U.S. patent application number 12/818918 was filed with the patent office on 2011-12-22 for infant care system having a primary bag assembly.
Invention is credited to Christopher P. Dooley, Loren Taylor.
Application Number | 20110309121 12/818918 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45327764 |
Filed Date | 2011-12-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110309121 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dooley; Christopher P. ; et
al. |
December 22, 2011 |
Infant Care System having a Primary Bag Assembly
Abstract
An adaptable bag system for infant care is presented. The infant
care system has a primary bag assembly and a plurality of
detachable bag holders that are detachably securable to the primary
bag assembly. The primary bag assembly includes a diaper bag,
multiple storage pockets, multiple clicking posts for attaching
accessories, and a foldable flap for overlapping and covering the
diaper bag. The plurality of detachable bag holders are for holding
various baby articles, and each of the said bag holders have a
releasable latch for releasable attachment to the clicking posts.
The plurality of detachable bag holders could include bottle
holders, feeding accessories holders, pacifier holders, food bags,
cosmetics bags, small purses/money holders, waterproof bags,
clothes bags, cooler bags, wipes holders, storage bags, changing
pads, bag top flap, key chains, credit card holders, mat or blanket
holders, and cell phone and/or personal digital assistant (PDA)
cases.
Inventors: |
Dooley; Christopher P.; (New
Canaan, CT) ; Taylor; Loren; (Chatham, NJ) |
Family ID: |
45327764 |
Appl. No.: |
12/818918 |
Filed: |
June 18, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
224/576 ;
150/103; 150/106; 150/107; 224/577 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 7/0086 20130101;
A45C 13/30 20130101; A45C 15/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
224/576 ;
150/103; 150/106; 150/107; 224/577 |
International
Class: |
A45C 15/00 20060101
A45C015/00; A45F 4/00 20060101 A45F004/00; A45C 13/30 20060101
A45C013/30; A45C 3/08 20060101 A45C003/08; A45C 13/40 20060101
A45C013/40 |
Claims
1. An infant care system comprising: (a) a primary bag assembly;
(b) a plurality of clicking posts disposed along the interior
and/or exterior of said primary bag assembly, said clicking posts
fixed, repositionable, and/or movable along said primary bag
assembly; and (c) a plurality of bag holders for holding various
articles and accessories, each bag holder having a latch for
releasable attachment to one of said clicking posts.
2. The infant care system of claim 1, said primary bag assembly
includes at least one storage pocket.
3. The infant care system of claim 1, further comprising: (d) a
foldable flap attached to said primary bag system.
4. The infant care system of claim 3, wherein said foldable flap is
removable from said primary bag assembly so that said primary bag
assembly functions as a tote style bag.
5. The infant care system of claim 3, wherein said bag holders
and/or said foldable flap include a decorative exterior which
changes the appearance of said primary bag assembly.
6. The infant care system of claim 1, further comprising: (d) a
carrying strap.
7. The infant care system of claim 6, wherein at least one said
clicking post is disposed along said carrying strap in a fixed,
repositionable, or movable fashion.
8. The infant care system of claim 7, wherein said carrying strap
is usable as a utility belt capable of holding at least one said
bag holder.
9. The infant care system of claim 8, wherein said carrying strap
is attachable to at least one said bag holder separate from said
primary bag assembly.
10. The infant care system of claim 1, wherein said bag holders
include a bottle holder, a feeding accessories holder, a pacifier
holder, a food bag, a cosmetics bag, a small purses/money holder, a
waterproof bag, a clothes bag, a cooler bag, a wipes holder, a
storage bag, a changing pad, a bag top flap, a key holder, a credit
card holder, a mat holder, a blanket holder, a camera case, a cell
phone case, or a personal digital assistant (PDA) case.
11. The infant care system of claim 1, wherein said latch includes
a spring actuated quick release and attachment mechanism requiring
only one-hand for operation.
