Abstract:
An apparatus and method are provided for retaining bags. The apparatus for retaining bags utilizes at least one fastener attached to a shock absorption system. The shock absorption system is coupled to a handle and a strap, such that the apparatus for retaining bags can be transported by either of the handle or strap and the strap is adaptable to fit around an automobile seat. The method for retaining bags includes securing bags to a fastener, adjusting the strap to fit a shoulder, transporting the apparatus to a vehicle, and adapting the strap to fit to the automobile seat.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    The present invention relates generally to an apparatus for retaining bags. In particular, the present invention relates to an apparatus for retaining bags having multiple fasteners and a shock absorption system configured to stabilize the bags during transport.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    From grocery bags to luggage, man has carried bags for centuries. Today, a common sight on the streets of a major city is a lone person struggling to carry multiple bags from the grocery store. Inevitably the person has their hands completely full and must set packages down in order to perform simple tasks such as opening doors, paying for a taxi or getting keys out of their pockets. In other situations, a person has the bags in a grocery cart and loads the cargo into their automobile, and finds upon reaching their destination that the bags have moved during transport, emptying their contents.  
           [0003]    An apparatus for retaining bags typically comprises a hook and a strap. The hook is designed to support the bags and the strap for carrying the apparatus on a shoulder. Another common apparatus for carrying bags includes a plurality of hooks instead of just one and a rigid handle. These apparatuses enable transporting of the bags, however, they tend to be cumbersome and unappealing to the consumer. In addition, none of these apparatuses are adaptable to be used to secure the bags in a vehicle cargo area. Hence, the user must first put the bags onto the apparatus, and then take them off when they reach the vehicle to place them into the vehicle&#39;s cargo area. This is a time consuming process that makes the use of the apparatus inefficient.  
           [0004]    Accordingly, a need exists for an apparatus for retaining bags that is not an inconvenience or unappealing and is easily adaptable to be used in conjunction with an automobile cargo area.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0005]    The present invention provides an apparatus for retaining bags. The apparatus for retaining bags employs a retaining mechanism to hold the handles of the bags. The retaining mechanism includes at least one fastener for securing the bags and a shock absorption system to distribute the weight of the bags and insulate the holder from jolts to the bags during transport. In addition, the apparatus for retaining bags has both a strap and a handle for transporting the bags, and the strap can be lengthened to fit around a seat in an automobile without having to remove the bags. With the strap adaptable to fit over an automobile seat, the user can walk easily transport the goods from store to home without ever having to remove the bags once they are secured or having to worry about the bags spilling in the vehicle during transport.  
           [0006]    Further, the present invention provides a method for retaining bags including attaching at least one bag to a fastener on a retaining mechanism. A strap coupled to the retaining mechanism is then adjusted to fit around a shoulder. The bags are then transported on the retaining mechanism to a vehicle where the strap is unbuckled to attach the strap and retaining mechanism with bags around a vehicle seat.  
           [0007]    The present invention also has an ornamental design which is pleasing to consumers. The various ornamental configurations allow the consumer to choose an apparatus for retaining bags of the present invention that most suits their sense of style and personality. Further, the present invention has an area for personalization or advertising. Hence, the present invention is appealing to both the small consumer and major retailers for use to retaining their bags.  
           [0008]    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 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  
       [0009]    The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:  
         [0010]    [0010]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus for retaining bags according to the principles of the present invention;  
         [0011]    [0011]FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the first embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 3 is a front view of the first embodiment for an apparatus for retaining bags with hidden objects shown in dashed lines;  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the alternative embodiment according to the principles of the second embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a second alternative embodiment according to the principles of the present invention;  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the second alternative embodiment for an apparatus for retaining bags according to the principles of the third embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an apparatus for retaining bags according to the principles of the present invention;  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 8 is a front view of the first embodiment of the present invention wherein the apparatus is being carried by a handle according to the principles of the present invention while retaining the bags shown in dashed lines;  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the present invention wherein the apparatus is being carried by a strap according to the principles of the present invention while retaining the bags shown in dashed lines;  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the present invention wherein the apparatus is being utilized to secure and retain bags in a forward facing position on an automobile seat according to the principles of the present invention; and  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the present invention wherein the apparatus is being utilized to secure and retain bags in a rearward facing position on an automobile seat according to the principles of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0021]    The following description of the preferred embodiments are merely exemplary in nature and are in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.  
