Abstract:
Load carrying apparatus, comprising first and second elongated straps having end portions; multiple loops at each end portion, and located in planes defined by the end portions and spaced along the length of the strap, to define multiple openings, located in said planes, each strap having a mid-portion located between the strap end portions, and mid-portions of the two straps located to extend under a load to be carried, whereby the user can select which of the loops is to be extended over his forearm, for lifting the load by lifting force exertion to lift said strap mid-portions, there being at least four openings at the end portion or portions of at least one strap.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    This invention relates to straps for carrying elements or objects and, more particularly, to strap apparatus&#39; which may be disposed to an object to support the object for carrying by two individuals. 
       DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART 
       [0002]    For moving large and heavy objects, there are well known dolly elements typically of two different types. One type of dolly apparatus is simply a platform having four supporting wheels. The wheels typically are all casters to allow the dolly to move in virtually any direction with ease. An object to be moved is placed on the dolly and the dolly and object are then moved. 
         [0003]    A second type of dolly apparatus is typically known as a hand truck. The hand truck type of dolly apparatus generally includes a pair of wheels and a plate disposed between the two wheels with a handle assembly extending generally perpendicular to the plate. The hand truck type of dolly apparatus may include straps to fasten an object to the plate and to carrying handles for moving. There are various other embodiments involved with the hand truck type of apparatus. 
         [0004]    Neither of the two above described dollies are generally satisfactory for moving all types of objects, for example, neither of them may be used conveniently to move an armoire or a relatively large object, such as a china cabinet. Such objects as armoires and china cabinets are generally moved by two or more persons holding on to them in some manner. The improved apparatus of the present invention comprises two strap apparatus&#39; in which the straps are used at the bottom of the object to be transported and strap elements move outwardly and along the sides of the object to be transported. The “ends” of the strap elements comprise multiple (such as sixteen) separate and selectable carrying handles, for arm engagement. Regarding different sizes of objects, selecting the proper handle will allow object movers (such as two workmen) to adjust strap apparatus to proper length. The strap apparatus&#39; facilitates carriage of objects of large sizes and/or heavy weight as by two people, easily and efficiently. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    The invention described and claimed herein comprises strap elements including a support such as a basic “X”, when an overlapped, configuration of the straps is employed to be disposed at the bottom center of an object to be transported. Likewise, straps can be used in a parallel configuration, and disposed at opposite ends and, at the bottom of an object to be transported, as will appear. The strap elements extending outwardly from the basic parallel or bottom “X” portion are disposed at the sides of the object to be transported. The outwardly extending straps allow the strap apparatus&#39; multiple, selectable handles to be individually and appropriately sized for the object being carried. Use of carrying handles at the ends of the straps allows an object to be readily carried by two people. 
         [0006]    Among the objects of the present invention are the following: 
         [0007]    to provide new and useful strap apparatus&#39; for carrying objects with at least four handles at each strap end; 
         [0008]    to provide new and useful strap apparatus&#39; having a basic parallel or “X” configuration disposed at the bottom opposite ends or center, respectively, of an object to be carried; 
         [0009]    to provide new and useful strap apparatus&#39; having strap elements disposed at the bottom and sides of an object to be carried; 
         [0010]    to provide a fourth opening or loop at the end of each strap portion, and wherein the loop is defined by webbing, and including an overlay fabric cushion extending adjacent the webbing at the inner side of the fourth loop; 
         [0011]    to provide folding of the overlay fabric cushion, with folds over opposite edges of the webbing, to provide elongated bands which are attached to the webbing at a side or sides of the loop; 
         [0012]    to provide a reinforcing backer layer or layers, such as a vinyl backer, and attached to the webbing to be located between the webbing and the overlay fabric cushion, and folded over edges of the fourth loop webbing, for reinforcement without diminishing the cushioning effect of the overlay fabric, and without displacing that fabric under repeated load pick-ups; 
         [0013]    to provide new and useful strap apparatus&#39; to enable objects of various configurations to be carried by two persons; and 
         [0014]    to provide at least four openings defined by the straps, at different positions along the strap lengths, for selective engagement by the workmen&#39;s arms, to best accommodate to object lifting and transport. 
