Carrying Device

Abstract

A carrying device has a lifting member with a first end, a second end, and a middle between its first and second ends. A spreading member has a first end and a second end, its first and second ends connected to the first and second ends of the lifting member. A first hanging member is adjacent to the first end of the spreading member and a second hanging member is adjacent to the second end of the spreading member. The lifting portion is adapted such that its middle portion hangs from a user's shoulder in order to facilitate carrying items hanging from the first and second hanging members.

Claims

1. A carrying device, comprising: a strap forming a lifting member, having a first end, a second end, and a middle between its first and second ends; a rigid spreading member having a first end and a second end, its first and second ends connected to the first and second ends of the lifting member; a first hook adjacent to the first end of the spreading member; a second hook adjacent to the second end of the spreading member; the lifting portion adapted such that its middle portion hangs from a user's shoulder in order to facilitate carrying items hanging from the first and second hooks.

2. The carrying device of claim 1, further comprising: a shoulder pad on an underside of the lifting member.

3. The carrying device of claim 2, wherein the shoulder pad comprises molded plastic.

4. The carrying device of claim 1, further comprising: a shoulder pad on an underside of the spreading member.

5. The carrying device of claim 4, wherein the shoulder pad comprises molded plastic.

6. The carrying device of claim 1, further comprising: a third hook adjacent to the first end of the spreading member; a fourth hook adjacent to the second end of the spreading member.

7. The carrying device of claim 1, wherein the spreading device comprises a curved shape.

8. The carrying device of claim 7, wherein the curved shape wraps around the user between approximately 90 to 180 degrees.

9. The carrying device of claim 1, further comprising a bag.

10. The carrying device of claim 1, wherein the bag is affixed to the spreading device.

11. The carrying device of claim 1, further comprising an offset to keep the spreading device at least 2 inches from the user.

12. A carrying device, comprising: a lifting member having a first end, a second end, and a middle between its first and second ends; a spreading member having a first end and a second end, its first and second ends connected to the first and second ends of the lifting member; a first hanging member adjacent to the first end of the spreading member; a second hanging member adjacent to the second end of the spreading member; the lifting portion adapted such that its middle portion hangs from a user's shoulder in order to facilitate carrying items hanging from the first and second hanging members.

13. The carrying device of claim 12, wherein: the lifting member comprises a strap; the spreading member comprises an elongated rigid member adapted to keep the first and second ends of the lifting member separated; the first and second hanging members comprise rings at the end of straps and at least one carbine on each ring.

14. A carrying system, comprising: a first carrying device according to claim 12; a second carrying device according to claim 12; a securing member connecting the first and second carrying devices across a user's body.

15. The carrying device of claim 12, wherein the lifting member and the spreading member are formed from a single piece of molded plastic.

16. A method of carrying items using a carrying device, the carrying device having: a lifting member having a first end, a second end, and a middle between its first and second ends; a spreading member having a first end and a second end, its first and second ends connected to the first and second ends of the lifting member; a first hanging member adjacent to the first end of the spreading member; a second hanging member adjacent to the second end of the spreading member; the lifting portion adapted such that its middle portion hangs from a user's shoulder in order to facilitate carrying items hanging from the first and second hanging members; the method comprising: attaching a first carrying item to the first hanging member; attaching a second carrying item to the second hanging member; and raising the lifting member onto the user's shoulder.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein the first and second hanging members comprise hooks.

18. The method according to claim 16, further comprising raising the spreading member onto the user's shoulder.

19. The method according to claim 16, wherein the spreading device extends at least 90 degrees about a circumference of the user's body.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the spreading device has a curved shape.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing one embodiment of the carrying device according to the present teachings.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing additional hanging members on the carrying device of FIG. 1.

[0012] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing another embodiment of the carrying device.

[0013] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the carrying device of FIG. 1 being employed to carry items.

[0014] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the spreading member of the carrying device of FIG. 1.

[0015] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing one embodiment of the carrying device according to the present teachings.

[0016] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the spreading member of the carrying device of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] The present teachings are described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the present embodiments are shown. The following description is presented for illustrative purposes only and the present teachings should not be limited to these embodiments.

[0018] In compliance with the statute, the present teachings have been described in language more or less specific as to structural and methodical features. It is to be understood, however, that the present teachings are not limited to the specific features shown and described, since the systems and methods herein disclosed comprise preferred forms of putting the present teachings into effect.

