Brace for carrying papers/books on arm

Abstract

Brace for Carrying Papers/Books on Arm is a holder for mail, papers, magazines, books or the like. The preferred embodiment of the invention utilizes a brace, a backing, a ledge and a cut-out to allow a user to cradle the mail, papers, magazines, books or the like. To use the preferred embodiment of Brace for Carrying Papers/Books on Arm, an individual would rest the backing on their forearm while resting the ledge against the front of their body and their wrist in the cut-out. The user would then place the appropriate objects such as papers, mail, books or other items on the backing against the brace and the ledge.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This United States Non-Provisional Patent Application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/817,812 entitled “Brace for Carrying Papers/Books on Arm” filed on Jun. 30, 2006.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The disclosures made herein relate generally to the school supplies, mail delivery and office accessories industries. The invention discussed herein is in the general classification of holders for mail, magazines, papers, books and the like.

BACKGROUND

Almost everyone who has ever tried to carry a pile of papers or multiple magazines or books has experienced the frustration of having them fall out of their arms, causing them to shuffle and bend. Often, carrying multiple stacks of paper or magazines and books requires both arms to be used to balance the items and minimize the chance of dropping them. Unfortunately, this does not leave the individual with a free arm to complete other tasks such as opening doors.

A variety of devices are well-known in the art for carrying papers and books. Both papers and books are often stored and carried in a backpack or briefcase. These items are not always readily available and are often expensive and heavy to carry. Many of these backpacks and briefcases are vulnerable to the weather elements because they are made of leather or some other less durable fabric.

Binders and folders are also often used for holding papers. These devices often hold only a small number of papers and require a hole puncher to be used to create holes for securing the papers inside the binders or folders.

Mailmen often tote a large mailbag to carry envelopes, magazines and the like. However, these mailbags are large and cumbersome to use. They also are not aesthetically pleasing or available for most individuals for everyday use.

Hence, there is a need in the art for a convenient to use, inexpensive, durable, safe, effective and aesthetically pleasing device for holding and carrying books, magazines, mail, papers and the like.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Brace for Carrying Papers/Books on Arm is a holder for mail, papers, magazines, books or the like.

The preferred embodiment of the invention utilizes a brace, a backing, a ledge and a cut-out to allow a user to cradle the mail, papers, magazines, books or the like.

The principal object of this invention is to provide a device that can be used to hold and carry mail.

Another object of this invention is to provide a device that can be used to hold and carry books, magazines, paper and other materials.

Another object of this invention is to provide a device for use with one arm to hold and carry mail, books, magazines, paper and other materials

Another object of this invention is to provide an affordable device for holding and carrying mail, books, magazines, paper and other materials.

Another object of this invention is to provide an easily used device for holding and carrying mail, books, magazines, paper and other materials.

Another object of this invention is to provide a reliable device for holding and carrying mail, books, magazines, paper and other materials.

Another object of this invention is to provide an aesthetically pleasing device for holding and carrying mail, books, magazines, paper and other materials.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide a durable device for holding and carrying mail, books, magazines, paper and other materials.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 depicts a cross-sectional view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention cut along the line A-A of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 depicts a top view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The preferred embodiment of Brace for Carrying Papers/Books on Arm is comprised of at least some of the following: a brace, a backing, a ledge and a cut-out to allow a user to cradle the mail, papers, magazines, books or the like.

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. A backing 1 connects to a brace 2 at a right angle at one side of the backing 1. The backing 1 is ten inches in length and nine inches in width in this preferred embodiment. The brace is ten inches in length and two inches in width in this preferred embodiment. A ledge 3 connects to the bottom of the backing 1 and the brace 2. The ledge 3 extends approximately four inches from the backing 1 and has a width of nine inches.

The brace 2 is rectangular and the backing 1 and ledge 3 are approximately rectangular in this preferred embodiment though other shapes will also work. The rectangular design is preferred so that the papers, mail, books and magazines will be supported along almost their entire length and width when they are placed onto the ledge 3 and pressed against the backing 1 and brace 2. The backing 1, brace 2, and ledge 3 are all approximately one-eighth of an inch in thickness in this preferred embodiment. The thickness is not critical to the invention, however, thinner components of the same materials will weigh less which is beneficial for a handheld device.

The backing 1, brace 2 and ledge 3 are made of plastic though other materials such as metal will also suffice. If the backing 1, brace 2 and ledge 3 are made of other materials, they will ideally be water-resistant and durable enough to be utilized outside. The plastic construction of these components is preferable due to the lightweight and durability.

A cut-out 4 is located in the backing 1 on the side opposite the brace 2. The cut-out is semi-circular in this preferred embodiment to allow a user's arm/wrist to be placed inside of it. The cut-out 4 has a two-inch radius/four-inch diameter in this preferred embodiment to accommodate the average user's arm/wrist. The cut-out 4 is approximately centrally located on the side of the backing 1.

FIG. 2 depicts a cross-sectional view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention cut along the line A-A of FIG. 1. The backing 1 and ledge 3 are shown at right angles to one another, forming an L-shape.

FIG. 3 depicts a top view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. The backing 1, brace 2 and ledge 3 are all visible from this perspective. The ledge 3 is at the bottom to support the various objects pinned against the backing 1 and brace 2.

To use the preferred embodiment of Brace for Carrying Papers/Books on Arm, an individual would rest the backing on their forearm while resting the ledge against the front of their body and their wrist in the cut-out. The user would then place the appropriate objects such as papers, mail, books or other items on the backing against the brace and the ledge.

The materials utilized for Brace for Carrying Papers/Books on Arm may vary widely but will likely include metal and/or plastic components. The metals would ideally be selected from available steel or alloys of steel and aluminum. The production process related to the use of these metals insures that the metal is non-corrosive, durable and strong. The selected metal should have high impact strength and be capable of accepting and retaining coloring materials for an extended length of time.

The plastic used in the production will ideally be selected for durability and longevity. Thermoplastics are commonly used in the manufacturing of components similar to those used in this invention. Polyethylene, polypropylene, and other similar thermoplastic materials would be among those with the necessary traits. Members of this family are recognized universally as being versatile and of high quality.

The plastic components of Brace for Carrying Papers/Books on Arm can also be formed with the use of plastic molding techniques, such as injection molding or blow molding. Injection molding requires melted plastic to be forcefully injected into relatively cool molds. As the plastic begins to harden, it takes on the shape of the mold cavity. This technique is ideal for the mass production of products. Alternatively, blow molding, a form of extrusion, could be utilized. Blow molding involves a molten tube being pushed into a mold. Compressed air then forces the molten tube against the cold walls of the mold.

It should be obvious that the components of the present invention can be of various shapes and sizes. It should also be obvious that the components of the invention can be made of different types of plastics or other suitable materials and can be of any color.

It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that changes or modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the broad inventive concepts of the invention. It should therefore be understood that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments described herein, but is intended to include all changes and modifications that are within the scope and spirit of the invention as set forth in the claims.

Claims

1. A carrying device comprising:

(a) a backing connected to a brace at a right angle;

(b) a ledge connected to the bottom of the backing and the brace; and

(c) a cut-out on the side of the backing opposite the brace.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein the backing is approximately rectangular.

3. The device of claim 1 wherein the backing is ten inches in length and nine inches in width.

4. The device of claim 1 wherein the brace is rectangular.

5. The device of claim 1 wherein the brace is ten inches in length and two inches in width.

6. The device of claim 1 wherein the ledge is approximately rectangular.

7. The device of claim 1 wherein the ledge extends approximately four inches from the backing and has a width of nine inches.

8. The device of claim 1 wherein the backing, the brace and the ledge are made of plastic.

9. The device of claim 1 wherein the backing, the brace and the ledge are made of metal.

10. The device of claim 1 wherein the cut-out is semi-circular and is approximately centrally located on the side of the backing.

11. The device of claim 10 wherein the cut-out has a two inch radius.

12. A carrying device comprising:

(a) a backing that is approximately rectangular connected at a right angle to a brace that is approximately rectangular;

(b) a ledge that is approximately rectangular connected to the bottom of the backing and the brace; and

(c) a semi-circular cut-out approximately centrally located on the side of the backing opposite the brace.