US20120228347A1

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Publication number: US20120228347A1
Application number: US13/455,772
Authority: US
Inventors: Daniel Lee Bizzell; David Berglund; Alexa Adams; Jerry Shew; Carole Ruffin; Ian Kovacevich
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-01-22
Filing date: 2012-04-25
Publication date: 2012-09-13
Also published as: US20090188955A1

Abstract

An apparatus for carrying one or more suspended items includes a unitary disc-shaped object having first and second arcuate portions each with first and second ends, and an intermediate portion extending between and interconnecting the first and second arcuate portions. The apparatus further includes a strap attached to the disc-shaped object. The first and second arcuate portions together define a generally circular profile of the disc-shaped object. Respective first ends of the first and second arcuate portions are disposed adjacently in opposed relation to one another and respective second ends of the first and second arcuate portions are disposed adjacently in opposed relation to one another, whereby passages are defined between adjacent corresponding ends of the first and second arcuate portions through which a handle of a bag may be received.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a U.S. continuation patent application of, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §120 to, U.S. nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 12/358,221, filed on Jan. 22, 2009 and published as US 2009/0188955 A1, which '221 application is a U.S. nonprovisional patent application of, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to, each of the following U.S. provisional patent applications:

(a) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/022,809, filed Jan. 22, 2008;
(b) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/050,077, filed May 2, 2008; and
(c) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/082,193, filed Jul. 19, 2008.
Each of the foregoing U.S. patent applications and U.S. patent application publications is expressly incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

COPYRIGHT STATEMENT

All of the material in this patent document is subject to copyright protection under the copyright laws of the United States and other countries. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in official governmental records but, otherwise, all other copyright rights whatsoever are reserved.

BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

1. Field of the Present Invention

The present invention generally relates to an apparatus for use in carrying one or more suspended items and, in particular, to an apparatus for use in connection with simultaneously carrying a plurality of suspended shopping bags.

2. Background

Grocery stores, pharmacies and various retail shopping centers typically provide customers with relatively lightweight shopping bags to contain purchases. Conventional shopping bags may be manufactured from a range of different materials, including paper-based and plastic materials, and typically include one or more closed loop handles to provide the customer with an easy way to carry the bag. However, in view of the overall small size of most conventional shopping bags, customers are often faced with the prospect of carrying a large quantity of individual shopping bags in order to transport all of the purchased items from the store to a chosen destination. This burden may be enhanced by the reality in many urban communities where customers opt to walk or use mass transportation to visit and shop at various retail establishments. Further still, a customer with a large quantity of individual shopping bags is likely to have difficulty carrying additional items that require a free hand, such as a handbag or briefcase.

Accordingly, a need exists for an apparatus that can be used to carry a plurality of filled shopping bags simultaneously. In particular, a need exists for an apparatus that permits the user to have his or her hands free to carry other personal items, such as a handbag or a briefcase. Additionally, a need exists for an apparatus that can be worn by the user over his or her shoulder or attached to a carrying bag, such as a backpack or purse and the like. Further, a need exists for an apparatus that can avoid spilling or dumping the shopping bags when the apparatus is tilted or jostled while in use. Still further, a need exists for an apparatus that has relatively smooth or curved edges in order to minimize damage to the shopping bags or the user's garments and accessories.

One or more of these needs is addressed by one or more embodiments of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The present invention includes many aspects and features. Moreover, while many aspects and features relate to, and are described in, the context of carrying a plurality of filled shopping bags simultaneously, the present invention is not limited to use only in connection with carrying a plurality of filled shopping bags simultaneously, as will become apparent from the following summaries and detailed descriptions of aspects, features, and one or more embodiments of the present invention.

Briefly described, the present invention according to one aspect includes an apparatus for carrying one or more suspended items that includes a unitary disc-shaped object having first and second arcuate portions and an intermediate portion extending between and interconnecting the first and second arcuate portions. The first and second arcuate portions together define a generally circular profile of the disc-shaped object.

In features of this aspect, the apparatus may further include a strap attached to the disc-shaped object; respective ends of the strap may be attached to the disc-shaped object with clasp mechanisms; respective ends of the strap may be integrated with the disc-shaped object; a handle-receiving space may be defined between the first and second arcuate portions and the intermediate portion; two handle-receiving spaces may be defined between the first and second arcuate portions and the intermediate portion; and the disc-shaped object may include an aperture therethrough for permitting attachment of the apparatus to an accessory.