12. The infant care system of claim 11, wherein said latch includes
a hole for receiving one of said clicking posts, and internal latch
members which move relative to each other to change the size of
said hole, and two push buttons on opposite sides of said latch for
actuating said internal latch members.
13. The infant care system of claim 12, wherein said latch includes
an inner claw which rotates when said latch is pushed onto said
clicking post or when said push buttons are depressed so as to open
said hole.
14. The infant care system of claim 13, wherein said latch includes
an outer claw, at least said spring resets said latch after
detachment and attachment of said latch relative to said clicking
post.
15. The infant care system of claim 1, further comprising: (d) at
least one secondary attachment element disposed along said primary
bag assembly to further secure and stabilize attachment of said bag
holders.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] None.
FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
[0002] None.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] 1. Field of the Invention
[0004] The invention generally relates to an infant care system
having a primary bag assembly and a plurality of detachable bag
holders that are detachably securable to the primary bag assembly.
Specifically, the primary bag assembly includes a diaper bag,
multiple storage pockets, multiple clicking posts for attaching bag
holders for holding accessories, and a foldable flap for
overlapping and covering the diaper bag. The plurality of
detachable bag holders could include bottle holders, feeding
accessories holders, pacifier holders, food bags, cosmetics bags,
small purses/money holders, waterproof bags, clothes bags, cooler
bags, wipes holders, storage bags, changing pads, bag top flap, key
chains, credit card holders, mat or blanket holders, and cell phone
and/or personal digital assistant (PDA) cases.
[0005] 2. Background
[0006] Parents are always on the go and need to be more organized
than ever before when caring for their babies. Changing tables in
public restrooms, fast care in the car, and organizing for day
care, are all the norms of today's baby care. Parents are always
looking for the latest way to maximize care, convenience, and
quickness.
[0007] There are some days when a parent needs to pack an extra
bottle or an extra snack. If a parent goes out for a short shopping
trip, one packs differently than for a long drive, or for other
chores.
[0008] In addition, as a baby grows, the baby has different needs
for bottles, food, and diapers, so that a normal diaper bag with
pockets does not meet the need of a parent and baby.
[0009] The related arts do not provide an adaptable and
configurable infant bag system which provides the flexibility
required to hold, store, and transport a variety of items otherwise
required for the care of an infant during various activities
engaged in by active families.
[0010] Accordingly, what is required is an updated infant care
system that is portable, changeable, easy to use, and
convenient.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] An object of the invention is to provide an infant care
system and diaper bag which is durable, comfortable, and stylish,
and provides a great deal of organization for all of the
accessories and items required for the care of an infant.
[0012] Another object of the invention is to provide an infant care
system that is convenient, versatile, and organized.
[0013] Another object of the invention is to provide an infant care
system that allows a parent to attach different bag holders and
different accessories as the baby grows, to meet the changing needs
of the baby.
[0014] Another object of the invention is to provide an infant care
system that allows a parent to personalize and attach different bag
holders and different accessories on a daily basis in order to meet
different needs.
[0015] Another object of the invention is to provide an infant care
system wherein the detachable bag holders are organized so that
each is for a specific use or activity, such as bottle feeding,
solid feeding, changing diapers, cleaning up, extra pacifiers, and
accessing personal items, such as a cell phone, a camera, keys,
money, or credit cards.
[0016] Another object of the invention is to provide an infant care
system that utilizes a quick release latch having a spring which
may be operated by only one hand in order to quickly detach the
detachable bag holder from the clicking post disposed along the
primary bag assembly.
[0017] Another object of the invention is to provide an infant care
system that utilizes a quick release latch and clicking post which
provides a secure connection to the primary bag assembly so that
accessories will not fall out, and so that the detachable bag
holders will not fall off the primary bag assembly.
[0018] Another object of the invention is to provide an infant care
system that allows a parent to attach and detach the separate bag
holders in order to customize the infant care system for the needs
of that day.
