Bag stabilizer

Abstract

A system for stabilizing articles is provided. The system is particularly well-suited for stabilizing plastic grocery bags during transport in a vehicle. The system comprises a stabilizing element that, when in use, extends from a first point to a second point and passes through the handles of a bag to be stabilized. Preferably, the first and second points are fixed, either detachably or semi-permanently, on the sidewalls in the interior of a vehicle. Further, the stabilizing element preferably is flexible. In addition, the stabilizing element preferably can be disconnected from the second point and also preferably, the stabilizing element can recoil into a location at the first point so that only a portion of the stabilizing element is visible. Other preferred embodiments of the present invention, including those with intermediary fixtures or intermediary support features, as well as those with multiple stabilizing elements, also are disclosed. In addition to stabilization during travel, the stabilizing system provides a certain degree of freedom in allowing a bag to move with the inertial forces imposed on it during travel. Also, the stabilizing system provides a convenient, easy and simple method for loading bags into and unloading bags from a vehicle, thereby requiring very little time and effort to utilize.

1 . A method of stabilizing a bag, the bag having handles, the method comprising: 
 providing a stabilizing system, the system comprising: 
 a stabilizing element connected to a point and configured to extend from the point when the stabilizing system is in use, placing the stabilizing element through the handles of the bag.  
   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  for stabilizing the bag in a vehicle, wherein the stabilizing element is a cord.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  for stabilizing the bag in an automobile.  
     
     
         4 . A vehicle having a cargo area, the vehicle comprising a stabilizing system, the stabilizing system comprising: 
 a stabilizing element comprising a cord situated in the cargo area, the stabilizing element configured to extend generally horizontally only between a first point and a second point such that when the stabilizing element extends from the first point to the second point and passes through at least one article, the stabilizing element stabilizes the at least one article and the at least one article makes contact with at least a floor surface such that the floor surface helps to stabilize the at least one article, wherein the stabilizing element has sufficient flexibility so that the stabilizing system provides a degree of freedom in allowing the at least one article to shift with inertial forces imposed on it when the vehicle is in motion.    
     
     
         5 . The vehicle of  claim 4 , wherein the cord is situated in a rear cargo area that is only used as a cargo area when the stabilizing system is in use.  
     
     
         6 . The vehicle of  claim 5 , wherein the stabilizing element is retractable.  
     
     
         7 . The vehicle of  claim 6 , wherein the stabilizing element is further configured such that when the stabilizing element extends from the first point to the second point and passes through handles of a plastic grocery bag, the stabilizing element stabilizes the bag such that the bag is in contact with a floor surface.  
     
     
         8 . The vehicle of  claim 7 , wherein the cargo area comprises a base, the base serving as the first point from which the stabilizing element is configured to extend.  
     
     
         9 . The vehicle of  claim 8 , wherein the cargo area further comprises an anchor, the anchor serving as the second point to which the stabilizing element is configured to extend.  
     
     
         10 . The vehicle of  claim 9 , wherein the stabilizing element is further configured to stabilize the at least one article in such a manner that the at least one article cannot readily be removed from the vehicle without disengaging the stabilizing element from the second point.  
     
     
         11 . The vehicle of  claim 9 , wherein the stabilizing element is further configured to stabilize the at least one article in such a manner that the at least one article can readily be removed from the vehicle by disengaging the stabilizing element from the second point.