         [0022]    Referring generally to FIGS. 1 and 2, a perspective view of a first embodiment of an apparatus  10  for retaining bags is shown. The apparatus  10  for retaining bags has a support system  12  coupled to a shock absorption system  14 . The shock absorption system  14  is further coupled to a retainer system  16 .  
         [0023]    The support system  12  of the apparatus  10  for retaining bags includes a buckle assembly  18  coupled to a strap  20  with an adjustment loop  22 . Buckle assembly  18  includes a mating fork  24  held on the strap  20  by a stitched loop  25 . The buckle assembly  18  further includes a fork receiving slot  26  removably coupled to the strap  20 . The buckle assembly  18  is available through National Molding of Farmingdale, N.Y. By releasing or engaging the mating fork  24  and fork receiving slot  26 , the strap  20  forms either an open loop or a closed loop respectively, enabling the strap  20  to be easily placed around objects, such as, for example, automobile seats or shoulders. The adjustment loop  22  on strap  20  allows strap  20  to be lengthened or shortened based upon the distance of the adjustment loop  22  from the fork receiving slot  26 . The greater the distance from the fork receiving slot  26 , the larger amount of material in the adjustment loop  22 , which results in a shorter strap  20 . In this embodiment, strap  20  is made from nylon. The strap  20  is designed such that it enables the placement of an advertisement thereon. Strap  20 , is further coupled to the shock absorption system  14 .  
         [0024]    Shock absorption system  14  includes shock absorption cable  28  and handle  30 . Shock absorption cable  28  is best shown in FIG. 2. In this embodiment, shock absorption cable  28  is made from a strong, flexible rope, such as, for example, mountain climbing rope. The elasticity of the rope facilitates shock absorption, and allows for weight distribution in cases of uneven loading of the retainer system  16 . The shock absorption system  14  also includes a plurality of shock absorption loops,  32 ,  34 ,  36 ,  38  and  40  formed by the shock absorption cable  28  and coupled to the retainer system  16 . Retaining loop  40  of the shock absorption cable  28  is coupled to both the retainer system  16  and the handle  30 . The handle  30  defines a passageway  42  through which the shock absorption cable  28  passes, and further defines a set of openings  44  through which retaining loop  40  passes to further couple handle  30  to the shock absorption cable  28 . The handle  30  allows the apparatus  10  for retaining bags to be carried by hand, as shown in FIG. 8. In this embodiment, handle  30  is made of recycled rubber, providing a soft grip surface which conforms to the operators hand.  
         [0025]    The support system  12  is coupled to the shock absorption cable  28  by a cylindrical metal crimp  46  or other appropriate technique. Two cylindrical metal crimps  46  are used, one for each end of the strap  20  of the support system  12 . The strap  20  from the support system  12  is placed adjacent to the shock absorption cable  28  when it is an open loop and cylindrical metal crimp  46  firmly encompasses both strap  20  and shock absorption cable  28 . Next, a cylindrical polymeric sheet or heat shrink tubing  48  is placed over cylindrical metal crimp  46  such that an equal amount of heat shrink tubing  48  is on both the strap  20  of the support system  12  and the shock absorption cable  28 . The heat shrink tubing  48  further includes an inner adhesive layer. The heat shrink tubing  48  undergoes a heat shrink process to firmly secure the strap  20  of the support system  12  to the shock absorption cable  28  and to cover the cylindrical metal crimp  46 . Then, the ends of shock absorption cable  28  are melted together to form a closed loop. The final assembly of the heat shrink tubing  48  and cylindrical metal crimp  46  is best shown in FIG. 3, wherein the cylindrical metal crimp  46  is shown in dashed lines beneath the heat shrink tubing  48 .  
