APPARATUS FOR CARRYING ONE OR MORE SUSPENDED ITEMS

Abstract

An apparatus for carrying one or more suspended items includes a unitary disc-shaped object having first and second arcuate portions each with first and second ends, and an intermediate portion extending between and interconnecting the first and second arcuate portions. The apparatus further includes a strap attached to the disc-shaped object. The first and second arcuate portions together define a generally circular profile of the disc-shaped object. Respective first ends of the first and second arcuate portions are disposed adjacently in opposed relation to one another and respective second ends of the first and second arcuate portions are disposed adjacently in opposed relation to one another, whereby passages are defined between adjacent corresponding ends of the first and second arcuate portions through which a handle of a bag may be received.

Description

COPYRIGHT STATEMENT

All of the material in this patent document is subject to copyright protection under the copyright laws of the United States and other countries. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in official governmental records but, otherwise, all other copyright rights whatsoever are reserved.

BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

1. Field of the Present Invention

The present invention generally relates to an apparatus for use in carrying one or more suspended items and, in particular, to an apparatus for use in connection with simultaneously carrying a plurality of suspended shopping bags.

2. Background

Grocery stores, pharmacies and various retail shopping centers typically provide customers with relatively lightweight shopping bags to contain purchases. Conventional shopping bags may be manufactured from a range of different materials, including paper-based and plastic materials, and typically include one or more closed loop handles to provide the customer with an easy way to carry the bag. However, in view of the overall small size of most conventional shopping bags, customers are often faced with the prospect of carrying a large quantity of individual shopping bags in order to transport all of the purchased items from the store to a chosen destination. This burden may be enhanced by the reality in many urban communities where customers opt to walk or use mass transportation to visit and shop at various retail establishments. Further still, a customer with a large quantity of individual shopping bags is likely to have difficulty carrying additional items that require a free hand, such as a handbag or briefcase.

Accordingly, a need exists for an apparatus that can be used to carry a plurality of filled shopping bags simultaneously. In particular, a need exists for an apparatus that permits the user to have his or her hands free to carry other personal items, such as a handbag or a briefcase. Additionally, a need exists for an apparatus that can be worn by the user over his or her shoulder or attached to a carrying bag, such as a backpack or purse and the like. Further, a need exists for an apparatus that can avoid spilling or dumping the shopping bags when the apparatus is tilted or jostled while in use. Still further, a need exists for an apparatus that has relatively smooth or curved edges in order to minimize damage to the shopping bags or the user's garments and accessories.

One or more of these needs is addressed by one or more embodiments of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The present invention includes many aspects and features. Moreover, while many aspects and features relate to, and are described in, the context of carrying a plurality of filled shopping bags simultaneously, the present invention is not limited to use only in connection with carrying a plurality of filled shopping bags simultaneously, as will become apparent from the following summaries and detailed descriptions of aspects, features, and one or more embodiments of the present invention.

Briefly described, the present invention according to one aspect includes an apparatus for carrying one or more suspended items that includes a unitary disc-shaped object having first and second arcuate portions and an intermediate portion extending between and interconnecting the first and second arcuate portions. The first and second arcuate portions together define a generally circular profile of the disc-shaped object.

In features of this aspect, the apparatus may further include a strap attached to the disc-shaped object; respective ends of the strap may be attached to the disc-shaped object with clasp mechanisms; respective ends of the strap may be integrated with the disc-shaped object; a handle-receiving space may be defined between the first and second arcuate portions and the intermediate portion; two handle-receiving spaces may be defined between the first and second arcuate portions and the intermediate portion; and the disc-shaped object may include an aperture therethrough for permitting attachment of the apparatus to an accessory.

In another feature of this aspect, the first arcuate portion may have opposite first and second ends and the second arcuate portion may have opposite first and second ends, wherein the first end of the first arcuate portion is disposed in opposed relation to the first end of the second arcuate portion. A passage may be defined through which a handle of a bag may be received for suspension of the bag from the apparatus, whereby the handle wraps at least partially around the second arcuate portion.

In still another feature of this aspect, the first arcuate portion may have opposite first and second ends and the second arcuate portion may have opposite first and second ends, wherein the first end of the first arcuate portion is disposed adjacently in opposed relation to the first end of the second arcuate portion, and wherein the second end of the first arcuate portion is disposed adjacently in opposed relation to the second end of the second arcuate portion. Passages may be defined between adjacent corresponding ends of the first and second arcuate portions through which a handle of a bag may be received.

