Multiple Item Carrying Assembly

Abstract

A multiple item carrying assembly with versatile straps that attaches to a variety of base items, allowing for easy carrying of multiple items. A middle portion and separate end portion of the straps wrap around a base item, such as a travel bag, and reeve through multiple slots located in buckles aligned along the straps. The straps further include a pair of end portions, which extend past the secured base item, and secure around an additional item. The extreme end portions pass through the buckles, and the buckles engage together, forming a secure attachment with the items. The buckles can be adjusted along the length of the straps to compensate for variably shaped and sized items. Loops form as the strap or straps reeves through slots in the buckle. The loops create additional holes for the item to attach to the carrying strap.

Description

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER LISTING APPENDIX

Not applicable.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office, patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

One or more embodiments of the invention generally relate to carrying straps. More particularly, one or more embodiments of the invention relate to multiple item carrying straps with adjustable buckles that carry numerous items simultaneously.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following background information may present examples of specific aspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation, approaches, facts, or common wisdom) that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon.

It is often necessary to hold in one hand and manually carry a heavy or cumbersome item over a considerable distance, such as a piece of carry-on luggage between gates at different sections of an airport terminal, or through a restricted passageway, such as opening a door while holding an infant in a portable seat. The weight of such objects is concentrated through a handle onto the carrier's hand and arm, putting a strain on the lower back and shoulders.

A carrier strap is a length of fabric or other flexible material used to suspend a single item, often of some weight, from the shoulders or hands. The strap may be worn slung over one shoulder or across the body. The carrier strap is designed to pass through a loop of the item, which may then be carried. Additional items must be carried with the hands or on top of the head.

In view of the foregoing, it is clear that these traditional techniques are not perfect and leave room for more optimal approaches.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which:

FIG. 1A illustrates a side view of an exemplary carrying strap according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1B illustrates a schematic side view of an exemplary carrying strap showing the directional reeving of a strap through at least one buckle according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary carrying strap joined with a base item according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2B illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary carrying strap joined with a base item and an additional item according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3A illustrates a perspective view of a buckle according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 3B illustrates a perspective view of a buckle showing a frame portion disengaged from a latch portion according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Unless otherwise indicated illustrations in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present invention are best understood by reference to the detailed figures and description set forth herein.

Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to the Figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments. For example, it should be appreciated that those skilled in the art will, in light of the teachings of the present invention, recognize a multiplicity of alternate and suitable approaches, depending upon the needs of the particular application, to implement the functionality of any given detail described herein, beyond the particular implementation choices in the following embodiments described and shown. That is, there are numerous modifications and variations of the invention that are too numerous to be listed but that all fit within the scope of the invention. Also, singular words should be read as plural and vice versa and masculine as feminine and vice versa, where appropriate, and alternative embodiments do not necessarily imply that the two are mutually exclusive.

It is to be further understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular methodology, compounds, materials, manufacturing techniques, uses, and applications, described herein, as these may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “an element” is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. Similarly, for another example, a reference to “a step” or “a means” is a reference to one or more steps or means and may include sub-steps and subservient means. All conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, the word “or” should be understood as having the definition of a logical “or” rather than that of a logical “exclusive or” unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. Language that may be construed to express approximation should be so understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Preferred methods, techniques, devices, and materials are described, although any methods, techniques, devices, or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the practice or testing of the present invention. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

From reading the present disclosure, other variations and modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art. Such variations and modifications may involve equivalent and other features which are already known in the art, and which may be used instead of or in addition to features already described herein.

Although Claims have been formulated in this Application to particular combinations of features, it should be understood that the scope of the disclosure of the present invention also includes any novel feature or any novel combination of features disclosed herein either explicitly or implicitly or any generalization thereof, whether or not it relates to the same invention as presently claimed in any Claim and whether or not it mitigates any or all of the same technical problems as does the present invention.