In another feature of this aspect, the first arcuate portion may have opposite first and second ends and the second arcuate portion may have opposite first and second ends, wherein the first end of the first arcuate portion is disposed in opposed relation to the first end of the second arcuate portion. A passage may be defined through which a handle of a bag may be received for suspension of the bag from the apparatus, whereby the handle wraps at least partially around the second arcuate portion.

In still another feature of this aspect, the first arcuate portion may have opposite first and second ends and the second arcuate portion may have opposite first and second ends, wherein the first end of the first arcuate portion is disposed adjacently in opposed relation to the first end of the second arcuate portion, and wherein the second end of the first arcuate portion is disposed adjacently in opposed relation to the second end of the second arcuate portion. Passages may be defined between adjacent corresponding ends of the first and second arcuate portions through which a handle of a bag may be received.

In still yet another feature of this aspect, the first arcuate portion may be dimensioned and configured to pass through an opening defined by the handle of the bag, whereby the handle wraps at least partially around the intermediate portion.

Briefly described, the present invention according to another aspect includes an apparatus for carrying one or more suspended items that includes a unitary disc-shaped object having an outer ring portion and an intermediate portion attached thereto and extending into the interior of the ring portion. The outer ring portion defines an interior passage through which a handle of a bag may be received for suspension of the bag from the apparatus, whereby the handle wraps at least partially around the intermediate portion.

In features of this aspect, the apparatus may further include a strap attached to the disc-shaped object; respective ends of the strap may be attached to the disc-shaped object with clasp mechanisms; respective ends of the strap may be integrated with the disc-shaped object; the disc-shaped object may include an aperture therethrough for permitting attachment of the apparatus to an accessory; the outer ring portion may have a generally circular shape; and the outer ring portion may have a generally elliptical shape.

Briefly described, the present invention according to still another aspect includes an apparatus for carrying one or more suspended items that includes a unitary disc-shaped object having first and second arcuate portions each with first and second ends, and an intermediate portion extending between and interconnecting the first and second arcuate portions. The apparatus further includes a strap integrated with the disc-shaped object. The first and second arcuate portions together define a generally circular profile of the disc-shaped object. Respective first ends of the first and second arcuate portions are disposed adjacently in opposed relation to one another and respective second ends of the first and second arcuate portions are disposed adjacently in opposed relation to one another, whereby passages are defined between adjacent corresponding ends of the first and second arcuate portions through which a handle of a bag may be received.

In features of this aspect, the handle of the bag may wrap at least partially around the intermediate portion; and the disc-shaped object may include an aperture therethrough for permitting attachment of the apparatus to an accessory.

Additional aspects relating to apparatus for carrying one or more suspended items are disclosed in the drawings hereof.

Other aspects of the invention relate to methods of use of the foregoing aspects.

Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further features, embodiments, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus for carrying one or more suspended items in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the apparatus ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the apparatus ofFIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the disc-shaped carrier ofFIGS. 1-3;

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the disc-shaped carrier ofFIGS. 1-3;

FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of the disc-shaped carrier ofFIGS. 1-3;

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of the apparatus ofFIG. 3, shown with a shopping bag suspended from the disc-shaped carrier thereof;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an apparatus for carrying one or more suspended items in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view of the apparatus ofFIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view of the disc-shaped carrier ofFIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is an image depicting the apparatus ofFIG. 8 being worn over the shoulder of a user, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is an image similar to that ofFIG. 11 wherein a shopping bag is suspended from the disc-shaped carrier, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention;

FIGS. 13 and 14 are images depicting the disc-shaped carrier ofFIG. 10 attached to a purse and a carrying bag, respectively;

FIG. 15 is a front perspective view of a disc-shaped carrier for supporting one or more suspended items in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a front perspective view of the disc-shaped carrier ofFIG. 15 with opposite ends of a strap respectively attached to bounded openings defined in the disc-shaped carrier;

