Carrying bag assembly

The carrying bag assembly of the present invention is designed to be detachably securable with respect to the structural bar of a disability aiding device such as a walker which includes a carrying bag with an enclosure for holding items therein and a bag handle. The bag handle preferably includes first and second handle straps. A handle retaining means is securable to the handle and can secure the two straps of the handle together by an inner attachment device which extends around the bag handle for securement thereto. Preferably the inner attachment device includes hook and loop fasteners. An outer attachment mechanism is also included positioned extending around the inner attachment means and secured thereto and being capable of defining a bar retaining channel therein for detachable securement with respect to the structural bar member preferably by Velcro means. An optional lower attachment mechanism can be included for securement of the bag to the walker at a lower position thereadjacent.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention deals with the field of auxiliary holding means attachable with respect to medical walking aids such as walkers or wheelchairs. The carrying bag of the present invention is designed to be detachably secured with respect to a structural bar member thereof with a unique securement mechanism which allows use of the carrying bag or purse in position attached to the walker or other similar piece of equipment as well as being fully usable separately therefrom as a standard purse or carrying bag or tote bag.

The handle retaining device of the present invention can secure the two straps of the handle together by an inner attachment device which extends around the bag handle for securement thereto in the size and texture to provide for both a secure attachment to the walker bar and, alternatively, a detailed as well as comfortable and easy means of holding accessories. It is a distinct improvement over the prior art since it is economical and can be used to carry items while attached to the walker, or detached should the walker be folded, not in use or no longer needed. In this manner the apparatus of the present invention provides a unique dual function over the prior art. It also assists individuals who have limited dexterity in their fingers and hands by the ease with which it can be attached and/or detached as necessary. Furthermore it improves the mobility and safety of the walker and in this manner enhances significantly the quality of life for the user.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Numerous devices have been patented for facilitating the carrying of articles in association with medical walking aid equipment such as walkers and wheelchairs and other similar such as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,957,071 patented May 18, 1976 to M. B. Kenner on a “Carrier Attachment For Invalid Walkers”; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,339,061 patented Jul. 13, 1982 to P. Dunn and assigned to Philbag Co., Inc. on an “Accessory Case For A Wheel Chair”; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,491,257 patented Jan. 1, 1985 to W. L. Ingles on an “Attachable Basket For Invalid Support Equipment”; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,800,911 patented Jan. 31, 1989 to K. O. Endres et al on a “Walker Carrier”; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,830,238 patented May 16, 1989 to P. R. Widinski et al and assigned to Health & Home Products, Inc.; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,974,760 patented Dec. 4, 1990 to P. H. Miller on an “Article Carrier For A Walker”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,012,963 patented May 7, 1991 to P. Rosenbaum on a “Walker Support Tote Bag”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,340,005 patented Aug. 23, 1994 to R. D. Woods et al on a “Fabric Accessories For Crutches And Walkers, Providing Carrying Expandable Volumes For Personal Use Items And Shopping Items, And Presenting Reflective Fabric Portions Thereof For Observation By Others”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,476,432 patented Dec. 19, 1995 to R. Dickens on a “Medical Stroller”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,901,891 patented May 11, 1999 to K. J. Douglass on an “Attachable Container Particularly Suited For Ambulatory Aids”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,964,386 patented Oct. 12, 1999 to L. M. Cote on a “Detachable Accessory Holder”; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,302,126 patented Oct. 16, 2001 to V. Nava on an “Attachment For A Walker”; and U.S. Design Pat. No. Des. 324,504 patented Mar. 10, 1992 to F. L. Olsen on a “Carrier For Use With A Walker”; and U.S. Design Pat. No. Des. 352,260 patented Nov. 8, 1994 to H. J. Adamo on a “Walker Apron With Pockets”; and U.S. Design Pat. No. Des. 409,953 patented May 18, 1999 to J. H. Heineken et al on a “Walker Article Carrier”.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a unique configuration for a carrying bag assembly which is detachably securable with respect to a disability aiding device such as a walker or wheelchair which includes a structural bar member to which the carrying bag assembly can be detachably secured. The carrying bag assembly also is preferably usable in a second configuration wherein it is usable as a conventional purse or tote bag.

The carrying bag assembly of the present invention includes a carrying bag defining a carrying enclosure therein for retaining of articles and various items. A bag handle is attached with respect to the carrying bag for the purpose of facilitating holding thereof. This bag handle preferably includes a first handle strap and a second handle strap which are both attached with respect to the carrying bag for facilitating holding thereof and facilitating opening of the carrying enclosure defined therewithin.

The assembly further includes a handle retaining means which engages and retains the bag handle therewithin and is adapted to engage and retain a structural bar member of a disability aiding device therewithin for facilitating detachable securement of the carrying bar assembly with respect thereto.

The handle retaining means preferably includes an inner attachment mechanism extending around the bag handle for holding this handle. The inner attachment mechanism is operative to extend around both the first handle strap and the second handle strap for facilitating detachable securement thereof together. The inner attachment mechanism includes an inner wrapping member for wrapping around the first handle strap and the second handle strap to facilitate retaining thereof together. A first inner securement device is positionable adjacent the first handle strap and is engageable therewith. This first inner securement mechanism includes a first inner hook and loop fastening mechanism. This mechanism is attached to the first handle strap and to the inner wrapping member to facilitate detachable securement therebetween.

Similarly a second inner securement mechanism is included positionable adjacent the second handle strap such as to be engageable therewith to facilitate securement together of the first handle strap and the second handle strap by the inner attachment mechanism. The second inner securement device includes preferably a second inner hook and loop fastening device attached to the second handle strap and to the inner wrapping member to facilitate detachable securement therebetween.

The handle retaining means preferably also includes an outer attachment mechanism positioned extending around the inner attachment mechanism and secured thereto and detachably securable extending around the structural bar of the disability aiding device to facilitate detachable mounting of the carrying bag assembly with respect thereto. The inner attachment mechanism is integral with respect to the outer attachment device to facilitate retaining of the bag handle and the structural bar member of the disability aiding device therewithin simultaneously.

In the preferred configuration the outer attachment mechanism includes an outer wrapping member positioned wrapping around the inner wrapping member and capable of wrapping around the structural bar member of the disability aiding device to facilitate retaining of the carrying bag assembly thereon. It is also capable of wrapping around the inner wrapping member solely to facilitate independent use of the carrying bag assembly separate and distinct from the walker or other disability aiding device. The outer wrapping member can preferably be capable of defining a bar retaining channel therein responsive to attachment of the outer attachment means around the structural bar of the disability aiding device for the purpose of facilitating detachable retaining of the carrier bag assembly thereto. The outer attachment mechanism also includes an outer securement means mounted on the outer wrapping member to facilitate selective retaining thereof in position extending around the structural bar member of a walker or the like. The outer securement mechanism includes an outer hook and loop fastening device attached to the outer wrapping member to facilitate detachable retaining of the structural bar member of the disability aiding device therewithin. The outer securement mechanism preferably includes a primary attachment configuration as well as a secondary attachment configuration for allowing usage of the outer wrapping member positioned in two alternate configurations. These alternate configurations allow positioning of the outer securement means of the outer attachment means in a primary attachment configuration which defines the bar retaining channel thereto to facilitate receiving and retaining of the structural bar member of the disability aiding device therewithin to facilitate mounting of the carrying bag assembly with respect thereto. Furthermore positioning of the outer securement means is capable in the secondary attachment configuration which facilitates positioning of the outer wrapping member in abutting engagement directly surrounding the inner wrapping member in such a manner as to allow usage of the carrying bag assembly independently from the walker or other medical ambulatory aiding device.

In the preferred configuration of the handle retaining apparatus of the present invention a user will grasp the outer portion of the second attachment mechanism and exert an inwardly directed force while gripping thereof during holding of the carrying bag assembly during normal use as a purse or tote bag. This inwardly directed radial force will tend to more fixedly secure the first attachment mechanism extending around the bag handle and will also more fixedly secure the second attachment mechanism positioned extending around the first attachment mechanism and aid in affixing of both the first attachment mechanism and the second attachment mechanism. In a further embodiment the apparatus of the present invention can include a lower attachment mechanism for selectively engaging the carrying bag directly to the disability device at a location spatially disposed from and below the structural bar assembly to provide an additional means of securement with respect to the walker or similar device.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a carrying bag assembly which is securable with respect to a disability aiding device.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a carrying bag assembly which is securable with respect to a structural bar of any disability aiding device such as a walker or wheelchair.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a carrying bag assembly which defines an enclosure therewithin for retaining articles.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a carrying bag assembly which has extremely low maintenance requirements.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a carrying bag assembly which has a small initial capital cost.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a carrying bag assembly which provides a unique handle retaining means including an attachment means for holding the bag handle and another attachment means selectively engageable with respect to the structural bar of a disability aiding device for securing the carrying bag with respect to it.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a carrying bag assembly which can be used in position attached to a walker or other medical ambulatory aid device as well as separate use as an independent tote bag or purse.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a carrying bag assembly which allows for easy and quick detachable securement by the use of hook and loop fasteners at multiple locations.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a carrying bag assembly which can be easily manipulated by those having limited manual dexterity especially such individuals with arthritis.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present invention provides a carrying bag assembly which is securable with respect to a walker12or other similar disability aiding device which preferably includes a horizontally extending bar member14.

The carrying bag assembly includes a carrying bag10defining an enclosure11therewithin for holding and retaining articles such as will be utilized for a conventional purse or tote bag.

For most women or others using tote bags who are somewhat disabled and need to use a walker or other disability aiding device12both hands are required to be placed upon the device12. As such, there is no free hand available for holding of a purse or carrying bag10. The present invention provides a unique mechanism for detachably securing the carrying bag10with respect to a structural bar member14of a walker12wherein the carrying bag10can be utilized in a primary configuration46attached with respect to the structural bar member14of the walker12or can also be used in a secondary configuration48independently from attachment to the walker12such that the carrying bag10functions as a standard purse or tote or carrying bag in those circumstances where a walking aid12is not required.

Maintaining the ambulatory nature of older persons is an important characteristic and for women it is required that a separate purse or walking means be maintained on their person even while using a walker or wheelchair. The present invention provides a purse or carrying bag10or tote bag which can be utilized attached to the walker12or used separate and independently therefrom thereby providing a maximum degree of utilitarian freedom to the owner.

The carrying bag assembly preferably includes a bag handle16which can be a single handle member or can include two separate handle straps. With the two separate handle straps as shown inFIGS. 2 and 3, the first handle strap18will be defined and the second handle strap20will be defined. These two handle straps18and20can be detachably secured together by a handle retaining means22. An inner attachment means24is preferably positioned extending around the bag handle and in this case both the first handle strap18and the second handle strap20for the purpose of securing them together and securing them with respect to the handle retaining means22. Furthermore the handle retaining means22includes an outer attachment mechanism36which is defined extending around the inner attachment mechanism24and is secured thereto for detachable securement of the first and second handle straps18and20with respect to the structural bar member14of a walker or wheelchair12.

In the preferred configuration the inner attaching means includes an inner wrapping member in the form of a panel of material which includes a first inner securement means28for securing of the inner wrapping member26with respect to the first handle strap18. A second inner securement means32may be detachably securable with respect to the second handle strap20of bag handle16such that it is securable with respect to the handle retaining means22. In this manner handle retaining means22and the inner attachment mechanism24thereof can include an inner wrapping member26extending around the first and second handle straps18and20and attached thereto by a first inner securement mechanism28and a second inner securement mechanism32.

In a preferred configuration the first inner securement mechanism28will be defined as a first inner hook and loop fastener means30commonly known as a Velcro (trademark) mechanism. In a similar manner the second inner securement mechanism32can be configured as a second inner hook and loop fastener mechanism34.

An outer wrapping member38will preferably be integrally formed with respect to the inner wrapping member26and will extend therearound in the primary configuration46shown inFIG. 2. The outer wrapping member38will define a bar retaining channel40for securement with respect to the structural bar member14of the wheelchair or walker or other similar device. An outer securement means42will be included in the outer attachment mechanism36for securing of the handle retaining mechanism22with respect to the structural bar member14. In the preferred configuration the outer securement device42will comprise an outer hook and loop fastening means44.

In the secondary configuration48shown best inFIG. 3the outer attachment mechanism36can include the outer wrapping member38thereof wrapped tightly around the outer surface of the inner wrapping member26to facilitate engagement of the outer securement means42in this secondary configuration48which is more useful in making use of the carrying bag10as a purse or tote bag independently of the walker or wheelchair device.

As shown best inFIGS. 2 and 3, in the preferred configuration, the outer hook and loop fastening means44will have two separate mating mechanisms on the inner surface thereof. As shown inFIG. 1the primary affixing panel54will be securable when the outer attachment mechanism36defines the bar retaining channel40therethrough. In the configuration shown inFIG. 3which is the secondary configuration48the secondary affixing panel56will attach with respect to the same hook and loop attachment panel but in the secondary configuration48for the purpose of collapsing the outer wrapping member38about the inner wrapping member26for usage in this secondary configuration48.

In other words it is important to consider that the outer attachment means36of the present invention can be utilized in two separate configurations, namely, the primary configuration46shown inFIG. 2and the secondary configuration48shown inFIG. 3. In the primary configuration48the outer hook and loop fastening means44will make use of the primary affixing panel54. On the other hand, in the secondary configuration48of the outer attachment means36as shown inFIG. 3, the secondary affixing panel56will be used for securement of the outer wrapping member38in the more collapsed position since it is no longer needed to define a bar retaining channel40since the secondary configuration48is designed for usage independently and separately distinct from attachment to a walker as would be a conventional purse design.

To facilitate attachment of the carrying bag10of the present invention with respect to the walker or other similar device12a supplementary attachment mechanism may be included shown as the lower attachment means50inFIGS. 1 and 4. This lower attachment mans50will include preferably a Velcro hook and loop fastener between the outer portion of the carrying bag10and a lower structural bar member52on the walker12positioned spatially distant below the structural bar to which the handle retaining means22is secured.

It is important to appreciate that the present invention provides a unique configuration for a carrying bag assembly with a uniquely configured handle retaining apparatus including an inner attachment means24for securing of the bag handle16and a uniquely configured outer attachment mechanism36for securing of the handle retaining means22with respect to the structural bar14of a walker, wheelchair or other similar disability device12.

Note thatFIG. 5shows the configuration shown inFIG. 4, however, in the orientation ready to be carried by a user separate and distinct from the walker. This is one of the important aspects of the present invention wherein the carrying bag or purse item can be used hanging from a walker to facilitate use of the walker by a handicapped person with such bag as shown inFIG. 4or can be used independently from a walker or other handicapped device in the configuration shown inFIG. 5.

While particular embodiments of this invention have been shown in the drawings and described above, it will be apparent, that many changes may be made in the form, arrangement and positioning of the various elements of the combination. In consideration thereof it should be understood that preferred embodiments of this invention disclosed herein are intended to be illustrative only and not intended to limit the scope of the invention.