Abstract:
An apparatus adapted for securing and carrying box-shaped cargo, that allows the ready transportation of boxes through airports, train stations, bus terminals, and all other like applications. The apparatus generally comprises a pair of retaining straps, a pair of horizontally disposed straps disposed to form adjustable loops, a pair of securing straps also disposed to form adjustable loops, and a pair of handles. The retaining straps surround and support the sides and bottom surfaces of the box. The horizontally disposed straps secure the front, rear, and side surfaces of the box. The securing straps secure the front, rear, bottom, and top surface of the box. A cross strap transverses the box between its side surfaces and is disposed perpendicularly to the securing straps. Once secure by the apparatus, a box may be easily toted around by use of the handles, thereby facilitating transport of such box-shaped cargo.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Not Applicable 
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not Applicable 
     REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX 
     Not Applicable 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention pertains generally to cargo transport, and more particularly to, an apparatus for securing and carrying box-shaped cargo. 
     2. Description of the Background Art 
     Corrugated-type cardboard boxes and cartons are widely used for the storage, packing, and transportation of valuable articles. Many people also use such boxes and cartons as luggage during travel, as can be noticeably seen at airports, train stations, and bus depots. The prevailing reasons for such widespread usage for these boxes and cartons is their availability, reusability, low cost, and overall ruggedness. 
     Despite the many advantages of using boxes and cartons as luggage, it has some inherent limitations. Boxes or cartons generally do not have handles, which makes carrying them somewhat difficult. Moreover, oversized boxes may be unwieldy and difficult to manage, especially when containing fairly heavy items therein. 
     To provide any semblance of security to the items contained within the box, the box must typically be stapled, taped, or both, and even wrapped with plastic. This makes it inconvenient if ready access to the items contained therein is desired, since the relatively permanent nature of these remedies means that the box can be opened only by tearing them, thereby making repacking and/or resealing difficult. Also, due to such activity, the boxes generally become tattered and unsightly, or in the event the box is dropped and ruptures, the items contained within the box may be spilled out, resulting in their damage or destruction. 
     To alleviate the inherent drawbacks with using boxes or cartons for the storage, packing, and transportation of valuable articles, carrying apparatuses were developed. Although these cargo carrying apparatuses do offer some assistance, there are still some shortcomings. 
     Accordingly, there is a need for an apparatus for securing and carrying box-shaped cargo that is lightweight and durable, that is easily securable to and removable from its cargo, that is economical to manufacture and can be stored virtually anywhere when not in use. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention pertains to an apparatus adapted for securing and carrying box-shaped cargo, that allows the ready transportation of boxes through airports, train stations, bus terminals, and all other like applications. The apparatus generally comprises a pair of retaining straps, a pair of horizontally disposed straps disposed to form adjustable loops, a pair of securing straps also disposed to form adjustable loops, and a pair of handles. The retaining straps surround and support the sides and bottom surfaces of the box. The horizontally disposed straps secure the front, rear, and side surfaces of the box. The securing straps secure the front, rear, bottom, and top surface of the box. A cross strap transverses the box between its side surfaces and is disposed perpendicularly to the securing straps. 
     The straps are preferably fabricated from nylon webbing and are looped together using reinforced buckles and slide fasteners. Once secured by the apparatus, a box may be easily toted around by use of the handles, thereby facilitating transport of such box-shaped cargo. 
     An object of the invention is to facilitate the transportation of box-shaped cargo. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus for easily securing box-shaped cargo. 
     Another object of the invent ion is to provide a carrying and transporting apparat us that is lightweight and economical. 
     Still another object of the invention is to provide a carrying and transporting apparatus capable of being easily stored when not in use. 
     Further objects and advantages of the invention will be brought out in the following portions of the specification, wherein the detailed description is for the purpose of fully disclosing preferred embodiments of the invention without placing limitations thereon. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The invention will be more fully understood by reference to the following drawings which are for illustrative purposes only: 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus for securing and carrying box-shaped cargo in accordance with the present invention, shown secured around a box depicted in phantom. 
     FIG. 2 is a front view of the apparatus shown in FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 3 is side view of the apparatus shown in FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the apparatus shown in FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the apparatus shown in FIG.  1 . 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring more specifically to the drawings, for illustrative purposes the present invention is embodied in the apparatus generally shown in FIG.  1  through FIG.  5 . It will be appreciated that the apparatus may vary as to configuration and as to details of the parts without departing from the basic concepts as disclosed herein. 
     Referring to FIG.  1  through FIG. 5, an apparatus  10  for securing and carrying box-shaped cargo, in accordance with the present invention, is generally shown. Apparatus  10  is adapted to facilitate securing and carrying a box  12 , which is herein depicted in phantom. Apparatus  10  generally comprises a first retaining strap  14 , a second retaining strap  16 , a first horizontally disposed strap  18 , a second horizontally disposed strap  20 , a first securing strap  22 , a second securing strap  24 , a first slide fastener  26 , a second slide fastener  28 , a third slide fastener  30 , and a fourth slide fastener  32 . Apparatus  10  may further include a first cross strap  34 , a second cross strap  36 , a buckle assembly  38 , and a pair of handles  40   a  and  40   b.    
