Replacement gripping member

Abstract

An improved gripping member for a weight bearing container. The gripping member is specifically designed to either replace an existing gripping member, or improve a two part handle for a weight bearing container by providing a larger diameter gripping surface. The improved gripping member is formed of two mating halves that can be releasably attached to form a cylindrical gripping surface with a relatively large diameter. When attached about an existing gripping member or wire handle portion of a two part handle the inventive gripping member provides a large diameter gripping surface to distribute the weight of the container about a larger portion of the user's palm.

1 . A gripping member for a weight bearing container having a wire handle comprising:
 a male and female half, the male half having tabs and the female member having tab receiving recesses, said tabs and recesses allowing for selectively joining said male and female half;   each tab having a semi-cylindrical protrusion and a co-extensive flange with a rear wall, each recess having a flange engaging lip with an arcuate indentation;   whereby both unintended lateral and vertical separation of said male and female half is limited by interaction of said tabs within said recesses.   
     
     
         2 . The gripping member of  claim 1  having an internal channel when said male and female halves are joined. 
     
     
         3 . The gripping member of  claim 2  wherein said internal channel has at least a ¾ inch diameter. 
     
     
         4 . A gripping member for a weight bearing container having a standard sized wire handle with a centrally positioned grip comprising:
 a male and female half, the male half having tabs and the female member having tab receiving recesses, said tabs and recesses allowing for selectively joining said male and female half about said centrally positioned grip;   each tab having a semi-cylindrical protrusion and a co-extensive flange with a rear wall, each recess having a flange engaging lip with an arcuate indentation;   whereby both unintended lateral and vertical separation of said male and female half is limited by interaction of said tabs within said recesses.   
     
     
         5 . The gripping member of  claim 4  having an internal channel sized to receive said centrally positioned grip in snug, non-sliding relation when said male and female halves are joined. 
     
     
         6 . A method of improving a handle for a weight bearing container, said handle having a gripping area and an original grip, the method comprising the steps of:
 providing an enhanced grip, said enhanced grip initially formed of a male and female half and sized to surround said original grip when said male and female half are joined;   positioning said male and female halves about said original grip; and,   interlocking said male and female halves of said enhanced grip about said original grip.   
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6  including the step of removing said original grip and positioning said enhanced grip about a central portion of said handle.