         [0026]    Referring to FIG. 2, the retainer system  16  includes a plurality of fasteners  50 ,  52 ,  54 , and  56  coupled to the shock absorption cable  28  of the shock absorption system  14 . Specifically, fasteners  50 ,  52 ,  54  and  56  have a loop  58  through which shock absorption cable  28  passes forming loops  32 ,  34 ,  36  and  38  respectively, of the shock absorption system  16  as shown in FIG. 3 for frictional engagement. In addition, retaining loop  40  of the shock absorption system  16  passes through fasteners  52  and  54  for additional support. Hence, the fasteners  50 ,  52 ,  54 , and  56  are able to move with respect to the shock absorption cable  28 . The ability of the fasteners  50 ,  52 ,  54 , and  56  to move allows the apparatus  10  to self level due to uneven weight distribution among the fasteners  50 ,  52 ,  54 , and  56  and also allows the fasteners  50 ,  52 ,  54 , and  56  to move to absorb shocks to the apparatus  10 . In this embodiment, fasteners  50 ,  52 ,  54  and  56  are of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,432,121 to Dupre, and are used to retain the bags. Fasteners  50 ,  52 ,  54  and  56  have a closure  60  which ensures that the bags are not accidentally dislodged from the retaining system  16 . Those skilled in the art will also realize that other types of fasteners may also be used to retain the bags.  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the apparatus  10  for retaining bags, wherein hidden objects are shown in dashed lines. Specifically, FIG. 3 shows the final assembly of the support system  12  to the shock absorption system  14  wherein the cylindrical metal crimp  46  is visible by dashed lines. Further illustrated in FIG. 3 is passage of shock absorption cable  28  through the handle  30  via passageway  42 .  
         [0028]    Referring generally to FIGS. 4 and 5, which depict an alternative embodiment of an apparatus  10  for retaining bags, with common reference numbers utilized herein. Specifically, in this alternative embodiment, the apparatus  10  for retaining bags includes the support system  12 , shock absorption system  100  and retainer system  16 .  
         [0029]    The shock absorption system  100  as shown in FIG. 4, includes shock absorption cable  102 , handle  104 , and retaining loop  106 . Shock absorption cable  102  is best shown in FIG. 5. In this embodiment, shock absorption cable  102  is made from a strong, flexible rope, such as, for example, mountain climbing rope. The elasticity of the rope facilitates shock absorption, and allows for weight distribution in cases of uneven loading of the retainer system  16 . Shock absorption system  100  also includes a plurality of loops,  108 ,  110 ,  112 , and  114 , formed by the shock absorption cable  102  and coupled to the retainer system  16 . Retaining loop  106  of the shock absorption system  100  is coupled to the handle  104  and the retainer system  16 , specifically, retaining loop  106  passes through loop  58  of fasteners  52  and  54  for additional support. In this embodiment, retaining loop  106  is made out of nylon, similar to the material used for strap  20  of the support system  12 . The handle  104  has an passageway  116  through which the shock absorption cable  102  passes, and an opening  118  through which retaining loop  106  passes to further couple handle  104  to the shock absorption cable  102 . The handle  104  allows the apparatus  10  for retaining bags to be carried by hand, as shown in FIG. 8. In this embodiment, handle  104  is made of recycled rubber, providing a soft grip surface which conforms to the operators hand.  
         [0030]    The support system  12  is coupled to the shock absorption cable  102  by the same method as described in the first embodiment. The strap  20  of the support system  12  is coupled to the shock absorption system  14  by two cylindrical metal crimps  46 . Likewise, the heat shrink tubing  48  is placed over cylindrical metal crimps  46  and undergoes a heat shrink process to firmly secure the strap  20  of the support system  12  to the shock absorption cable  28 .  