In still yet another feature of this aspect, the first arcuate portion may be dimensioned and configured to pass through an opening defined by the handle of the bag, whereby the handle wraps at least partially around the intermediate portion.

Briefly described, the present invention according to another aspect includes an apparatus for carrying one or more suspended items that includes a unitary disc-shaped object having an outer ring portion and an intermediate portion attached thereto and extending into the interior of the ring portion. The outer ring portion defines an interior passage through which a handle of a bag may be received for suspension of the bag from the apparatus, whereby the handle wraps at least partially around the intermediate portion.

In features of this aspect, the apparatus may further include a strap attached to the disc-shaped object; respective ends of the strap may be attached to the disc-shaped object with clasp mechanisms; respective ends of the strap may be integrated with the disc-shaped object; the disc-shaped object may include an aperture therethrough for permitting attachment of the apparatus to an accessory; the outer ring portion may have a generally circular shape; and the outer ring portion may have a generally elliptical shape.

Briefly described, the present invention according to still another aspect includes an apparatus for carrying one or more suspended items that includes a unitary disc-shaped object having first and second arcuate portions each with first and second ends, and an intermediate portion extending between and interconnecting the first and second arcuate portions. The apparatus further includes a strap integrated with the disc-shaped object. The first and second arcuate portions together define a generally circular profile of the disc-shaped object. Respective first ends of the first and second arcuate portions are disposed adjacently in opposed relation to one another and respective second ends of the first and second arcuate portions are disposed adjacently in opposed relation to one another, whereby passages are defined between adjacent corresponding ends of the first and second arcuate portions through which a handle of a bag may be received.

In features of this aspect, the handle of the bag may wrap at least partially around the intermediate portion; and the disc-shaped object may include an aperture therethrough for permitting attachment of the apparatus to an accessory.

Additional aspects relating to apparatus for carrying one or more suspended items are disclosed in the drawings hereof.

Other aspects of the invention relate to methods of use of the foregoing aspects.

Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further features, embodiments, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus for carrying one or more suspended items in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the apparatus of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the disc-shaped carrier of FIGS. 1-3;

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the disc-shaped carrier of FIGS. 1-3;

FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of the disc-shaped carrier of FIGS. 1-3;

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 3, shown with a shopping bag suspended from the disc-shaped carrier thereof;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an apparatus for carrying one or more suspended items in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view of the disc-shaped carrier of FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is an image depicting the apparatus of FIG. 8 being worn over the shoulder of a user, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is an image similar to that of FIG. 11 wherein a shopping bag is suspended from the disc-shaped carrier, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention;

FIGS. 13 and 14 are images depicting the disc-shaped carrier of FIG. 10 attached to a purse and a carrying bag, respectively;

FIG. 15 is a front perspective view of a disc-shaped carrier for supporting one or more suspended items in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a front perspective view of the disc-shaped carrier of FIG. 15 with opposite ends of a strap respectively attached to bounded openings defined in the disc-shaped carrier;

FIG. 17 is a front perspective view of a disc-shaped carrier for supporting one or more suspended items and including bounded openings for receiving a strap, and/or alternatively for attachment of the object to a purse, backpack, or carrying bag and the like, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a front perspective view of a disc-shaped carrier for supporting one or more suspended items and including a single bounded opening for receiving a strap, and/or alternatively for attachment of the object to a purse, backpack, or carrying bag and the like, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 19 is a front perspective view of a disc-shaped carrier for supporting one or more suspended items and including a single bounded opening for receiving a strap, and/or alternatively for attachment of the object to a purse, backpack, or carrying bag and the like, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 20 is a front perspective view of a disc-shaped carrier for supporting one or more suspended items and including bounded openings for receiving a strap, and/or alternatively for attachment to a purse, backpack, or carrying bag and the like, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 21 is a front perspective view of a disc-shaped carrier for supporting one or more suspended items and including bounded openings for receiving a strap, and/or alternatively for attachment to a purse, backpack, or carrying bag and the like, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by one having ordinary skill in the relevant art (“Ordinary Artisan”) that the present invention has broad utility and application. Furthermore, any embodiment discussed and identified as being “preferred” is considered to be part of a best mode contemplated for carrying out the present invention. Other embodiments also may be discussed for additional illustrative purposes in providing a full and enabling disclosure of the present invention. Moreover, many embodiments, such as adaptations, variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be implicitly disclosed by the embodiments described herein and fall within the scope of the present invention.