[0019] Another object of the invention is to provide an infant care
system wherein the detachable bag holders are easily visible on the
outside of the primary bag assembly for easy selection and use by a
parent.
[0020] In accordance with various embodiments of the invention, the
infant care system includes a primary bag assembly and a plurality
of detachable bag holders that are detachably securable to the
primary bag assembly. The primary bag assembly includes a diaper
bag, multiple storage pockets, multiple clicking posts for
attaching accessories, and a foldable flap for overlapping and
covering the diaper bag. The plurality of detachable bag holders is
for holding various baby articles, and each bag holder has a
releasable latch for releasable attachment to a clicking post. The
plurality of detachable bag holders could include a baby bottle
holder, a food holder, a pacifier holder, a baby wipe holder, an
accessory holder for a cell phone, a camera, keys, or credit
cards.
[0021] Numerous advantages are offered by the invention described
herein.
[0022] An advantage of the invention is that it provides an infant
care system and diaper bag which is durable, comfortable, and
stylish, and also provides a great deal of organization for all of
the baby products that must be portable.
[0023] Another advantage of the invention is that it provides an
infant care system that is convenient, versatile, and
organized.
[0024] Another advantage of the invention is that it provides an
infant care system that allows a parent to attach different bag
holders and different accessories as the baby grows, to meet the
changing needs of the baby.
[0025] Another advantage of the invention is that it provides an
infant care system that allows a parent to personalize and attach
different bag holders and different accessories on a daily basis in
order to meet different needs.
[0026] Another advantage of the invention is that it provides an
infant care system wherein the detachable bag holders are organized
so that each is for a specific use or activity, such as bottle
feeding, solid feeding, delivering medications, changing diapers,
cleaning up, storing extra pacifiers, and accessing personal items,
such as a cell phone, a camera, keys, money, or credit cards.
[0027] Another advantage of the invention is that it provides an
infant care system that utilizes a quick release latch having a
spring which may be operated by only one hand in order to quickly
detach the detachable bag holders from the clicking posts on the
primary bag assembly.
[0028] Another advantage of the invention is that it provides an
infant care system that utilizes a quick release latch and clicking
post which provides a secure connection to the primary bag assembly
so that accessories will not fall out, and so that the detachable
bag holders will not fall off the primary bag assembly.
[0029] Another advantage of the invention is that it provides an
infant care system that allows a parent to attach and detach the
separate bag holders in order to customize the infant care system
for the needs of that day.
[0030] Another advantage of the invention is that it provides an
infant care system wherein the detachable bag holders are easily
visible on the outside of the primary bag assembly for easy
selection and use by a parent.
[0031] Another advantage of the invention is that it allows a
parent to organize accessories inside and outside of the primary
bag system and along a shoulder strap.
[0032] Another advantage of the invention is that it provides a
removable strap which could be used to secure one or more bag
holders about the waist of a parent or could be used to carry one
or more bag holders separate and apart from the primary bag
assembly.
[0033] Another advantage of the invention is that it provides a
multi-functional item that is also fashionable so as to include
customizable prints and/or fabrics.
[0034] Another advantage of the invention is that it provides a
solution whereby the accessory bags are clearly visible along the
exterior of the primary bag assembly so as to minimize the
possibility of forgetting an important item.
[0035] Another advantage of the invention is that it is easily
adaptable to the ever changing needs and demands of a growing
child.
[0036] Another advantage of the invention is that it provides a
solution which allows a parent to attach items in the most logical
and convenient locations along the bag system.
[0037] Another advantage of the invention is that it allows a
parent to change the appearance and aesthetics of the bag system
via a variety of different, fresh and new prints, colors, and
patterns disposed along the exterior of the bag holders.
[0038] Another advantage of the invention is that it provides a bag
system that fully integrates both function and design into a total
solution.
