Abstract:
The present invention is a human body attachable apparatus for assisting a user, such as a mail carrier, with organizing and delivery of items, for example postal matter. This apparatus contemplates simple, stable collation with one arm, thus enabling those who only have the use of one arm to effectively transport mail and enable those who have the use of two arms to do so with greater ease and efficiency. The apparatus includes a surface for maintaining items while also providing elements to secure, hold and retain items in order to organize, transport and deliver the items.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates generally to human body attachable apparatus for transporting items, and more specifically an apparatus to assist in the organization and delivery of such items. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    For purposes of this application, the items of the present invention is discussed and described in reference to postal matter, or mail, but the present invention can be used for any object, article, or thing. 
         [0003]    For purposes of this application, the present invention is discussed and described in reference to a mail carrier, but the present invention is applicable to any user. 
         [0004]    Every person who delivers mail, referred to herein as a “mail carrier” or simply “carrier”, has to organize and maintain a variety of mail types for delivery to address points. The first type is “working mail”, which includes magazine flats, large envelopes, and may also include smaller envelopes. The second type of mail is “delivery point sequence” or “direct point sequence” (“DPS”). Working mail and DPS mail is machine sorted and provided to carriers in presorted bundles and typically provided to the carriers in order of delivery. The third type of mail is known as “coverage”, which includes sales papers, catalogs, or brochures. Coverage mail is typically delivered to each and every address point. The fourth type of mail is known as “accountables”, and includes certified mail, insured mail, registered mail, signature confirmation mail, and express mail. The fifth and last type of mail is “packages” which are boxes or parcels of different weight and size. Coverage, accountables, and packages are typically hand sorted. All types of mail that carriers maintain, organize and deliver is collectively referred to herein as “postal matter”. 
         [0005]    Normally, the carrier collates postal matter for an address point with the use of both hands and both arms. Typically, a carrier uses a first hand to sort through working mail whereupon the selected working mail is cradled with the carrier&#39;s second arm. The carrier again uses the first hand to sort through DPS mail whereupon the selected DPS mail is held in the carrier&#39;s second hand. Thus, the carrier simultaneously cradles the selected working mail with the second arm and holds the selected DPS mail in the second hand. The first hand is also used to sort and select coverage mail, accountables, and packages, which are typically located within the carrier&#39;s mail bag or satchel, for delivery to the address point. 
         [0006]    This method requires coordination, balance, and full use of two hands and an arm and considered by some to be uncomfortable, inefficient, and unstable. This method is not only time consuming, but also may subject the mail carrier to a risk of injury. 
         [0007]    Devices for carrying mail exist, but they do not adequately address all of the needs of the carrier. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,836,488 is a device that must be strapped on the forearm between the elbow and the hand of the carrier and has two compartments. U.S. Patent Application No. 2006/0000857 is a device with two compartments that is also supported on the forearm. These devices are deficient in several respects, for example, they require support by the forearm and fail to provide use of both arms simultaneously. 
         [0008]    There is a need for an apparatus that assists a mail carrier in the organization and delivery of postal matter. The present invention satisfies this need. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    The present invention is an apparatus for assisting a mail carrier with organizing and delivery of postal matter. According to the present invention, the apparatus does not require support by one or more arms. This apparatus contemplates simple, stable collation requiring only one hand, thus enabling those who only have the use of one arm or hand to effectively deliver mail and enable those who have the use of two arms or hands to do so with greater ease and efficiency. The apparatus may decrease the risk of injury to the carrier, which is a substantial benefit since many mail carriers experience or are at risk to develop arthritis or carpel tunnel syndrome. 
         [0010]    One embodiment the present invention is an apparatus that comprises a working element, a first support element and a securing element. 
         [0011]    The working element may be any size or shape and constructed from any material in order to provide a surface for maintaining postal matter. The first support element secures the apparatus, more specifically, the working element to a body of a carrier. For example, the first support element is positioned substantially about the neck or shoulders of a carrier such that the working element remains level. The first support element is connected to the working element via a first connecting element. The securing element is positioned on the top surface of the working element and may be constructed of any material such that the securing element secures postal matter on the top surface of the working element. It is further contemplated that the securing element may have elastic properties to be easily manipulated by the carrier. Any number of securing elements is contemplated. 
         [0012]    In another embodiment of the apparatus includes a holding element and yet another embodiment of the apparatus further includes a retaining element. The holding element and retaining element are positioned along a side of the working element and may be any size or shape and constructed from any material in order to hold or retain postal matter. 
