Patent Application
20230248136
The present invention was not developed with the use of any Federal Funds, but was developed independently by the inventors.
The present invention generally relates to the field of carry handles and more specifically relates to carry handles for bulky articles, such as collapsible portable chairs and the like.
Collapsible portable chairs have enjoyed widespread popularity because of their combination of strength, lightweight design, and portable nature. Common designs have a metal or plastic frame and a strong fabric seat, back and arm element that fit over the frame. The legs are formed by cross-linkages that collapse inward in width and depth to form a compact structure having a length comparable to the height of the chair, but with a substantially reduced width and/or height. Such a chair often is paired with an elongate, specially fitted cloth bag or sack into which the chair in the collapsed state can fit. The storage and transport bag often includes a shoulder strap.
Chairs of this type are well-known. Such chairs are often referred to as camping or beach chairs, but enjoy use at any outdoor event that does not include sufficient available seating. Such outdoor events can include parades, outdoor community events, children's sporting events, and the like.
Many people bring their lawn chairs to sporting events and other outdoor gatherings. These chairs are typically stored and transported in an outer sleeve or bag. Unfortunately, it can be a struggle for people to get these chairs back into the sleeve after the event or gathering. People may even end up tearing or ripping the sleeve.
There is a need, therefore, for a collapsible, transportable chair that avoids the inconveniences discussed above.
In the invention, a carry handle for carrying one or more bulky articles is disclosed. The carry handle includes a carrying strap having a first end and a second end located opposite the first end. Holding straps are also provided and configured to be secured around the one or more bulky articles. The holding straps are attached to the first end and the second end of the carrying strap via a mechanical connector for securing the one or more bulky articles whereby the one or more bulky articles may be carried by a user. The holding strap may include an intermediate padded portion. The holding straps may be adjustable to fittingly secure the holding straps around the one or more bulky articles. The carrying handing may be adjustable to adapt to users of different sizes. Mechanical fasteners may be disposed on each end of the carrying handle to removably attach the carrying handle to the holding straps. Each holding strap may include a hook and loop fastener for adjustably securing each holding strap to the one or more bulky articles.
In another form of the invention, the carry handle includes a carrying strap. The carrying strap has a first end and a second end located opposite the first end. A top holding strap configured to be secured around the one or more bulky articles is also provided. The holding straps are attached to the first end of the carrying strap via a mechanical connector for securing the one or more bulky articles. A bottom support assembly is also provided and has an L-shaped configuration to provide side and bottom support for the one or more bulky articles, whereby the one or more bulky articles may be transported by a user. The bottom support assembly may include one or more wheels attached to an underside there to aid in transporting the one or more bulky articles. The bottom support assembly may also be provided with a bottom holding strap that is adjustable to fittingly secure the bottom holding strap around the one or more bulky articles. The top holding strap may also include a handle extending therefrom for the user to facilitate the transport of the one or more bulky articles
The embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the following drawings in which like reference numerals refer to like elements wherein:
As best seen in
Referring now to
Referring now to
A mechanical fastener 18, preferably a snap hook, as shown, is provided at either end of the carrying strap/harness 12 for attaching the carrying strap 12 to the bulky article 100. The mechanical fasteners 18 are preferably detachable and may take the form of a clasp or the like and provide the capability to adjust the length of the strap 12 by providing a buckle functionality.
A pair of flexible, adjustable holding straps 20a and are provided to hold the bulky article 100 to be carried, such as a portable collapsible chair or the like. The adjustable holding straps 20a preferably include a hook and loop fastener located on one or both sides of the adjustable holding straps 20a to adjustably secure the carry handle 10 to the bulky article 100. The holding straps 20a and 20b are provided with an intermediately located loop connector 22 which cooperates with the detachable fastener 18 to attach the holding straps 20a and 20b to the carrying strap 12 at each end of the carrying strap 12. The bulky article(s) 100 are often collapsible portable chairs as described above. These chairs are typically used at sporting events, concerts, camping, beach/park visits, family reunions, and the like. The handles may be embroidered with team names, family name, and the like. A pocket that can hold keys, sunscreen, and the like may also be provided.
Each holding strap 20a and 20b is provided with a connector 18, such as the D-ring and clasp shown or some other suitable mechanical connector at one end cooperating with another mechanical connector 22, such as the loops shown or the like. It should be understood that other suitable fasteners are contemplated and fall within the scope of the present invention.
A carry bag (not shown) may also be provided to hold the bulky carried item within.
The top holding strap assembly 30a is provided at one end of strap with a flexible strap 32 similar to element 20a in
The bottom support assembly 30b comprises an L-shaped bracket 36 having one or more wheels or casters 40 provided on an underside of the bracket 36 to help support the weight of the carried articles. The L-shaped bracket 36 may be fabricated from a plastic material, a metal material, or the like. It is contemplated that the bracket 36 comprises a first leg 37 to which the caster 40 is attached on an underside and serves as a supporting surface for the bulky article 100 being carried and a second leg 39 extending normally from the first leg and serving as a side supporting surface for the bulky article(s). A holding strap 38 whose both ends are attached to the first leg 37 forming a loop for further holding the bulky article 100 in is also provided. The holding strap 38 is also provided with an intermediately located loop connector 22 which cooperates with the detachable fastener 18 to attach the bottom support assembly 30b to the carrying strap 12, as described in greater detail above.
Although embodiments have been described with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art that will fall within the spirit and scope of the principles of this disclosure. More particularly, various variations and modifications are possible in the component parts and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within the scope of the disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims. In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/267,813 filed Feb. 9, 2022. The entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63267813 | Feb 2022 | US |
