Hands-free bag carrying device

Abstract

A hands-free bag carrying device includes a belt element adapted to be worn around a waist of a user; and at least one hook assembly, affixed to the belt element, and having at least one hook element. A hook element is adapted to securely hold a handle of a bag having a particular weight, such that the at least one hook element, the at least one hook assembly, and the belt element cooperatively transfer the weight of the bag to the waist of the user. The device can optionally include a plurality of hook assemblies, which can include one or a plurality of hook elements. Optionally, the at least one hook assembly can be movably affixed to the belt element.

Description

RELATED AND PRIORITY DOCUMENTS

This disclosure is related to, incorporates by reference in its entirety, and claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/278,956 entitled “HANDS-FREE BAG CARRYING DEVICE” filed by Cassidy Christine Reyes on Oct. 14, 2009.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to bags, and more specifically, to hands-free carrying devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Bags are objects used to carry items.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a hands-free bag carrying device.

In an exemplary embodiment, the present invention can be embodied in a hands-free bag carrying device, which includes the following: a belt element adapted to be worn around a waist of a user; and at least one hook assembly, affixed to the belt element, and having at least one hook element. The at least one hook element is adapted to securely hold a handle of a bag having a particular weight, such that the at least one hook element, the at least one hook assembly, and the belt element cooperatively transfer the weight of the bag to the waist of the user. Accordingly, a bag can be carried via a user's waist in a hands-free manner.

The following are additional exemplary aspects of the present invention:

the hands-free bag carrying device can include a plurality of hook assemblies, with each of the hook assemblies including at least one respective hook element, such that a user can carry multiple bags in a hands-free manner;

each of the hook assemblies can include at least two hook elements, such that multiple bags can be securely held by a single hook assembly; and

a hook assembly can be movably affixed to the belt element, such that a user can custom configure the location of bags being held.

In another exemplary embodiment, the present invention can be embodied in a hands-free bag carrying device, which includes a waist-hook element having a waist attachment element and at least one hook element; wherein the waist attachment element is adapted to be affixed to at least one of a belt worn about a user's waist and a waist area of a garment worn by the user, and the at least one hook element is adapted to securely hold at least one handle of a bag having a particular weight, such that the at least one hook element, said waist-attachment element, and the at least one of a belt and a waist area cooperatively transfer the weight of the bag to the waist of the user.

Optionally, the waist-hook element can include a plurality of hook elements, with each of the plurality of hook elements including at least one respective hook. Further, each of the plurality of hook assemblies can include at least two hooks.

Also optionally, the waist attachment element can be removably and/or slidably affixed to the at least one of a belt and a waist area.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not in limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the present invention in which a belt element includes an exemplary buckle and at least one hook assembly.

FIG. 2a illustrates an exemplary hook assembly configured to include a rivet for affixing the assembly to a belt element.

FIG. 2b illustrates an exemplary hook assembly configured to include an aperture through which a belt element can pass, such that the assembly is movably affixed to the belt element.

FIG. 2c illustrates an exemplary hook assembly configured to include a slot through which a belt element can pass, such that the assembly is movably affixed to the belt element.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary bag compatible with the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary waist-hook element having an exemplary waist attachment element and at least one exemplary hook element.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention will now be described in more detail by way of example with reference to the embodiments shown in the accompanying figures. It should be kept in mind that the following described embodiments are only presented by way of example and should not be construed as limiting the inventive concept to any particular physical configuration or order.

The present invention provides a convenient way to carry bags in a hands-free manner. A belt element can be formed of any suitable material that provides sufficient flexibility to be wrapped around a user's waist, such as for example and not in limitation, cloth, nylon, webbing, leather, etc. Optionally, such a material can have elastic properties to accommodate various sized waists and/or to provide a more comfortable fit around the waist of a user. Optionally, a belt element can include a buckle to allow the length of the belt element to be adjustable, so as to ensure a snug fit around a user's waist. Affixed to the belt element are one or more hook assemblies. A hook assembly can be fixed to the belt element in a permanent manner, such as via rivets, glue, or other method of permanent fixation, for example and not in limitation; or temporary, such as with a clamping mechanism, a latch assembly, hook-eye assembly, or other temporary fixation mechanism, for example and not in limitation.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, a belt element 110 is adapted to be worn around the waist of a user (not shown). Optional buckle 120 can be provided such that the length of belt element 110 can be adjustable to accommodate varying sized waists and/or to assist in effectuating a more secure/snug fit around a user's waist. As illustrated, at least one hook assembly 130 is fixed to belt element 110, and includes at least one hook element 140.

