US 4,262,385 AGranted

Weight-cushioning device for handles and method of constructing same

OwnerBill Normaninventor

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Abstract

An elongated, generally hourglass shaped weight-cushioning device for attachment to the handles of a bowling ball carrying bag has an outer layer of relatively thin vinyl material and a somewhat thicker inner layer of foam padding material. The outer layer has a shape substantially identical to but slightly longer than that of the inner layer. In constructing the device, the layers are superimposed with an end of the first layer being aligned with an end of the second layer. The layers are then simultaneously bent longitudinally and attached by a continuous line of stitches around and adjacent the peripheral edges of the layers in a manner such that, subsequent to the attachment, the peripheral edges of the outer and inner layers are brought into congruent alignment. This imparts a slight longitudinal curvature to the device, the outer layer being curved outwardly of the inner layer. In use, the device is longitudinally rolled, foam side inward, around the abutting handle tops until an end of the device overlaps an opposite end adjacent the upper surfaces of the handle tops, the rolling being facilitated by the natural curvature of the device. Mating hook and pile fasteners attached to the overlapping end surfaces removably secure the device around the handles. The lateral hourglass indentations give the sides of the rolled device an upward and outward taper, allowing it to conform to and comfortably pad both the lower surfaces and the longer upper surfaces of the abuttng handle tops as well as their outer sides.

A weight-cushioning device for attachment around the abutting upper portions of the handles on a hand-carried container, said device comprising:

a first layer of a relatively thin, pliable material,
said first layer having a peripheral edge defining an elongated shape including symmetrical, oppositely disposed first and second lateral indentations, the innermost points of said indentations being adjacent the central portion of said first layer;
a second layer of a pliable and resilient material abutting said first layer and having a thickness somewhat greater than that of said first layer,
said second layer having a peripheral edge defining a shape substantially identical to but at least slightly shorter than that of said first layer,
said peripheral edges of said first and second layers being in congruent alignment, said first and second layers thereby having a longitudinal curvature, said first layer being curved outwardly of said second layer;
a continuous line of stitches through said first and second layers around and adjacent said congruently aligned peripheral edges,
said line of stitches fixedly attaching said first and second layers so that said longitudinal curvature of said first and second layers is retained, and facilitating a bending of said first and second layers, thus attached, in a manner increasing said curvature;
a strip of hook elements fixedly attached to and extending transversely of said second layer closely adjacent an end of said device;
a strip of pile material fixedly attached to and extending transversely of said first layer adjacent a longitudinally opposite end of said device,
said strip of pile material being longitudinally positioned more inwardly than said strip of hook elements,
said strip of hook elements and strip of pile material being removably fastenable to each other;
and
an elongated cloth trim strip extending longitudinally and folding laterally around said peripheral edges of said first and second layers so that the longitudinal edges of said trim strip extend inwardly along said first and second layers,
said trim strip being attached to said first and second layers by said continuous line of stitches.

11 more elements

Abstract

Claims22