[0019] For purposes of explanation and not limitation, specific details are set forth such as particular architectures, interfaces, techniques, etc. in order to provide a thorough understanding. In other instances, detailed descriptions of well-known devices methods are omitted so as not to obscure the description with unnecessary detail.

[0020] Generally, all terms used in the claims are to be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the technical field, unless explicitly defined otherwise herein. All references to a/an/the element, apparatus, component, means, step, etc. are to be interpreted openly as referring to at least one instance of the element, apparatus, component, means, step, etc., unless explicitly stated otherwise. The steps of any method disclosed herein do not have to be performed in the exact order disclosed, unless explicitly stated. The use of “first”, “second,” etc. for different features/components of the present disclosure are only intended to distinguish the features/components from other similar features/components and not to impart any order or hierarchy to the features/components.

[0021] To aid the Patent Office and any readers of any patent issued on this application in interpreting the claims appended hereto, it is noted that none of the appended claims or claim elements are intended to invoke 35 U.S.C. 112(f) unless the words “means for” or “step for” are explicitly used in the particular claim.

[0022] Referring now to FIG. 1, shown is a diagram of one embodiment of the carrying device according to the present teachings. The carrying device 100 may include a lifting member 102, a spreading member 106, and one or more hanging members 110, although not limited thereto. The lifting member 102 may be adapted to hang from a structure, such as a user's shoulder, such as by having padding 104 (e.g., a shoulder pad, etc.), a molded plastic area for the shoulder, etc. Shoulder padding could include a textured surface (e.g., rubber, etc.) to assist with keeping the lifting member 102 in place on a user's shoulder and could also include a pocket or other storage area, although not limited thereto. The lifting member 102 may be formed from various materials, including rope, strap, etc. In one embodiment, it may be formed from a strap (e.g., nylon, etc.). For example, it may comprise a strap that is approximately 1″ wide, 1.5″ wide, 2″ wide, 2.5″ wide, 3″ wide, etc.

[0023] The spreading member 106 may be disposed between two portions of the lifting member 102. In such a way, it may be rigid to keep those portions separated from each other. The lifting member 102 may be adjustable so that it can be made shorter or longer 108 to accommodate different desired lengths. A desired length may be determined according to the needs of the user, such as the user's size, or the size of items to be carried by the carrying device 100. The spreading member 106 may be formed from various materials, including plastic, metal, wood, etc. In one embodiment, it may be a telescoping aluminum pole.

[0024] The spreading member 106 may connect with the lifting member 102 in different ways. For example, it may affix to the lifting member 102 by a connecting member comprising screws, nuts, bolts, or other fasteners. It may also be removably connected by snaps, a clevis pin, or other removable fasteners.

[0025] The carrying device 100 may have one or more hanging members 110 for carrying various items. The hanging members 110 may be positioned adjacent to opposite ends of the spreading member 106, which may keep items being carried separated to reduce interference with each other. The hanging members 110 may be formed from various materials, including plastic, metal, etc. In one embodiment, the hanging members 110 may be plastic and/or composite and/or metal hooks adapted to accept bag handles. In another embodiment, the hanging members 110 may also comprise rings and carabiners, although not limited thereto.

[0026] Each hanging member 110 may be connected to a lifting member 102. For example, a lifting member 102 made of strap may be sewn around the hanging member 110 to secure it. However, each hanging member 110 may also be connected to the spreading member 106, for example, mounted onto its ends, although not limited thereto.

[0027] Referring now to FIG. 2, shown is a diagram showing additional hanging members 110 on the carrying device of FIG. 1. The lifting member 102 may continue below the spreading member 106 and provide for additional hanging members 110. The additional hanging members 110 may be formed from the lifting member 102 and/or may be in the form of extensions 200 that separately connect with the lifting member 102, although not limited thereto.

[0028] In addition, hanging members 110 may be provided at other locations, including between the two ends of the spreading member 106. It is to be appreciated that the carrying device 100 may be adapted with any number of different hanging members 110 positioned at any number of locations, as may be desirable for the items being carried. For example, hooks may be mounted on the bottom of the spreading member 106, e.g., for hanging beach chairs, although not limited thereto. The carrying device 100 may also comprise cubbyholes or other compartments for carrying items. For example, it may comprise an umbrella holder with a generally cylindrical shape for receiving the bottom of an umbrella. It is appreciated that any number of compartments could be formed for carrying different items.

