U.S. patent application number 12/037419 was filed with the patent office on 2008-10-16 for personal storage apparatus for wheelchairs and other mobility assistance devices.
This patent application is currently assigned to THULE ORGANIZATION SOLUTIONS, INC.. Invention is credited to Eric Hassett, Geoffrey T. Hyatt, Virgit U. Lippert, Douglas D. Matthews.
Application Number | 20080251554 12/037419 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36407837 |
Filed Date | 2008-10-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080251554 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hassett; Eric ; et
al. |
October 16, 2008 |
Personal Storage Apparatus for Wheelchairs and Other Mobility
Assistance Devices
Abstract
The present invention relates to personal storage devices that
are adapted to interconnection to personal mobility devices such as
wheelchairs. In one embodiment an accessory bag is interconnected
to a docking station with a tethering device that may stretch or be
retractable.
Inventors: |
Hassett; Eric; (Golden,,
CO) ; Lippert; Virgit U.; (Westminster, CO) ;
Matthews; Douglas D.; (Lyons, CO) ; Hyatt; Geoffrey
T.; (Westminster, CO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SHERIDAN ROSS PC
1560 BROADWAY, SUITE 1200
DENVER
CO
80202
US
|
Assignee: |
THULE ORGANIZATION SOLUTIONS,
INC.
Longmont
CO
|
Family ID: |
36407837 |
Appl. No.: |
12/037419 |
Filed: |
February 26, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11282159 |
Nov 17, 2005 |
7334712 |
|
|
12037419 |
|
|
|
|
60629031 |
Nov 17, 2004 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
224/407 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A44B 19/262 20130101;
A45C 13/20 20130101; A45F 5/004 20130101; A61G 5/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
224/407 |
International
Class: |
B60R 7/00 20060101
B60R007/00 |
Claims
1. A method of using a retractable device on a personal mobility
device, comprising: providing a docking station operably
interconnected to the personal mobility device; removing an
accessory bag from the docking station, the accessory bag
interconnected to the docking station by a tether, said removing
including withdrawing the accessory bag from within at least a
portion of a receptacle of the docking station; holding the
accessory bag; releasing the accessory bag; and wherein the
accessory bag remains interconnected to the personal mobility
device after said releasing.
2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein a first end of the
tether is interconnected to an interior of the docking station.
3. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least a portion of
the tether comprises at least one of an elastic or rubber
material.
4. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein upon said releasing a
biased member rewinds at least a portion of said tether, wherein
said accessory bag is at least partially drawn back to the
receptacle of the docking station.
5. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said holding further
comprises opening a portion of the accessory bag to insert or
remove an article.
6. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said docking station
includes at least one weephole for draining a liquid from the
receptacle.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application is a Continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/282,159, filed Nov. 17, 2005, which claims
the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/629,031 filed,
Nov. 17, 2004, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated
herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to personal storage bags and
accessory items that are adapted for removable interconnection to a
wheelchair or other mobility assistance device, and that, in at
least one embodiment, includes a docking station for receiving an
accessory storage device that is interconnected with a tethering
system.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Storage devices designed for holding personal affects that
are adapted for use with wheelchairs, scooters, motorized and other
personal mobility assistance devices (interchangeably and
collectively referred to herein as "wheelchairs" and/or "mobility
devices") are generally known in the art. These products are
generally made of flexible and/or rigid materials that are
interconnected to the rear portion of a mobility device, and/or the
armrest. These storage products are generally designed to hold
items such as keys, wallets, water bottles, accessory clothing, and
other personal affects for the elderly, physically challenged,
developmentally disabled, and others that generally require a
personal mobility device for transportation.
[0004] Unfortunately, due to the physical limitations of many
users, it is difficult to access the storage devices due to
zippers, pull strings, and other opening devices that are difficult
to use. Thus, there is a significant need for personal storage
products that are accessible and that may be easily opened and
closed, while being selectively attached to a wheelchair or other
type of personal mobility device.
