Abstract:
A tool for attachment to a foot or shoe of a user for levering a workpiece, such as a sheet of wall board. The tool has a body having a first portion for positioning under a forward part of the sole of a user&#39;s foot, and a second portion connected to the first portion and extending forwardly therefrom. The second portion is angled upwardly with respect to the first portion. A top strap is connected to the body; and a heel strap is also connected to the body. Also disclosed is a method of using the tool by placing the tool on the foot of a user and engaging a portion of the second portion under a workpiece by laying the second portion substantially flat on an environmental surface below the workpiece. In this position, the first portion is elevated above the surface at an angle. The first portion is then forced downward with the foot, so that the second portion moves upwardly and levers the workpiece

Description:
REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX, IF ANY  
       [0001]     Not applicable.  
       BACKGROUND  
       [0002]     1. Field  
         [0003]     The present invention relates, generally, to materials handling technology. More particularly, the invention relates to a tool for manipulating material, particularly sheet-like building material such as gypsum board, plywood and the like. The invention also relates to a method of using the tool.  
         [0004]     2. Background Information  
         [0005]     Existing material lifting and manipulating technology, in general, includes crow bars, wonder bars, hammers and the like, and methods of using such devices.  
         [0006]     This technology is believed to have significant limitations and shortcomings, including but not limited to that they require the user to manipulate the tool by hand, they often require the user to kneel or bend over during use, and other lifting limitations.  
         [0007]     For these and other reasons, a need exists for the present invention.  
       BRIEF SUMMARY  
       [0008]     The present invention provides a levering and lifting tool apparatus and method which is practical, reliable, accurate and efficient, and which is believed to fulfill a need and to constitute an improvement over the background technology.  
         [0009]     The lifting tool apparatus and method of the present invention harnesses the power of the human foot for lifting. The human foot is mechanical complex and structurally strong mechanism. The ankle serves as foundation, shock absorber, and propulsion engine for the body. The foot can sustain enormous pressure (several tons over the course of a one-mile run) and provides flexibility and resiliency. Structurally, the foot has three main parts: the forefoot, the midfoot, and the hindfoot. The forefoot is composed of the five toes (phalanges) and their connecting long bones (metatarsals). Each toe (phalanx) is made up of several small bones. The big toe (hallux) has two phalanges, two joints (interphalangeal joints), and two tiny, round sesamoid bones that enable it to move up and down. The other four toes each have three bones and two joints. The phalanges are connected to the metatarsals by five metatarsal phalangeal joints at the ball of the foot. The forefoot bears half the body&#39;s weight and balances pressure on the ball of the foot. The midfoot has five irregularly shaped tarsal bones, forms the foot&#39;s arch, and serves as a shock absorber. The bones of the midfoot are connected to the forefoot and the hindfoot by muscles and the plantar fascia (arch ligament). The hindfoot is composed of three joints and links the midfoot to the ankle (talus). The top of the talus is connected to the two long bones of the lower leg (tibia and fibula), forming a hinge that allows the foot to move up and down. The heel bone (calcaneus) is the largest bone in the foot. It joins the talus to form the subtalar joint, which enables the foot to rotate at the ankle. The bottom of the heel bone is cushioned by a layer of fat.  
         [0010]     The sole is the bottom of the foot. The instep is the top of the foot. The ball of the foot is where the toes join to the rest of the foot. It is quite muscular. The arch of the foot is the area of the bottom of the foot between the heel pad and toe pad. The heel is the prominence at the posterior end of the foot. It is based on the projection of one bone, the calcaneus, behind the articulation of the bones of the lower leg  
         [0011]     In one aspect, the invention provides a tool for attachment to a foot or shoe of a user for levering a workpiece, comprising a body having a first portion adapted to positioned under a forward part of the sole of a user&#39;s foot, and a second portion connected to the first portion and extending forwardly therefrom, the second portion being angled upwardly with respect to the first portion; a top strap connected to the body; and a heel strap communicatively connected to the body.  