FIG. 17 is a front perspective view of a disc-shaped carrier for supporting one or more suspended items and including bounded openings for receiving a strap, and/or alternatively for attachment of the object to a purse, backpack, or carrying bag and the like, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a front perspective view of a disc-shaped carrier for supporting one or more suspended items and including a single bounded opening for receiving a strap, and/or alternatively for attachment of the object to a purse, backpack, or carrying bag and the like, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 19 is a front perspective view of a disc-shaped carrier for supporting one or more suspended items and including a single bounded opening for receiving a strap, and/or alternatively for attachment of the object to a purse, backpack, or carrying bag and the like, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 20 is a front perspective view of a disc-shaped carrier for supporting one or more suspended items and including bounded openings for receiving a strap, and/or alternatively for attachment to a purse, backpack, or carrying bag and the like, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 21 is a front perspective view of a disc-shaped carrier for supporting one or more suspended items and including bounded openings for receiving a strap, and/or alternatively for attachment to a purse, backpack, or carrying bag and the like, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by one having ordinary skill in the relevant art (“Ordinary Artisan”) that the present invention has broad utility and application. Furthermore, any embodiment discussed and identified as being “preferred” is considered to be part of a best mode contemplated for carrying out the present invention. Other embodiments also may be discussed for additional illustrative purposes in providing a full and enabling disclosure of the present invention. Moreover, many embodiments, such as adaptations, variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be implicitly disclosed by the embodiments described herein and fall within the scope of the present invention.

Accordingly, while the present invention is described herein in detail in relation to one or more embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is illustrative and exemplary of the present invention, and is made merely for the purposes of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the present invention. The detailed disclosure herein of one or more embodiments is not intended, nor is to be construed, to limit the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention, which scope is to be defined by the claims and the equivalents thereof. It is not intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention be defined by reading into any claim a limitation found herein that does not explicitly appear in the claim itself.

Thus, for example, any sequence(s) and/or temporal order of steps of various processes or methods that are described herein are illustrative and not restrictive. Accordingly, it should be understood that, although steps of various processes or methods may be shown and described as being in a sequence or temporal order, the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being carried out in any particular sequence or order, absent an indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps in such processes or methods generally may be carried out in various different sequences and orders while still falling within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention is to be defined by the appended claims rather than the description set forth herein.

Additionally, it is important to note that each term used herein refers to that which the Ordinary Artisan would understand such term to mean based on the contextual use of such term herein. To the extent that the meaning of a term used herein—as understood by the Ordinary Artisan based on the contextual use of such term—differs in any way from any particular dictionary definition of such term, it is intended that the meaning of the term as understood by the Ordinary Artisan should prevail.

Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein, “a” and “an” each generally denotes “at least one,” but does not exclude a plurality unless the contextual use dictates otherwise. Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having an apple” describes “a picnic basket having at least one apple” as well as “a picnic basket having apples.” In contrast, reference to “a picnic basket having a single apple” describes “a picnic basket having only one apple.”

When used herein to join a list of items, “or” denotes “at least one of the items,” but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having cheese or crackers” describes “a picnic basket having cheese without crackers,” “a picnic basket having crackers without cheese,” and “a picnic basket having both cheese and crackers.” Finally, when used herein to join a list of items, “and” denotes “all of the items of the list.” Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having cheese and crackers” describes “a picnic basket having cheese, wherein the picnic basket further has crackers,” as well as describes “a picnic basket having crackers, wherein the picnic basket further has cheese.”

Referring now to the drawings, in which like numerals represent like components throughout the several views, the preferred embodiments of the present invention are next described. The following description of one or more preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of anapparatus10 for carrying one or more suspended items in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, andFIGS. 2 and3 are enlarged perspective views of portions of theapparatus10 ofFIG. 1. Theapparatus10 includes astrap20 and a unitary disc-shapedcarrier30 on which one or more suspended items may be carried as further described and illustrated hereinbelow. Thestrap20 includes at least oneweb section22 which may be of conventional nylon web construction. Abuckle24 may be provided to couple opposed ends of twoweb sections22 together, and preferably includes a mechanism for adjusting the length of the strap by adjusting oneweb section22 relative to the other and to thebuckle24. Thebuckle24 may be of conventional construction.

FIGS. 4-6 are a perspective view, a front perspective view and a rear perspective view, respectively, of the disc-shapedcarrier30 ofFIGS. 1-3. The disc-shapedcarrier30 includes two

arcuate portions

32,33 interconnected by anintermediate portion34 extending between the

arcuate portions

32,33. Preferably, at least the inner surfaces, and more preferably all of the surfaces, of the

arcuate portions

32,33 and theintermediate portion34 are rounded, beveled or the like to avoid damage tobags12 or injury or inconvenience to auser14. The lowerarcuate portion32, in connection with theintermediate portion34, defines handle-receivingspaces36, in the form of deep valleys, at either side of theintermediate portion34. The upperarcuate portion33, which extends generally laterally in each direction at the top of theintermediate portion34 to form retaininglobes38, further defines the handle-receivingspaces36. The

arcuate portions

32,33 are disposed relative to one another such that the corresponding ends of each

arcuate member

32,33 are adjacent, thereby definingpassages35 through which a handle of a bag may be received.