[0005] There is further need to provide a personal storage device
on mobility devices that are easily accessible, yet is secured to
prevent others from taking advantage of the physically challenged
and stealing personal affects, especially from the rear of a
wheelchair. Accordingly, there is a need for a device that allows
access to the personal storage device for a user, yet cannot be
easily opened or removed by a third party. Furthermore, there is a
need for a storage device that is interconnected to a tethering
system that allows a user to utilize the storage device, and upon
releasing the device, the device is then returned to its original
position within a docking station or mother bag that has a
perimeter shape designed to receive an accessory bag.
[0006] Furthermore, due to the overall dimension of a mobility
device, it is often difficult for a user to pass through narrow
door-ways on crowded locations with saddlebags or other storage
devices that increase the overall width of the mobility device.
Thus, there is a further need for storage devices that are designed
to fit substantially entirely below an armrest, and thus are not an
obstruction during use of the mobility device, which hinders the
mobility through narrow passages.
[0007] Finally, there is a need for a storage device that can be
selectively attached or detached from a mobility device without a
user visually identifying a specific point of contact. More
specifically, a storage device is needed that can be positioned
proximate to a specific area, i.e., armrest, etc., and that
utilizes a plurality of hook and loop tabs or other materials that
are selectively interconnected to the storage device.
[0008] Accordingly, there is a strong need in the field of storage
products for personal mobility devices that allow a user to easily
access a storage device, and yet maintain personal affects stored
therein in a safe and secure location. There is a further need to
provide a tethering mechanism that allows the accessory bag to be
retracted from a docking station or other position that does not
require a user to visualize the mother bag or accessory bag for
use, and that in at least one embodiment can be selectively
attached and released from the personal mobility device.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention substantially meets the aforementioned
needs of the industry for the elderly, physically challenged and
disabled that use personal mobility devices. More specifically, one
aspect of the present invention includes a docking station or
"mother bag" that is attached to a portion of a wheelchair or other
mobility device. In one embodiment, the docking station is operably
interconnected to an accessory bag by means of a tether or other
type of cord that may be retracted or extended, wherein a user may
access the accessory bag while sitting in a wheelchair and
extending the accessory bag to a user's lap. Once the personal
affects are removed from the accessory bag, the accessory bag may
be released and the accessory bag will retract to the mother bag in
a secure position. In a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the tethering system comprises an elastic or rubber
material that is stretchable, and in an alternative embodiment the
tethering system is interconnected to a retractable cord by means
of a biasing system or spring that retains the accessory bag in
operable engagement with the mother bag. Furthermore, the accessory
bag may have a quick connect coupling, carabineer, or other system
that allows the accessory bag to be removably disconnected from the
mother bag and reattached as necessary. In one embodiment the
mother bag is positioned on a rear portion of a wheelchair or
mobility device. Alternatively, the mother bag or docking station
is positioned below a user's seat or proximate to the armrests.
[0010] It is a further aspect of the present invention to provide a
pouch or other accessory bag that is operably interconnected to an
armrest of a personal mobility device such as a wheelchair. In one
embodiment of the present invention, the pouch may be flipped over
and placed in a position of use on a user's lap for easy access,
and then flipped back to a first position of use wherein the pouch
hangs from the armrest. Preferably, the pouch is designed to hang
within the profile of the armrest, thus not protruding any wider
than the chair itself and creating clearance problems when the
mobility device is passed through a door frame or other area with
limited dimensions. Preferably, the pouch positioned on the armrest
has one or more openings that may be selectively closed and secured
with a means that is designed for those that are physically
challenged, and that are not readily exposed or seen when the
armrest pouch is hung from the armrest for security purposes.
[0011] It is a further aspect of the present invention to provide a
lap belt pocket that is designed to be worn across the lap of a
user of a personal mobility device such as a wheelchair.
Preferably, the lap belt includes one or more pockets that are
easily accessible by the user, and that are not in plain view to
prevent others from accessing the pockets without the user being
aware of possible theft. Preferably, for comfort purposes, the lap
belt pocket is comprised of a neoprene, foam, or mesh material that
is not hot or uncomfortable after extended periods of use on a
user's lap.