Accordingly, while the present invention is described herein in detail in relation to one or more embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is illustrative and exemplary of the present invention, and is made merely for the purposes of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the present invention. The detailed disclosure herein of one or more embodiments is not intended, nor is to be construed, to limit the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention, which scope is to be defined by the claims and the equivalents thereof. It is not intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention be defined by reading into any claim a limitation found herein that does not explicitly appear in the claim itself.

Thus, for example, any sequence(s) and/or temporal order of steps of various processes or methods that are described herein are illustrative and not restrictive. Accordingly, it should be understood that, although steps of various processes or methods may be shown and described as being in a sequence or temporal order, the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being carried out in any particular sequence or order, absent an indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps in such processes or methods generally may be carried out in various different sequences and orders while still falling within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention is to be defined by the appended claims rather than the description set forth herein.

Additionally, it is important to note that each term used herein refers to that which the Ordinary Artisan would understand such term to mean based on the contextual use of such term herein. To the extent that the meaning of a term used herein—as understood by the Ordinary Artisan based on the contextual use of such term—differs in any way from any particular dictionary definition of such term, it is intended that the meaning of the term as understood by the Ordinary Artisan should prevail.

Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein, “a” and “an” each generally denotes “at least one,” but does not exclude a plurality unless the contextual use dictates otherwise. Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having an apple” describes “a picnic basket having at least one apple” as well as “a picnic basket having apples.” In contrast, reference to “a picnic basket having a single apple” describes “a picnic basket having only one apple.”

When used herein to join a list of items, “or” denotes “at least one of the items,” but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having cheese or crackers” describes “a picnic basket having cheese without crackers,” “a picnic basket having crackers without cheese,” and “a picnic basket having both cheese and crackers.” Finally, when used herein to join a list of items, “and” denotes “all of the items of the list.” Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having cheese and crackers” describes “a picnic basket having cheese, wherein the picnic basket further has crackers,” as well as describes “a picnic basket having crackers, wherein the picnic basket further has cheese.”

Referring now to the drawings, in which like numerals represent like components throughout the several views, the preferred embodiments of the present invention are next described. The following description of one or more preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus 10 for carrying one or more suspended items in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 2 and 3 are enlarged perspective views of portions of the apparatus 10 of FIG. 1. The apparatus 10 includes a strap 20 and a unitary disc-shaped carrier 30 on which one or more suspended items may be carried as further described and illustrated hereinbelow. The strap 20 includes at least one web section 22 which may be of conventional nylon web construction. A buckle 24 may be provided to couple opposed ends of two web sections 22 together, and preferably includes a mechanism for adjusting the length of the strap by adjusting one web section 22 relative to the other and to the buckle 24. The buckle 24 may be of conventional construction.

FIGS. 4-6 are a perspective view, a front perspective view and a rear perspective view, respectively, of the disc-shaped carrier 30 of FIGS. 1-3. The disc-shaped carrier 30 includes two arcuate portions 32,33 interconnected by an intermediate portion 34 extending between the arcuate portions 32,33. Preferably, at least the inner surfaces, and more preferably all of the surfaces, of the arcuate portions 32,33 and the intermediate portion 34 are rounded, beveled or the like to avoid damage to bags 12 or injury or inconvenience to a user 14. The lower arcuate portion 32, in connection with the intermediate portion 34, defines handle-receiving spaces 36, in the form of deep valleys, at either side of the intermediate portion 34. The upper arcuate portion 33, which extends generally laterally in each direction at the top of the intermediate portion 34 to form retaining lobes 38, further defines the handle-receiving spaces 36. The arcuate portions 32,33 are disposed relative to one another such that the corresponding ends of each arcuate member 32,33 are adjacent, thereby defining passages 35 through which a handle of a bag may be received.

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of the portion of the apparatus 10 of FIG. 3, shown with a shopping bag 12 suspended from the disc-shaped carrier 30 thereof. In particular, the handle or handles of the shopping bag 12 are hung from the lower arcuate portion 32 and around the bottom of the intermediate portion 34. Because of the substantial depth of the valleys 36 created between the lower arcuate portion 32 and the intermediate portion 34, the handles of the bag 12 are unlikely to slip off of the top of the intermediate portion 34. Such an event is further prevented by the retaining lobes 38 of the upper arcuate portion 33. However, it is very easy for the handle or handles to be looped over the upper arcuate portion 33 and around the intermediate portion 34 for suspension thereon, and it is likewise very easy for the handle or handles to be removed from the top of the intermediate portion 34 and over the upper arcuate portion 33 when the bag 12 is to be removed.

With particular reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, it will be appreciated that the ends of the strap 20 may be integrated with the object 30 itself in order to provide the apparatus 10 with added strength and durability when in use supporting the weight of one or more filled bags 12. Preferably, the opposite ends of the strap 20 may be embedded into the base material that is used to manufacture the object. A slot 40 is provided in each arcuate portion 32 for this purpose.

In a method of manufacturing the apparatus depicted in FIGS. 1-3, the ends of the strap may be placed into an injection mold shaped to define the overall shape of the object. When the base material of the object is injected into the mold, the base material fully envelops the ends of the object. As the base material solidifies, the object is thereby formed with the strap integrated therewith. It will be appreciated that when manufactured in this manner, the slots 40 may be formed by the presence of the ends of the strap 20 itself during the process, rather than being created independently.

It will also be appreciated that when the handle of a bag 12 is placed over the upper arcuate portion 33 of the disc-shaped carrier 30, the rounded edges of the two arcuate portions 32,33 and the intermediate portion 34 help to minimize damage to the bags 12 or the user's garments and other accessories. As shown in FIG. 7, bags 12 are thereby suspended and retained by the object for hands-free carrying by a strap 20 attached thereto, which allows the apparatus 10 to be worn by the user 14 over his or her shoulder. The weight of the contents contained within one or more suspended bags 12 assists with retaining the bags in a stable position, which helps to avoid spilling or dumping the contents of the bags 12 when the carrier 30 is tilted or jostled while in use.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an apparatus 110 for carrying one or more suspended items in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view of the apparatus 110 of FIG. 8. The apparatus 110 includes a strap 120 and a unitary disc-shaped carrier 130 on which one or more suspended items may be carried as further described and illustrated hereinbelow. The strap 120 includes at least one web section 122 which may be of conventional nylon web construction. Unlike the strap 20 of the apparatus 10 of FIG. 1, the strap 120 of FIG. 8 does not include a buckle, but it will be appreciated that one may be incorporated therein according to the description provided previously.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the disc-shaped carrier 130 of FIGS. 8 and 9. The disc-shaped carrier 130 includes two arcuate portions 132,133 interconnected by an intermediate portion 134 extending between the arcuate portions 132,133. Preferably, at least the inner surfaces, and more preferably all of the surfaces, of the arcuate portions 132,133 and the intermediate portion 134 are rounded, beveled or the like to avoid damage to bags 12 or injury or inconvenience to a user 14. The lower arcuate portion 132, in connection with the intermediate portion 134, defines handle-receiving spaces 136, in the form of deep valleys, at either side of the intermediate portion 134. The upper arcuate portion 133, which extends generally laterally in each direction at the top of the intermediate portion 134 to form retaining lobes 138, further defines the handle-receiving spaces 136. The arcuate portions 132,133 are disposed relative to one another such that the corresponding ends of each arcuate member 132,133 are adjacent, thereby defining passages 135 through which a handle of a bag may be received.

Unlike the carrier 30 of the apparatus 10 of FIG. 1, the carrier 130 of the apparatus 110 of FIG. 8 includes one or more, and preferably a plurality of, bounded openings or apertures 142,144,146 provided therein. In particular, a pair of first apertures 142 are provided at the ends of the lower arcuate portion 132, a second aperture 144 is provided at the top of the intermediate portion 134, and a third aperture 146 is provided at the bottom of the intermediate portion 134. As perhaps best seen in FIG. 9, the first apertures 142 may be particularly suited for receiving, and coupling with, removable clasp mechanisms 126 disposed at the ends of the of the strap 120. Alternatively, the second aperture 144, the third aperture 146 or both may receive and couple with such clasp mechanisms 126. Still further, the second aperture 144, the third aperture 146 or both may receive a strap, string, cord or the like routed therethrough, as further described and illustrated hereinbelow.

FIG. 11 is an image depicting the apparatus 110 of FIG. 8 being worn over the shoulder of a user 14, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention, and FIG. 12 is an image similar to that of FIG. 11 wherein a shopping bag 12 is suspended from the disc-shaped carrier 130 of the apparatus 110, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention. In FIGS. 11 and 12, the carrier 130 is supported by the strap 120, which is coupled to the carrier 130 via clasp mechanisms 126, disposed at the end thereof, that are inserted through the first apertures 142.

On the other hand, FIGS. 13 and 14 are images depicting the disc-shaped carrier of FIG. 10 attached to a purse 16 and a carrying bag, pouch or satchel 18, respectively. In FIG. 13, a strap from the purse 16 has been routed through the second aperture 144 in the carrier 130, while in FIG. 14, a strap from the carrying bag 18 has been routed through the second aperture 144 in the carrier 130. In each arrangement, the strap is assumed to be removable, at least at one end, from the purse 16 or carrying bag 18, respectively, so that it may be routed through the aperture 144 before being coupled once again to the purse 16 or bag 18.

FIG. 15 is a front perspective view of a disc-shaped carrier 130 for supporting one or more suspended items in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 16 is a front perspective view of the disc-shaped carrier 130 of FIG. 15 with opposite ends of a strap 120 respectively attached to bounded openings or apertures 142 defined in the disc-shaped carrier 130. Like the carrier 130 of FIG. 10, this carrier 230 includes two arcuate portions 232,233 interconnected by an upright intermediate portion 234, but in the arrangement of FIG. 15, the intermediate portion 236 is angled relative to vertical in its normal disposition. Furthermore, the upper arcuate portion 233 provides only a single retaining lobe 238.

FIGS. 17-20 are front perspective views of other disc-shaped carriers 330,430,530,630 for supporting one or more suspended items and including bounded openings or apertures for receiving a strap, and/or alternatively for attachment of the object to a purse, backpack, or carrying bag and the like, in accordance with additional embodiments of the present invention. Each carrier includes an outer ring, an intermediate portion and an inner member forming a pair of retaining lobes. Passages are created between the ends of the inner member and the inner surfaces of the outer ring, and handles of bags 12 may be looped over the intermediate portion by passing the handles between the top of the inner member and the outer ring, and wrapping the handles through the passages and into deep valleys formed between the intermediate portion and the inner portions of the outer ring.

FIG. 21 is a front perspective view of a disc-shaped carrier 730 for supporting one or more suspended items and including bounded openings for receiving a strap, and/or alternatively for attachment to a purse, backpack, or carrying bag and the like, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The object of FIG. 21 differs from that of FIG. 10 in that the arcuate portions 732,733 and the intermediate portion 734 have raised peripheral edges or rims that extend along the periphery of the object and/or have recessed intermediate sections of lesser thickness compared to the thickness of peripheral sections of the carrier. In either case, the carrier appears to have more of a skeletal appearance.

Each of the disc-shaped carriers 30,130,230,330,439,530,630,730 in the various embodiments set forth herein preferably comprises a single part/injection molded piece that is relatively easy and inexpensive to manufacture and that is durable and sufficiently rigid to support a plurality of suspended shopping bags 12 suspended therefrom by their handles. Each carrier may be molded, for example, from any type of durable plastic material. In particular, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) may be used as the base plastic material for injection molding a carrier in accordance with the present invention.

Advantageously, none of the carriers 30,130,230,330,439,530,630,730 have any moving parts (as opposed to the straps having clasps or other mechanical means of attachment which include moving, biased components). Where included, the strap preferably is adjustable and may be made, for example, from nylon; however, any conventional strap may be used in accordance with the invention.

Based on the foregoing information, it will be readily understood by those persons skilled in the art that the present invention is susceptible of broad utility and application. Many embodiments and adaptations of the present invention other than those specifically described herein, as well as many variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be apparent from or reasonably suggested by the present invention and the foregoing descriptions thereof, without departing from the substance or scope of the present invention.

Accordingly, while the present invention has been described herein in detail in relation to one or more preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is only illustrative and exemplary of the present invention and is made merely for the purpose of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the invention. The foregoing disclosure is not intended to be construed to limit the present invention or otherwise exclude any such other embodiments, adaptations, variations, modifications or equivalent arrangements; the present invention being limited only by the claims appended hereto and the equivalents thereof.

