Handle with grip for comfortably holding articles by hand

Abstract

A simple, strong handle for use as a grip for holding articles is disclosed comprising a carabiner-like snap hook provided with a gripping surface of the proper size and shape to be comfortably held by a human hand. The snap hook has a generally C-shaped back portion on which the gripping surface is disposed, and a gate selectively attached to the back portion, forming a closed loop. Articles such as shopping bags and animal leashes received by the snap hook and secured by the gate may be held comfortably by the grip. The snap hook may be made of a variety of materials and shapes depending on the application and requirements of the user.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A snap hook having a generally C-shaped back; 
 a gate pivotally mounted on a first end of said back, said gate selectively in contact with a second end of said back, defining an open and a closed position; and    a grip disposed on said back having suitable dimensions for grasping by at least one entire human hand;    wherein said snap hook is configured to admit one or more articles in the open position and to allow carrying thereof by said grip in the closed position.    
     
     
         2 . The snap hook of  claim 1  wherein said grip is formed as a tubular sleeve of flexible material.  
     
     
         3 . The snap hook of  claim 1  wherein said grip has guide protrusions disposed thereon to aid in the positioning of said hand on said grip.  
     
     
         4 . The snap hook of  claim 1  wherein said grip is formed of resilient foam.  
     
     
         5 . The snap hook of  claim 4  wherein said resilient foam is applied in liquid form and cured prior to use.  
     
     
         6 . The snap hook of  claim 1  wherein said grip is positioned between said first or second ends of said back and the ends of said grip do not extend to said ends of said back.  
     
     
         7 . The snap hook of  claim 6  wherein at least one of said ends of said grip is formed so that an annular ridge between said back and said grip is formed, said annular ridge resisting movement of said articles past said annular ridge onto said grip.  
     
     
         8 . The snap hook of  claim 1  wherein said gate is biased in the closed position.  
     
     
         9 . A snap hook having a generally C-shaped back; 
 a grip formed between a first and second end of said back and integral therewith, said grip adapted to receive an entire human hand; and    a gate pivotally mounted on said first end of said back, said gate selectively in contact with said second end of said back, said gate defining an open and a closed position;    wherein said snap hook is configured to admit one or more articles in the open position and to allow carrying thereof by said grip in the closed position.    
     
     
         10 . The snap hook of  claim 10  wherein said C-shaped back is formed of plastic.  
     
     
         11 . The snap hook of  claim 10  wherein said gate is biased in the closed position.  
     
     
         12 . The snap hook of  claim 10  wherein said grip has a first end and a second end, at least one of said first and second ends forming an annular ridge, said annular ridge resisting movement of said articles past said annular ridge and onto said grip.  
     
     
         13 . The snap hook of  claim 13  wherein said grip has a coating of resilient foam disposed thereon between said first and second ends thereof, said foam terminating at said at least one annular ridge, to further resist movement of said articles onto said grip.  
     
     
         14 . The snap hook of  claim 10  wherein said grip is formed of a leather-like material.  
     
     
         15 . A snap hook having a generally C-shaped back; 
 a grip formed between a first and second end of said back and integral therewith, said grip adapted to receive an entire human hand; and    a gate having a telescoping plunger slidably journalled within one of said first and second ends of said back, said plunger having a head for selectively engaging the other of said first and second ends of said back, defining an open and a closed position; and    means for biasing said plunger in said closed position;    wherein said snap hook is configured to admit one or more articles in the open position and to allow carrying thereof by said grip in the closed position.