[0012] It is a further aspect of the present invention to provide a
storage apparatus that can be selectively positioned on almost any
portion of the mobility device and quickly adjusted to a preferred
orientation and position of use. More specifically, in one
embodiment a plurality of straps with hook and loop material is
provided that is operably interconnected to a support structure or
attachment disc that further includes a hook and loop material on
an exterior surface. The support structure is designed to engage
the hook and loop material attached to a rear surface of the
storage apparatus, that can include a pouch, water bottle holder,
or any possible shape that can be positioned on a wheelchair or
other mobility device.
[0013] It is a further aspect of the present invention to provide
an underseat bin with tethered accessory pouches and that is
designed for positioning below the seat of a wheelchair or other
personal mobility device. More specifically, in one embodiment a
docking station or mother pouch is provided below the seat of the
wheelchair, while an accessory pouch with a tethering system is
operably interconnected to the docking station to prevent
inadvertent disengagement or loss. More specifically, a user can
pull the accessory pouch up to their lap and obtain personal
affects from the accessory pouch and subsequently release the
accessory pouch that is drawn back to the docking station with the
tethering system for storage. Furthermore, in one embodiment of the
present invention the docking station may have weep holes or
apertures at a lower portion of the bin for drainage purposes if
drinks or other fluids leak from the accessory pouch.
[0014] It is a further aspect of the present invention to provide a
pull ring or zipper pull for interconnection to a zipper or other
opening device, and that allows a user to insert their hand or one
or more fingers. In at least one embodiment, the pull ring or
zipper pull is a continuous length of rubber, elastic or other
stretchable or pliable material with an internal opening having a
width of at least about 1 inch, but may also be longer in a second
direction, for example, having a substantially elliptical or
triangular shaped opening. In accordance with at least one
embodiment of the present invention, a zipper pull is provided
comprising a means for interconnection to a closure device, such as
a zipper or seal, the zipper pull further comprising a plurality of
loops of material, wherein at least one opening between the loops
is sized for receiving at least one of a user's fingers.
[0015] Thus, in one aspect of the present invention, a storage
device is provided for interconnection to a personal mobility
device, comprising:
[0016] a docking station having at least one receptacle having a
first perimeter shape;
[0017] a means for interconnecting the docking station to the
personal mobility device;
[0018] an accessory bag having a second perimeter shape that is
adapted to matingly engage at least a portion of the first
perimeter shape of the docking station;
[0019] at least one opening in the accessory bag to provide access
thereto; and
[0020] a tether operatively interconnected on a first end to the
docking station, and on a second end to the accessory bag, the
tether having a length sufficient to allow the accessory bag to be
held and accessed by a user of the personal mobility device.
[0021] It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a
method of utilizing a retractable storage device with a wheelchair
or personal mobility device, comprising:
[0022] removing an accessory bag from a docking station, the
accessory bag interconnected to the docking station by a tether,
the removing including withdrawing the accessory bag from within at
least a portion of a receptacle of the docking station, the docking
station interconnected to the personal mobility device;
[0023] holding the accessory bag; and
[0024] releasing the accessory bag;
[0025] wherein the accessory bag remains interconnected to the
docking station after the releasing.
[0026] In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, a
variety of devices and mechanisms may be utilized to accomplish the
functionality of the present invention. Thus in one aspect of the
present invention, a storage system adapted for interconnection to
a personal mobility device is provided, the storage system
comprising:
[0027] a means for containing defining a receptacle;
[0028] a means for interconnecting the means for containing to the
personal mobility device;
[0029] a means for holding wherein at least a portion of the means
for holding is sized to fit within the receptacle; and
[0030] a means for tethering the means for holding to the means for
containing;
[0031] wherein the means for tethering maintains interconnection of
the means for holding to the personal mobility device if the means
for holding is dropped by a user.
[0032] The summary of the invention is neither intended nor is to
be construed as being representative of the full extent and scope
of the present invention. The present invention is set forth in
various levels of detail in the summary of the invention as well as
in the attached drawings and detailed description of the invention,
and no limitation as to the scope of the present invention is
intended by either the inclusion or exclusion of elements,
components, etc. as provided herein. Additional aspects of the
present invention will become more readily apparent from the
detailed description, particularly when taken together with the
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0033] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and
constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of
the invention together with the general description of the
invention given above and the detailed description of the drawings
given below, and serve to explain the principles of these
embodiments. However, the invention is not intended to be limited
by only the embodiments shown in the drawings, as will be
appreciated by one skilled in the art.