         [0013]    The holding element and retaining element may be any size, shape and constructed from any material to hold postal matter. Also, any number of holding elements and retaining elements are contemplated. 
         [0014]    In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus further includes a second support element connected to the working element via a second connecting element. The second support element further secures the apparatus to the body of a carrier. For example, the second support element is positioned substantially about the waist of a carrier such that the working element remains level. 
         [0015]    The first support element and second support element may be, for example, a strap, strip, harness or lanyard made of any material such as plastic, leather, or fabric. The first support element and second support element may further be adjustable to accommodate various positions of the working element with respect to the body of a carrier such that the apparatus is comfortable. It is also contemplated that in certain embodiments the first support element is attached to the second support element. 
         [0016]    The first connecting element and second connecting element may be anything to connect the first support element and second support element, respectively, to the working element. For example, the first connecting element and second connecting element may be adhesive, weld, brackets, anchors, or hooks, to name a few. 
         [0017]    In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus further includes accessories. Accessories may include, for example, an umbrella, a lighting device, or animal repellant. It is contemplated that the accessories may be easily removable or securely affixed to the apparatus. 
         [0018]    These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
         [0019]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention; 
           [0021]      FIG. 3  is perspective view of yet another embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention; 
           [0022]      FIG. 4  is perspective view of yet another embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention; 
           [0023]      FIG. 5  is perspective view of yet another embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention; 
           [0024]      FIG. 6  is perspective view of yet another embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention; 
           [0025]      FIG. 7  is perspective view of yet another embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention; 
           [0026]      FIG. 8  is perspective view of yet another embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention; and 
           [0027]      FIG. 9  is perspective view of an embodiment of the apparatus worn by a carrier according to the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0028]    For purposes of this application, the items of the present invention are discussed and described in reference to postal matter, or mail, but the present invention can be used for any object, article, or thing. 
         [0029]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the apparatus  10  comprises a working element  100 , a first support element  200  and a securing element  300 . The working element  100  is a rectangular aluminum platform  102  and includes a top surface  104 , bottom surface  106 , a first side boundary  108 , a second side boundary  110 , a third side boundary  112 , and a fourth side boundary  114 . The first support element  200  includes a first end  204  and a second end  206 , and is shown in  FIG. 1  as a strap  202 . A first connecting element  400 , here a bracket  402 , connects the strap  202  to the platform  102 . The first connecting element  400  is positioned on the top surface  104  of the working element  100 . The ends  204 ,  206  of the first support element  200  connect to the first connecting element  400  such that the first support element  200  may be positioned substantially about the neck of a carrier. The securing element  300  includes a first edge  304  and a second edge  306  and is positioned on the top surface  104  of the working element  100 . The first edge  304  of the securing element  300  connects to the first side boundary  108  of the working element  100  and the second edge  306  of the securing element  300  connects to the second side boundary  110  of the working element  100 . The securing element  300  is shown as an elastic band  302 . 
         [0030]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the apparatus  20  further comprises a holding element  500 . Holding element  500  is positioned on the third side boundary  112  of the working element  100 , although the holding element  500  may be positioned on any side boundary  108 ,  110 ,  114  of the working element  100 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , holding element  500  is a plurality of grasping components  502 . 
         [0031]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the apparatus  30  further comprises a retaining element  600 . Retaining element  600  is positioned on the second side boundary  110  of the working element  100 , although the retaining element  600  may be positioned on any side boundary  108 ,  112 ,  114  of the working element  100 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , retaining element  600  is a bin  602 . 
         [0032]      FIG. 4  is perspective view of yet another embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the apparatus  40  includes a second support element  250  with a first ending  254  and a second ending  256 , and is shown in  FIG. 4  as an adjustable belt  252 . A second connecting element  450 , here adhesive  452 , connects the adjustable belt  252  to working element  100 . Specifically, the second connecting elements  450  are positioned on the fourth side boundary  114  of the working element  100 . The endings  254 ,  256  of the second support element  250  connect to the second connecting element  450  such that the second support element  250  may be positioned substantially about the waist of a carrier such that the working element  100  remains level. 
         [0033]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the apparatus of  FIG. 4  according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the apparatus  50  further comprises a holding element  500 . Holding element  500  is positioned on the first side boundary  108  of the working element  100 . Here, the holding element  500  is a basket  504 . 
         [0034]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the apparatus of  FIG. 4  according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the apparatus  60  further comprises a retaining element  600 . Retaining element  600  is positioned on the third side boundary  112  of the working element  100 . Here, the retaining element  600  is a container  604 . 
