforming the strap to the shape of the object; and   using the attachment means to form the loop with the strap wherein the strap holds the object within the loop without retaining a memory of the shape of the object when the object is removed from the loop.   
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11  wherein the handle is bendable, and further comprising the steps of:
 bending the handle to conform to a user's hand. 
 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 11  further comprising the steps of:
 providing at least one slot in the handle; and 
 disposing the strap through at least one slot in the handle to hold the strap to the handle. 
 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 11  further comprising the steps of:
 providing a first mating portion of the attachment means at a first location on the strap; 
 providing a second mating portion of the attachment means at a second location on the strap; and 
 mating the first mating portion with the second mating portion to form the loop with the strap. 
 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14  further comprising the steps of:
 providing a first end of the strap and a second end of the strap; 
 disposing a buckle at a second end of the strap; and 
 feeding the first end of the strap through the buckle prior to mating the first mating portion with the second mating portion to form the loop. 
 
     
     
         16 . An apparatus for holding an object comprising:
 a flexible loop for holding an object within the loop wherein the perimeter of the loop is adjustable, the loop having an inside surface and an outside surface, said inside surface contacting the object when holding the object within the loop, the inside surface having a sufficiently high coefficient of friction.   
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 16  wherein the inside surface has a coefficient of friction greater than about 2. 
     
     
         18 . A method of making an apparatus for holding objects, the method comprising the steps of:
 providing a strap having a first side and a second side and   disposing a material on the first side of the strap wherein the material has a sufficiently high coefficient of friction.   
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18  further comprising the steps of:
 providing a bonding material between the high coefficient of friction material and the strap; and 
 RF-welding the high coefficient of friction material to the strap having the bonding material disposed therebetween. 
 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 18  further comprising the steps of:
 providing a handle; and 
 attaching the strap to the handle.