Bundling, carrying and storing device

Abstract

A bundling, carrying and storing device that uses at least one handle holding loop positioned adjacent and parallel to the load bearing element of the device. The handle holding loops are therefore, used for holding a handle and not for strapping or bundling. The strapping and bundling or load bearing portion of the device is independent of the handle holding loop. A first preferred embodiment has a small strapping arrangement and a single handle holding loop for small loads. A second preferred embodiment is intermediately sized. A third preferred embodiment is large sized and has two handle holding loops. A fourth preferred embodiment adds an additional weight bearing portion. A fifth preferred embodiments has a separated strapping in the load bearing portion for added support and coverage. A sixth preferred embodiment allows for the storage of the device in a first variation and in a second variation provides a carrying device for a bottle.

Description

[0001] Applicant hereby claims priority of Provisional Patent Application 60/339,367 filed on Dec. 13, 2001.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] It has long been a problem for a person to be able to bundle an unruly load and have a handle as part of the bundling device that will not cut into the user's hands. Then, to have a convenient method of storing the load, many such bundling, carrying and storing devices, with or without handles, are proposed, but most often are limited to a particular configuration, or have a handle that is either integral with the load bearing portion of the device; or participate in the binding or strapping function of the device. This results in a number of problems including but not limited to, handles that cut into the hands of the user, straps and handles that are very complicated and time consuming in use and in putting together, straps that only bundle one sort of load, straps and handles that do not help with weight bearing of a load, and no means for storing the load conveniently. What is desirable, then, is a simple, convenient bundling, carrying and storing device wherein the handles are rigid in order not to cut into the user's hands and the handles do not participate in the bundling or strapping function of the device.

[0003] U.S. Pat. No. 1,772,009 to Lackey discloses a carry bundle strap that has a bundle strap and a carrying handle.

[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 4,458,933 to Thomas discloses a cylindrical tank carrier that has an encircling band that is equipped with a rigid handle.

[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 4,696,505 to Shadoan shows a handle and strap apparatus for hand carrying articles that has a strap with a carrying handle.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 4,832,393 to Pitchford discloses a lifting device with a strap that includes a strap and a carrying handle.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 4,832,398 to Tecca et al. discloses a scuba tank holder and a carrier that also has a strap and handle.

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,368,353 to Flanders et al. discloses a plant carrying device that is adapted to a relatively restricted configuration.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] In order to overcome problems inherent in the prior art, there has been devised by the present invention a bundling, carrying and storing device that can conveniently be used in numerous applications. The applications described hereinafter are meant by way of example only and the present invention is not to be limited to these particular applications.

[0010] The bundling, carrying and storing device of the present invention generally comprises at least one handle holding loop that is positioned adjacent and parallel to the load bearing element of the device. The loop or loops of the present invention are, therefore, used for holding a handle and not for strapping or bundling. The strapping and bundling or load bearing portion of the device is independent of the handle holding loop.

[0011] In a first preferred embodiment of the bundling and carrying device, there is a small strapping arrangement for small loads having a single handle holding loop that is parallel and adjacent to the load bearing portion of the device. The handle holding loop forms a generally rectangular shape that is independent of the load bearing portion of the device. The load bearing portion of the device comprises a strand of strapping material having a first end with a female portion of a fastener, in the form of a buckle, an intermediate position with a male portion of the fastener, in the form of a buckle, and a second end that is loose and used to tighten the strapping around a load. The strand of strapping material is wrapped around a load and secured with the fastener, in the form of a buckle. Because of the loose configuration of the strap, an irregularly shaped or unruly bundle can be easily secured. After bundling the load, the handle holding loop remains independent, loose, and separate from the load bearing portion of the device, thereby not straining the user's hands or other body parts. The strand of strapping material, therefore, doesn't cut into the user's hands. Also, two people can easily carry an unruly bundle evenly balanced and without awkwardness.

[0012] In a second preferred embodiment of the present bundling and carrying device, an intermediate size device has larger strapping and is used for carrying a larger load, such as a roll of carpet or back packing gear. The intermediate size bundling and carrying device is the same as the smaller one of the first preferred embodiment, except for the dimensions of its parts.