In an exemplary aspect of the present invention, a hook assembly can be affixed to a belt element in any manner desired that is secure, whether a permanent or temporary fixation. A hook assembly can be formed of any material or materials desired, as long as such a material provides sufficient strength to securely hold the weight of an intended class of bag holding intended contents. Naturally, the weight of an intended bag may dictate the strength of the material used. Exemplary materials, for example and not in limitation, include metal and plastic.

For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2a, hook assembly 230a can include at least one rivet with which to affix hook assembly to a belt element (not shown). As illustrated in FIG. 2b, hook assembly 230b can be affixed to a belt element (not shown) via an aperture formed within hook assembly itself Accordingly, a belt element can be passed through hook assembly 230b, which can create a movable fixation thereof. As illustrated in FIG. 2c, hook assembly 230c can be formed to have a downwardly opening slot through which a belt element can be disposed. This too provides movable fixation of hook assembly 230c to a belt element.

In an exemplary aspect of the present invention, a user can strategically move hook assemblies, so as to balance the weight of bags held thereby. For example, a user can move a first hook assembly to their right hip and a second hook assembly to their left hip, so as to provide a balanced distribution of weight from bags held thereby. Further, any other distribution method can be utilized to the extent desired. Moreover, as described herein, more than two hook assemblies can be affixed to a belt element.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2a-c, hook assembly 230a-c can include at least one hook element 240a-c, which can hold a bag via the bag's handle. Notably, a bag 300, as illustrated in FIG. 3, can include two handles 350, in which case a user may optionally “hang” one or more handles over a hook element 240 which can increase the maximum weight bearing characteristic of the material used to form the bag. An exemplary material used to form bag 300 is polyethylene, however, other materials may be used insofar as desired.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, in another exemplary aspect of the present invention, a hands-free bag carrying device can include a waist-hook element 460 having a waist attachment element 465 and at least one hook element 440. Thus, notably, the present invention can be provided without a belt element. Here, the waist attachment element is adapted to be affixed to at least one of a belt worn about a user's waist and a waist area of a garment (such as a waistband, waist area, or pocket of a garment) worn by the user. Fixation, for example and not in limitation, can be effectuated via a clip, a slot, a clamp, or any other mechanical fixation desired that does not destroy all functionality of the present invention. Fixation can be temporary. Further, the at least one hook element can be adapted to securely hold at least one handle of a bag having a particular weight, such that the at least one hook element, said waist-hook element, and the at least one of a belt and a waist area cooperatively transfer the weight of the bag to the waist of the user.

It will be apparent to one ordinarily skilled in the art that the manner of making and using the claimed invention has been adequately disclosed in the above-written description of the exemplary embodiments and aspects taken together with the drawings.

It should be understood, however, that the invention is not necessarily limited to the specific embodiments, aspects, arrangement, and components shown and described above, but may be susceptible to numerous variations and such are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative and enabling, rather than a restrictive, sense.

Therefore, it will be understood that the above description of the embodiments of the present invention are susceptible to various modifications, changes, and adaptations, and the same are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A hands-free bag carrying device, comprising:

a belt element adapted to be worn around a waist of a user; and

at least one hook assembly, affixed to said belt element, and having at least one hook element;

wherein the at least one hook element is adapted to securely hold a handle of a bag having a particular weight, such that the at least one hook element, said at least one hook assembly, and said belt element cooperatively transfer the weight of the bag to the waist of the user.

2. The hands-free bag carrying device of claim 1, wherein the hands-free bag carrying device includes a plurality of hook assemblies, with each of said plurality of hook assemblies including at least one respective hook element.

3. The hands-free bag carrying device of claim 2, wherein each of said plurality of hook assemblies includes at least two hook elements.

4. The hands-free bag carrying device of claim 1, wherein the at least one hook assembly is movably affixed to said belt element.

5. The hands-free bag carrying device of claim 1, wherein the at least one hook assembly is removably affixed to said belt element.

6. A hands-free bag carrying device, comprising:

a waist-hook element having a waist attachment element and at least one hook element;

wherein the waist attachment element is adapted to be affixed to at least one of a belt worn about a user's waist and a waist area of a garment worn by the user, and the at least one hook element is adapted to securely hold at least one handle of a bag having a particular weight, such that the at least one hook element, said waist-hook element, and the at least one of a belt and a waist area cooperatively transfer the weight of the bag to the waist of the user.

7. The hands-free bag carrying device of claim 6, wherein said waist-hook element includes a plurality of hook elements, with each of the plurality of hook assemblies including at least one respective hook.

8. The hands-free bag carrying device of claim 7, wherein each of the plurality of hook assemblies includes at least two hooks.

9. The hands-free bag carrying device of claim 6, wherein the at least one hook element is slidably affixed to the at least one of a belt and a waist area.

10. The hands-free bag carrying device of claim 6, wherein the at least one hook assembly is removably affixed to the at least one of a belt and a waist area.