Carriage assist device

Abstract

A device for assisting in the carriage of certain items in connection with use of a baby stroller or the like. The device includes a flexible strap for encircling the handle of a baby stroller and an inflexible “C”-shaped element connected to the strap. The device is usually used in pairs to more conveniently mount a pocketbook or the like from the “C”-shaped element, the convenience being for the caretaker of the baby in the stroller.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates primarily to article support devices for use with strollers, carriages, or the like; and more particularly relates to pocketbook or handbag support devices for use with a baby stroller or carriage.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Traditionally, baby strollers and carriages have been provided with an article supporting shelf mounted below or behind the body of the stroller or carriage. This shelf has been used to carry articles such as diaper bags or the caretaker's pocketbook, as well as other articles. The problem with such arrangements is that the article being supported tends to fall or otherwise rest in an unstable manner, and therefore either could be lost or necessitate the constant bending and searching for retrieval by the caretaker.

[0003] Indeed, the above general problem has caused the traditional shelf arrangement to be replaced in some instances by the use of a caretaker's back pack, which presents other problems to the caretaker.

[0004] Otherwise, the problems of the caretaker in regard to the above, has turned towards mounting the article support fixture on the handle of the stroller or carriage, leading to other drawbacks. For instance, Artemi, U.S. Pat. No. 5,584,455 has provided a hook and strap solution to the problems pointed out above, but Artemi uses an inflexible hook to encircle the handle of the stroller or carriage, and a strap connected to the hook through which, for instance, a handbag strap is mounted. The problem with this arrangement is that the inflexible hook presents little capability to adapt to various sized stroller and carriage handles. The same is true with respect to Frankel, U.S. Pat. No. 5,400,990, with Frankel adding a structure for her connection to the stroller handle, which is complex and cumbersome with respect to the function served. Banko, U.S. Pat. No. 6,390,422 also uses an inflexible connection to the stroller handle, as do other devices shown in various prior art literature.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Accordingly, a primary object of the present invention is to provide a device for connection to a carriage or stroller handle, and for carrying a handbag or a diaper bag, which is convenient to use, and yet simple in its construction and use.

[0006] A further object of the present invention is to provide such a device, for use in pairs, to provide stability to the article being carried.

[0007] A still further object of the present invention is to provide such a device, which enables use with a variety of handle shapes and sizes.

[0008] Other objects and advantages of the present invention are provided in a carriage device, which features an inflexible, “C”-shaped element supported by a flexible, size-adjustable strap for encircling a stroller or carriage handle, with the article being carried having its strap or handle extending through the “C”-shaped element to provide quick and efficient, and yet stable, mounting of the article, which is a handbag, a diaper bag, a backpack, or the like.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent by reference to the following detailed description of the preferred, but nonetheless illustrative, embodiment of the present invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0010] FIG. 1 is an isometric view, primarily from the back of a stroller, showing particularly a pair of devices according to the present invention for carrying an article, such as a handbag, suspended from the handle of the stroller;

[0011] FIG. 2 is a sectional view, taken along the line 2-2 of FIG. 1, and showing a device according to the present invention in the mounting position, with respect to the strap of the handbag; and

[0012] FIG. 3 is an isometric view showing the left side and front of a mounting device, as depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, and illustrating the flexible strap element in use position, as well as the inflexible “C”-shaped element, upon which the article being carried is mounted.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Referring to the drawings, a stroller generally designated 10 is shown in FIG. 1 in its typical form and structure with wheels 12, a canopy 14 and a handle 16, with a horizontally oriented handle crossbar 16a. It is in relation to crossbar 16a that the present invention device 18 suspends. In turn, carrying bag 20 with a strap 22 conveniently hangs from devices 18.

[0014] Referring particularly to FIG. 2, each carriage device, generally designated 18, is structured according to the present invention to include flexible strap 18a and inflexible “C”-shaped element 18b. Strap 18a is intended to encircle the crossbar 16a of stroller handle 16, strap 18a being secured to the crossbar 16a of handle 16 by a screw, nut and washer combination generally designated 24. Combination 24 is made up of screw 26, washer 28 and nut 30 to secure strap 18a, with the strap 18a defining opening 18c, through which the screw protrudes for securement by nut 30. Strap 18a also defines other openings 18d to provide adjustability to compensate for the size of crossbar 16a, which varies with different strollers, with carriages as distiguished from strollers, and for instance, with supermarket carts or other such items with which the present invention is used. Of course, the securement means can also be in the form of a typical buckle, or the like.

[0015] Strap 18a also includes a connecting element 18e which is attached at one end of strap 18a. The connecting element 18e is of a variety of shapes, but defines central opening 18f, through which “C”-shaped element 18b protrudes. “C”-shaped element 18b is “C”-shaped except for protrusion 18g, which secures element 18b in position with respect to opening 18f.

[0016] As may be seen particularly in FIG. 2, handbag strap 22 is held at the opposite end of “C”-shaped element 18b, from protrusion 18g. The isometric of FIG. 3 shows the device 18 of the present invention, with all its constituent parts.

[0017] In order to provide a more complete understanding of the present invention, a series of set-up and use steps is now provided. For instance, when transfering a device from one stroller to another, each having different sized crossbar diameters, screw 26 is loosened and removed from nut 30, and then strap 18a is placed around the crossbar of the handle of the stroller to which the device 18 is being transfered. Usually, a pair of devices are provided for each use to keep handbag 20 in a stable position, and both have their straps 18a secured by reinserting screws 26 through openings 18c or 18d, or another opening, after which washer 28 and nut 30 tighten strap 18a in a secure position. The end of “C”-shaped, inflexible element 18b, having protrusion 18g, is then placed through opening 18f. Strap 22 of carrying bag 20 is then mounted on the pair of devices 18 for convenient carriage.

[0018] Although the foregoing provides a sufficiently detailed description of the present invention, the limits thereof are to be provided only by the following claims.

Claims

1. A device for mounting a carrying bag and for use with a stroller, having a handle with a crossbar, comprising an adjustable and flexible strap element for encircling said crossbar, a securement means for holding said strap element in place around said crossbar, said strap element having a connecting element at one end thereof, said connecting element defining an opening therein, a “C”-shaped element having a protrusion at one end thereof, said one end for engagement through said opening, with said protrusion securing said “C”-shaped element in place, and a second end over which is mounted said carrying bag.

2. A mounting device according to claim 1, with which an identical mounting device is used to mount said carrying bag.

3. A mounting device according to claim 1, wherein said securement means includes a screw, a washer and a nut.

4. A mounting device according to claim 1, wherein said securement means is a buckle.

5. A mounting device according to claim 1, wherein said “C”-shaped element is inflexible.