Claims

1.-20. (canceled)

21. An apparatus for carrying one or more suspended items, comprising: (a) an arcuate portion, having first and second ends, each end defining an outer edge of the arcuate portion; and(b) an intermediate portion, unitary with the arcuate potion, and extending away from the arcuate portion from a location intermediate of the outer edges, the intermediate portion having a distal end with a pair of arcuate retaining lobes extending from opposite sides of the distal end;(c) wherein the first end of the arcuate portion is disposed adjacently in opposed relation to a first of the pair of arcuate retaining lobes and the second end of the arcuate portion is disposed adjacently in opposed relation to a second of the pair of arcuate retaining lobes such that a passage for receiving a bag handle is defined at opposite sides of the intermediate portion; and(d) wherein the intermediate portion defines a post around which the bag handle may be suspended.

22. The apparatus of claim 21, further comprising a strap attached to the arcuate portion.

23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein respective ends of the strap are attached to the arcuate portion with clasp mechanisms.

24. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein respective ends of the strap are integrated with the arcuate portion.

25. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein at least one of the arcuate portion and the intermediate portion includes an aperture therethrough for permitting attachment to an accessory.

26. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the aperture is adapted to receive a clasp mechanism.

27. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the intermediate portion extends from the arcuate portion from a location that is substantially equidistant from the outer edges of the arcuate portion.

28. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the intermediate portion extends from the arcuate portion from a location that is closer to one of the outer edges of the arcuate portion than the other.

29. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the arcuate portion, together with the pair of retaining lobes, defines a circular profile.

30. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the arcuate portion, together with the pair of retaining lobes, defines an elliptical profile.

31. An apparatus for carrying one or more suspended items, comprising: (a) an arcuate portion, having first and second ends, each end defining an outer edge of the arcuate portion;(b) an intermediate portion, unitary with the arcuate potion, and extending away from the arcuate portion from a location intermediate of the outer edges, the intermediate portion having a distal end around which a bag handle may be arranged such that the bag handle is suspended from the intermediate portion, the distal end having a pair of arcuate retaining lobes extending from opposite sides thereof to prevent the bag handle from slipping from the intermediate portion;(c) wherein the first end of the arcuate portion is disposed adjacently in opposed relation to a first of the pair of arcuate retaining lobes and the second end of the arcuate portion is disposed adjacently in opposed relation to a second of the pair of arcuate retaining lobes such that a passage for receiving the bag handle is defined at opposite sides of the intermediate portion; and(d) wherein the arcuate portion, together with the pair of retaining lobes, defines a profile having rounded edges.

32. The apparatus of claim 31, further comprising a strap attached to the arcuate portion.

33. The apparatus of claim 32, wherein respective ends of the strap are attached to the arcuate portion with clasp mechanisms.

34. The apparatus of claim 32, wherein respective ends of the strap are integrated with the arcuate portion.

35. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein at least one of the arcuate portion and the intermediate portion includes an aperture therethrough for permitting attachment to an accessory.

36. The apparatus of claim 35, wherein the aperture is adapted to receive a clasp mechanism.

37. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein the intermediate portion extends from the arcuate portion from a location that is substantially equidistant from the outer edges of the arcuate portion.

38. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein the intermediate portion extends from the arcuate portion from a location that is closer to one of the outer edges of the arcuate portion than the other.

39. An apparatus for carrying one or more suspended items, comprising: (a) an arcuate portion, having first and second ends, each end defining an outer edge of the arcuate portion;(b) an intermediate portion, unitary with the arcuate potion, and extending away from the arcuate portion from a location intermediate of the outer edges, the intermediate portion having a distal end around which a bag handle may be arranged such that the bag handle is suspended from the intermediate portion, the distal end having a pair of arcuate retaining lobes extending from opposite sides thereof to prevent the bag handle from slipping from the intermediate portion; and(c) a strap attached to the arcuate portion;(d) wherein the first end of the arcuate portion is disposed adjacently in opposed relation to a first of the pair of arcuate retaining lobes and the second end of the arcuate portion is disposed adjacently in opposed relation to a second of the pair of arcuate retaining lobes such that a passage for receiving the bag handle is defined at opposite sides of the intermediate portion;(e) wherein the arcuate portion, together with the pair of retaining lobes, defines a profile having rounded edges; and(f) wherein at least one of the arcuate portion and the intermediate portion includes an aperture therethrough adapted to receive a clasp mechanism of an accessory.