[0034] FIG. 1 depicts a rear perspective view of one embodiment of
the present invention identifying a mother bag or docking station,
one or more accessory bags, and a tether interconnected
thereto;
[0035] FIG. 2 depicts a flip over armrest pouch that is adapted for
interconnection to a wheelchair or personal mobility device armrest
and that is adapted for use in two distinct positions;
[0036] FIG. 3A is a front perspective view of a wheelchair or
personal mobility device with an armrest pouch, as shown in more
detail in FIG. 3B;
[0037] FIG. 3B is a front perspective view of an armrest pouch
designed for removable interconnection to an armrest of a
wheelchair or personal mobility device;
[0038] FIG. 4A is a front perspective view of a wheelchair or
personal mobility device with a lap belt pocket, as shown in more
detail in FIG. 4B;
[0039] FIG. 4B is a top plan view depicting a lap belt pocket that
is adapted for interconnection to a wheelchair or mobility device,
and that is intended to rest on a user's lap;
[0040] FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of an underseat bin with
a tethered accessory pouch that is adapted for positioning below a
wheelchair or other mobility device;
[0041] FIG. 6A is a front perspective view of a wheelchair or
personal mobility device with a variable position storage device,
as shown in more detail in FIG. 6B;
[0042] FIG. 6B is a rear perspective view of a variable position
storage device that utilizes attachment disks and straps that are
adapted for interconnection to various portions of a personal
mobility device;
[0043] FIG. 6C is a side perspective view of a device for
interconnecting the variable position storage device of FIG. 6B to
a wheelchair or personal mobility device; and
[0044] FIGS. 7A-7E are perspective views of various embodiments of
zipper pulls in accordance with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0045] Referring now to FIG. 1, one embodiment of the present
invention is provided herein in a perspective view. More
specifically, a wheelchair or personal mobility device storage bag
2 with mating accessory bags 6 is provided herein, and that
generally includes a docking station or mother bag 4 that is
interconnected by means of a tether 8 to an accessory bag 6. The
mother bag 4 is generally interconnected to the personal mobility
device 36 with straps utilizing hook and loop materials, buckles or
other means known in the art. Alternatively, mother bag 4 may have
a sleeve or pocket that fits over the seat 42, head rest and/or
back rest 38 of the personal mobility device 36.
[0046] The mother bag 4 generally comprises a receptacle,
compartment, or receiving pocket 18 with a dimension large enough
to receive the accessory bag 6. Thus, a user can grab a handle 12
of the accessory bag 6 and pull the accessory bag 6 to their lap
for convenient access. After removing the contents therefrom, the
user releases the accessory bag 6, that is then directed back to
the mother bag 4 for safe storage. Thus, the accessory bag 6 cannot
be detached or removed from the mobility device 36 due to the
tether 8 and accessory attachment hardware 10. The attachment
hardware 10 can be comprised of any form of a carabineer, clamp, or
any other interconnection hardware commonly known in the art. In a
preferred embodiment, the attachment hardware 10 may include a
combination or keyed padlock for security purposes that prevents
the removal of the accessory bag 6 from the tether 8 without proper
authorization. The mother bag 4 may further include one or more
receiving pockets 18 that may be used as additional docking
stations for smaller accessory bags 6, that may be provided
independently for storing items such as a water bottle or other
personal effects.
[0047] In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, a
wheelchair or personal mobility device 36 may incorporate a seat
back 38 or armrest 40 that integrally includes some form of a
docking station or mother bag 4, and that may include a tethering
system 8 and accessory bag 6. As appreciated by one skilled in the
art, a personal mobility device 36 may be manufactured to
integrally include one or more of the docking stations 4 and/or
accessory bags 6 described herein.
