Abstract:
The present invention is related to a portable carrying device with adjustable tying straps and a reinforced handle, comprising a base to the lateral wall of which at least two straps are attached. On the opposite lateral side two retaining means are embedded in the base, which are capable of receiving and retaining said straps; on the upper surface the base also includes a carrying handle. In an alternative embodiment a third strap may also be included.

Description:
RELATED U.S. APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application claims priority from U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 61/705,456, filed on Sep. 25, 2012, entitled “Portable, Reusable Carrying Device with Adjustable Tying Straps and a Reinforced Handle”, presently pending. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not applicable. 
       REFERENCE TO MICROFICHE APPENDIX 
       [0003]    Not applicable. 
         [0004]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0005]    The present invention relates generally to a device for carrying with only one hand any light, heavy or bulky boxes or objects of different shapes, which includes adjustable straps capable of firmly securing boxes or objects of different shapes and also of releasing the straps for a later reuse. The invention is, however, more particularly directed to a portable reusable carrying device with adjustable tying straps that can easily be fastened around a package or any bulky object to be lifted and/or carried, and then the straps can easily be released to reuse. 
         [0006]    2. Description of Related Art Including Information Disclosed Under 37 CFR 1.97 and 37 CFR 1.98. 
         [0007]    Carrying devices of the prior art for carrying containers, boxes, packages and the like are deficient in several aspects. For example, they are made for only one use or the are not adaptable to different types, weights and sizes of boxes. Also it is not possible to reuse them after the first use because they are difficult to store and they have complicated structures that make them complex and costly. They are also difficult to adjust them to bulky light objects. 
         [0008]    A common problem encountered by users around the world is the problem of carrying heavy boxes or any bulky objects without handles, for example one or more boxes of tiles, construction materials, books, food, chairs, computers, large plasmas, cabinets, photocopies, etc. A regular person may carry one single heavy box or any type of bulky objects using both hands, but it is almost impossible to carry a heavy or light bulky box with only one hand without a handle. 
         [0009]    In order to provide a solution to this problem, different alternatives have been developed in the prior art; for example a tying combination for a package that includes a handle, a pair of connecting plates, and two strings. The connecting, plates are connected to two ends of the handle, and each has two slots substantially parallel to each other. The strings are connected to slots of a respective one of the connecting plates, and are each equipped with an adjustment member for adjusting the length of the string. A package can be lifted and carried by means of holding and lifting the handle when the strings are fastened around the package. This solution allows the user to carry a package with one hand, but it is very cumbersome to adjust the straps to the package as they are fixed to the handle base. The user must wrap the straps around the package and then adjust their length. Doing this with two straps takes time and it is not easy to maneuver the packages when they are really heavy and/or bulky. 
         [0010]    Another solution comprises a detachable handle cushion comprising a flexible flat structure having a cushioning element on one surface of the structure that is configured to attach to an elongated object such as a luggage handle, a load carrying rope, or a heavy machinery handle. The handle cushion is designed to change from a flat configuration into a closed configuration by being wrapped around the handle. The straps of this solution are linked through a Velcro material making this embodiment not appropriate for carrying heavy and/or bulky objects. 
         [0011]    Also known is an adjustable unitary strap for bundling and carrying an article or a plurality of articles comprising: a handle; an extended portion of the handle having a fitting slot and a strap aperture; an elongated that strap connected to the extended portion of the handle wherein the strap comprises a plurality of evenly disposed substantially parallel teeth on a major portion of the first surface of the strap; and a lock/release member removably connected to the extended portion of the handle wherein the lock/release member comprises an abutting end, an integral connecting part, and a pivot point, thereby when the strap is inserted into the strap aperture of the extended portion of the handle, the integral connecting part and the pivot point provide a force to the lock/release member to cause the abutting end of the lock/release member to engage with one of the teeth of the strap for locking the strap, and when the lock/release member is depressed, the abutting end of the lock/release member disengages with one of the teeth of the strap thereby unlocking the strap. This embodiment also allows the user to carry objects of different sizes and weight with one hand, but the structure is complex and costly. 
         [0012]    Another known example comprises a reusable, adjustable carrier, comprising at least one band the length of which is adjustable for contiguous fastened relation around an awkward handle-less item of size and weight for balanced. toting of the item from place-to-place. This embodiment is especially useful for carrying luggage but it is not useful for carrying heavy boxes or any type of bulky objects as the clasps used to tighten the straps around a package cannot stand the high forces involved in carrying heavy elements. Also it is very cumbersome to install it around the product to be transported. 
         [0013]    A versatile strap device to one-hand-carry single or multiple cartons, boxes, luggage or the like is also known in the prior art. The strap device is a pair of flexible, stretch resistant material with a grip handle. The straps are adjustable with a durable quick release buckle closure and will fit variety sized cartons, boxes, luggage or the like. The strap device consists of a pair of cross straps with a grip handle that encircles the luggage, boxes or the like for secure handling when hand carried. This embodiment is similar to the previous one, as regular clasps are used to wrap the straps around the package. Also the clasps are closed, on the bottom of the package. This creates an additional inconvenience as it is very cumbersome to lift and maneuver the heavy package while wrapping the straps around it. 
