Apparatus for assisting manually carrying and lifting objects
The disclosure herein relates, inter alia, to an apparatus for aiding in manual support or lifting of an object, comprising first strap connector means connected to first means adapted to be engaged by at least a portion of one of the user's arms; second strap connector means connected to a second means adapted to be engaged by at least a portion of the other of the user's arms; and strap means extending between said first strap connector means and said second strap connector means, with an intermediate portion thereof resting on the shoulder of the user.
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to devices used to manually lift and carry objects.
2. Description of Prior Art
Since time immemorial, man has had to lift and carry loads. This is usually done with the hands and arms, though heavier loads, in a pack, are sometimes supported by the back, which is stronger than the hands or arms. Absent the pack, however, man has usually had to use his hands and arms to lift and carry loads.
There have been attempts to help man use straps to carry loads (see, e.g. U.S. Pat. No. 2,718,988 to Potts, and U.S. Pat. No. 1,727,873). However, none known to the inventor have the advantages of the present invention, e.g. to optimally: divide between two hands the weight of an article being carried; cause each hand to act like a counterweight to the other; enable sharing loads between the hands, shoulders and especially the back of the user; enable the shifting of loads to the back, and by accomplishing the objects listed below.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTIONIt is a prime object of the present invention to provide an apparatus to assist in manually lifting and carrying objects.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus to assist in manually lifting and carrying objects which reduces the load and strain on the tendons and muscles of the arms of the user.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus to assist in manually lifting and carrying objects which transfers to the shoulders and back some of the load of an object being manually lifted or carried.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for aiding in lifting, carrying, and transporting stretchers or gurneys bearing medical patients.
In one embodiment, it is an object of the present invention to provide a “hands-free” capability for manually (e.g. without powered machines) lifting and carrying a load.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide an inexpensive lightweight, portable, easily stored apparatus to accomplish the foregoing and other objects.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus, to accomplish the foregoing and other objects, which consists of a limited number of conventional elements which interact reliably and provide an apparatus having a long useful life.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe above objects are achieved by the present invention.
More specifically, in accordance with one aspect of the present invention, apparatus is provided for aiding a person in the manual support or lifting of an object. The apparatus includes, but is not limited to, first strap connector means, connected to first means adapted to be engaged by at least a portion of one of the user's arms; and second strap connector means connected to second means adapted to be engaged by at least a portion of the other of the user's arms. Strap means extend between the first strap connector means to the second strap connector means. An intermediate portion of the strap means is adapted to rest on the shoulder of the user.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, apparatus for aiding in manual support or lifting of an object is provided; the apparatus includes, but is not limited to, first strap connector means connected to first means adapted to be engaged by at least a portion of one of the user's arms and second strap connector means connected to second means adapted to be engaged by at least a portion of the other of the user's arms. First strap means extend between the first strap connector means to the second strap connector means, with an intermediate portion of the straps being adapted to rest on one of the shoulders of the user. Second strap means extend between the said first strap connector means and the second strap connector means, with an intermediate portion thereof adapted to rest on the other shoulder of the user.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, apparatus for aiding in manual support or lifting of an object is provided. The apparatus includes, but is not limited to, first strap connector means connected to first means adapted to be engaged by at least a portion of the one of user's arms and second strap connector means connected to second means adapted to be engaged by at least a portion of the other of user's arm. Strap means having a first and a second section are provided. The first strap means section extends between the first strap connector means and the second strap connector means, and from said second strap connector means over the other shoulder of the user to said first strap connector means.
Still yet another embodiment of the apparatus for aiding in manual support or lifting of an object includes, but is not limited to: strap means having first, second, third, and fourth sections. The first section extends from a first strap connector means, located proximate to one hand, to a second strap section extending from a first shoulder to a second strap connector means, located proximate to the other hand. A third strap section extends from the second strap connector means to the other shoulder of the user. A fourth strap section extends from the other shoulder of the user to the first strap connector means.