TABLE-US-00001 REFERENCE NUMERALS 10 Infant care system 12 Carrying
strap 14 Closure element 16 Fastener 18 Central pocket 20 Primary
bag assembly 22 Diaper bag 24 Storage pocket 26 Storage pocket 28
Storage pocket 30 Storage pocket 32 Foldable flap 34 Storage pocket
40 Clicking post 43 Bulbous end 45 Extension 47 Base 48 Structure
50 Bag holder 60 Latch 80 Mat 90 First circular element 92 Central
hole 94 Push button 100 Second circular element 102 Central hole
110 Latch member 112 Outer claw 114 Notch 116 Spring 118 Inner
opening 120 Inner claw 122 Push button 124 Pivoting latch member
126 Pin 127 Opening 128 Opening 129 Opening 130 Secondary
attachment element 131 Arcuate side 133 Upper portion 135 Landing
140 Buckle 142 First buckle element 144 Second buckle element 150
Interior 160 Zipper 162 Ring 164 Strap 170 Slidable assembly 172
Bendable strap 174 Fastener
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0039] Additional aspects, features, and advantages of the
invention will be understood and will become more readily apparent
when the invention is considered in the light of the following
description made in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
[0040] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view illustrating the primary
bag assembly when in the closed position in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention.
[0041] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view illustrating the primary
bag assembly when in the open position in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention.
[0042] FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view illustrating the primary
bag assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0043] FIG. 4 includes various views illustrating a variety of
detachable bag holders that are detachably secured to the bag
assembly in accordance with embodiments of the invention.
[0044] FIG. 5 includes various views illustrating a variety of
detachable bag holders that are detachably secured to the bag
assembly in accordance with embodiments of the invention.
[0045] FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a foldable diaper
changing pad in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0046] FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating the releasable
latch for releasable attachment to a clicking post in accordance
with an embodiment of the invention.
[0047] FIG. 8a is a front side view illustrating the releasable
latch in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0048] FIG. 8b is a rear side view illustrating the releasable
latch in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0049] FIG. 9 is a front exploded view illustrating elements of the
releasable latch in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention.
[0050] FIG. 10 is a rear exploded view illustrating elements of the
releasable latch in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention.
[0051] FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating location of
clicking posts along the interior wall of the primary bag assembly
and secondary attachment elements along one side thereof in
accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0052] FIG. 12a is a perspective view illustrating the carrying
strap removed from the primary bag assembly in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention.
[0053] FIG. 12b is a perspective view illustrating the carrying
strap configured for use as a utility-like belt in accordance with
an embodiment of the invention.
[0054] FIG. 13a is a top view illustrating a clicking post attached
to a fabric strip and having a hook-and-loop attachment element
that allows the assembly to be secured to the primary bag assembly
in a slidable fashion in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention.
[0055] FIG. 13b is a perspective view illustrating the embodiment
in FIG. 13a folded for attachment onto a carrying strap in
accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0056] Reference will now be made in detail to several preferred
embodiments of the invention that are illustrated in the
accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, same or similar reference
numerals are used in the drawings and the description to refer to
the same or like parts. The drawings are not to precise scale.
While various features are separately described herein, it is
understood that two or more such features could be combined into a
single embodiment. Also, while an infant bag is specifically
described herein, the invention is likewise applicable to other
uses including, but not limited to, travel bags, professional bags,
sports bags, school bags, and computer bags. Components could be
composed of one or more natural and/or man-made materials known
within the art. Components and assemblies are manufactured via
techniques understood in the art.