         [0015]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,039,376 is incorporated herein by reference. 
         [0016]    These and other objects and advantages of the invention, as well as the details of an illustrative embodiment, will be more fully understood from the following specification and drawings, in which: 
     
     
       DRAWING DESCRIPTION 
         [0017]      FIG. 1  is a frontal view of the apparatus of the present invention in stretched out condition; 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  is a side view of the  FIG. 1  apparatus of the present invention; 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  is a bottom plan view taken generally along lines  3 - 3  of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the apparatus&#39; of the present invention in a use environment; 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  is a bottom plan view taken generally along lines  5 - 5  of  FIG. 6 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the apparatus&#39; of the present invention in a second use environment; 
           [0023]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of prior strap apparatus; 
           [0024]      FIG. 8  is a schematic showing of a fourth loop on a strap end portion; 
           [0025]      FIG. 9  is an enlarged view showing the fourth loop, in edgewise configuration; 
           [0026]      FIG. 10  is an elevation taken on lines  10 - 10  of  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0027]      FIG. 11  is a view like  FIG. 9 , but showing the loop expanded about a user&#39;s arm projecting through the fourth loop; and 
           [0028]      FIG. 12  is an enlarged section taken on lines  12 - 12  of  FIG. 10 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0029]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2  and as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,039,376, two identical carrying strap apparatus&#39;  1  and  10  are provided, and include, in general, multiple forearm handles as at locations  2  and  3 . Any one handle on each side can be chosen by the user depending on the item being carried, such as will be discussed below in conjunction with  FIGS. 1-6 . Looping strap material  101  surrounds each handle opening, so that the handles fit the user&#39;s forearm, in use. As an example, three handle openings  100  are provided in series at each end of a strap  1  and at each end of strap  10 . 
         [0030]    Extending outwardly from the strap base portions  4  and  5  are side, i.e. intermediate, strap portions  6 ,  7 ,  8  and  9 . The portions  6 ,  7 ,  8  and  9  extend to forearm handles  2  and  3 . The forearm handles  2  and  3  are used to adjust the load carrying length of each individual strap  1  and  10 , in use. 
         [0031]    The strap  1  is identical to the strap  10 . The straps  1  and  10  have only one base portion each as at  4  and  5 . Outwardly i.e. along the straps from the base portions  4  and  5  are side or intermediate portions  6 ,  7 ,  8  and  9 . The portions  6 ,  7 ,  8  and  9  extend to the forearm handle portions  2  and  3 . 
         [0032]    The effective lengths of the straps  1  and  10  can be adjusted or varied at the forearm handles  2  and  3 . The effective length of the straps may easily be varied with the size and configuration of the load to be carried. The use of three handles proximate each strap end enhances the ability to easily and quickly adjust the effective lengths of the straps, in use. 
         [0033]    Dually in the parallel strap configuration  11  of  FIG. 5 , and “X” strap configuration  12  of  FIG. 3 , the straps extend outwardly at  6 ,  7   8  and  9  from the base of the load being carried. The use differentiation between the base portions  4  and  5  ( FIG. 3 ) and the side portions of the straps ( FIG. 4 ) depends, as indicated above, on the sizes and configurations of the loads being carried as at  13  and  14 . 
         [0034]    The forearm handle portions  2  and  3  are adjustably secured to the user&#39;s forearms, just below the elbows  15 , with arms from shoulder to elbow  16  and elbow to palms  17  jointly at about forty-five degree angles. See  FIG. 6 . The hands  18  and  19  are then freed to be used to enhance the load&#39;s stability, while being carried. 