         [0031]    [0031]FIGS. 6 and 7 depict a second alternative embodiment of an apparatus  10  for retaining bags, with common reference numbers utilized herein. Specifically, in this second alternative embodiment, the apparatus  10  for retaining bags includes the support system  12 , shock absorption system  200  and retainer system  202 , as depicted in FIGS. 4 and 5. The difference is that the second alternative embodiment has three fasteners  220 ,  222  and  224  instead of the four fasteners  50 ,  52 ,  54  and  56  as described in the previous embodiment.  
         [0032]    Referring to FIG. 6, the retainer system  202  includes three fasteners  220 ,  222 , and  224  coupled to the shock absorption cable  204  of the shock absorption system  200 . Specifically, fasteners  220 ,  222 , and  224  have a loop  58  through which shock absorption cable  204  passes forming loops  210 ,  212 , and  214  respectively, of the shock absorption system  200  as shown in FIG. 7. In addition, loop  208  of the shock absorption system  200  passes through fastener  222  for additional support. Hence, the fasteners  220 ,  222 , and  224  are able to move with respect to the shock absorption cable  204 . The ability of the fasteners  220 ,  222 , and  224  to move allows the apparatus  10  to self level due to uneven weight distribution among the fasteners  220 ,  222 , and  224  and also allows the fasteners  220 ,  222 , and  224  to move to absorb shocks to the apparatus  10 . In this embodiment, fasteners  220 ,  222 , and  224  are of the type disclosed in patent application U.S. Pat. No. 4,432,121 to Dupre, and are used to retain the bags. Fasteners  220 ,  222 , and  224  have a closure  60  which ensures that the bags are not accidentally dislodged from the retaining system  202 . Those skilled in the art will also realize that other types of fasteners may also be used to retain the bags.  
         [0033]    This invention is utilized to retain and transport bags. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, bags  62  are secured to fasteners  50 ,  52 ,  54  and  56  according to the first embodiment and transported via the handle  30 . The shock absorption cable  28  distributes the load of the bags  62  and isolates the hand of the operator  64  from the movement of the bags  62  during transport, such that the hand of the operator  64  is not impacted during transportation of the bags  62 .  
         [0034]    With reference to FIG. 9, the bags  62  are retained by the apparatus  10  via fasteners  50 ,  52 ,  53  and  54  in accordance with the first embodiment. In this figure, however, the bags  62  are transported via strap  20  and placed over a shoulder of the user.  
         [0035]    The apparatus  10  can also be used in conjunction with an automobile seat, as shown in FIG. 10. In particular, strap  20  is unbuckled via buckle assembly  18 , and placed around automobile seat  66 . The adjustment loop  22  is used to tighten the strap  20  to the automobile seat  66 , therefore securing the bags  62  during the movement of the vehicle. By enabling the operator to secure the apparatus  10  for retaining bags around the automobile seat  66  without the removal of the bags  62  provides a convenient method for transporting bags  62  directly from the store to home. Further, the closure  60  on the fasteners  50 ,  52 ,  54  and  56  ensures that the bags  62  will not become loose during movement of the vehicle and will not spill, thus reducing driver hazards in the vehicle cabin and saving time.  
         [0036]    In addition, the apparatus  10  for retaining bags can be placed around an automobile seat  66  such that the retaining system  16  is on the back of the automobile seat  66 , as illustrated in FIG. 11. This transportation method is particularly useful in vehicles lacking secure cargo areas, such as, for example, sport utility vehicles. Similarly, the adjustment loop  22  is used to tighten the strap  20  to the automobile seat  66 , therefore securing the bags  62  during the movement of the vehicle. By enabling the operator to secure the apparatus  10  for retaining bags around the automobile seat  66  without the removal of the bags  62  provides a convenient method for transporting bags  62  directly from the store to home. Further, the closure  60  on the fasteners  50 ,  52 ,  54  and  56  ensures that the bags  62  will not become loose during movement of the vehicle and will not spill, thus preventing spills in the vehicle cargo area and saving time.  
         [0037]    The description of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and, thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of the invention are intended to be within the scope of the invention. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention.