Bag Carrying Device

A bag carrying apparatus to be selectively supported by the neck of a person according to the present invention includes a primary support member having opposed first and second ends with a flexible pad situated therebetween. The bag carrying apparatus includes a pair of primary straps having primary strap first ends coupled to the primary support member first and second ends, respectively, and having primary strap second ends opposite the primary strap first ends, respectively. A pair of hook members is operatively coupled to the primary strap second ends, each hook member having a plurality of hooks configured to capture a bag handle.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

A bag carrying apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference toFIGS. 1 to 4of the accompanying drawings. The bag carrying apparatus10includes a support member20, a pair of primary straps30,40and a pair of hook members70,72.

The primary support member20includes a flexible pad22having first24and second26ends. The primary support member20may have a flexible construction and a generally rectangular configuration although other shapes may also work. The support member20is configured to rest upon and conform to the shape of the back of a user's neck as will be described in more detail later.

The pair of primary straps includes first ends coupled to first24and second26ends of the support member20, respectively. More particularly, the pair of primary straps includes a first primary strap30and a second primary strap40. The first primary strap30includes a first end32coupled to the support member first end24and a first primary strap second end34opposite the first primary strap first end26. The second primary strap40includes a first end42coupled to the support member second end26and a second primary strap second end44opposite the second primary strap first end42. Each primary strap30,40includes a flexible and elongate configuration. Further, each primary strap30,40is length adjustable so as to accommodate being worn and used by persons of different heights.

The bag carrying apparatus10includes a pair of strap extension members coupled to respective second ends of the primary strap members. More particularly, a first extension member50includes opposed first52and second54ends. A second extension member60includes opposed first62and second64ends. The extension members may be coupled to the primary straps with quick-connect fasteners. Specifically, the first primary support strap second end34includes a first quick connect coupler36. Similarly, the second primary support strap second end44includes a second quick connect coupler46. The first extension member first end52includes a quick connect first receiver56that is configured to receive the first primary strap coupler36. Similarly, the second extension member first end62includes a quick connect second receiver66that is configured to receive the second primary strap coupler46. It is understood that respective couplers and receivers may be quickly coupled together and uncoupled by a user.

The pair of hook members70,72may be coupled to second ends54,64of the extension members50,60, respectively with fasteners, such a D-shaped fasteners or the like. In addition, each hook member70,72may include a plurality of individual hooks, each having a generally U-shaped or otherwise upwardly directed configuration. Specifically, each hook is configured to be used like a hanger on which the handle of a grocery bag may be secured.

The bag carrying apparatus10may also include a pair of auxiliary straps80,90attached to the pair of primary straps, respectively, that are situated to extend inwardly. The auxiliary straps80,90may be length adjustable. The auxiliary straps80,90are intended to extend across the chest or around the back of a person wearing the apparatus10. Specifically, each auxiliary strap may have an inner end attached to a respective primary strap and a free end. The free end may include a quick connect fastener in a manner similar to the quick connect coupler and receive described previously. Each auxiliary strap80,90is displaced downwardly from the support member20and is oriented generally perpendicular to the primary strap to which it is attached. The auxiliary straps80,90enable a user to secure the apparatus10to her body so it does not inadvertently slide off the user's neck.

In use, a user may wear the bag carrying apparatus10in a manner similar to wearing a work or hunting vest. As shown inFIG. 2, the primary support member20may be positioned on the back of the user's neck and the primary straps30,40positioned on the front of the user's torso. The auxiliary straps80,90may be extended across the user's chest or behind the back so as to secure the apparatus10from unintentionally falling away from the user's body. Then, one or more bag handles (not shown) may be hung from respective hooks of the pair of hook members70,72and carried between locations as the user walks in a normal manner.