         [0035]      FIGS. 4 and 6  illustrate the use of the carrying strap apparatus&#39;  1  and  10  in carrying a china cabinet and armoire, respectively, which, as is well known, are rather heavy and awkward loads to be carried.  FIGS. 4 and 6  are perspective views showing the strap apparatus&#39;  1  and  10  disposed about a china cabinet and armoire, respectively.  FIGS. 3 and 5  are bottom plan views of the strap apparatus&#39;  1  and  10  underneath the china cabinet and armoire, respectively. 
         [0036]    In  FIGS. 4 and 6 , the strap apparatus&#39;  1  and  10  are disposed underneath and centered relative to the load being carried. See also  FIGS. 3 and 5 . The side portions  6 ,  7 ,  8  and  9  of the straps  1  and  10  are then extended upwardly along the sides of the load. The forearm handle or entry portions are then chosen by users of the strap apparatus&#39;  1  and  10  to carry the load. 
         [0037]    The overall length of the strap apparatus&#39;  1  and  10  may be determined by choosing one forearm entry  2  and  3  on each side of each strap  1  and  10  to provide the users with a convenient length of the strap apparatus&#39;  1  and  10  to carry the object, whatever its size. 
         [0038]    An armoire  14  and china cabinet  13  are relatively heavy and awkward in weight and size for carrying. With the strap apparatus&#39;  1  and  10 , the base portions  4  and  5  of the straps are disposed at the bottom  FIGS. 3 and 5  of the load when the load is in a vertical position as illustrated in  FIGS. 4  an  6 . The side strap portions  6 ,  7 ,  8 , and  9  then extend to the forearm handles or entries  2  and  3  along the side of the load  FIGS. 4 and 6  so that the weight of the load itself helps to stabilized the load within the side strap portions. 
         [0039]    Differently configured methods of use and loads are illustrated between  FIGS. 3 ,  4 ,  5  and  6 .  FIGS. 3 and 4  also illustrate the “X” or cross-over strap configuration of use and a china cabinet as the load being carried.  FIG. 3  is a bottom view taken generally along line  3 - 3  of  FIG. 4  of the china cabinet  13 , a generally heavy and awkward load to carry, shown disposed within the strap apparatus&#39;.  FIG. 4  is a perspective and elevational view of the china cabinet  13  within the carrying strap apparatus&#39;. 
         [0040]      FIGS. 5 and 6  also illustrate the parallel method of use with an armoire as the load being carried.  FIG. 5  is a bottom view taken generally along line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 6  of the armoire  14 , a generally heavy and large load to carry.  FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the armoire  14  within the carrying strap apparatus. 
         [0041]    As indicated above, the strap apparatus&#39; base portions  4  and  5  are disposed at the bottom and centered on the load to be carried, namely the armoire  14  in  FIGS. 5 and 6 . The side strap portions  6  and  7  of the straps  1  and  10  extend outwardly from the load being carried to opposite sides of the armoire  14  to the end forearm entries  2  and  3 . 
         [0042]    Once again, the weight of the armoire  14  helps to stabilize the armoire within the frame defined by the straps  1  and  10 . Since the size and configuration of the armoire  14  differs substantially from the china cabinet  13 , the size of the base portions of the straps and the side portions of the straps vary from the configurations of  FIGS. 5 and 6  to that of  FIGS. 3 and 4 . 
         [0043]    Again, as indicated above, the lengths of the straps may be adjusted at the forearm entries to conform to whatever size and configuration load is to be carried and the size of the individuals carrying the load by the strap apparatus. 
         [0044]    If desired, the carrying strap apparatus&#39;  1  and  10  may be adjusted. The adjustment of the length of the strap, or the strap portions, can be accomplished through choosing, as desired, one of the separate forearm entries  2  and  3  at the end of each opposite side of the straps  1  and  10 . 
         [0045]    The use of the strap apparatus&#39; is quicker, easier and more convenient than the use of the strap apparatus  22  of  FIG. 7  with five buckles  23 - 27  and two straps  30  and  31  because it has no center buckle  25  nor four buckles  23 ,  24 ,  26  and  27  to adjust, but may be adjusted more efficiently. Rather, only the forearm entry portion  2  and  3  of choice needs to be selected. This is illustrated in  FIG. 7 . 