         [0012]     In another, more particular, aspect the invention provides a tool for attachment to a foot or shoe of a user for levering a workpiece, comprising: 
        a. a body having a substantially planar front portion adapted to positioned under a forward part of the sole of a user&#39;s foot, the front portion having a wide front edge with ears, and a rear portion connected to the front portion and extending rearwardly therefrom, the front portion being angled upwardly with respect to the rear portion and having a flat bottom, the body further having a pair of slots disposed adjacent the sides of the center portion and a recess is disposed in a bottom of the body surrounding each slot;     b. a top strap connected to the body and transversely oriented thereto, the top strap including a predetermined length of strap material looped through the slots so that it overlays the top of the body, a male buckle adjustably connected adjacent one end of the strap material, and a complementary female buckle adjustably connected adjacent the opposite end of the strap material; and        
 
         [0015]     a heel strap communicatively connected to the body and extending behind the rear portion, the heel strap including a predetermined length of strap material, and a snap connected adjacent each end thereof, the snaps being communicatively connected to the top strap. In yet another aspect, the invention provides a method of levering a workpiece, comprising the steps of: 
    a. providing a tool comprising: 
        i. a body having a first or rear portion adapted to positioned under a forward part of the sole of a user&#39;s foot, and a second or front portion connected to the first portion and extending forwardly therefrom, the front portion being angled upwardly with respect to the rear portion;     ii. a top strap connected to the body; and     iii. a heel strap communicatively connected to the body.    
        b. placing the tool on the foot of a user;     c. engaging a portion of the first portion under a workpiece by laying the first portion substantially flat on an environmental surface below the workpiece whereby the second portion is elevated above the surface at an angle; and     d. forcing the second portion downward with the foot, whereby the first portion moves upwardly and levers the workpiece.    
 
         [0023]     The features, advantages, benefits and objects of the invention will become clear to those skilled in the art by reference to the following description, claims and drawings. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING  
       [0024]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the tool of the present invention.  
         [0025]      FIG. 2  is a top view of the tool.  
         [0026]      FIG. 3  is a side view of the tool operatively disposed on the foot of a user.  
         [0027]      FIG. 4  is a view of the operatively disposed tool engaging a work piece.  
         [0028]      FIG. 5  is a top view of an embodiment of a body of the tool.  
         [0029]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the body of the tool.  
         [0030]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the body showing the bottom thereof.  
         [0031]      FIG. 8  is a top view of the body.  
         [0032]      FIG. 9  is a bottom view of the body.  
         [0033]      FIG. 10  is a front end view of the body.  
         [0034]      FIG. 11  is an opposite, back end view of the body.  
         [0035]      FIG. 12  is a side view of the body.  
         [0036]      FIG. 13  is a crossectional view of the body taken along line  13 - 13  of  FIG. 8 .  
         [0037]      FIG. 14  is a crossectional view of the body taken along line  13 - 13  of  FIG. 8 .  
         [0038]      FIG. 15  is a crossectional view of the body taken along line  15 - 15  of  FIG. 8 .  
         [0039]      FIG. 16  is a bottom view of an embodiment of the body showing a traction pad.  
         [0040]      FIG. 17  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the device.  
         [0041]      FIG. 18  is a top view of the device of  FIG. 17 .  
         [0042]      FIG. 19  is a perspective view of the device of  FIG. 17  in an operative configuration.  
         [0043]      FIG. 20  is a perspective view of an insert member disposed on a body.  
         [0044]      FIG. 21  is a front view of an embodiment of the device including the insert. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0045]     The embodiments of the invention described is intended to be illustrative and not to be exhaustive or limit the invention to the exact forms disclosed. The embodiments are chosen and described so that persons skilled in the art will be able to understand the invention and the manner and process of making and using it.  
         [0046]      FIGS. 1 and 2  show an embodiment of the lifting tool  10  of the present invention comprising generally, a body  11 , a top or instep strap  12  connected to the body  10 , and a rear or heel strap  13  connected to the top strap  12  and body.  