[0057] Referring now to FIGS. 1-5, the invention provides an infant
care system 10 having a primary bag assembly 20 and a plurality of
detachable bag holders 50 that are detachably securable to the
primary bag assembly 20. The primary bag assembly 20 is constructed
to include at least one large central pocket 18 accessible via an
optional foldable flap 32. The central pocket 18 could include a
plurality of flexible and/or stretchable walls composed of a one or
more materials fastened, sewn, and/or secured via methods
understood in the art to form a pocket-like structure with a cavity
having a preferred shape, non-limiting examples including
rectangular, square and circular, yet be sufficiently voluminous,
stretchable and/or expandable to accommodate items and accessories
placed into it. The central pocket 18 could further include one or
more storage pockets 24, 26, 28, 30, 34 disposed along the exterior
thereof to form a diaper bag 22. Other storage pockets could also
be provided along the interior of the central pocket 18. A foldable
flap 32 could overlap and cover portions of the diaper bag 22.
[0058] Storage pockets 24, 26, 28, 30, 34 could be fabricated from
one or more flexible and/or stretchable materials which are
fastened, sewn and/or secured onto the exterior of the primary bag
assembly 20 about the central pocket 18. The central pocket 18
could include a closure element 14, one example being a zipper,
which allows a user to open and close the central pocket 18 so as
to secure items stored therein.
[0059] The exterior of the various components of the infant care
system 10 could include decorative designs which are printed,
applied, or embedded within or onto the materials comprising the
components. For example, this feature allows a user to change the
overall appearance of the primary bag assembly 20 via the bag
holders 50 and/or foldable flap 32.
[0060] In some embodiments, the storage pockets 24, 30, 34 could be
readily accessible as shown along the side and ends of the primary
bag assembly 20, as represented in FIGS. 1 and 3. In other
embodiments, the storage pockets 26, 28 could be covered by the
foldable flap 32 attached to the primary bag assembly 20 and
disposed in a closable fashion over the storage pockets 26, 28, as
represented in FIG. 2. In yet other embodiments, the foldable flap
32 could be fixed to the primary bag assembly 20 as a messenger bag
or secured thereto in a detachable construction via a zipper or
hook-and-loop fastener system to form a tote bag. Furthermore, the
primary bag system 20 could include a fastener 16, one non-limiting
example being a hook-and-loop system, disposed along the exterior
thereof so as to receive and hold the foldable flap 32.
[0061] The primary bag assembly 20 could further include a carrying
strap 12 which is secured thereto in a detachable fashion and which
could be adjustable to vary its length. The carrying strap 12 could
include a first buckle element 142 and a second buckle element 144
disposed at opposite ends thereof, as represented in FIG. 12a. The
first buckle element 142 and second buckle element 144 could attach
to complementary elements disposed at opposite ends of the primary
bag assembly 20 to complete the buckles 140, as represented in FIG.
1. In some embodiments, the carrying strap 12 could be removable so
as to function as a utility belt worn about the waist of a user, as
represented in FIG. 12b, or as a stand along strap to carry one or
more bag holders 50 or other accessories separate from the primary
bag assembly 20.
[0062] The primary bag assembly 20 further includes a plurality of
clicking posts 40 facilitating attachment of the bag holders 50
thereto in a detachable fashion. In some embodiments, the clicking
posts 40 could be located along the exterior surfaces of the
primary bag assembly 20, as represented in FIGS. 1 and 11. In other
embodiments, the clicking posts 40 could be located along the
carrying strap 12, as represented in FIGS. 1, 12a, and 12b. In yet
other embodiments, the clicking posts 40 could be located along the
interior 150 of the primary bag assembly 20, as represented in FIG.
11.
[0063] In some embodiments, the clicking posts 40 could be fixed to
the primary bag assembly 20 along one or more locations along the
exterior (front, side, back, top and/or bottom) and/or interior
thereof and/or carrying strap 12 therefore. Clicking posts 40 could
be composed of a hard plastic and/or metal.
[0064] Referring now to FIG. 7, each clicking post 40 could include
a bulbous end 43 attached to an extension 45 of generally
cylindrical shape and having a base 47 of generally planar shape.