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of the portion of theapparatus10 ofFIG. 3, shown with ashopping bag12 suspended from the disc-shapedcarrier30 thereof. In particular, the handle or handles of theshopping bag12 are hung from the lowerarcuate portion32 and around the bottom of theintermediate portion34. Because of the substantial depth of thevalleys36 created between the lowerarcuate portion32 and theintermediate portion34, the handles of thebag12 are unlikely to slip off of the top of theintermediate portion34. Such an event is further prevented by the retaininglobes38 of the upperarcuate portion33. However, it is very easy for the handle or handles to be looped over the upperarcuate portion33 and around theintermediate portion34 for suspension thereon, and it is likewise very easy for the handle or handles to be removed from the top of theintermediate portion34 and over the upperarcuate portion33 when thebag12 is to be removed.

With particular reference toFIGS. 3 and 4, it will be appreciated that the ends of thestrap20 may be integrated with theobject30 itself in order to provide theapparatus10 with added strength and durability when in use supporting the weight of one or more filledbags12. Preferably, the opposite ends of thestrap20 may be embedded into the base material that is used to manufacture the object. Aslot40 is provided in eacharcuate portion32 for this purpose.

In a method of manufacturing the apparatus depicted inFIGS. 1-3, the ends of the strap may be placed into an injection mold shaped to define the overall shape of the object. When the base material of the object is injected into the mold, the base material fully envelops the ends of the object. As the base material solidifies, the object is thereby formed with the strap integrated therewith. It will be appreciated that when manufactured in this manner, theslots40 may be formed by the presence of the ends of thestrap20 itself during the process, rather than being created independently.

It will also be appreciated that when the handle of abag12 is placed over the upperarcuate portion33 of the disc-shapedcarrier30, the rounded edges of the two

arcuate portions

32,33 and theintermediate portion34 help to minimize damage to thebags12 or the user's garments and other accessories. As shown inFIG. 7,bags12 are thereby suspended and retained by the object for hands-free carrying by astrap20 attached thereto, which allows theapparatus10 to be worn by theuser14 over his or her shoulder. The weight of the contents contained within one or moresuspended bags12 assists with retaining the bags in a stable position, which helps to avoid spilling or dumping the contents of thebags12 when thecarrier30 is tilted or jostled while in use.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of anapparatus110 for carrying one or more suspended items in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, andFIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view of theapparatus110 ofFIG. 8. Theapparatus110 includes astrap120 and a unitary disc-shapedcarrier130 on which one or more suspended items may be carried as further described and illustrated hereinbelow. Thestrap120 includes at least oneweb section122 which may be of conventional nylon web construction. Unlike thestrap20 of theapparatus10 ofFIG. 1, thestrap120 ofFIG. 8 does not include a buckle, but it will be appreciated that one may be incorporated therein according to the description provided previously.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the disc-shapedcarrier130 ofFIGS. 8 and 9. The disc-shapedcarrier130 includes two

arcuate portions

132,133 interconnected by anintermediate portion134 extending between the

arcuate portions

132,133. Preferably, at least the inner surfaces, and more preferably all of the surfaces, of the

arcuate portions

132,133 and theintermediate portion134 are rounded, beveled or the like to avoid damage tobags12 or injury or inconvenience to auser14. The lowerarcuate portion132, in connection with theintermediate portion134, defines handle-receiving spaces136, in the form of deep valleys, at either side of theintermediate portion134. The upperarcuate portion133, which extends generally laterally in each direction at the top of theintermediate portion134 to form retaininglobes138, further defines the handle-receiving spaces136. The

arcuate portions

132,133 are disposed relative to one another such that the corresponding ends of each

arcuate member

132,133 are adjacent, thereby definingpassages135 through which a handle of a bag may be received.

Unlike thecarrier30 of theapparatus10 ofFIG. 1, thecarrier130 of theapparatus110 ofFIG. 8 includes one or more, and preferably a plurality of, bounded openings or

apertures

142,144,146 provided therein. In particular, a pair offirst apertures142 are provided at the ends of the lowerarcuate portion132, asecond aperture144 is provided at the top of theintermediate portion134, and athird aperture146 is provided at the bottom of theintermediate portion134. As perhaps best seen inFIG. 9, thefirst apertures142 may be particularly suited for receiving, and coupling with,removable clasp mechanisms126 disposed at the ends of the of thestrap120. Alternatively, thesecond aperture144, thethird aperture146 or both may receive and couple withsuch clasp mechanisms126. Still further, thesecond aperture144, thethird aperture146 or both may receive a strap, string, cord or the like routed therethrough, as further described and illustrated hereinbelow.