[0048] In accordance with at least one embodiment of the present
invention, the accessory bag 6 preferably includes one or more
storage pockets 58 that may additionally be comprised of mesh
materials 20 to facilitate viewing certain items such as maps,
keys, and other personal effects. Furthermore, the accessory bag 6
and/or mother bag 4 may include one or more zippers 14 for
selectively opening and closing the accessory bag 6. Preferably the
zippers 14 include large zipper pulls 16 that may be easily grasped
or otherwise engaged by the elderly or physically challenged, and
that are sized to receive a user's fingers or entire hand.
Preferably the hand or zipper pulls 16 are comprised of rubber,
nylon, or elastic materials.
[0049] The mother bag 4 and accessory bag 6 of the present
invention are preferably comprised of lightweight, flexible
materials that are durable, preferably waterproof or water
resistant, and that may be easily interconnected to the wheelchair
36 or other mobility device by means of straps, hook and loop
materials, or sleeves that slide over the wheelchair back rest 38
or armrest 40. Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, the mother
bag 4 may be quickly detached from the wheelchair 36 to allow quick
removal and subsequent use at a secondary location.
[0050] Referring now to FIG. 2, an alternative embodiment of the
present invention is provided herein, and which generally depicts
an armrest pouch 44. Generally, the armrest pouch 44 is removably
interconnected to the wheelchair armrest 40 by means of an armrest
pouch suspension strap 46. Preferably the suspension strap 46 is
comprised of a material that prevents the strap from sliding or
changing position on the armrest 40, such as a rubber, textured
nylon or polypropylene. The armrest pouch suspension strap 46 may
utilize hook and loop materials, buckles, or other interconnection
means well known in the art that allow for selective
interconnection and detachment from the wheelchair armrest 40. More
specifically, the armrest pouch 44 is designed to hang on the
wheelchair armrest 40 when not in use, and more preferably, the
armrest pouch 44 hangs below the armrest 40. When the wheelchair
user wishes to insert or remove personal effects from the armrest
pouch 44, the armrest pouch 44 is swung over a user's lap, wherein
the armrest pouch 44 is positioned on a user's lap and the contents
contained therein accessed.
[0051] Preferably the armrest pouch 44 includes one or more pockets
for storing personal effects that may include openings that are
selectively closed with zippers 14, hook and loop materials, or
other means well known in the art. Furthermore, if zippers 14 are
implemented, large zipper pulls 16 are preferably used that assist
in grasping and opening the zippers 14. Preferably the opening and
zipper are oriented diagonally on the armrest pouch 44 to
facilitate ease of opening.
[0052] Referring now to FIGS. 3A and 3B, a perspective view of an
armrest pouch 44 is provided herein, and shown interconnected to a
wheelchair armrest 40. In this embodiment, the armrest pouch 44 is
designed to hang directly below the wheelchair armrest 40, thereby
allowing the wheelchair 36 to pass through narrow doorways and
other restricted entries without obstruction. Preferably the
armrest pouch 44 includes one or more storage pockets 58, some of
which may be comprised of a mesh material 20. Furthermore, the
armrest pouch suspension strap 46 is designed for removable
interconnection to the wheelchair armrest 40 by means of one or
more of a strap 24, hook and loop material, buckle material, a
sleeve that slides over the wheelchair armrest 40, etc.
Furthermore, in at least one embodiment, the cover of the armrest
pouch 44 utilizes one or more magnet fasteners 26 that provide ease
of opening for the physically disabled, and that automatically
closes. The use of one or more magnet fasteners 26 is applicable
for all the storage products described herein. Furthermore, cable
ties 50 may be utilized to interconnect the armrest pouch 44, or
any other storage device, to a portion of the personal mobility
device 36 to prevent unwanted movement.
[0053] Referring now to FIGS. 4A and 4B, an alternative embodiment
of the present invention is provided herein. More specifically, a
lap belt 28 is provided for removable interconnection to a
wheelchair 36 or other mobility device. As shown in the drawings,
the lap belt 28 is designed for removable interconnection to either
the wheelchair seat 42 or the wheelchair armrest 40, and may
include hook and loop fasteners 22, buckles, or other
interconnection means for attaching the lap belt 28 to one or more
sides of the wheelchair 36. For example, in accordance with the
embodiment shown in FIG. 4B, the lap belt 28 may include one or
more removable connecting portions 60, wherein the connecting
portions 60 include a first end 62 having hook and loop fasteners
22 for selectively interconnecting to a portion of the lap belt 28,
such as the underside of the lap belt 28. In addition, the
connecting portions 60 preferably include a second end 64 having a
strap 24 with hook and loop fasteners for interconnecting the
connecting portion 60 to an armrest 40 or other portion of the
wheelchair or personal mobility device 36.