The clicking post 40 is attached to a structure 48, examples
including but not limited to the walls of the primary bag assembly
20 and carrying strap 12. In one possible attachment scheme, the
base 47 and a washer are aligned along opposite sides of the
structure 48 and a pin or the like is inserted through the washer
into the base 47 and extension 45 so as to lock the assembly onto
the structure 48. In preferred embodiments, the pin forms a
friction fit when inserted into the extension 45. In some
embodiments, the described arrangement might allow a user to remove
the otherwise fixed clicking post 40 from the structure 48 so as to
reposition the location of the clicking post 40 along the primary
bag assembly 20 to maximize convenience. In yet other embodiments,
the clicking posts 40 could be attached to the primary bag assembly
20 via a rivet or other fasteners understood in the art. In another
attachment scheme, the clicking post 40 could be sewn into a
component, as represented for the slidable assembly 170 in FIG.
13a.
[0065] In other embodiments, the clicking posts 40 could be
attached to the primary bag assembly 20 in a movable fashion so as
to reposition the clicking posts 40 as needed by the user to
maximize convenience. Referring now to FIGS. 12a, 12b, and 13a,
13b, the clicking post 40 is now shown attached to a slidable
assembly 170. The slidable assembly 170 could include a clicking
post 40 attached to a bendable strap 172, examples including but
not limited to a strip of fabric and/or plastic, via means
described herein or otherwise known within the art. The bendable
strap 172 could further include a pair of complementary fasteners
174, one non-limiting example being hook-and-loop elements, secured
at opposite ends thereof. The clicking post 40 is attached to the
carrying strap 12 by bending the bendable strap 172 around the
carrying strap 12 and securing the ends thereof via the fasteners
174. This arrangement allows the slidable assembly 170 to be
repositionable along the length of the carrying strap 12 which is
valuable when the carrying strap 12 is used as a utility belt
separate from the primary bag assembly 20.
[0066] In other embodiments, the moveable clicking posts 40 could
be disposed within a track-like element attached to the primary bag
assembly 20 and/or carrying strap 12. The clicking posts 40 could
slide along the track elements for repositioning purposes required
to accommodate the size and placement of bag holders 50 and/or for
a more ergonomic arrangement. Clicking posts 40 could be secured at
a specific location along a track via a lock mechanism, friction
fit, spring detent pin lock, or other means understood in the
art.
[0067] Each clicking post 40 enables a user to secure a bag holder
50 to the primary bag assembly 20. Referring now to FIGS. 4-5, a
variety of exemplary detachable bag holders 50 are shown for use
with the infant care system 10. It is understood that the bag
holders 50 could be sold in a variety of sizes and shapes for a
variety of applications. Each bag holder 50 includes at least one
latch 60 which allows the bag holder 50 to be secured to a clicking
post 40. It is further understood that a bag holder 50 could
include one or more features described herein. It is also further
understood that a bag holder 50 could be separately functional from
the remainder of the primary bag assembly 20.
[0068] In some embodiments, the bag holders 50 could include
pocket-like components which allow for the storage of one or more
items in a secure and accessible fashion. In other embodiments, the
bag holders 50 could include a zipper 160 or other fastening means
known within the art allowing a user to close and/or lock a bag
holder 50 or attach the bag holder 50 to a carrying strap 12. In
yet other embodiments, the bag holder 50 could include a ring 162
attached to a strap 164 for use as a key chain or the like. In
still other embodiments, the bag holder 50 could be configured as a
foldable mat 80 for use with changing a baby or as a ground cover
for a picnic or other outdoor activity, as represented in FIG.
6.
[0069] The bag holders 50 are configurable to function for one or
more uses, examples including but not limited to bottle holders,
feeding accessories holders, pacifier holders, food bags, cosmetics
bags, small purses/money holders, waterproof bags, clothes bags,
cooler bags, wipes holders, storage bags, changing pads, bag top
flap, key chains, credit card holders, mat or blanket holders, and
cell phone and/or personal digital assistant (PDA) cases.
Accordingly, bag holders 50 could be constructed of such exemplary,
non-limiting materials including leather, fabrics, plastics,
metals, water proof materials, stretchable materials, and
insulation materials.