     In the preferred embodiment of the invention, first and second retaining straps  14  and  16 , first and second horizontally disposed straps  18  and  20 , first and second securing straps  22  and  24 , and first and second cross straps  34  and  36  are fabricated from polyurethane-coated nylon web material. It is contemplated, however, other like materials that are water-resistant, tough, flexible, and widely available, may also be used. Such material may include, but is not limited to, canvas, polyester, nylon, elastic and leather. 
     First retaining strap  14  and second retaining strap  16  are maintained in a spaced-apart relationship relative to each other and in a generally parallel orientation. When apparatus  10  is secured around box  12 , first retaining strap  14  and second retaining strap  16  support the left side  42 , the bottom  44 , and the right side  46  of box  12 . 
     First horizontally disposed strap  18  and second horizontally disposed strap  20  are also maintained in a spaced-apart relationship relative to each other and in a generally parallel orientation. When apparatus  10  is secured around box  12 , first horizontally disposed strap  18  and second horizontally disposed strap  20  support left side  42 , the front side  48 , right side  46 , and the rear side  50  of box  12 . First slide fastener  26  is provided on first horizontally disposed strap  18 , thereby allowing first horizontally disposed strap  18  to form an adjustable horizontally-biased loop capable of surrounding box  12 . Second slide fastener  28  is provided on second horizontally disposed strap  20 , thereby allowing second horizontally strap  20  to also form an adjustable horizontally-biased loop capable of surrounding box  12 . 
     First securing strap  22  and second securing strap  24  are also maintained in a spaced-apart relationship relative to each other and in a generally parallel orientation. When apparatus  10  is secured around box  12 , first securing strap  22  and second securing strap  24  support front side  48 , bottom  44 , and rear side  50  of box  12 . Third slide fastener  30  is provided on first securing strap  22 , thereby allowing first securing strap  22  to form an adjustable, vertically-biased loop capable of surrounding box  12 . Fourth slide fastener  32  is provided on second securing strap  24 , thereby allowing second securing strap  24  to also form an adjustable, vertically-biased loop capable of surrounding box  12 . 
     Slide fasteners  26 ,  28 ,  30 , and  32  may be any of the commonly known and available types that are made of metal or plastic used for attaching the ends of a strap together. An essential attribute of slide fasteners  26 ,  28 ,  30 , and  32  is that they be capable of holding a strap in static position under relatively high tensile loading conditions imposed on straps  14 ,  16 ,  18 ,  20 ,  22 ,  24 ,  34 , and  36 . Those skilled in the art will appreciate that alternatives to slide fasteners  26 ,  28 ,  30  and  32  may be employed, such as but not limited to, hook and loop fasteners, buckle assemblies, and the like. 
     First retaining strap  14  and first horizontally disposed strap  18  are attached to each other in a generally perpendicular orientation, at attachment point  52  that would abut left side of box  12 , and also at an attachment point (not shown) that would abut right side  46  of box  12 , in approximately a symmetric position relative to attachment point  52  when box  12  is secured thereon. First retaining strap  14  and second horizontally disposed strap  20  are attached to each other in a generally perpendicular orientation, at attachment point  54  that would also abut left side of box  12 , and also at an attachment point (not shown) that would abut right side  46  of box  12 , in approximately a symmetric position relative to attachment point  54  when box  12  is secured thereon. Similarly, second retaining strap  16  and first horizontally disposed strap  18  are attached to each other in a generally perpendicular orientation, at attachment point  56  that would abut left side of box  12 , and also at an attachment point (not shown) that would abut right side  46  of box  12 , in approximately a symmetric position relative to attachment point  56  when box  12  is secured thereon. Second retaining strap  16  and second horizontally disposed strap  20  are attached to each other in a generally perpendicular orientation, at attachment point  58  that would also abut left side of box  12 , and also at an attachment point (not shown) that would abut right side  46  of box  12 , in approximately a symmetric position relative to attachment point  58  when box  12  is secured thereon. 
     First securing strap  22  is attached to first horizontally disposed strap  18  in a generally perpendicular orientation, at attachment point  60  that would abut front side  48  of box  12 , and also at attachment point (not shown) that would abut rear side  50  of box  12 , in approximately a symmetric position relative to attachment point  60 . First securing strap  22  is attached to second horizontally disposed strap  20  in a generally perpendicular orientation, at attachment point  62  that would abut front side  48  of box  12 , and also at attachment point (not shown) that would abut rear side  50  of box  12 , in approximately a symmetric position relative to attachment point  60  when box  12  is secured thereon. Similarly, second securing strap  24  is attached to first horizontally disposed strap  18  in a generally perpendicular orientation, at attachment point  64  that would abut front side  48  of box  12 , and also at attachment point (not shown) that would abut rear side  50  of box  12 , in approximately a symmetric position relative to attachment point  64 . Second securing strap  24  is attached to second horizontally disposed strap  20  in a generally perpendicular orientation, at attachment point  66  that would abut front side  48  of box  12 , and also at attachment point (not shown) that would abut rear side  50  of box  12 , in approximately a symmetric position relative to attachment point  66  when box  12  is secured thereon. 