[0054] Referring still to FIG. 4B, and in accordance with at least
one embodiment of the present invention, the lap belt 28 preferably
has a contoured shape 48 that is adapted to fit on or adjacent a
user's waist for extended periods of time without causing
discomfort or bunching of the material that forms the lap belt 28.
In addition, preferably the lap belt 28 has one or more storage
pockets 58 that may be selectively opened with a zipper 14 or other
means such as hook and loop fasteners, buckles, or other devices
well known in the art. Preferably the zippers 14 include zipper
pulls 16 for easy access, and the device is preferably made of a
lightweight nylon or neoprene or foam material that may be rested
on a user's lap without providing excessive weight and/or heat.
[0055] Referring now to FIG. 5, an alternative embodiment of the
present invention is provided herein, wherein an underseat bin 34
is provided with one or more tethers 8 that are interconnected to
an accessory bag 6. More specifically, the underseat bin 34 is
designed to retain an accessory bag 6 by the means of one or more
tethers 8. In at least one embodiment, the tethers 8 are
operatively interconnected to the accessory bag 6 by the use of
attachment hardware 10, that preferably includes a locking device
for security purposes. Alternatively the tethers 8 may simply be
tied to the accessory bag 6. Furthermore, one or more attachment
loops 32 are interconnected along a perimeter edge of the underseat
bin 34, and that are designed for attachment of one or more tethers
8 and accessory bags 6, as necessary. The multiple attachment loops
32 are provided to facilitate both right and left handed users, or
for the physically disabled that are unable to use one hand.
[0056] Referring still to FIG. 5, in a preferred embodiment, the
underseat bin 34 includes one or more weep holes 30 that are used
to drain any retained liquid from water bottles, soda, or other
products that may spill from the accessory bag 6 or other liquid
container into the underseat bin 34. The use of one or weep holes
30 is applicable for all mother bags or docking stations described
herein. The accessory bag 6 used with the underseat bin 34 may also
include one or more storage pockets 58 that may be selectively
opened by means of a zipper 14 or other means well known in the
art. As further appreciated by one skilled in the art, the
underseat bin 34 is interconnected to the wheelchair or other
mobility device 36 with any attachment means, such as straps 24
with hook and loop material 22, buckles, or other means known in
the art. Alternatively the underseat bin 34 may be an integral
component of the personal mobility device 36.
[0057] Referring now to FIGS. 6A through 6C, an alternative
embodiment of the present invention is provided herein. More
specifically, a variable position storage device 52 is provided
that is removably interconnected to a bar or other member of a
wheelchair 36 by means of an interconnection strap 54 and
attachment disks 56 that are operably interconnected to the
interconnection straps 54. More specifically, the interconnection
straps 54 are sewn, welded, glued or otherwise attached to the
attachment disks 56, and that utilize hook and loop materials on
either end, buckles or other interconnection means to interconnect
the interconnection straps 54 to the wheelchair 36. Once the
interconnection straps 54 and attachment disk 56 are selectively
interconnected to the wheelchair 36, a variable position storage
device 52 is pushed against the attachment disks 56 and selectively
interconnected by means of a hook and loop material 22 that is
positioned on a rear portion of the variable position storage
device 52. As appreciated by one skilled in the art, the hook and
loop fastener material 22 may be placed in rows or patches as
opposed to covering substantially the entire back surface of the
variable position storage device 52. By utilizing one or more
interconnection straps 54 and associated attachment disks 56, the
variable position storage device 52 can be placed at any angle or
position of use preferred by the user, and can be used for any
purpose such as retaining a water bottle, cell phone, or other
device that is readily accessible by the user of the personal
mobility device 36. Furthermore, the interconnection straps 54 and
associated attachment disks 56 allow the interconnection of the
variable position storage device 52 on substantially any portion of
the wheelchair or personal mobility device 36, including the
armrest 40, structural framework, back rest 38, or other portions
associated therewith. Preferably, the variable position storage
device 52 is comprised of lightweight material such as nylon,
polyethylene, neoprene, and other materials well known in the art,
and may have any conceivable shape, size or number of
compartments.
