SMART STRAP FOR CARRYING UNWIELDY OBJECTS

Abstract

Strap apparatuses for assisting a user carry an unwieldy object are disclosed. Several different strap configurations can be employed and connected to a fulcrum. Unwieldy objects can be mounted to the fulcrum and secured to a user by tightening straps. The improved strap apparatus allows a user to safely carry an unwieldy object and easily release the object if necessary to prevent an accident.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a Nonprovisional Utility U.S. patent application under 37 CFR 1.53(b).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to strap apparatuses. More particularly, the present invention relates to strap apparatuses for use in carrying unwieldy objects.

Description of Related Art

For workers and other people who frequently carry unwieldy objects, it is often difficult and time consuming. For example, objects that cannot be carried by one person often require two or three people. If a person uses straps or a harness to tightly secure an object to their body, it can be dangerous during transport. If the person is traveling on stairs or on a hazardous surface and the person falls, the harnessed object may stay attached to the person and create another hazard during the fall. Thus, current strap systems are insufficient for enabling a person to transport an unwieldy object and readily release the object. There is a need in the field for an improved strap apparatus and method for securing and carrying unwieldy objects.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Several strap apparatuses employing different strap configurations for securing unwieldy objects are disclosed herein. Strap apparatus embodiments can employ a fulcrum with a plurality of straps attached to the fulcrum. For example, an embodiment can include four straps attached to the fulcrum at the corners using D-clips and stitching. Straps can be interconnected using buckle fasteners and tightened using cinch clips or other means. Another embodiment can include straps with enlarged ends that can be attached to the fulcrum through openings. Handles can be attached to the straps to enable a user to adjust the straps for carrying an unwieldy object. Cross straps can be included to further secure the apparatus during transport of an object.

A method of carrying an unwieldy object includes placing the object on a fulcrum prior to mounting on a user's back. The unwieldy object is positioned and balanced on a user's back between the fulcrum and the user. The user can manually adjust the straps as needed to securely transport the object. When the user wants to release the object, he can do so quickly by releasing the straps.

These and other features and advantages will be apparent from reading of the following detailed description and review of the associated drawings. It is to be understood that both the forgoing general description and the following detailed description are explanatory and do not restrict aspects as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a strap apparatus embodiment implementing four straps for carrying an unwieldy object.

FIG. 2 illustrates a user employing a strap apparatus embodiment to carry an unwieldy object.

FIG. 3 illustrates an alternative strap apparatus embodiment implementing four straps for carrying an unwieldy object.

FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of an alternative strap apparatus embodiment implementing two straps that intersect and resemble a figure-eight shape.

FIG. 5 illustrates a rear view of the alternative strap apparatus embodiment implementing two straps that intersect and resemble a figure-eight shape.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The following descriptions relate principally to preferred embodiments while a few alternative embodiments may also be referenced on occasion, although it should be understood that many other alternative embodiments would also fall within the scope of the invention. The embodiments disclosed are not to be construed as describing limits to the invention, whereas the broader scope of the invention should instead be considered with reference to the claims, which may be now appended or may later be added or amended in this or related applications. Unless indicated otherwise, it is to be understood that terms used in these descriptions generally have the same meanings as those that would be understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art. It should also be understood that terms used are generally intended to have the ordinary meanings that would be understood within the context of the related art, and they generally should not be restricted to formal or ideal definitions, conceptually encompassing equivalents, unless and only to the extent that a particular context clearly requires otherwise.

For purposes of these descriptions, a few wording simplifications should also be understood as universal, except to the extent otherwise clarified in a particular context either in the specification or in particular claims. The use of the term “or” should be understood as referring to alternatives, although it is generally used to mean “and/or” unless explicitly indicated to refer to alternatives only, or unless the alternatives are inherently mutually exclusive. Furthermore, unless explicitly dictated by the language, the term “and” may be interpreted as “or” in some instances. When referencing values, the term “about” may be used to indicate an approximate value, generally one that could be read as being that value plus or minus half of the value. “A” or “an” and the like may mean one or more, unless clearly indicated otherwise. Such “one or more” meanings are most especially intended when references are made in conjunction with open-ended words such as “having,” “comprising” or “including.” Likewise, “another” object may mean at least a second object or more. Thus, in the context of this specification, the term “comprising” is used in an inclusive sense and thus should be understood as meaning “including, but not limited to.” As used herein, the use of “may” or “may be” indicates that a modified term is appropriate, capable, or suitable for an indicated capacity, function, or usage, while considering that in some circumstances the modified term may sometimes not be appropriate, capable, or suitable. “Plurality” is defined as more than one when used to describe a quantity in the description and claims.