     It can be seen in FIG. 5 that first securing strap  22  is attached to first retaining strap  14  in a generally perpendicular orientation, at attachment point  68  that would abut bottom  44  of box  12 , and first securing strap  22  is also attached to second retaining strap  16  in a generally perpendicular orientation, at attachment point  70  that would also abut bottom  44  of box  12  when box  12  is secured thereon. Similarly, second securing strap  24  is attached to first retaining strap  14  in a generally perpendicular orientation, at attachment point  72  that would abut bottom  44  of box  12 , and second securing strap  24  is also attached to second retaining strap  16  in a generally perpendicular orientation, at attachment point  74  that would also abut bottom  44  of box  12  when box  12  is secured thereon. 
     First cross strap  34  is positioned approximately midway between first retaining strap  14  and second retaining strap  16  abutting left side  42  of box  12  and is attached to first horizontally disposed strap  18  at attachment point  76 , as well as to second horizontally disposed strap  20  at attachment point  78 . Second cross strap  36  is positioned approximately midway between first retaining strap  14  and second retaining strap  16  abutting right side  46  of box  12  and is attached to first horizontally disposed strap  18 , as well as to second horizontally disposed strap  20 , at attachment points (not shown) that lie in approximately symmetric positions relative to attachment points  76  and  78 , respectively, when box  12  is secured thereon. 
     First cross strap  34  may be adjustably attached to second cross strap  36  by buckle assembly  38  that includes a buckle frame  80  and pin  82  on first cross strap  34 , and a plurality of eyelets  84  on second cross strap  36 . Eyelets  84  engage pin  82  to connect first cross strap  34  and second cross strap  36  together. When attached to first cross strap  34 , second cross strap  36  would perpendicularly intersect both first securing strap  22  and second securing strap  24  adjacent the top surface  86  of box  12  when box  12  is secured thereon. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that alternatives to buckle assembly  38  may be employed, such as but not limited to hook and loop fasteners, slide fasteners, and the like. 
     All the attachment points used in the preferred embodiment of the invention are stitched. Double stitching and reinforcing tape may be incorporated for added strength and durability. It is contemplated, however, that other means of attaching straps, that are commonly known and used by those skilled in the art, may also be used to secure attachment points. To prevent fraying of the strap ends and to ease insertion into slide fasteners  26 ,  28 ,  30  and  32 , the strap ends may incorporate aglets  88 . 
     It is also contemplated that attachment points  60 ,  62 ,  64 ,  66 , that abut front side  48  of box  12 , as well as the corresponding attachment points that abut rear side  50  of box  12 , and the attachment points  52 ,  54 ,  56 ,  58  that abut left side  42  of box  12 , as well as the corresponding attachment points that abut right side  44  of box  12 , wherein a vertical strap component may be adjusted, may be adjusted in a horizontal direction, and a horizontal strap component may be adjusted in a vertical direction. This allows for all the attachment points to always be positioned generally in an evenly spaced-apart relationship relative to each other on the surface of the box they support. 
     Having described the structure of apparatus  10 , the function of apparatus  10  is hereinafter described. To secure box  12 , or like shaped item for carrying using apparatus  10 , box  12  is inserted into the loops formed by first horizontal strap  18  and second horizontal strap  20 , which also encompasses the space between handles  40   a  and  40   b . The insertion of box  12  may be accomplished when first securing strap  22  is uncoupled from third slide fastener  30  and second securing strap  24  is uncoupled from fourth slide fastener  32 . Also, second cross strap  36  must be detached from buckle assembly  38 . As box  12  is inserted therethrough, it comes to rest on first and second retaining straps  14  and  16 , as well as on first and second securing straps  22  and  24 , which provide support for box  12 . First securing strap  22  and second securing strap  24  are then inserted through slide fasteners  30  and  32 , respectively, and tightened securely. Next, the loops formed by the first and second horizontally disposed straps  18  and  20 , respectively, are also tightened securely. Finally, second cross strap  36  is inserted into buckle assembly  38  for engagement thereto and tightened securely using the most appropriate eyelet  84 , whereupon box  12  is now secured to apparatus  10  and may be easily carried and transported using handles  40   a  and  40   b.    
     Accordingly, it will be seen that this invention provides for relatively simple, lightweight, and economical means for securing, handling, carrying, and transporting a variety of sizes of box-shaped cargo. Although the description above contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention. Thus the scope of this invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.