[0058] In accordance with the various embodiments of the invention
described herein, the tethers 8 may comprise a non-elastic
material. Alternatively, the tethers 8 may comprise an elongate
material having elastic properties, such as one or more sections of
elastic straps, bungee cords, rubber bands, or other suitable
materials. In addition, the tethers 8 may further comprise an outer
sheath, wrapping, coating or sleeve of material 92 for encasing or
surrounding at least a portion of the elongated elastic portion of
the tether 8. The sleeve generally mitigates frictional resistance
of the elongate elastic materials of the tethers 8 against adjacent
items as the accessory bag 6 is pulled or released. In addition,
the sleeve further limits the elastic portion of the tether from
contacting a person's skin, and thereby causing pain to the
affected skin surface upon rubbing of the tether against the skin
surface.
[0059] In an alternative embodiment to an elongate material having
elastic properties, the tethers 8 may comprise a cord and winding
device, such as a winding spool having a biasing member such as a
return spring mechanism that automatically rewinds the cord upon
releasing the accessory bag 6. A motorized winding mechanism may
also be used.
[0060] In use, a user can access an accessory bag 6 by grasping or
otherwise engaging a handle 12 of the accessory bag 6, and then
removing the accessory bag 6 from the mother bag 4. The user can
then hold the accessory bag 6 and insert or obtain an item from the
accessory bag 6. During the entire process of removing and holding
or otherwise manipulating the accessory bag 6, the tether 8
provides an interconnection between the accessory bag 6 and the
mother bag 4. Accordingly, should the user drop the accessory bag
6, the accessory bag 6 remains interconnected to the wheelchair or
personal mobility device 36 to which the mother bag 4 is attached.
Furthermore, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the
present invention, the tether 8 includes retractable features that
provide for the return of the accessory bag 6 to the receiving
pocket 18 of the mother bag 4 when the user releases the accessory
bag 6.
[0061] Referring now to FIGS. 7A through 7E, and in accordance with
embodiments of the present invention, a variety of zipper pulls 16
are shown. As noted above, preferably the zippers 14 of the various
embodiments of the present invention include large zipper pulls 16
that may be easily grasped or otherwise engaged by the elderly or
physically challenged, wherein the zipper pulls 16 are sized to
receive one or more of a user's fingers, or even an entire hand.
Preferably the hand or zipper pulls 16 are comprised of rubber,
nylon, or elastic materials to facilitate stretching, and other
materials capable of resiliently stretching as known by those
skilled in the art may be utilized.
[0062] Referring now to FIG. 7A, a zipper pull 16a is provided
having a single loop 66 of material forming a planar band with an
opening 68 for receiving a user's finger or hand. The zipper pull
16a preferably includes a reinforcing base member 70 that provides
structural strength to the device.
[0063] Referring now to FIG. 7B, a zipper pull 16b is provided
having a single loop 66 of material that forms a planar band having
a substantially triangular-shaped opening 72. The base of zipper
pull 16b preferably includes a thickened base 74 that acts as a
reinforcing member near the zipper connection mechanism 76.
[0064] Referring now to FIG. 7C, a zipper pull 16c is provided
having an outer loop 78 and an inner member 80, wherein the inner
member 80 is substantially aligned along a longitudinal axis L-L of
the zipper pull 16c. The inner member 80 is preferably co-planar
with the outer loop 78. Between the inner member 80 and outer loop
78 are two openings 82a and 82b for one or more of the user's
fingers and/or a portion of the user's hand.
[0065] Referring now to FIG. 7D, a zipper pull 16d is provided
having a plurality of loop portions, and more particularly, a
three-part loop 84 comprising a first portion 86a, a second portion
86b, and a third portion 86c, wherein the first and second portions
86a and 86b are preferably co-planar. In addition, the third
portion 86c is preferably not co-planar with portions 86a and 86b.