Still yet another aspect of the invention includes having first means adapted to be engaged by at least a portion of the arm of a user. This first means adapted to be engaged by at least a portion of the arm of a user may take the form of a hand loop, finger loop, full glove, partial glove, finger ring, thumb loop, forearm cuff, or wrist cuff, to name a few possibilities. Some preferred embodiments have a second means adapted to be engaged by at least a portion of the arm of a user. Like the first means, the second means adapted to be engaged by at least a portion of the arm of a user may take the form of a hand loop, finger loop, full glove, partial glove, finger ring, thumb loop, forearm cuff, or wrist cuff, to name a few possibilities.
Still yet another aspect of the invention includes having a load engaging means in the form of a hook, or otherwise adapted to attach to an item selected from the following group: (shovel, toolbox, wheelbarrow, fire hose, axe, prybar, debris-lifting instrument, stretcher, gurney, rowboat oar, rowboat oars, canoe paddle).
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGTo these and to such other objects that may hereinafter appear, the present invention relates to an apparatus for an assisting in lifting and manually carrying objects, as set forth in detail in the following specification and recited in the annexed claims, taken together with the accompanying drawings, wherein like numerals refer to like parts, and in which:
Strap 10 has a first end 11 and a second end 13; the first end 11 is connected to first strap connector means 18. The second end 13 is connected to second strap connector means 28. Strap 10 has an anterior section 10A and a posterior section 10P.
Strap 12 has a first end 15 and a second end 17; the first end 15 is connected to second strap connector means 28; the second end 17 is connected to first strap connector means 18. Strap 12 has an anterior section 12A and a posterior section 12P. Straps 10 and 12 may be integral, continuous, sectional, or separate and interconnected.
As seen in
The first end 15 of strap 12 and the second end 13 of strap 10 are connected at first strap connector means 18. The first strap connector means 18 facilitates the connection of straps. It may take the form of a simple bracket through-bolted through two strap ends (as depicted in
Likewise, the first end 11 of strap 10 and the second end 17 of strap 12 are connected at second strap connector means 28, The second strap connector means 28 facilitates the connection of straps. It may take the form of a simple bracket through-bolted through two strap ends (as depicted in
Aside from the straps, strap connectors 18, 28 are each connected to a different one of two load engaging means 20, 30, respectively, as is best seen in
In one preferred embodiment, first load engaging means 20 is operably connected to strap connection means 16, and second load engaging means 30 is operably connected to apparatus strap connection means 26 (see, e.g.,
In one preferred embodiment, preferably located at or near strap connection means 18 is first means adapted to be engaged by at least one of a portion of one of the user's arms 16, e.g., the hand; preferably located at or near strap connection means 28 are second means adapted to be engaged by at least one of a portion of one of the user's arms 26, e.g., the hand.
In the embodiment illustrated in
While only a limited number of preferred embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed for purposes of illustration, it is obvious that many variations and modifications could be made therein. It is intended to cover all of these variations and modifications which fall within the scope of the present invention as defined by the following claims.
Claims
1-20. (canceled)
21. Apparatus for aiding in manual support or lifting of an object, comprising:
- first strap connector means connected to first means adapted to be engaged by at least a portion of one of the user's arms;
- second strap connector means connected to a second means adapted to be engaged by at least a portion of the other of the user's arms; and
- strap means extending between said first strap connector means and said second strap connector means, with an intermediate portion thereof resting on the shoulder of the user.
22. The apparatus of claim 21, further comprising first load engaging means, said first load engaging means being operatively connected to said first strap connector means.
23. The apparatus of claim 22 wherein the first means adapted to be engaged by at least a portion of the arm of a user are one selected from the following group: (full glove, partial glove, finger ring, thumb loop, forearm cuff, wrist cuff).
24. Apparatus for aiding in manual support or lifting of an object, comprising:
- first strap connector means connected to first means adapted to be engaged by at least a portion of one of the user's arms;
- second strap connector means connected to a second means adapted to be engaged by at least a portion of the other of the user's arms;
- strap means extending between said first strap connector means and said second strap connector means, with an intermediate portion thereof resting on the shoulder of the user;
- first load engaging means, said first load engaging means being operatively connected to said first strap connector means; and
- second load engaging means, said second load engaging means being operatively connected to said second strap connector means.
25. The apparatus of claim 24 wherein the first means adapted to be engaged by at least a portion of the arm of a user are one selected from the following group: (full glove, partial glove, finger ring, thumb loop, forearm cuff, wrist cuff), and wherein the second means adapted to be engaged by at least a portion of the arm of a user are one selected from the following group: (full glove, partial glove, finger ring, thumb loop, forearm cuff, wrist cuff).