         [0047]     Referring also to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , in a preferred usage, the tool  10  is secured to a shoe  14  or foot of a user. A pair of tools  10  may be applied to the right and left feet simultaneously of a user. Operatively secured, the user may walk or otherwise move about. The user positions his or her foot and the attached lifting tool  10  near a piece of material  15  or other work piece, for example a standard sheet or panel of drywall construction material, plywood, lumber, glass, plastic, or the like. The user moves his foot  14  so that the front edge of the tool  10  is disposed under and edge of the workpiece  15  which is also resting on the ground. In this position the user&#39;s toe is pointed downwardly, also resting on the ground, and his heel is raised slightly above the ground. Keeping the toe on the ground, the user next pushes his heel towards the ground. Due to the configuration of the tool  10 , this causes the toe, and front end of the tool  10 , to automatically rise. The rising front end of the tool  10  lifts the workpiece  15  off of the ground. The user can easily, securely and comfortably maintain this position for a relatively long period of time. Additionally, both of the user&#39;s hands are free during this activity to manipulate the workpiece  15 , to hold and use other tools, and for other purposes.  
         [0048]      FIG. 5  is a top view of an embodiment of the body  11  used with the tool  10  of  FIGS. 1 and 2 , and showing a first (rear or back) portion  20  and a second (front or forward) portion  21 . The body  11  is constructed of a strong, lightweight and rigid material, preferably a polymeric material. It is preferably approximately 8 inches (20.5 cm) long and between 3 inches (7.5 cm.) wide at the front, thinnest aspect and 5.5 inches (14 cm.)wide at its widest aspect. The body  11  is preferably approximately 0.25 inches (7 mm.) thick. However, areas which are ribbed may be thinner between the ribs, for example approximately 0.125 inches (3.5 mm.) thick. This reduces weight while retaining rigidity and strength.  
         [0049]     Its perimeter is defined by a back edge  27 , sloping side edges  28  a and b, center side edges  29   a  and  b , inset side edges  37   a  and  b , front corner lobed portions  38  a and b, and front edge  36 . The front edge  36  is straight and has a length of about 5 inches for engaging a workpiece. Strap slots  30  a and b are disposed adjacent the center side edges  29  for receiving loops of the top strap  12 .  
         [0050]     The top of the body  11  has a central ribbed region  32  of a predetermined area sufficient to support the ball of a user&#39;s foot or shoe. A plurality of ribs  33  preferably extend forwardly from the central region  32 . A pair of recessed areas  39   a  and  b  are disposed rearward of the central region  32 . These features are preferably molded into the body  11 . The bottom of the body  11  is shown to have a substantially smooth flat surface. Recesses (not shown) preferably surround the strap slots  30 . The recesses are substantially similar to recesses  131  shown in  FIGS. 7 and 9  for example.  
         [0051]     A preferred embodiment of the top strap  12  preferably comprises a predetermined length of strap material  45  which is configured such that it lays over center region  32  and each of its ends is disposed downwardly through a slot  30  and looped upwardly around the side. A male buckle  46  is adjustably connected to one end of the strap  45  and a complementary female buckle  47  is adjustably connected to the opposite end of the strap  45 . The buckles may be plastic or metal. Exemplary strap material is 1.5 inch (4 cm.) wide polymeric webbing.  
         [0052]     A preferred embodiment of the heel strap  13  preferably comprises a predetermined length of strap material  50  (for example 1.0 inch wide). Each end of the strap  50  has a snap  51   a  and  b  connected to it. One snap  51   a  is preferably fixedly connected by a sewn connection. The other snap  51   b  is preferably adjustably connected by a looped connection. The free end of the strap  50  is preferably held in place via a standard adjustable buckle  53 . The buckles and snaps may be plastic or metal.  
         [0053]      FIGS. 6-15  show an alternative embodiment of the body  111  used with the tool of  FIGS. 1 and 2 , and having a planar rear portion  120  and a substantially planar but slightly curved or rockered front portion  121 , which is angled upwardly, with respect to the front portion. As is best shown in  FIG. 12 , the angled (“B” of approximately 13 degrees) connection creates a gap “A” of approximately 0.75 inches (2 cm.) between the top of the front portion  121  and the ground. This dimension is the lifting distance of the tool  10 . The body  111  is also constructed of a strong, lightweight and rigid material, preferably a polymeric material. Its perimeter is defined by a rear edge  127 , sloping side edges  128   a  and  b , center side edges  129   a  and  b , inset side edges  137   a  and  b , front corner lobed portions or ears  138   a  and  b , and front edge  136 . It&#39;s dimensions are substantially the same as embodiment  11  discussed above. Strap aperture pairs  130   a  and  b  are disposed adjacent the center side edges  129  for receiving connectors of the top strap  12 .  