         [0035]      FIG. 7  is perspective view of yet another embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the apparatus  70  includes a working element  100 , a securing element  300 , a holding element  500 , and two retaining elements  600 . The first edge  304  of the securing element  300  connects to the first side boundary  108  of the working element  100  and the second edge  306  of the securing element  300  connects to the second side boundary  110  of the working element  100  such that the securing element  300  is positioned on the top surface  104  of the working element  100 . The securing element  300  is shown as a spring band  308 . Holding element  500 , shown as a receptacle  506 , is positioned on the first side boundary  108  of the working element  100 . Retaining elements  600  are positioned on the second side boundary  110  and third side boundary  112  of the working element  100 . As shown, retaining element  600  on the second side boundary  110  is a receptacle  606  and retaining element  600  on the third side boundary  112  is a receptacle  608 . 
         [0036]    As shown in  FIG. 7 , the first support element  200  is attached to the second support element  250 . The first support element  200  is a lanyard  208  and the second support element  250  is a harness  258 . A first connecting element  400  positioned on the top surface  104  of the working element  100  connects the lanyard  208  to the working element  100 . A second connecting element  450  positioned on the fourth boundary  114  of the working element  100  connects the harness  258  to the working element  100 . A third connecting element  260  connects the first support element  200  to the second support element  250 . More specifically, weld  262  connects the lanyard  208  and harness  258 . 
         [0037]      FIG. 8  is perspective view of yet another embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the apparatus  80  includes accessories  700 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , accessories  700  include an umbrella  702 , a lighting device  704 , and animal repellant  706  attached to the working element  100 , although it is contemplated that the accessories may be attached to the securing element  300 , holding element  500  or retaining element  600 . According to this embodiment, the umbrella  702  is attached to the first side boundary  108  of the working element  100  to protect the carrier from various weather elements, for example, sun and rain. Lighting device  704  is attached to the top surface  104  of the working element  100  to provide illumination. Animal repellant  706  is attached to the bottom surface  106  of the working element  100  in the event the carrier must combat aggressive animals. 
         [0038]      FIG. 9  is perspective view of the apparatus of  FIG. 8  worn by a carrier according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the carrier places the second support element  250  over the shoulders. 
         [0039]    As an example, the carrier can organize postal matter by collating working mail, DPS mail, coverage mail, accountables, and packages in order to transport and deliver the postal matter. As an example, a carrier that only has use of one arm may use the present invention by placing all working mail in the holding element of the apparatus and placing all DPS mail in the retaining element of the apparatus. Any coverage, accountables or packages would remain in the mail carrier&#39;s satchel. The mail carrier uses the present invention to collate all mail for delivery to an address point: any coverage mail is pulled from the satchel and placed in the securing element; any working mail is grabbed from the holding element and placed in the securing element; and any DPS mail is grabbed from the retaining element and placed in the securing element. The mail carrier grabs the collated mail in the securing element and delivers it to the address point. Any accountables or packages are also delivered. This example is for illustrative purposes only—any type of mail may be placed in any of the securing, holding, or retaining element according to the present invention, and any order of collation is contemplated. 
         [0040]    The working element as discussed herein, for example as a rectangular platform constructed from aluminum, is for illustrative purposes only. The working element may be any size or shape and constructed from any material in order to provide a light-weight surface for maintaining postal matter. 
         [0041]    The first support element and second support element as discussed herein, for example as a strap, lanyard, and harness, is for illustrative purposes only. The support elements may be any size, shape, or material such as plastic, leather, rubber or fabric in order to secure the apparatus, more specifically the working element, to a body of a carrier such that the working element remains level. Additionally, the support elements may be adjustable. 
         [0042]    The securing element is positioned on the top surface of the working element and is shown in the above referenced FIGS. as an elastic band and as a spring band, but may be constructed of any material such that the securing element is expandable or resilient or weighted in order for the securing element to secure postal matter. 
         [0043]    The holding element and retaining element are positioned along a side of the working element and may be any size or shape and constructed from any material in order to hold or retain postal matter. For example, the holding element and retaining element may be a plurality of grasping components, bin, container, bag, barrel, basket, box, bucket, netting, cage, can, canister, capsule, crate, cup, holder, pouch, or receptacle. 
         [0044]    The first connecting element, second connecting element, and third connecting element may be anything to connect the various elements of the apparatus, for example, adhesive, weld, brackets, anchors, or hooks, to name a few. 
         [0045]    It will be understood that the embodiments of the present invention, which have been described, are illustrative of some of the applications of the principles of the present invention. Numerous modifications may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention.