Patent Application
20210106124
The present teachings relate generally to systems and methods for carrying items and, more particularly, to devices for improving the carrying of multiple items.
Often people use different types of bags to carry various items from place to place. For example, when going to the beach one might have multiple bags for towels, food, and other items. Often people use a type of canvass bag sometimes referred to as a “boat bag.”
However, there is a limit to the number of bags, and as a result the number of items, that can be carried by a person. Often, a person may try to carry multiple bags in each hand. However, this can cause bodily stress and fatigue on different parts of the body, including one's fingers, arms, and shoulders. Carrying items like this is awkward and often the weight is not evenly distributed.
This occurs in many other situations as well. For example, when going on a trip and carrying bags (and other items) between the house and one's car. The number of bags (and other items) increases with the number of individuals. This puts additional responsibility on parents, for example, who must carry their children's items as well as their own.
Therefore, it would be beneficial to have an alternative system and method for carrying multiple items.
The needs set forth herein as well as further and other needs and advantages are addressed by the present embodiments, which illustrate solutions and advantages described below.
The system of the present embodiment includes but is not limited to a carrying device. It 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. 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.
Other embodiments of the system and method are described in detail below and are also part of the present teachings.
For a better understanding of the present embodiments, together with other and further aspects thereof, reference is made to the accompanying drawings and detailed description, and its scope will be pointed out in the appended claims.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Referring now to
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.
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.
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.
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.
Referring now to
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Referring now to
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.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62913856 | Oct 2019 | US |