[0070] Referring now to FIGS. 7, 8a, 8b, and 9, the releasable
latch 60 enabling attachment of the various bag holders 50 to a
primary bag assembly 20 via a clicking post 40 is shown. The latch
60 includes a first circular element 90 with a central hole 92 for
receiving a clicking post 40, a push button 122, and an opening 129
along one side allowing attachment of a strap or the like to the
latch 60. The latch 60 also includes a coplanar second circular
element 100 having a central hole 102 for receiving a clicking post
40. The central holes 92, 102 are aligned and attached so that when
the latch 60 is assembled, the holes 92, 102 are aligned. Elements
comprising the latch 60 could be composed of a plastic or other
material compatible with functional aspects of each element.
[0071] Between the first and second circular elements 90 and 100 is
a latch member 110 having an outer claw 112 for engaging the inside
of the first circular element 90, a notch 114 for receiving a
spring 116, an inner opening 118 for receiving an inner claw 120,
and a second push button 94. The generally arcuate and y-shaped
inner claw 120 is mounted on and pivots about a pin 126 extending
perpendicularly from the first circular element 90. The distal end
of the pin 126 could reside within an opening 127 along the second
circular element 100. The inner claw 120 and outer claw 112 are
preferred to be deformable and resilient. The spring 116 biases the
inner claw 120 towards the arcuate side 131 of the inner opening
118 so as to form an opening 128 which is smaller that the central
holes 92, 102. The first and second circular elements 90, 100 are
shaped so as to allow the second push button 94 to extend from the
latch 60 and move freely therein.
[0072] To secure the latch 60 to a clicking post 40, the releasable
latch 60 is aligned over the opening 128 so as to contact the
bulbous end 43 of the clicking post 40. Thereafter, a force is
applied onto the latch 60 in the direction of the clicking post 40.
The spring 116, inner claw 120, and outer claw 112 allow the hole
128 to enlarge and to receive the clicking post 40. The resultant
forces applied to the latch 60 compress the outer claw 112 as the
inner latch member 110 slides toward the push button 122. The inner
claw 120 contacts an upper portion 133 of the latch member 110
causing the inner claw 120 to rotate about the pin 126 and toward
the spring 116 compressing the spring 116 and optionally
compressing a portion of the inner claw 120 immediately adjacent to
the spring 116. The resultant motion causes the hole 128 to enlarge
sufficiently so as to allow the latch 60 to pass over the bulbous
end 43. After the latch 60 slides over the bulbous end 43, the
opening forces are diminished and the latch member 110 returns to
its original or nearly original position via the resiliency of the
outer claw 112 and the inner claw 120 returns to its original or
nearly original position via the resiliency of the spring 116 and
optionally via the inner claw 120. After the hole 128 has cleared
the bulbous end 43, the restoring elements within the latch 60
ensure the extension 45 is disposed between the arcuate side 131
and the inner claw 120 locking the latch 60 to the clicking post
40. In this manner, a detachable bag holder 50 is secured to the
clicking post 40.
[0073] To release the latch 60 from the clicking post 40, a force
is applied onto the two push buttons 94 and 122. The latch member
110 slides toward the push button 122 compressing the outer claw
112. The inner claw 120 contacts the upper portion 133 causing it
to rotate about the pin 126 and toward the spring 116 compressing
the spring 116 and optionally compressing a portion of the inner
claw 120 immediately adjacent to the spring 116. The resultant
motion causes the hole 128 to enlarge sufficiently so as to allow
the latch 60 to pass up and over the bulbous end 43. Thereafter,
the compressive forces are removed from the push buttons 94, 122
and the latch member 110 returns to its original position via the
resiliency of the outer claw 112 and the inner claw 120 returns to
its original position via the resiliency of the spring 116 and
optionally via the inner claw 120. In this manner, a detachable bag
holder 50 is released from the clicking post 40.