         [0054]     The top of the body  111  has a central ribbed region  132 . A plurality of ribs  133  extend forwardly on the bottom of the body  111 . A pair of recessed areas  139  are disposed rearward of the central region  132 . The bottom of the body  111  preferably has a substantially smooth flat surface. Alternatively, a piece of grip material may be placed on the bottom as shown in  FIG. 16 . Recesses  131  preferably surround the strap slots  30 .  
         [0055]      FIGS. 17-19  show a further alternative embodiment of the device  210  with top strap  212  comprising a predetermined length of  245  strap material which is configured such that it lays over center region and each of its ends is disposed downwardly through a body slot and looped upwardly around the side. A clamping buckle  246  is fixedly connected to one end of the strap  245  and the opposite end of the strap  245  is slid (placed) through the buckle  246  where clamping is accomplished. The buckle  246  may be plastic or metal. The heel strap preferably comprises a pair of strap member  213   a  and  b . Each end of the strap  213  has a sewn loop on one end. One strap  213   a  is fixedly connected to a clamping buckle  252 . The other strap  213   b  is adjusted by sliding the end through buckle  252  to form a clamped connection. The sewn loop ends of straps  213   a  and  b  are held in place around the strap  245 .  
         [0056]      FIGS. 20 and 21  show an optional metal insert  60  connected to a body  11 . The insert  60  is intended to increase the lifting capacity of the device. The insert  60  has a predetermined shape and configuration for mating with the body  11 , whereby a forward end  63  extends a predetermined distance beyond the front end  21  of the body  11 . Preferably, the insert  60  has a plurality of tabs  61  which mate with slots  62  in the body  11 . The insert  60  is preferably constructed of steel.  
         [0057]     Referring again to  FIGS. 1-4 , in use, the tool  10  is secured to a shoe  14 . With the heel strap  13  connected to the body  11  at both ends  51   a  and  b , and the top strap  12  buckle  46  and  47  disconnected, the forward part of the sole or bottom of the user&#39;s foot, preferably the ball of the foot (in shoe  14 ), is positioned over the center region  32 / 132  so that it is forward of the junction between the connection of the forward  21  and rearward  20  portions. In this position, the back edge  20  of the body  11  is positioned rearwardly on the foot, preferably aligned somewhere along the arch or heel of the user depending upon foot/shoe size. The user then connects buckles  46  and  47 , and adjusts the top strap  12  with respect to the instep so that the body  11  is snugly attached to the bottom of the shoe  14 . This also closely holds the heel strap  13  behind the heel of the user. Thus, the top strap  12  substantially holds the tool  11  vertically (i.e. from sole to instep) in place with respect to the bottom of the shoe  14 , while the heel strap  13  holds the tool  11  horizontally and longitudinally (i.e. from toe to heel) with respect to the foot. The user is free to move about substantially normally. When lifting is desired, the user positions his or her foot and the attached lifting tool  10  near a workpiece  15 . The user moves his foot  14  so that the front edge of the tool  10  is disposed under and edge of the workpiece  15  which is also resting on the ground. In this position the user&#39;s toe is pointed downwardly or flat, also resting on the ground, and his heel is raised slightly above the ground. Keeping the toe on the ground, the user next pushes his heel towards the ground. Due to the configuration of the tool  10 , this causes the toe, and front end of the tool  10 , to automatically rise. The rising front end of the tool  10  wedges or levers and lifts the workpiece  15  off of the ground. Movement of the foot can adjust the degree of forcefulness of the lift and the amount of lift.  
         [0058]     Although the apparatus and method has been described in connection with the field of wall board handling, it can readily be appreciated that it is not limited solely to such field, and can be used in other fields.  
         [0059]     The descriptions above and the accompanying drawings should be interpreted in the illustrative and not the limited sense. While the invention has been disclosed in connection with an embodiment or embodiments thereof, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that there may be other embodiments which fall within the scope of the invention as defined by the claims. Where a claim, if any, is expressed as a means or step for performing a specified function it is intended that such claim be construed to cover the corresponding structure, material, or acts described in the specification and equivalents thereof, including both structural equivalents and equivalent structures, material-based equivalents and equivalent materials, and act-based equivalents and equivalent acts.