[0013] In a third preferred embodiment of the present bundling and carrying device, larger still strapping and additional handles are used for carrying a larger load. An example of a use for the third embodiment is to strap, bundle and carry a person as in extricating a person from a burning building. The third preferred embodiment could also be used to carry game out of a forest or other hunting area. The third preferred embodiment generally comprises two handle holding loops, a longer and wider strand of strapping material, and a secure and easily clipped together fastener, in the form of a buckle for fast and easy securement around a bundle. The third preferred embodiment also includes a positioner attached at the second end of the strand of strapping so that it is easy to find the end of the strapping to secure with the fastener in the form of a buckle. The positioner is especially helpful if it is desired to find the end of the strapping to secure the buckle underwater, such as would be the case in an underwater rescue attempt. The positioner used in the third preferred embodiment is not limited to use in the third embodiment and may also be used in any of the other preferred embodiments. In all embodiments, although particularly helpful in the third embodiment, the device is flexible, relatively small, and easily carried in a pocket or backpack.

[0014] In a fourth preferred embodiment, any size strapping is used and an additional weight bearing portion can be added. The weight bearing portion is removably attached to the device in proximity to the handle carrying portion, so, in a first variation of the fourth preferred embodiment, the user can choose to bear the weight of the load with his hand, or in a second variation of the fourth preferred embodiment, the user can choose to add a weight bearing portion in the form of a sash.

[0015] In a fifth preferred embodiment, heavy strapping is used that has separated strapping in the load bearing portion for added support and coverage. The fifth preferred embodiment is separable between two handle carrying portions and can be used by two men to carry a heavy dense object such as a boulder. The fifth preferred embodiment also has a very strong fastener in the form of a buckle.

[0016] In a sixth preferred embodiment of the present bundling, carrying and storing device, there is a first variation that includes a multi-purpose storing, hanging carrying and reinforcing member in the form of a handle having cording attached thereto at a first end. At a second end of the cording there is releasably attached a hook engaging appendage. The hook engaging appendage can be fixedly attached to the strapping in proximity to the male portion of the buckle so that the device and its load can be hung on a hook on a wall, for example. In a second variation of the sixth preferred embodiment, the handle with cording can be used such that a first end of cording is attached to a handle and a second end of cording is left loose to be tied around a bottle of water for example, so that the handle can be used to comfortably carry a bottle of water.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the first preferred embodiment of the present bundling, carrying and storing device showing the device not in use.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the second preferred embodiment of the present bundling, carrying and storing device, also showing the device not in use.

[0019] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the third preferred embodiment of the present bundling, carrying and storing device, also showing the device not in use. In the third preferred embodiment there are two handle holding loops.

[0020] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a handle holding loop of the present invention, showing a handle carrying portion in greater detail.

[0021] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the first preferred embodiment of the present bundling, carrying and storing device showing the device used for a small load. In the first preferred embodiment there is a single handle holding loop.

[0022] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the second preferred embodiment of the present bundling, carrying and storing device showing the device used for an intermediate size load. In the second preferred embodiment there is also a single handle holding loop.

[0023] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the third preferred embodiment of the present bundling, carrying and storing device showing the device as it is used for a larger load such as a human body. In the third preferred embodiment there are two handle holding loops.

[0024] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a first variation of the fourth preferred embodiment of the present bundling, carrying and storing device. The fourth preferred embodiment includes an extra attachment for attaching a shoulder sash to the bundling and carrying device.

[0025] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a fifth preferred embodiment of the present bundling, carrying and storing device. The fifth preferred embodiment has a divided load bearing portion for extra coverage and support for large and/or heavy items.

[0026] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the shoulder sash used in a second variation of the fourth preferred embodiment of the present bundling, carrying and storing device. The shoulder sash in FIG. 10 has a clip for attaching the sash to the extra attachment on the fourth preferred embodiment as seen in FIG. 8.

[0027] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the fifth preferred embodiment of the present bundling, carrying and storing device as it is used by two people to carry a boulder.

[0028] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the fourth preferred embodiment of the present bundling, carrying and storing device and more specifically, it illustrates the second variation of the fourth preferred embodiment in use with a shoulder sash.

[0029] FIGS. 13A and 13B are perspective views of a first variation of the sixth preferred embodiment wherein a handle, cording and appendage allows the bundling, carrying and storing device to be hung on a wall.

[0030] FIGS. 14A and 14B are perspective views of a second variation of the sixth preferred embodiment wherein an appendage is attached to the strapping, a first end of supplemental cording is attached to the appendage, and a handle is attached to a second end of the supplemental cording to thereby provide supplemental lifting and moving capabilities.

[0031] FIGS. 15A and 15B are perspective views of a third variation of the sixth preferred embodiment wherein a handle has a first end of cording attached thereto and a second end of cording is loose to be tied around a bottle of water or the like.

[0032] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an alternative handle for the present handling, carrying and storing device wherein the handle is padded.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0033] Referring now to the drawings in general and in particular to FIG. 1 of the drawings, there is shown a perspective view of the first preferred embodiment of the present bundling, carrying and storing device as it would be used for a small load. It can be seen in FIG. 1 that the device shown generally by the number 10, comprises in its first preferred embodiment a small size bundling and carrying device 11 having a single handle portion 12 that includes a handle holding loop 14 that is adjacent and parallel to a load bearing portion 16 of the device 10. The load bearing portion 16 of the device 10 includes a strand 18 of strapping material. The strand 18 of strapping material has a first end 20 and a second end 22. The first end 20 of the strand 18 of strapping material is fixedly attached to a bottom 24 of the first, female portion 26 of the buckle 28 adjacent to the lower portion 30 of the handle carrying portion 32 of the device 10, as seen most clearly in FIG. 2. The buckle 28 can be a simple threaded type buckle 28 as shown in FIG. 1, having a pre-threaded end 34 as in the bottom 24 of the first, female portion 26 and an open end 36 or a seatbelt type buckle or other buckle configuration. The second end 22 of the strand is threaded through the bottom 38 of the second, male portion 40 of the buckle 28. The handle holding loop 14 remains an independent portion of the device 10 and remains loose even after bundling and tightening. The handle carrying portion 32 includes the handle holding loop 14 and has its lower portion 30 with the first end 20 of the strand 18 attached to its first side 42 and the female portion 26 of the buckle 28 attached to its second side 44. The male portion 40 of the buckle 28 has a top 46 for receiving the female portion 26 of the buckle 28 and a bottom 38 which has the second end 22 of the strand 18 threaded therethrough, also as seen most clearly in FIG. 2. The strand 18 of strapping material that comprises the load bearing portion 16 of the device 10 has a first end 20 which holds the female portion 26 of the buckle 28. The male portion 40 of the buckle 28 is positioned in an intermediate position 48 and is slideable along the strand 18 of strapping material. The second end 22 of the strand 18 of strapping material is either loose and free or carries a positioner 50 as will be described hereinafter with reference to FIG. 3. The second end 22 of the strand 18 thereby has the second, male portion 40 of a buckle 28 releasably attached thereto. As indicated, the second end 22 of the strand 18 is threaded through the bottom 38 of the second, male portion 40 of the buckle 28 The second end 22 of the strand 18 can be pulled through the bottom 38 of the second male portion 40 of the buckle 28 to thereby loosen or tighten the load bearing portion 16 around a load 51, as seen in FIG. 5. As the strand 18 is drawn tighter, the second male portion 40 of the buckle 28 is pulled further in from the second end 22 of the strand 18 thereby leaving more of the second end 22 of the strand 18 loose. The first, female portion 26 of the buckle 28 is fixedly attached to a second side 44 of the lower portion 30 of the handle carrying portion 32. After the strand 18 has been adjusted for length around a bundle by pulling or tightening the second end 22 of the strand 18, the second, male portion 40 and the first, female portion 26 of the buckle 28 can be attached. The first attaching end 52 of the handle carrying portion 32 has a first perpendicular extension 53 from the first side 42 of the lower portion 30 of the handle holding loop 14. A second attaching end 54 of the handle carrying portion 32 has a second perpendicular extension 55 from the second side 44 of the lower portion 30 of the handle holding loop 14. A rigid handle 56 is threaded onto the handle carrying portion 32 of the strand 18 of strapping material between the first 52 and second attaching end 54 of the handle carrying portion 32 of the strand 18 of strapping material, thereby forming a rectangularly shaped loop with four sides being formed by the lower portion 30, the first attaching end 52, the second attaching end 54 and the handle 56 of the handle holding loop 14, which is positioned on an upper portion 57 of the handle carrying portion 32. The handle carrying portion 32 of the device 10 is seen most clearly in FIG. 4.

[0034] Referring now to FIG. 2 of the drawings, there is shown a perspective view of the second preferred embodiment of the present invention which is an intermediate size bundling and carrying device 58. The second preferred embodiment of the present bundling and carrying device 10 is used for carrying a load 60 such as that shown in FIG. 6, and the load 60 is larger than the load 51 carried by the first preferred embodiment. The intermediate size bundling and carrying device 58 of the second preferred embodiment is the same as the smaller size device 11 of the first preferred embodiment, except for the dimensions of its parts.

[0035] Referring now to FIG. 3 of the drawings, there is shown a perspective view of the third preferred embodiment of the present bundling, carrying and storing device showing the device 10 in its large size 62, as it would be used for a still larger load 64 such as a human body, as seen exemplified by dummies 66 in FIG. 7. It can be seen in FIG. 3 that the third preferred embodiment of the present invention generally comprises two handle holding loops 14 and 68 that are both adjacent and parallel to the load bearing portion 16 of the device 10. Similarly to the first and second preferred embodiment, the third preferred embodiment has a load bearing portion 16 that includes a strand 18 of strapping material. The strand 18 of strapping material is wider and longer in the third preferred embodiment than in the first and second preferred embodiments. The strand 18 of strapping material is configured similarly in the third preferred embodiment as in the first and second preferred embodiments. In the third preferred embodiment, the strand 18 of strapping material has a first end 20 and a second end 22. The first end 20 of the strand 18 of strapping material is fixedly attached to the first side 42 of a lower portion 30 of the handle carrying portion 32 that includes two handle holding loops 14 and 68. The second, male portion 40 of the buckle 28 is positioned in an intermediate position 48 and is slideable along the strand 18 of strapping material as in the first two embodiments. The second, male portion 40 of the buckle 28 is pulled through along the strand 18 when the strand 18 is being tightened around the load 64, as seen in FIG. 7 and in a manner similar to the first two preferred embodiments. The second end 22 of the strand 18 of strapping material has the positioner 50 fixedly attached thereto. The purpose of the positioner 50 is for the user to easily identify the second end 22 of the strand 18 that is loose for tightening the load bearing portion 16 of the device 10 around a load. This is especially helpful if the second end 22 of the strand 18 is under water as in an underwater rescue attempt. The second end 22 of the strand 18 is free and after bundling and tightening of the strand 18 around the load 64, as seen in FIG. 7, the second, male portion 40 and the first, female portion 26 of the buckle 28 are attached as in the first and second preferred embodiments. The two handle holding loops 14 and 68 remain an independent portion of the device 10 and both handle holding loops 14 and 68 remain loose after bundling as in the first and second preferred embodiments. The differences between the first and second preferred embodiments and the third preferred embodiment include the size of strapping material and the handle holding loops 14 and 68. The handle carrying portion 32 of strapping material in the third preferred embodiment is fixedly attached to the first 42 and second side 44 of the lower portion 30 of the handle carrying portion 32. The first attaching end 52 of the handle carrying portion 32 extends perpendicularly from the first side 42 of the lower portion 30 of the two handle holding loops 14 and 68. A first rigid handle 56 is threaded onto the handle carrying portion 32 of strapping material after the perpendicular extension of strapping material at the first attaching end 52 of the handle carrying portion 32. A second attaching end 54 of the first handle holding loop 14 is formed by fixedly attaching the second attaching end 54 of the first handle holding loop 14 to the lower portion 30 of the handle carrying portion 32. An expanse of strapping material of the handle carrying portion 32 is fixedly attached to the lower portion 30 of the handle carrying portion 32 to separate the loops 14 and 68 from each other. The second handle holding loop 68 of the third preferred embodiment is formed in a manner similar to the first handle holding loop 14. A first perpendicular extension 70 rises from the first attaching end 72 of the second handle holding loop 68 of the handle carrying portion 32, in a manner similar to the first handle holding loop 14 of the handle carrying portion 32. A second rigid handle 74 is threaded thereafter and a second perpendicular extension of strapping material forms the second attaching end 76 of the second handle holding loop 68 of the handle carrying portion 32 of the third preferred embodiment. The second attaching end 76 of the second handle holding loop 68 is fixedly attached to the lower portion 30 of the handle carrying portion 32 in the third preferred embodiment.

[0036] Referring now to FIG. 4 of the drawings, there is shown a perspective view of a handle carrying portion 32 that includes a handle holding loop 14 in greater detail. It can be seen in FIG. 4 that the handle holding loop 14 is formed by the same single strand 18 of strapping material that forms the load bearing portion 16, as seen in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 of the bundling and carrying device 10 of the present invention. A loop of strapping material is formed at the first attaching end 52 of the handle holding loop 14 such that the first attaching end 52 of the handle holding loop 14 has the first perpendicular extension 53, the rigid handle 56 forms the top 78 of the handle carrying portion 32. The second attaching end 54 has the second perpendicular extension 55 from the top 78 of the handle carrying portion 32 and parallel to the first attaching end 52 of the handle holding loop 14. The first attaching end 52 is threaded through the bottom 24 of the female portion 26 of the buckle 28 and further threaded under the handle carrying portion 32 to form the lower portion 30 of the handle carrying portion 32.

[0037] Referring now to FIG. 5 of the drawings, there is shown a perspective view of the first preferred embodiment of the present bundling and carrying device 10 showing the device used for a small load 51. It can be seen in FIG. 5 that the bundling and carrying device 10 has a single handle portion 12. It can also be seen in FIG. 5 that the male portion 40 and female portion 26 of the buckle 28 are attached and the second end 22 of the strand 18 of strapping material is pulled through the bottom 38 of the male portion 40 of the buckle 28 to tighten the strand 18 of strapping material around a load 51. This can also be seen more clearly in FIG. 1.

[0038] In FIG. 6 of the drawings, there is shown a perspective view of the second preferred embodiment of the device showing two intermediate sized bundling and carrying devices 58 used to bundle and carry an intermediate sized load 60, such as a roll of carpet 78 as seen in FIG. 6. Each of the bundling and carrying devices 58 shown in FIG. 6 has a single handle portion 12 with one handle holding loop 14. The strand 18 of strapping material used in the second preferred embodiment as shown in FIG. 6 is slightly larger than that used in the first preferred embodiment as shown in FIG. 5.

[0039] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the third preferred embodiment of the present bundling, carrying and storing device 10 in its large size 62 showing the device as it is used for a larger load 64 such as a body, as exemplified by the dummies 66 or game as described with reference to FIG. 3. The third preferred embodiment could also be used by a veterinarian in transportation of animals. In the third preferred embodiment there are two handle holding loops 14 and 68 in the handle carrying portion 32, as seen most clearly in FIG. 3, and the strapping is wider and longer still than in the first or second preferred embodiments. It is within the spirit and scope of the invention to put more than two handle holding loops on any of the preferred embodiments.

[0040] Referring now to FIGS. 8, 10, 12, 14A and 14B, there is shown in FIG. 8 a perspective view of the fourth preferred embodiment of the present bundling, carrying and storing device showing the device 10 that would be positioned around a large hose 80 such as a fire hose, as seen in FIG. 12. In FIG. 8 the device 10 shows only a single handle carrying portion 32, so that the user would be supporting the hose 80 with his hand, as seen in FIG. 12. In FIG. 8 it can be seen that proximate to the handle carrying portion 32 of the bundling, carrying and storing device 10, there is fixedly attached an attachment 82 removably attaching a shoulder sash 84 to the bundling, carrying and storing device 10 of the fourth preferred embodiment. In a second variation of the fourth preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 12, which is a perspective view of a person, as exemplified by a dummy 66, using the second variation of the fourth preferred embodiment. The second variation of the fourth preferred embodiment includes a shoulder sash 84 which is positioned over the shoulders 86 of the person, so that the weight of the hose 80 is supported more broadly across the shoulders 86. The shoulder sash 84 used in the second variation of the fourth preferred embodiment is shown in a perspective view in FIG. 10. The shoulder sash 84 as shown in FIGS. 10 and 12 has an attaching clip 88 used to attach the shoulder sash 84 to the bundling, carrying and storing device 10 at the attachment 82 in proximity to the handle carrying portion 32 of the device 10. In FIG. 12 the hose 80 is being supported by the shoulder sash 84 and the handle carrying portion 32 of the device 10. Another example of use of this second variation of the fourth preferred embodiment is shown and described with reference to FIGS. 14A and 14B.

[0041] In FIGS. 9 and 11 there are shown perspective views of the fifth preferred embodiment of the present bundling, carrying and storing device and then the fifth preferred embodiment in use, respectively. In FIG. 9 it can be seen that the load bearing portion 16 of the device 10 is divided to form a cradle 90 and the portions 92 and 94 of the load bearing portion 16 that are not divided are reinforced. This cradle 90 provides additional carrying and coverage capabilities. FIG. 9 shows the example of a boulder 96, in phantom, being carried. The handle carrying portion 32 of the fifth preferred embodiment includes two heavy duty handle holding loops 98 and 100, such that two people can carry the heavy object, each using one handle holding loop 98 or 100. The two handle holding loops 98 and 100 are separable in between. Thus, in practice the handle carrying portion 32 can be separated and the material of the cradle 90 slid under a boulder 96, as seen in FIG. 11. The two handle holding loops 98 and 100 can then be snapped back together and the strand of strapping material 18 tightened up around the boulder 96, and the boulder 96, then lifted up using the device 10 as seen in FIG. 11.

[0042] Referring now to FIGS. 13A and 13B of the drawings there is shown a perspective view of a first variation of the sixth preferred embodiment wherein a handle 102, cording 104, and an appendage 106 allows the bundling, carrying and storing device to be stored, one example of this storage would be to hang the device 10 on a wall. The handle 102 in the sixth preferred embodiment has two loose ends 108 and 110 of a double strand or u-shaped cording threaded through a hole 112 approximately in the middle 114 of the handle 102. The two loose ends 108 and 110 of the cording 104 form a first top 118 of the cording 104 and are knotted inside the handle 102 so that the loose ends 108 and 110 will not slip through the handle 102. So, in practice the two ends 108 and 110 of the u-shaped cording 104 are tied together, forming a loop 120. The loop 120 is folded forming two ends 122 and 124 with a knot 126 on the first end 122 and a u-shape 128 on the second end 124. The u-shaped second end 124 is placed into the handle 102 until the cording 104 is past the hole 130 in the handle 102. A small hook (not shown) is inserted into the handle 102 through the hole 130 and the hook is used to pull the cording 104 out through the hole 130. The cording 104 is then pulled tight so that the knot 126 securely holds the cording 104 to the handle 102. With the cording 104 installed, end caps 132 and 134 are inserted on a first end 136 and a second end 138 of the handle 102. The ends 108 and 110 of the cording 104 are shown knotted in FIG. 13C. The rest of the u-shaped cording 104 that forms the bottom 118 of the cording 104 is releasably attached to an appendage 106 by means of a hitch 120. In the example shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B the appendage 106 is triangularly shaped, but it can be in any shape having a hole 142 that will fit over a hook on a wall, for example, for hanging and storing the device with or without its load 60.

[0043] Referring now to FIGS. 14A and 14B of the drawings there is shown a perspective view of a second variation of the fourth preferred embodiment wherein the device 10 as shown in FIG. 12 is used in a different fashion in FIGS. 14A and 14B. In FIG. 14B the user 146 has removed the wound up hose 80 as shown in FIG. 12 and is now using the device 10 to support the extended hose 144 full of water. The user 146 has the support of both the shoulder sash 84 and the single handle carrying portion 32 as was the case in FIG. 12. In both FIGS. 12 and 14A and 14B there is thereby provided supplemental lifting and moving capabilities

[0044] In FIGS. 15A and 15B there is shown a perspective view of a second variation of the sixth preferred embodiment wherein there is provided a handle for a special application not specifically related to the other embodiments. In FIGS. 15A and 15B, the two loose ends 108 and 110 of the cording 104 are knotted inside the special application handle 148 as described with reference to FIGS. 13A and 13B thereby forming a double strand or u-shaped cording 104 also as described with reference to FIGS. 13A, 13B, and 13C. To use the special application handle 148 as shown in FIG. 15B, the u-shaped cording 104 is positioned over the neck 150 of a bottle 152 and secured there by means of a hitch 140 in a manner similar to the way the u-shaped cording 104 is attached to the appendage 106 in FIGS. 13A and 13B. There is thus provided a convenient and simple handle 148 for carrying a bottle 160 of water, or the like. The second variation of the sixth preferred embodiment of the present invention is similar to the first variation of the sixth preferred embodiment without an appendage 106.

[0045] Referring now to FIG. 16 of the drawings, there is shown a perspective view of an alternative handle 154 that can be used in any of the preferred embodiments of the present invention. In FIG. 16 it can be seen that a soft handle 154 has been provided, that may be desirable in any number of applications, particularly where especially heavy items are being lifted. FIG. 16 shows the progression of how the soft handle 154 can be made simply and easily in the hereinafter described manner, but it is within the spirit and scope of the invention to provide a soft handle 154 in a number of other ways. The top portion of FIG. 16 shows the soft handle 154 put together as it would be used. The lower portion of FIG. 16 shows the various pieces as they are used to put the soft handle 154 together. First, metal tubing 156, in this example copper plumbing tubing 156, is positioned over the upper portion 57 of the handle carrying portion 32. Next, insulation or padding material 158, in this example self sealing hot water pipe insulation 158, is positioned around the tubing 156 where it would form a sealed cylindrical padding 160 as seen in FIG. 16. The two open ends 162 and 164 of the insulation 158 can be closed with standard wire ties 166 in a known manner.

[0046] While there has been accomplished by the Applicant's invention all of the objects and advantages of the invention, nevertheless, variation in the structure of the invention and the arrangement of the various parts are within the spirit and scope of the Applicants' invention. The embodiments given have been given by way of illustration, and the Applicant is not Lo be limited to the embodiments shown and described.

Claims

1. A bundling, carrying and storing device comprising:

a) a load bearing portion having a first end with a first portion of a fastener, an intermediate position with a second mating portion of a fastener, and a loose second end for tightening the load bearing portion around a load; and

b) a handle carrying portion having at least one handle holding loop adjacent and parallel to the load bearing portion; and

whereby after tightening the load bearing portion around a load, the load can be carried.

2. A bundling, carrying and storing device as defined in claim 1 wherein there are at least two handle holding loops.

3. A bundling, carrying and storing device as defined in claim 2 wherein the handle holding loops are separable in between.

4. The bundling, carrying and storing device as defined in claim 1 further comprising:

a) an identifying positioner fixedly attached to the loose second end of the load bearing portion;

whereby the user can identify which end will tighten the load bearing portion around the load.

5. The bundling, carrying and storing device as defined in claim 1 further comprising:

a) a shoulder sash attached to the bundling and carrying device in proximity to the handle carrying portion for distributing weight across a user's shoulders.

6. The bundling, carrying and storing device as defined in claim 1 further comprising:

a) an attachment for releasably attaching the shoulder strap in proximity to the handle carrying portion.

7. The bundling, carrying and storing device as defined in claim 6 wherein the shoulder sash has an attachment clip for releasably attaching the shoulder sash to the attachment on the bundling and carrying device.

8. The bundling, carrying and storing device as defined in claim 1 wherein the load bearing portion is divided to form a cradle.

9. A carrying device comprising:

a) a handle having a middle; and

b) a u-shaped strand of cording having two loose upper ends at an upper portion, fixedly attached in proximity to the middle of the handle and a lower portion;

whereby the lower portion of the strand of cording is releasably attached to an object by a hitch.

10. A method of providing a bundling and carrying device comprising the steps of:

a) providing a load bearing portion having a first end with a first portion of a fastener, an intermediate position with a second mating portion of a fastener, and a loose second end for tightening the load bearing portion around a load;

b) providing a handle carrying portion having at least one handle holding loop adjacent and parallel to the load bearing portion; and

whereby after tightening the load bearing portion around a load, the load can be carried.

11. The method of providing a bundling, carrying and storing device as defined in claim 10 wherein there are at least two handle holding loops.

12. The method of providing a bundling, carrying, and storing device as defined in claim 11 wherein the handle holding loops are separable in between.

13. The method of providing a bundling, carrying, and storing device as defined in claim 10 further comprising the step of:

a) providing an identifying position fixedly attached to the second loose end of the load bearing portion

whereby the user can identify which end will tighten the load bearing portion around the load.

14. The method of providing a bundling, carrying and storing device as defined in claim 10 further comprising the step of:

a) providing a shoulder sash attached to the bundling, carrying and storing device in proximity to the handle carrying portion for distributing weight across a user's shoulders.

15. The method of providing a bundling, carrying and storing device as defined in claim 14 wherein the shoulder sash has an attachment clip for releasably attaching the shoulder sash Lo the attachment on the bundling and carrying device.

16. The method of providing a bundling, carrying and storing device as defined in claim 10 wherein the load bearing portion is divided to form a cradle.