In one embodiment, zipper pull 16d is formed by the addition of
third portion 86c to the single loop 66 of zipper pull 16b.
Openings between the portions 86a, 86b, and 86c are sized for
receiving one or more of the user's fingers and/or a portion of the
user's hand.
[0066] Referring now to FIG. 7E, a zipper pull 16e is provided
having a plurality of loop portions, and more particularly, a
four-part loop 88 comprising a first portion 90a, a second portion
90b, a third portion 90c, and a fourth portion 90d. The first and
second portions 90a and 90b are preferably co-planar, as are the
third and fourth portions 90c and 90d. However, the third and
fourth portions 90c and 90d and set at an angle to first and second
portions 90a and 90b. For the embodiment shown in FIG. 7E, the
third and fourth portions 90c and 90d are set at a 90 degree angle
to the first and second portions 90a and 90b. In one embodiment,
zipper pull 16e is formed by the addition of third portion 90c and
fourth portion 90d to the single loop 66 of zipper pull 16b;
alternatively, a fourth portion 90d is added to the first portion
86a, second portion 86b and third portion 86c of zipper pull 16d.
Openings between the portions 90a, 90b, 90c and 90d are sized to
receive one or more of the user's fingers and/or a portion of the
user's hand.
[0067] The non-planar and large features of zipper pulls 16d and
16e provide particularly advantageous accessibility for the
physically challenged user. More specifically, the zipper pulls
provide access despite their orientation because at least one loop
will always remain elevated from a surface of the accessory bag or
other item to which it is attached. In addition, all of the zipper
pulls described herein do not necessarily need to be grasped. That
is, a user can simply pass one or more fingers or a portion of
their hand through a loop of the zipper pull, and then provide a
force against a portion of the loop using any surface of their
finger or hand. The preferred relatively soft surfaced, pliable,
and large diameter materials forming the zipper pull loops are
comfortable against the user's skin surfaces and prevent bruising
or cuts.
[0068] Embodiments of the present invention and variations thereof
also have application for use in other stationary or moveable
items, such as, but not limited to, water craft and floatation
devices, hang gliders, hospital beds, horse saddles, bicycles, golf
carts, and lawn tractors. Accordingly, adaptations of embodiments
of the present invention for such alternate applications are within
the scope of the present invention.
[0069] While an effort has been made to describe various
alternatives to the preferred embodiment, other alternatives will
readily come to mind to those skilled in the art. Therefore, it
should be understood that the invention may be embodied in other
specific forms without departing from the spirit or central
characteristics thereof. Present examples and embodiments,
therefore, are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and
not restrictive, and the invention is not intended to be limited to
the details given herein.
[0070] To assist in the understanding of the present invention the
following list of components and associated numbering found in the
drawings is provided herein:
TABLE-US-00001 # Component 2 Storage bag 4 Mother bag or docking
station 6 Accessory bag 8 Tether 10 Attachment hardware 12 Handles
14 Zippers 16, 16a-16e Zipper pulls 18 Receiving pocket 20 Mesh 22
Hook and loop fastener 24 Strap 26 Magnet fasteners 28 Lap belt 30
Weep holes 32 Attachment loops 34 Underseat bin 36 Wheelchair or
personal mobility device 38 Wheelchair/mobility device back rest 40
Wheelchair/mobility device armrest 42 Wheelchair/mobility device
seat 44 Armrest pouch 46 Armrest pouch suspension strap 48 Lap belt
contoured shape 50 Cable ties 52 Variable position storage device
54 Interconnection straps 56 Attachment disks 58 Storage pockets 60
Connecting portions 62 First end 64 Second end 66 Single loop 68
Opening 70 Reinforcing base member 72 Triangular shaped opening 74
Thickened base 76 Zipper connection mechanism 78 Outer loop 80
Inner member 82a, 82b Openings 84 Three-part loop 86a First portion
86b Second portion 86c Third portion 88 Four-part loop 90a First
portion 90b Second portion 90c Third portion 90d Fourth portion 92
Sleeve of material
* * * * *