         [0014]    Another known solution comprises a flexible handle for a container having a unitary construction that has a substantially flat profile with a strap attached to flexible hinges and that can be secured flush with a surface of a container. This embodiment is useful for carrying small and light containers like bottles and the like. It is impossible to lift a heavy box and/or bulky objects with a device like this one. 
         [0015]    Even though the above cited handles and carrying devices of the prior art address some of the needs of the market, a new, improved, economical and reusable device for carrying heavy boxes or any type of light bulky objects is still desired. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0016]    This invention is directed to a portable reusable carrying device with adjustable tying straps capable of easily wrapping around a package and helping it to be lifted and carried. 
         [0017]    In one general aspect of the present invention, a portable reusable carrying device with adjustable tying straps comprises a base with an elongated handle and at least a couple of straps. Said base includes retaining means capable of receiving, retaining and eventually realizing said straps. 
         [0018]    Accordingly, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide a portable reusable carrying device with adjustable tying straps made as a single piece of plastic material which makes the final product light, affordable and strong. 
         [0019]    Another aspect of the present invention provides a portable reusable carrying device with adjustable tying straps that includes a releasing tongue the user can easily press to release the straps from the retaining means. 
         [0020]    Yet another aspect of the purposed invention comprises a portable reusable carrying device with adjustable tying straps that can easily be tightened, released and reused without the usage of any type of tools. 
         [0021]    Also another aspect of this invention comprises a portable reusable carrying device that is easy and inexpensive to manufacture, using readily available plastic materials having integral straps and a releasable locking device. 
         [0022]    In summary, the present invention is related to a portable carrying device with adjustable tying straps and a reinforced handle, comprising a base to the lateral all of which at least two straps are attached; on the opposite lateral side two retaining means are embedded in the base, which are capable of receiving and retaining said straps; on the upper surface the base also includes a carrying handle. 
         [0023]    These and other aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the attached drawings and the detailed description of the preferred embodiments, which follow. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0024]    The preferred embodiments of the invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings provided to illustrate and not to limit the invention, where like designations denote like elements, and in which: 
           [0025]      FIG. 1  is a general perspective view of a first embodiment of the portable reusable carrying device in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0026]      FIG. 2  is a front side elevational view of the present portable reusable carrying device. 
           [0027]      FIG. 3  is a top plan view 
           [0028]      FIG. 4  is another perspective view of the present device wrapped around a package. In this figure, it can clearly be seen how the tip of the strap goes through the retaining device that is part of the base and remains on the base. 
           [0029]      FIG. 5  is a general perspective view of a second embodiment in which the device includes an extra longitudinal strap. 
           [0030]      FIG. 6  is a front side elevational view of the embodiment of  FIG. 5 . 
           [0031]      FIG. 7  is a left end elevational view of the embodiment of  FIG. 5 . 
           [0032]      FIG. 8  is a front elevational view of a corner protecting piece used to help the user to transport a package. 
           [0033]      FIG. 9  is right side elevational view of the corner protecting piece of  FIG. 8 . 
           [0034]      FIG. 10  is a left side elevational view of the corner protecting piece of  FIG. 8 . 
           [0035]      FIG. 11  is a front elevational and partially exploded view of a second embodiment of the corner protecting piece of  FIG. 8 , including wheels for easy transport of large and/or heavy bulky objects. 
           [0036]      FIG. 12  is a right side elevational view of the embodiment of  FIG. 11 . 
           [0037]      FIG. 13  is a top plan view of an additional handle of the portable reusable carrying device in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0038]      FIG. 14  if a front elevational view of the handle of  FIG. 13 ; finally; 
           [0039]      FIG. 15  is a side elevational view of the handle of  FIG. 13 , showing in broken lines how the strip goes through an internal slot of the handle. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0040]    The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “left”, “rear”, “right”, “front”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “below”, “above”, “on top”. “back” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in  FIG. 1 . Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific devices illustrated in the attached drawings, and described, in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claim. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. 
         [0041]    Making reference to the attached drawings, in  FIG. 1  the present invention comprises a portable reusable carrying device  100  that basically includes three main parts: a rectangular base  110 , a handle  120  and at least a couple of straps  130 . 
         [0042]    In  FIG. 1  the rectangular base  110  comprises a flat rectangular plastic piece  111  that has a couple of orifices in which the handle  120  will be installed, and on the edge  112  two set of grooves  113  whose direction is substantially perpendicular to said edge  112 . 
         [0043]    On the lateral side  114 , said base has two integral retaining means  115  that are embedded in the material of the base. As will be explained in detail below, said retaining means  115  have the function of ‘retaining’ the strap  130  and also of releasing it. 
         [0044]    As it is more clearly illustrated in the elevation version of  FIG. 2 , said retaining means  115  includes an orifice  116  through which the strap will go through, and a central tongue  117 . 
         [0045]    In  FIG. 1  said orifice  116  is in communication with the groove  113  of the base  110 . Therefore, every time the tip of the strap  135  is inserted into said orifice  116 , it then goes on said groove  113  and remains on top of the base  110 . 
         [0046]    The rectangular base  110  may be made of different materials, including but not limited to, plastic, wood, cardboard, etc. 
         [0047]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , to the lateral wall  116  of said base  110 , a strap  130  is attached. There are different ways of securing these straps  130  to the lateral walls  116  of the base  110 . They may be welded to the wall  116  of the base  110  or may also be molded as an integral part. Each strap  130  includes a toothed portion  133 . These teeth  133  cooperate with the tongue  117  of  FIG. 2  to retain the strap in place when the user wraps the straps  130  around a package to be carried. 
         [0048]      FIG. 3  in turn illustrates a top plan view of the present device  100 , and shows the perpendicular position of the straps  130  regarding the position of the handle  120 . 
         [0049]      FIG. 4  illustrates the present device  100  already wrapped around a package  200 . The straps  130  go around the package  200  and the tip  135  is inserted into the orifice  116  of the retaining means  115  and rests on the bottom of the groove  113 . The teeth  133  of said straps  130  are retained by the retaining tongue  117  until the straps are tightly secured around the package. In the position illustrated in  FIG. 4  the user may grab the handle  120  to carry the package  200  comfortably. 
         [0050]    In the alternative embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 5-7 , the carrying device  100  includes an additional strap  140 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 4 , both straps  130  are perpendicular with the handle  120 . This time the additional strap  140  is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the handle  120 . This way, the device incorporates an additional attaching means for very heavy boxes or in cases where the package  200  to be carried is not symmetric, and this additional strap  140  will add an additional way to secure the package  200  to the device  100 . 
         [0051]    In the alternative embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 8-10 , to wedge-like solid corner protecting piece  300  is used to protect the edges of a package carried by the device of the present invention. Said piece  300  includes a first vertical face  301 , a second horizontal face  302  between which form a 90° is formed, and a third curved surface  303  that links the outer edge of face  301  with the outer edge of face  302 . This piece  300  includes an internal curved L-shaped slot or passage  305  that follows the L form of faces  301 - 302 . Into said slot or passage  305  a strap  306  may be inserted. By using the protecting piece  300  the user protects the package (not illustrated) to be transported. When the device in accordance with the present invention is put around a package, this piece  300  separates the package from the strap  306  and the outer surface  303  of the piece  300  will prevent the package to touch the floor. 
         [0052]    The wedge-like solid corner protecting piece  300  of  FIGS. 8-10  has an alternate embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 11-12 . In this embodiment the solid corner protecting piece  400  includes a first vertical face  401 , a second horizontal face  402  between which form a 90° is formed, and a third surface  403  that links the outer edge of face  401  with the outer edge of face  402 . This piece  400  includes an internal curved L-shaped slot or passage  405  that follows the L form of faces  401 - 402 . Into said slot or passage  405  a strap  406  may be inserted. From the lower portion of said surface  403  a bolt  410  with a retaining means  411  is embedded. 
         [0053]    This piece  400  is attached to a wheel set  450  to provide to a package an improved mobility and transportability. This wheel set  450  includes a core  412  that includes two orifices: a vertical orifice  414  and a horizontal orifice  415 . The vertical orifice  414  includes a space  413  into which the retaining means  411  of the bolt  410  will fit. In the horizontal orifice  415  an axis  420  is inserted. To the free ends of said axis  420  a couple of faced up wheels  421 - 422  are rotatably installed. 
         [0054]    The bolt  410  is inserted into the orifice  414  of the base  412 . Once the piece  400  is attached to the wheel set  450  the user may insert a strap  406  into the slot or passage  405  converting the protecting piece  400  in a means for improving the transportability of a package. 
         [0055]    An alternative embodiment of the handle of the present device is illustrated in  FIGS. 13-15 . In this embodiment a polygonal base  500  has attached thereto a curved handle  505 . A transversal internal slot  501  creates a passage from one side to the other of the base  500  into which a strap  502  may be inserted. This base can be installed as the only handle attached to a package to be transported or as an additional handle to the package to improve its maneuverability during the transportation or handling of said package. 
         [0056]    The following is the way the user will use the present invention to attach the present carrying device to a heavy box (see  FIG. 4 ): 
         [0057]    1) Place the base  110  on top of the package  200 . 
         [0058]    2) Wrap the first and second strap  130  around the package  200 . 
         [0059]    3) Put the tip  135  of each strap  130  into the orifice  116 . 
         [0060]    4) Push the tip  135  of the strap  130  through the retaining means  115  until the tip  135  goes on the groove  113 . 
         [0061]    5) Pull the tip  135  of each strap  130  firmly until the whole strap wraps around the package  200  firmly. 
         [0062]    6) Carry the package  200  by holding the handle  120  with one hand. 
         [0063]    While the preferred embodiments of the invention have been described above, it will be recognized and understood that various modifications can be made in the invention and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications which may fall within the spirit and scope of the invention.