26. The apparatus as in claim 25 wherein one of said first strap means or said second strap means has therein a slot to permit the passage through, and relative securement of, the other of said first strap means or said second strap means.
27. Apparatus for aiding in manual support or lifting of an object, comprising:
- first strap connector means connected to first means adapted to be engaged by at least a portion of one of the user's arms;
- second strap connector means connected to a second means adapted to be engaged by at least a portion of the other of the user's arms;
- first strap means extending between said first strap connector means and said second strap connector means, with an intermediate portion of said strap resting on one of the shoulders of the user; and
- second strap means extending between said first strap connector means to said second strap connector means, with an intermediate portion thereof resting on the other shoulder of the user.
28. The apparatus of claim 27, further comprising first load engaging means, said first load engaging means being operatively connected to said first strap connector means; and second load engaging means, said second load engaging means being operatively connected to said second strap connector means.
29. The apparatus of claim 28 wherein the first means adapted to be engaged by at least a portion of the arm of a user are one selected from the following group: (full glove, partial glove, finger ring, thumb loop, forearm cuff, wrist cuff), and wherein the second means adapted to be engaged by at least a portion of the arm of a user are one selected from the following group: (full glove, partial glove, finger ring, thumb loop, forearm cuff, wrist cuff).
30. Apparatus for aiding in manual support or lifting of an object, comprising:
- first strap connector means;
- second strap connector means; and
- a substantially continuous strap extending from said first strap connector means, over one shoulder of the user, through said second strap connector means, over the other shoulder of the user, and back to said first strap connector means.
31. The apparatus of claim 30, further comprising first load engaging means, said first load engaging means being operatively connected to said first strap connector means; and second load engaging means, said second load engaging means being operatively connected to said second strap connector means.
32. The apparatus of claim 31 wherein the first means adapted to be engaged by at least a portion of the arm of a user are one selected from the following group: (full glove, partial glove, finger ring, thumb loop, forearm cuff, wrist cuff), and wherein the second means adapted to be engaged by at least a portion of the arm of a user are one selected from the following group: (full glove, partial glove, finger ring, thumb loop, forearm cuff, wrist cuff).
33. Apparatus as in claim 26, further comprising a first means adapted to be engaged by at least a portion of one arm of the user and connected to said first strap connector means;
34. Apparatus as in claim 27, further comprising a second means adapted to be engaged by at least a portion of the other arm of the user and connected to said second strap connector means.
35. Apparatus as in claim 23, further comprising first load engaging means, said first load engaging means being operatively connected to said first strap connector means.
36. Apparatus as in claim 35, further comprising second load engaging means, said second load engaging means being operatively connected to said second strap connector means.
37. The apparatus as in claim 24 or claim 27 wherein one of said first strap means or said second strap means has therein a slot to permit the passage through, and relative securement of, the other of said first strap means or said second strap means.
38. Apparatus for aiding in manual support or lifting of an object, comprising:
- strap means comprising a said first section extending from a first strap connector means, located proximate to one hand, to a second strap section extending from one shoulder to a second strap connector means, located proximate to the other hand;
- a third strap section extending from said second strap connector means to the other shoulder of the user, a fourth strap section extending from said other shoulder of the user to said first strap connector means.
39. The apparatus of claim 38 wherein the first means adapted to be engaged by at least a portion of the arm of a user are one selected from the following group: (full glove, partial glove, finger ring, thumb loop, forearm cuff, wrist cuff), and wherein the second means adapted to be engaged by at least a portion of the arm of a user are one selected from the following group: (full glove, partial glove, finger ring, thumb loop, forearm cuff, wrist cuff).
40. The apparatus as in claims 22, 28, 35 or 36 wherein the load engaging means is adapted to attach to an item selected from the following group: (shovel, toolbox, wheelbarrow, fire hose, prybar, debris-lifting instrument, stretcher, gurney)
Type: Application
Filed: Apr 25, 2005
Publication Date: Dec 22, 2005
Inventor: Ronald Komorowski (Raritan, NJ)
Application Number: 11/114,924