Abstract:
An improved device for lifting and transporting hollow-core building blocks by hand using a pair of rigid, U-shaped aims arranged parallel with one another at the base to engage the interior web surface of the block and tilted inwardly to converge into a single ergonomic handle directly above the block&#39;s center of gravity.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO OTHER APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to, and the benefit of, pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/012,290 filed on Jun. 14, 2014 titled “Building Block Carrier.” 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
       [0002]    The present disclosure pertains to the field of construction tools. More specifically, the present disclosure pertains to a carrier useful for carrying blocks or other construction materials. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Building blocks such as concrete masonry units (“CMUs”) are designed in such a way as to facilitate ease of construction by allowing for the assembly of entire walls through an aggregate of smaller, individual units that are themselves maneuverable by the normal strength of a human laborer. There is, however, little attention given to anatomy of the human providing that maneuvering power, particularly in terms of load distribution through the body of the weight incurred by the block, and in the abrasiveness of the surface of the block. These shortcomings result in carrying positions (particularly in the hands and wrists) unsuited to the natural load-bearing configurations of the human body, leading to undue strain, fatigue, and skin abrasions.  
         [0004]    Furthermore, the intent is to provide a tool of sturdy constitution, without delicate components such as hinges or other elements subject to stress concentration and subsequent failure under the rigors associated with a construction site. 
         [0005]    There are currently many devices in use for conveying such building blocks, such as tongs, slings, and other mechanically operated lifting devices that seek to alleviate this unnecessary wear and tear on the human body. These systems, however, are often too complex, cumbersome, or costly to be used extensively in the field. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0006]    To further explain the advantages and features of the present disclosure, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings are not to be considered limiting in scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0007]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the block carrier, the dashed lines showing a standard CMU building block in an engaged position with the carrier; 
           [0008]      FIG. 2  is a cross-section view of the carrier taken perpendicular to its longitudinal axis; 
           [0009]      FIG. 3  is a side elevation view of the carrier shown in operation by a worker, demonstrating how the device aligns the load of the building block with the natural bearing axis of the human body. 
           [0010]      FIG. 4  is a rear elevation of a workman holding two loaded carriers in a natural grasping position balancing the load along the natural bearing axis of the body. 
       
    
    
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
       [0011]    In a first aspect, the present disclosure provides an improved building block carrier, which facilitates the expeditious lifting and carrying of the manufactured block by applying its incurred load via a handle to the hands of a person in their natural grasping configuration and allowing the load to be transferred through the wrists in their natural suspended position, thereby allowing a more direct path of travel from the weight of the block to the arms (and ultimately to the support of the legs) and eliminating excess torque upon the hands and wrists. 
         [0012]    In a second aspect, the present disclosure provides a carrier that is simple and economical to construct, consisting of elements that are inexpensive, readily available, and easily manipulated. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0013]    This present disclosure relates to a tool or carrier  5  useful for carrying building blocks  10 , such as CMUs, or other heavy materials fabricated with a hollow core  18  created in such a way as to allow the full weight of the CMU  10  or material to bear on the walls of that core  18 , as is the case in carrying or other means of transportation by suspension. 
         [0014]    A standard CMU or related building block ( 10 ) has a form consisting of two primary side walls  20  bridged by multiple web members  22  generally of the same depth and similar thickness as the primary side walls  20  and oriented perpendicular to those side walls  20 . This creates a hollow core  18  within the structure of the block  10 . 
         [0015]    As shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , in some embodiments, the carrier  5  of the instant application comprises two rods  12 ,  14  (each comprising a first and a second end) of steel or other high-strength durable metal which penetrate the core  18  through its predefined opening and engage the inner surface of the outermost web member  22  of the block  10  such that when lifted, weight of the block  10  will transfer through the web member  22  to the rods  12 ,  14 . In some embodiments the rods may comprise steel rebar or aluminum. Further, the carrier  5  may comprise more than two rods and in some embodiments the carrier may comprise three, four, five, six or more rods. 
         [0016]    These rods  12 ,  14 , which may be oriented parallel to each other, turn upwardly at an angle a after sufficient bearing surface has been established (generally at least ¾ of the depth of the block) until they reach a height such that when the block  10  is engaged a sufficient space is created above the block  10  to allow grasping by a human hand. At this point and under load, the rods  12 ,  14  may bend back again to run parallel with the surface of the web member on which the block  10  is bearing. Thus, the individual rods  12 ,  14  attain comprehensive U-shapes as viewed from the side when engaged with a block  10  (as shown in  FIG. 3 ). 
         [0017]    In some embodiments, the  12 ,  14  rods are in pairs to provide stability when transporting a block  10 . So long as the weight of the block is distributed perpendicularly between the two rods  12 ,  14 , the block  10  is not apt to swing or rotate during transit. However, to provide a single, readily graspable handle, the rods  12 ,  14  are angled toward one another in the front plane and, though separated at the bottom, are joined at the top by means of welding or other securing method that would be known to those of ordinary skill in the art that does not obstruct a fluid grasp by the hand. 
         [0018]    Furthermore, in some embodiments in order to provide both additional reinforcement to the attachment and increased ergonomic comfort, a single hollow tube  16  is inserted and secured over the joined rods  12 ,  14  to form a grip  24 . This tube  16  can be of metal, plastic, rubber, or other inexpensive yet durable material such as, but not limited to EMT or electrical conduit or PVC pipe. In alternate embodiments, the rods  12 ,  14  may be wrapped with soft, yet durable material such as a rubberized material which in some embodiments may be ergonomically formed to fit the human hand. In some embodiments this rubberized material may be soft or it may be hard. 
         [0019]    From the above description, it will be clear that the present disclosure provides an exceedingly ergonomic, economical, endurant, and effective carrier which facilitates the transporting of building blocks or related elements under normal human power with minimal strain. This carrier can be manufactured from rebar or other metal rods and pre-manufactured tubing, either metal or sturdy plastic, and its composition is such that it is capable of not only withstanding high stresses associated with rough use, but also of quick and easy repair or replacement with on-hand materials. The orientation of the handle to allow for quick lifting and placing as well as for providing natural, ergonomic positioning of the wrists and hands is also paramount to the success of the carrier.