FIG. 1 illustrates a strap apparatus embodiment 10 implementing four straps for carrying an unwieldy object. An “unwieldy object” can include a wide variety of items that are difficult to manually carry. The main body of the strap apparatus 10 includes a pivot point (“fulcrum”) 101. In this embodiment 10, the fulcrum 101 is rectangular shaped but other shapes can be implemented included oval or circular. The fulcrum is preferably made of a flexible material such as nylon or other polymers. The fulcrum 101 includes a plurality of attachment points located at each corner. Referring to the first attachment point 102, a section of webbing 103 is sewn to the fulcrum 101. The attachment point further includes a D-ring 104 connected to the webbing 103. A first strap 105 is connected to another side of the D-ring 104. As shown, the D-ring 104 can be looped through both the webbing 103 and the first strap 105. In a similar manner to the first attachment point 102, a second attachment point 106 includes webbing 107 and a D-ring 108 connected to the webbing 107. Further, a second strap 109 is connected to another side of the D-ring 108. Additionally, a third attachment point 110 with a third strap 113, and a fourth attachment point 114 with a fourth strap 117 can be connected by similar means. In an alternative embodiment, the first strap 105 can be affixed directly to the first attachment point 102 using stitching without having D-rings, with the other straps 109, 113, 117 also connecting to their respective attachment points 106, 110, 114 without D-rings.

As shown in FIG. 1, the first strap 105 is operatively connected to the second strap 109 using a fastener 120. In this embodiment 10, the fastener 120 is a buckle fastener with a male connector 121 and female connector 122. Further, the fastener 120 has a first opening 123 allowing the first strap 105 to pass (“loop”) through. Similarly, the fastener 120 has a second opening 125 allowing the second strap 109 to pass through. Further, the third strap 113 and fourth strap 117 can be operatively connected using a fastener 130 and secured by similar mechanisms as the first strap 105 and second strap 109. In addition, the straps 109, 117 can be tightened or loosened manually using fasteners 140, 141 such as cinch clips and the like. Another option is to include a pulley mechanism 145 for additional support of the strap apparatus 10. The pulley mechanism 145 in this example includes two cross straps 146, 147 and a fastener 148 connecting the cross straps. The cross straps 146, 147 can be affixed to the first strap 105 and third strap 113 using stitching, rivets, or other means. A user can optionally use the fastener 148 to secure the cross straps 146, 147 across the user's chest. The cross straps 146, 147 can easily be disengaged when the user wants to release the unwieldy object. Included in the apparatus 10 is a cinch strap 149a that acts as a cinch to lock the fulcrum 101 to the object 90. Further, a fulcrum strap 150 is affixed (e.g. stitched) to the fulcrum 101 and has a loop fastener (e.g. Velcro®). The cinch strap 149aa with hook fastener 149b stitched to it runs through the 149c cinch loop and is mechanically fastened (connected) to the fulcrum strap 150 with its loop fastener.

A method of securing an unwieldy object 90 includes placing the object 90 on the strap apparatus 10 prior to transport. Preferably, the center of mass of an unwieldy object 90 is placed on the fulcrum 101. Centering the mass is important for providing balance and stability during transport of the object 90. The fulcrum 101 is shown positioned on a side of an unwieldy object 90 to provide support. The cinch strap 149a is wrapped all the way around the object 90 to lock the fulcrum 101 to the object 90.

FIG. 2 illustrates a user 70 employing a strap apparatus embodiment 10 to carry an unwieldy object 90. In this example, the unwieldy object 90 is a roll of carpet. Once the unwieldy object 90 is placed in position on the fulcrum 101 and secured using the cinch strap 149a, the object 90 and apparatus 10 can be mounted on a user's back. The unwieldy object 90 is positioned on a user's back 72 between the fulcrum 101 and the user 70. The user 70 can manually adjust the straps 105, 109, 113, 117 as needed to securely transport the unwieldy object 90. When the user 70 wants to release the object 90, he can do so quickly by releasing the straps.

FIG. 3 illustrates an alternative strap apparatus embodiment 20 implementing four straps for carrying an unwieldy object. The main body of the strap apparatus 20 includes a fulcrum 201. In this embodiment 20, the fulcrum 201 is also rectangular shaped but other shapes can be implemented. The attachment points are openings enabling straps to pass through. Referring to the first attachment point (opening) 202, a first strap 203 can pass through the opening 202. The first strap 203 can have a larger end piece 204 which can be folded and manually pushed through the first opening 202. If tension is applied to the first strap 203, the larger end piece 204 will “catch” on part of the fulcrum 201 enabling the first strap 203 to remain engaged at the first attachment point 202. To disengage the first strap 203 from the first attachment point 202, a user can manually fold and push the end piece 204 back through the first opening 202. Similar to the first strap 203, a second strap 206 can have a larger end piece 207 which can be folded and manually pushed through the second opening 205. The end piece 207 will catch on part of the fulcrum 201 enabling the second strap 206 to remain engaged when tension is applied.

As shown in FIG. 3, the first strap 203 is operatively connected to the second strap 206 using a fastener 220. In this embodiment 20, the fastener 220 is a buckle fastener but other fasteners can be employed. A first handle 210 can be attached to an end 208 of the second strap 206. The first handle 210 enables a user to readily pull the second strap 206 as needed to tighten and secure an unwieldy object 90. Further, a third strap 213 and fourth strap 216 can be operatively connected using a fastener 230 and secured by similar mechanisms as the first strap 203 and second strap 206. A second handle 211 can be attached to an end 217 of the fourth strap 216 to further tighten and secure an unwieldy object. Another option is to include a pulley mechanism for additional support of the strap apparatus 20, similar to the pulley mechanism 145 shown in FIG. 1 regarding the strap apparatus embodiment 10.

FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of an alternative strap apparatus embodiment 30 implementing two straps that intersect and resemble a figure-eight shape. The fulcrum 301 has four attachment points (openings) for the straps 303, 313 but also has an intersection point 318. The intersection point 318 is stationary and preferably centered on the fulcrum 301. The straps 303, 313 and intersection point 318 are shown in broken lines to indicate that they are located on the opposite (rear) side of the fulcrum 301. The intersection point 320 keeps the straps 303, 313 together and provides stability to the strap apparatus 30 when the fulcrum 301 is positioned on a side of an unwieldy object (e.g. object 90 shown in FIG. 2) for transport. An upper portion of the first strap 303 is shown overlapping a lower portion of the second strap 313. The straps 303, 313 are affixed together at the intersection point 320. The intersection point 320 can be affixed to the fulcrum 301 by a variety of means such as shrinkable rubber, stitching, ties, rivets, and the like. Straps 303, 313 can be connected using a fastener 320 on one side of the fulcrum 301 and a fastener 330 on another side of the fulcrum 301. Handles 310, 311 can be optionally included for tightening and securing an unwieldy object 90. Another option is to include a pulley mechanism for additional support, similar to the pulley mechanism 145 shown in FIG. 1 regarding the strap apparatus embodiment 10.

FIG. 5 illustrates a rear view of the alternative strap apparatus embodiment 30 implementing two straps that intersect and resemble a figure-eight shape. The straps 303, 313 can be manually tightened and loosened by a user as in other embodiments. The primary difference in the figure-eight embodiment 30 is the stationary intersection point 318 which secures the straps and improves stability of the apparatus 30. When a user pulls on a strap (e.g. 303) on one side of their body, the strap 303 will also tighten on the opposite body side because the strap 303 crosses sides.

Claims

1. A strap apparatus for use in carrying an unwieldy object, the strap apparatus comprising:

a. a fulcrum comprising a first attachment point, a second attachment point, a third attachment point, and a fourth attachment point;

b. a first strap that passes through the first attachment point and the second attachment point of the fulcrum;

c. a first fastener comprising a first opening and a second opening;

d. wherein the first strap passes through the first opening and the second opening of the first fastener;

e. a second strap that passes through the third attachment point and the fourth attachment point of the fulcrum;

f. a second fastener comprising a first opening and a second opening;

g. wherein the second strap passes through the first opening and the second opening of the second fastener;

h. a third strap comprising a loop fastener, wherein the third strap is affixed to the fulcrum;

i. a cinch strap comprising a hook fastener; and

j. wherein the first strap and the second strap are adjustable by a user.

2. The strap apparatus of claim 1, wherein:

a. the fulcrum is positioned on a side of the unwieldy object;

b. the cinch strap wraps around the unwieldy object;

c. the hook fastener of the cinch strap connects to the loop fastener of the third strap; and

d. the unwieldy object is positioned on a user's back between the fulcrum and the user.

3. The strap apparatus of claim 1, wherein the fulcrum is comprised of a polymer.

4. The strap apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a pulley mechanism operatively connected to each of the straps for adjusting the fitting of the apparatus.

5. The strap apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a pulley mechanism positioned across the chest of the user and operatively connected to the first and second straps, wherein the pulley mechanism is adjustable by the user.

6. The strap apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a third strap and a fourth strap operatively connected to the fulcrum, wherein the third and fourth straps provide support to the unwieldy object.

7. The strap apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the attachment points comprise openings.

8. The strap apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the attachment points comprise b-rings.

9. The strap apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first fastener and second fastener are cinch clips.

10. The strap apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the straps are comprised of webbing.

11. The strap apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the straps are comprised of rope.

12. A strap apparatus for use in carrying an unwieldy object, the strap apparatus comprising:

a. a fulcrum comprising a first attachment point, a second attachment point, a third attachment point, and a fourth attachment point;

b. a first strap that passes through the first attachment point of the fulcrum;

c. a first fastener comprising a first opening, a second opening, a male connector, and a female connector;

d. wherein the first strap passes through the first opening of the first fastener;

e. a second strap that passes through the second attachment point of the fulcrum;

f. wherein the second strap passes through the second opening of the first fastener;

g. wherein the male connector of the first fastener engages with the female connector to secure the first strap to the second strap;

h. a third strap that passes through the third attachment point of the fulcrum;

i. a second fastener comprising a first opening, a second opening, a male connector, and a female connector;

j. wherein the third strap passes through the first opening of the second fastener;

k. a fourth strap that passes through the fourth attachment point of the fulcrum;

l. wherein the fourth strap passes through the second opening of the second fastener;

m. wherein the male connector of the first fastener is operatively connected to the female connector to secure the first strap to the second strap;

n. a fifth strap comprising a loop fastener, wherein the fifth strap is affixed to the fulcrum;

o. a cinch strap comprising a hook fastener;

p. the fulcrum is positioned on a side of the unwieldy object;

q. the cinch strap wraps around the unwieldy object;

r. the hook fastener of the cinch strap connects to the loop fastener of the fifth strap;

s. the unwieldy object is positioned on a user's back between the fulcrum and the user; and

t. wherein each of the straps are adjustable by a user.

13. The strap apparatus of claim 12, wherein each of the attachment points comprise openings.

14. The strap apparatus of claim 12, wherein each of the attachment points comprise b-rings.

15. The strap apparatus of claim 12, wherein each of the straps are comprised of webbing.

16. The strap apparatus of claim 12, wherein each of the straps are comprised of rope.

17. A strap apparatus for use in carrying an unwieldy object, the strap apparatus comprising:

a. a fulcrum comprising a first attachment point, a second attachment point, a third attachment point, and a fourth attachment point;

b. a first strap that passes through the first attachment point and the second attachment point of the fulcrum;

c. a first handle affixed to the first strap;

d. a second strap that passes through the third attachment point and the fourth attachment point of the fulcrum;

e. a second handle affixed to the second strap;

f. wherein the fulcrum is positioned on the back of a user; and

g. wherein the first strap and the second strap are adjustable by a user.

18. The strap apparatus of claim 17, wherein each of the attachment points comprise openings.

19. The strap apparatus of claim 17, wherein each of the attachment points comprise b-rings.

20. The strap apparatus of claim 17, wherein the first fastener and the second fastener are cinch clips.

21. The strap apparatus of claim 17, wherein each of the straps are comprised of webbing.

22. The strap apparatus of claim 17, wherein each of the straps are comprised of rope.

23. A strap apparatus for use in carrying an unwieldy object, the strap apparatus comprising:

a. a fulcrum comprising a plurality of attachment points;

b. a first strap comprising an upper portion and a lower portion;

c. a second strap comprising an upper portion and a lower portion;

d. wherein the first strap and second strap pass through the plurality of attachment points of the fulcrum;

e. wherein the upper portion of the first strap overlaps the lower portion of the second strap and is affixed to the lower portion at an intersection point;

f. wherein the fulcrum is positioned on the back of a user; and

g. wherein the strap is adjustable by a user.

24. A method of carrying an unwieldy object using a strap apparatus comprising:

a. providing a strap apparatus comprising a fulcrum and a plurality of straps;

b. placing the unwieldy object on the fulcrum;

c. wrapping a cinch strap around the unwieldy object;

d. connecting a hook fastener of the cinch strap to a loop fastener of the strap apparatus;

e. mounting the unwieldy object and strap apparatus on the back of a user; and

f. securing the strap apparatus to the user by tightening the plurality of straps.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein the user can release the strap apparatus by loosening the plurality of straps.