FIG. 11 is an image depicting theapparatus110 ofFIG. 8 being worn over the shoulder of auser14, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention, andFIG. 12 is an image similar to that ofFIG. 11 wherein ashopping bag12 is suspended from the disc-shapedcarrier130 of theapparatus110, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention. InFIGS. 11 and 12, thecarrier130 is supported by thestrap120, which is coupled to thecarrier130 viaclasp mechanisms126, disposed at the end thereof, that are inserted through thefirst apertures142.

On the other hand,FIGS. 13 and 14 are images depicting the disc-shaped carrier ofFIG. 10 attached to apurse16 and a carrying bag, pouch orsatchel18, respectively. InFIG. 13, a strap from thepurse16 has been routed through thesecond aperture144 in thecarrier130, while inFIG. 14, a strap from the carryingbag18 has been routed through thesecond aperture144 in thecarrier130. In each arrangement, the strap is assumed to be removable, at least at one end, from thepurse16 or carryingbag18, respectively, so that it may be routed through theaperture144 before being coupled once again to thepurse16 orbag18.

FIG. 15 is a front perspective view of a disc-shapedcarrier130 for supporting one or more suspended items in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, andFIG. 16 is a front perspective view of the disc-shapedcarrier130 ofFIG. 15 with opposite ends of astrap120 respectively attached to bounded openings orapertures142 defined in the disc-shapedcarrier130. Like thecarrier130 ofFIG. 10, thiscarrier230 includes two

arcuate portions

232,233 interconnected by an uprightintermediate portion234, but in the arrangement ofFIG. 15, theintermediate portion236 is angled relative to vertical in its normal disposition. Furthermore, the upperarcuate portion233 provides only asingle retaining lobe238.

FIGS. 17-20 are front perspective views of other disc-shaped

carriers

330,430,530,630 for supporting one or more suspended items and including bounded openings or apertures for receiving a strap, and/or alternatively for attachment of the object to a purse, backpack, or carrying bag and the like, in accordance with additional embodiments of the present invention. Each carrier includes an outer ring, an intermediate portion and an inner member forming a pair of retaining lobes. Passages are created between the ends of the inner member and the inner surfaces of the outer ring, and handles ofbags12 may be looped over the intermediate portion by passing the handles between the top of the inner member and the outer ring, and wrapping the handles through the passages and into deep valleys formed between the intermediate portion and the inner portions of the outer ring.

FIG. 21 is a front perspective view of a disc-shapedcarrier730 for supporting one or more suspended items and including bounded openings for receiving a strap, and/or alternatively for attachment to a purse, backpack, or carrying bag and the like, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The object ofFIG. 21 differs from that ofFIG. 10 in that the

arcuate portions

732,733 and theintermediate portion734 have raised peripheral edges or rims that extend along the periphery of the object and/or have recessed intermediate sections of lesser thickness compared to the thickness of peripheral sections of the carrier. In either case, the carrier appears to have more of a skeletal appearance.

Each of the disc-shaped

carriers

30,130,230,330,439,530,630,730 in the various embodiments set forth herein preferably comprises a single part/injection molded piece that is relatively easy and inexpensive to manufacture and that is durable and sufficiently rigid to support a plurality of suspendedshopping bags12 suspended therefrom by their handles. Each carrier may be molded, for example, from any type of durable plastic material. In particular, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) may be used as the base plastic material for injection molding a carrier in accordance with the present invention.

Advantageously, none of the

carriers

30,130,230,330,439,530,630,730 have any moving parts (as opposed to the straps having clasps or other mechanical means of attachment which include moving, biased components). Where included, the strap preferably is adjustable and may be made, for example, from nylon; however, any conventional strap may be used in accordance with the invention.

Based on the foregoing information, it will be readily understood by those persons skilled in the art that the present invention is susceptible of broad utility and application. Many embodiments and adaptations of the present invention other than those specifically described herein, as well as many variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be apparent from or reasonably suggested by the present invention and the foregoing descriptions thereof, without departing from the substance or scope of the present invention.

Accordingly, while the present invention has been described herein in detail in relation to one or more preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is only illustrative and exemplary of the present invention and is made merely for the purpose of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the invention. The foregoing disclosure is not intended to be construed to limit the present invention or otherwise exclude any such other embodiments, adaptations, variations, modifications or equivalent arrangements; the present invention being limited only by the claims appended hereto and the equivalents thereof.