[0029] Referring now to FIG. 7, shown is a diagram showing the carrying device 100 of FIG. 1. In this embodiment, the carrying device 100 comprises a bumper 702 or other offset to keep the spreading member 106 a distance away from a user. For example, if carrying beach chairs with hooks underneath the spreading member 106 it may be preferable to keep it approximately 4, 6, 8, 10, or 12 inches from the user, although not limited thereto. This way the chairs may not interfere with the user's movement. Bumper 702 (or “offset”) may comprise a cushion mounted to the spreading member 106, molded plastic, etc.

[0030] Referring now to FIG. 3, shown is a diagram of another embodiment of the carrying device 300. In this embodiment, the carrying device 300 is formed from molded plastic. In this way, it may be formed from a single piece of plastic (or other material), although not limited thereto. It may have a generally triangular shape adapted for carrying it on a user's shoulder and with hanging members 302 for carrying items. In this way, the carrying device 300 could be made inexpensively, with a single piece of plastic forming the lifting member, the spreading member, and/or the hanging members.

[0031] Referring now to FIG. 4, shown is a diagram showing the carrying device 100 of FIG. 1 being employed to carry items 402. As shown, the lifting member 102 may hang on a user's shoulder. This may free the user's hands and reduce finger, arm, and shoulder fatigue while still allowing the carrying of multiple items 402, such as bags. The spreading member 106 may provide a convenient resting place for the user's arm. A pad or molded member may be provided for the user's arm.

[0032] Referring now to FIG. 5, shown is a diagram showing the spreading member 106 of the carrying device 100 of FIG. 1. In this embodiment, spreading member 106 is adjustable by sliding inner member 504 within outer member 502. A desired length of spreading member 106 is locked by inner member 504's retractable pin 506 that fits into outer member 502's orifices 508. Spreading member 106 may also have a pad 510 connected to outer member 502 for resting a user's arm.

[0033] The carrying device 100 may also include additional design elements to facilitate carrying specific items. For example, it may have removable bags on the hanging member 110 and/or the spreading member 106. In one embodiment, a zippered bag for carrying smaller items such as money, mobile phone, etc., may be removably affixed to the hanging member 110 and/or the spreading member 106.

[0034] In one embodiment, the spreading device may have a shoulder rest underneath. This may be, for example, a pad, molded plastic, etc. In this way, a user may raise the carrying device by placing the spreading device on their shoulder, which may be preferable when going up and down stairs, etc., so the carrying items may not interfere with the user's movements.

[0035] In another embodiment, the spreading device may have posts that extend up and/or down from the spreading device. Such posts may provide for additional hanging members at different heights to accommodate different carrying items, terrain (e.g., stairs vs. flat ground), users, etc.

[0036] The spreading device may also have an arced shape so that it at least partially wraps around a user. In this way, the carrying items may be positioned directly in front of and behind the user when being carried, although not limited thereto. The spreading device may even fully wrap around the user such that it is a complete circle, although not limited thereto. It is to be appreciated that the spreading device may extend anywhere from 25 degrees to 360 degrees around the user, and may preferably extend approximately 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, or 180 degrees around the user, although not limited thereto.

[0037] A carrying device according to the present teachings is useful in a number of situations where people often carry multiple items. For example, carrying grocery bags at the store, beach bags at the beach, weekend bags while traveling or taking car trips, etc.

[0038] Referring now to FIG. 6, shown is a diagram of one embodiment of the carrying device according to the present teachings. In this embodiment, a carrying system 600 comprises two carrying devices 100. In this way, each carrying device 100 may be worn by a user on different shoulders. Each carrying device 100 may connect or otherwise be secured with the other. For example, a cross member 602 (depicted as a backpack) connects each carrying device 100 across the back of a user. It is also appreciated that another cross member (not shown) can connect each carrying device 100 across the front of a user's chest. It is also appreciated that cross member 602 can alternatively be a strap, etc. that goes across the back of a user, although not limited thereto.

[0039] While the present teachings have been described above in terms of specific embodiments, it is to be understood that they are not limited to these disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and other embodiments will come to mind to those skilled in the art to which this pertains, and which are intended to be and are covered by this disclosure. It is intended that the scope of the present teachings should be determined by proper interpretation and construction of this disclosure and its legal equivalents, as understood by those of skill in the art relying upon the specification and the attached drawings.