Features which are described in the context of separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination. The Applicants hereby give notice that new Claims may be formulated to such features and/or combinations of such features during the prosecution of the present Application or of any further Application derived therefrom.

References to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “example embodiment,” “various embodiments,” etc., may indicate that the embodiment(s) of the invention so described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in one embodiment,” or “in an exemplary embodiment,” do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although they may.

As is well known to those skilled in the art many careful considerations and compromises typically must be made when designing for the optimal manufacture of a commercial implementation any system, and in particular, the embodiments of the present invention. A commercial implementation in accordance with the spirit and teachings of the present invention may configured according to the needs of the particular application, whereby any aspect(s), feature(s), function(s), result(s), component(s), approach(es), or step(s) of the teachings related to any described embodiment of the present invention may be suitably omitted, included, adapted, mixed and matched, or improved and/or optimized by those skilled in the art, using their average skills and known techniques, to achieve the desired implementation that addresses the needs of the particular application.

It is to be understood that any exact measurements/dimensions or particular construction materials indicated herein are solely provided as examples of suitable configurations and are not intended to be limiting in any way. Depending on the needs of the particular application, those skilled in the art will readily recognize, in light of the following teachings, a multiplicity of suitable alternative implementation details.

One embodiment of the present invention presents a multiple item carrying assembly with a versatile strap or straps that attach to a variety of base items, allowing for easy carrying of additional or multiple items. A middle section of each strap wraps around a base item, such as a travel bag, and reeves through multiple slots located in a buckle. The strap or straps further includes a pair of end sections, which extend past the secured base item. The end sections are available to secure around an additional item. The extreme end sections pass through the buckles and the buckles engage together, forming a secure attachment with both the base item and the additional item. The buckles can be adjusted along the length of the strap to compensate for varying shapes and sizes of the items. Loops form as the strap reeves through slots in the buckle. The loops create additional holes for the item to attach to the carrying strap. In some embodiments, the items may attach only to the middle section. However, in other embodiments, the items may attach only to the end sections.

FIG. 1A illustrates a side view of an exemplary carrying strap 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The carrying strap may include a strap or two separate straps 110, a middle section 120 and a multiplicity of end sections 130. In some embodiments, the carrying strap may contain no middle section. In other embodiments, the ends of the carrying straps may or may not be sewn. In one alternative embodiment, the carrying strap 110 forms a longitudinal member, with sufficient flexibility to wrap around an item and permit adjustment of an effective length of the strap and a tension of the strap. It is this variation in effective length and tension that allows the strap to carry an eclectic assortment of items. The effective length of the strap may be, but not limited in anyway, in the range of 4 feet to 7 feet, and a width of 1 inch to 3 inches. However, the dimensions may be greater or less than this range in other embodiments. Suitable fabrication materials for the strap include, but are not limited to, a leather, a plastic, a nylon, a polyester, a cotton webbing, a polypropylene, a polyvinylchloride, a plastic, and a rubber. The material may also have an optional rigidity or flexibility that is noticeable to the user.

The middle section joins with a base item 125 for carrying the base item. Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings recognize that the base item may include large bulky items, but not be limited to, book packs, beach chairs, lawn chairs, skateboards, beach blankets/towels, shoes/boots, fishing poles, recreational gear, baby bags, and travel bags. In one embodiment, the middle section wraps around an aperture or section of the base item. The end sections may then be grasped to provide a handle for carrying the base item. In one alternative embodiment, at least one buckle 140 adjusts along the length of the middle section or separate ends of straps, and around the base item. FIG. 2B shows a variable exemplary carrying strap where the end sections of the strap extends past the base item and wrap around an additional item 135 for carrying both items simultaneously. In one alternative embodiment, the end sections pass through the slots in the buckles, similarly to the middle section, to create a secure engagement with the base item and the additional item. In one embodiment, the additional item is smaller than the base item, and may rest on the base item. The additional item may include, but not be limited to, a blanket rolled up, a towel, a shovel, a book, and a pillow. Those skilled in the art can appreciate that the additional item may be an item that might occupy excess space inside a base item, such as a travel bag. Therefore it would be more efficacious to carry the additional item outside the base item, but still attached to the base item.

FIG. 3A shows a buckle 140 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In one alternative embodiment of the present invention, the buckle may include a double adjustable buckle, or any type of buckle (without limitation, ladder lock buckle, double adjustable buckle, side release double adjustable ect). In some embodiments, the dimensions of the buckle may be 2.5 inches by 1 inch. However, the dimensions may be greater or less than this range in other embodiments. In some embodiments, the buckle may be a double adjustable buckle. Those skilled in the art in light of the present teachings will recognize that the double buckle design may be efficacious for adjusting the carrying strap because of the functional aspect of adjustability from opposite ends of the base item. In one embodiment, four buckles rest equidistance from each other along the strap or may rest equidistance or not along two separate straps functioning equally to the single strap construction, with more maneuverability. In an alternative embodiment, the number of buckles may vary, and the buckles may be adjusted at varying distances from each other to compensate for different sizes and shapes of items. The buckle includes a frame portion 145 and a latch portion 160. FIG. 3B shows the buckle disengaged between the frame portion and the latch portion. The frame portion includes at least one slot 150. The strap reeves through each slot 150, creating a loop 155 in proximity to each buckle (See FIG. 2B). In one embodiment, the loop provides an aperture for a handle or an arm of the base item and additional item to join through the loop. The loop may provide yet another option for carrying items with the carrying strap. The latch portion includes at least one side member 165. In one alternative embodiment, the side member may be depressed to separate the buckle into a frame portion and a latch portion. After the base item or additional item is joined with the strap, the frame portion and the latch portion engage to form a secure attachment with the base item and the additional item. Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings, will recognize that adding additional buckles and/or increasing the length of the carrying strap may allow the carrying strap to carry additional items, including, without limitation, three, four, five, and six separate items.

In some embodiments, in operation, the carrying strap may wrap around or through a base item such as a travel bag with the middle section of the strap, or two separate straps. The base object may then be carried by grasping the end sections of the strap. Additionally, the extreme end sections may be utilized to wrap around the additional item which may include, but are not limited to, a pillow. Finally, the end sections reeve through the slots in the buckle to form a secure fit for both the base item and the additional item. The frame portion and the latch portion are checked to verify secure engagement. In this manner, the carrying strap may provide sufficient versatility to serve as an accessory to myriad base items and additional items. Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings, will recognize that the carrying strap may be reusable for a variety of purposes and items because of the versatility of the double buckle design positioned on the middle section, and the ability of the end sections to utilize the same buckles as the middle section.

Those skilled in the art can appreciate that the carrying strap may have numerous benefits when configured to carry multiple items. For example, but not limited to, the additional item may not need to occupy space inside the base item, such as a travel bag. The user may also be able to carry multiple items while keeping one or two hands free when using the carrying strap. In one alternative embodiment, the carrying strap may separate into two separate carrying straps, including, without limitation, bifurcation into two equal halves. In the newly bifurcated embodiment, each carrying strap may provide the same capacity to carry the base item and the additional item. The capacity to carry the items remains unchanged because the middle section, the end section, and the double buckle still remain a part of the newly bifurcated carrying straps.

All the features or embodiment components disclosed in this specification, including any accompanying abstract and drawings, unless expressly stated otherwise, may be replaced by alternative features or components serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose as known by those skilled in the art to achieve the same, equivalent, suitable, or similar results by such alternative feature(s) or component(s) providing a similar function by virtue of their having known suitable properties for the intended purpose. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent, or suitable, or similar features known or knowable to those skilled in the art without requiring undue experimentation.