[0074] Referring now to FIG. 10, an alternate embodiment is shown
wherein the restoring forces are imposed by the spring 116. In this
embodiment, the latch member 110 has an inner opening 118, a notch
114 for receiving a spring 116, and an arcuate pivoting latch
member 124. When assembled between the first and second circular
elements 90, 100 described herein, the pivoting latch member 124 is
rotatable about the pin 126 and the landing 135 along the pivoting
latch member 124 contacts the spring 116.
[0075] To secure the latch 60 to a clicking post 40, the releasable
latch 60 is aligned over the opening 128 so as to contact the
bulbous end 43 of the clicking post 40. Thereafter, a force is
applied onto the latch 60 in the direction of the clicking post 40.
The spring 116 pivoting latch member 124 and spring 116 allow the
hole 128 to enlarge and to receive the clicking post 40. The
resultant forces applied to the latch 60 cause the latch member 110
to slide toward the push button 122. This results in the upper
portion 133 contacting the inner claw 120 causing the inner claw
120 to rotate about the pin 126 and toward the spring 116
compressing the spring 116 and optionally compressing a portion of
the inner claw 120 immediately adjacent to the spring 116. The
resultant motion causes the hole 128 to enlarge sufficiently so as
to allow the latch 60 to pass down and over the bulbous end 43.
After the latch 60 slides over the bulbous end 43, the opening
forces are diminished and the latch member 110 and the inner claw
120 return to their original or nearly original position via the
resiliency of the spring 116 and optionally via the inner claw 120.
After the hole 128 has cleared the bulbous end 43, the restoring
elements within the latch 60 ensure the extension 45 is disposed
between the arcuate side 131 and the inner claw 120 locking the
latch 60 to the clicking post 40. In this manner, a detachable bag
holder 50 is secured to the clicking post 40.
[0076] To release the latch 60 from the clicking post 40, a force
is applied onto the two push buttons 94 and 122. The latch member
110 slides toward the push button 122. The upper portion 133
contacts the inner claw 120 causing it to rotate about the pin 126
and toward the spring 116 compressing the spring 116 and optionally
compressing a portion of the inner claw 120 immediately adjacent to
the spring 116. The resultant motion causes the hole 128 to enlarge
sufficiently so as to allow the latch 60 to pass up and over the
bulbous end 43. Thereafter, the compressive forces are removed from
the push buttons 94, 122 and the latch member 110 returns to its
original position via the resiliency of the spring 116 and
optionally via the inner claw 120. In this manner, a detachable bag
holder 50 is released from the clicking post 40.
[0077] In some embodiments, it might be advantageous to include one
or more secondary attachment elements 130, as generally represented
in FIGS. 2 and 11, to stabilize the bag holders 50 attached to the
primary bag assembly 20. The secondary attachment elements 130
could include, but are not limited to, a hook-and-loop fastener
system, a magnet-metal system, a pair of magnets, or other
mechanical mechanisms understood in the art, including but not
limited to an eyelet or clip with spring loaded lock. The secondary
attachment elements 130 are complementarily applied to and between
the primary bag assembly 20 and bag holder 50. Hook-and-loop
fasteners could be applied along the exterior surfaces of the
secondary attachment elements 130 and bag holder 50. Magnet-based
and mechanical embodiments could be applied along the exterior
surface or embedded within the walls of the primary bag assembly 20
and bag holder 50. In one example, a magnet could be embedded
within one wall of the primary bag assembly 20 and a small metal
disk embedded within the wall of a bag holder 50 so that the magnet
attracts the metal disk when the bag holder 50 contacts the primary
bag assembly 20.
[0078] The description above indicates that a great degree of
flexibility is offered in terms of the invention. Although various
embodiments have been described in considerable detail with
reference to certain preferred versions thereof, other versions are
possible. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims
should not be limited to the description of the preferred versions
contained herein.
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