         [0046]      FIG. 7  comprises a perspective view of carrying strap apparatus  22  which utilizes buckles and may be regarded as prior art. By comparison, the forearm furniture leverage straps  1  and  10  of  FIGS. 1-6 , are quicker and easier to use and the least expensive to manufacture, which is advantageous in many circumstances. For carrying items that are awkward, large and heavy, such as armoires, hutches, dressers and china cabinets and other kinds of furniture, especially in confined area, the forearm furniture leverage straps  1 - 10  of  FIGS. 1-6  embodiment presents substantial advantages. 
         [0047]    The strap apparatus&#39;  1  and  10  are spaced apart relatively close to the ends of the item to be carried. The legs  20  and  21  of the item being carried secure the position of the straps  1  and  10  to the item  13  and  14  to safely and effectively be moved. The side portions  6 ,  7 ,  8  and  9  of the strap apparatus&#39; are then disposed outwardly of the item to be carried. 
         [0048]    These configurations  FIGS. 3 ,  4 ,  5  and  6  provide stability for conveniently carrying items which are typically awkward to carry due to the lack of good hand holds, the size of the item to be carried and the sometimes confined areas to move them in. 
         [0049]    Referring now to  FIGS. 8-11 , a fourth loop  100   a  is provided at one or more of the strap ends, enhancing versatility. For example, depending on the size and configuration of a load to be picked-up, a user may insert one arm into loop  100   a , and his other arm into one of the three loops  100  at the opposite end of the strap, for best load supporting adjustment, as in the case of an asymmetric load. Each strap typically includes four end openings. 
         [0050]    Referring to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the fourth loop  100   a  is defined by high strength plastic webbing  200  extending in two parallel flat sections  200   a  and  200   b . These sections may be connected or merged at  200   c , and they spread apart as seen in  FIG. 11 , when a user&#39;s arm  201  is inserted between them, for load carrying. 
         [0051]    Each of the four loops, at each strap end may have the same loop construction as described and shown, in  FIGS. 8-12 . 
         [0052]    A thin overlay fabric layer cushion  202 , as for example consisting of felt or other cushioning material, extends adjacent the webbing sections, at their inner sides, as seen in  FIG. 12 . The cushion layer  202  is folded at  203  and  204  over opposite edges  205  and  206  of the thin webbing layer, at each section  200   a  and  200   b , so that cushion continuity extends at  207 , adjacent merging portions of  200   a  and  200   b  enabling ease of arm or arm fabric insertion into the loop, as in  FIG. 11 , and arm withdrawal. Also, folding of the cushion layer  202  is such as to form elongated bands  210  and  211 , at the outer sides of the sections  200   a  and  200   b , as seen for example in  FIGS. 10 and 12 . Those bands, and the cushion layer, are attached to the sides of the webbing at elongated stitching locations  212  and  213 , extending lengthwise along the bands. 
         [0053]    For protection and reinforcement, a thin vinyl layer  220  is inserted between the webbing and the cushion layer, to cover or fold over the webbing edges  205  and  206 , whereby the edges of the webbing cannot cut into the soft fabric material of the cushion  202 . The stitching extends through the vinyl layer at two locations, i.e. at opposite sides of the webbing, preventing dislodgement of the vinyl protective layer. The vinyl layer provides added cushioning and stability. 
         [0054]    While the principles of the invention have been made clear in illustrative embodiments, the appended claims are intended to cover and embrace modifications, within the limits of the true spirit and scope of the invention. 
         [0055]      FIG. 11  shows fourth loop webbing portions  200   a  and  200   b  merging endwise at  200   e  with third loop webbing  200   c  and  200   d , independently of the vinyl layer. Each of the four loops at a strap end portion may have the loop element configuration as shown in  FIGS. 9-11 .