Having fully described at least one embodiment of the present invention, other equivalent or alternative methods of utilizing the carrying strap to carry multiple items according to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The invention has been described above by way of illustration, and the specific embodiments disclosed are not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed. The particular implementation of the carrying strap may vary depending upon the particular context or application. By way of example, and not limitation, the carrying strap described in the foregoing were principally directed to carrying a larger base item and a smaller additional item; however, similar techniques may instead be applied to carrying numerous small items with the addition of extra buckles which implementations of the present invention are contemplated as within the scope of the present invention. The invention is thus to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the following claims.

Claim elements and steps herein may have been numbered and/or lettered solely as an aid in readability and understanding. Any such numbering and lettering in itself is not intended to and should not be taken to indicate the ordering of elements and/or steps in the claims.

Claims

1. A carrying strap comprising:

a strap or two separate straps, said strap comprising a middle portion or separate end portions, said middle portion or separate end portions being operable to carry at least one base item, said strap further comprising a multiplicity of end portions, said multiplicity of end portions being operable to carry at least one additional item; and

at least one buckle, said at least one buckle being configured to engage said strap.

2. The carrying strap of claim 1, in which said at least one buckle comprises a frame portion.

3. The carrying strap of claim 1, in which said at least one buckle further comprises a latch portion.

4. The carrying strap of claim 1, wherein said at least one buckle joins with said middle portion or separate strap portions.

5. The carrying strap of claim 1, wherein said at least one buckle joins with said multiplicity of end portions.

6. The carrying strap of claim 1, wherein said at least one buckle positions at equidistant intervals along longitudinal length of said strap.

7. The carrying strap of claim 1, in which said frame portion comprises at least one slot, said at least one slot being configured to receive said strap.

8. The carrying strap of claim 1, wherein said strap or straps is reeved through said at least one slot so as to permit adjustment of an effective length of said strap or straps and a tension of said strap or straps.

9. The carrying strap of claim 1, wherein said strap or straps is operable to adjust said effective length.

10. The carrying strap of claim 1, wherein said middle portion or separate end portions are operable to carry said at least one base item.

11. The carrying strap of claim 1, wherein said multiplicity of end portions is operable to carry said at least one additional item.

12. The carrying strap of claim 1, wherein said middle portion or separate end portions comprises two double adjustable buckles.

13. The carrying strap of claim 1, wherein said multiplicity of end portions comprise two double adjustable buckles.

14. The carrying strap of claim 1, wherein said latch portion is operable to separate from said frame portion so as to permit said at least one base item and at least one additional item to join with said strap.

15. The carrying strap of claim 1, in which said latch portion further comprises at least one side portions, said at least one side portion being operable to depress so said latch portion separates from said frame portion.

16. The carrying strap of claim 1, wherein said at least one buckle is a double adjustable buckle.

17. The carrying strap of claim 1, wherein said strap is flexible.

18. The carrying strap of claim 1, in which said strap further comprises at least one aperture.

19. A carrying strap comprising:

means for passing a strap through at least one buckle;

means for wrapping said strap around at least one item;

means for securely joining said strap with said at least one buckle for carrying said at least one item;

means for wrapping a multiplicity of end portions from said strap around at least one item; and

means for securely joining said multiplicity of end portions with at least one buckle for carrying said at least one item.

20. A carrying strap comprising:

a strap, said strap being operable to adjust an effective length, said strap comprising a middle portion or separate strap portions, said middle portion or separate strap portions being operable to carry at least one base item, said strap further comprising a multiplicity of end portions, said multiplicity of end portions being operable to carry at least one additional item; and

at least one buckle, said at least one buckle being configured to engage said middle portion or separate strap end portion, said at least one buckle being further configured to engage said multiplicity of end portions, said at least one buckle comprising a frame portion, said frame portion comprising at least one slot, said at least one slot being configured to receive said at least one middle portion or separate strap end portion, said at least one slot being further configured to receive said multiplicity of end portions, said at least one buckle further comprising a latch portion, said latch portion being operable to separate from said frame portion.