Abstract:
A substantially rigid bag carrying device for facilitating manual transport of a bag, such as a golf bag, luggage, camping equipment, backpack, and the like. The bag carrying device facilitates manual transport of a bag by providing independent support for the bag as well as enabling a user to quickly and easily implement the bag carrying device in a single motion. The support structure of the bag carrying device may be defined by a variety of shoulder supports, connecting supports, and other support structures. The bag carrying device may also incorporate one or more support straps for selectively adjusting the position of the bag relative to a user.

Description:
1. RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/757,062 filed Jan. 14, 2004 entitled “Load Bearing Shoulder Frame Assembly”, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/289,722, filed Nov. 7, 2002 entitled “Load Bearing Device for a Cartable Item Providing Single to Dual-Shoulder Support Transitioning.” 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0003]    The present invention relates to bag carrying devices for facilitating manual transport of a bag  
           [0004]    2. Background and Related Art  
           [0005]    Carrying devices, such as harnesses or straps, are commonly found and utilized in everyday situations to support the carrying of bags, such as backpacks, golf bags, mail bags, luggage, and a host of others via the shoulder(s) of a user.  
           [0006]    One of the drawbacks to carrying a golf bag over a golf course is the standard construction of a golf bag. Traditionally-designed golf bags are manufactured to implement very simple carrying systems designed to enable a golfer or caddy to carry the golf bag, which houses both clubs and balls. A typical golf bag comprises a tubular carrying member enclosed at one end so that the shafts of golf clubs can be longitudinally retained in the bag. Traditional carrying systems or devices implemented as a means to transport such golf bags typically consist of a single strap that extends from an upper rim of the golf bag to a mid-point on the bag. The strap is typically loose and made of flexible material, wherein the golfer or the caddy is able to carry the golf bag by inserting one arm through the strap so that the strap extends across one shoulder. Consequently, the golf bag naturally rests against the golfer or caddy, depending upon the location and slack in the strap. Although simple in design, this single-strap system has endured through the years and is still very popular today, especially in connection with lower-priced golf bags.  
           [0007]    Although popular, several disadvantages and deficiencies are present in traditional carrying systems that are readily recognized by those individuals who carry such golf bags over a golf course. One such problem results from the fact that the entire weight of the golf clubs and bag, which typically ranges between twenty to thirty pounds, tires the shoulder of the user, especially when several rounds are being played. The weight of the golf bag also increases a likelihood of strain in the muscles of the neck, shoulders, and back. Such strain is often exacerbated by the bulk of the golf bag and its position relative to the user. Indeed, the weight, imbalance, and single strap design of traditionally manufactured golf bags can cause muscle soreness in the hips and lower back as well as in the upper back and neck due to the fact that the center of gravity of the bag is offset with respect to the spine of the user. This is of particular concern to golfers who suffer from back problems.  
           [0008]    Another problem associated with the traditional single strap golf bag design is the resulting swing or rocking of the golf bag that repeatedly pounds the user over and over as he/she walks from hole to hole. This constant swinging or rocking motion is derived from and is in tune with the natural walking frequency of the user and is difficult to stabilize.  
           [0009]    In recent years, the traditional single strap carrying system design has been improved upon by designing two strap or multi-strap systems. These allow adjustable straps for two, three, or four point attachment to a golf bag. These enable transverse mounting of the golf bag on the back of the golfer. They further provide a broad surface with compliant material for comfort, and are often adapted to take the necessary shape to fit a given golfer.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0010]    The present invention is a variety of related bag carrying devices for facilitating manual transport of a bag, such as a golf bag, luggage, camping equipment, backpack, and the like. Specifically, certain embodiments of the present invention provide a substantially rigid supporting structure for supporting the weight of a bag and distributing such weight over a user. The supporting structure may be defined according to a variety of elements, including a variety of shoulder supports, connecting supports, and other support structures. In some embodiments, the supporting structure includes: a handle; a connecting support hinge; a webbing support structure; a torso support; an adjustable connecting support; rigid shoulder supports and connecting supports; selectively rigid shoulder supports and connecting supports; rigid segments; non-rigid shoulder supports; a front handle; a waist level handle; a hollow connecting support with a tube and mouthpiece; a compliant connecting support; a non-rigid connecting support; non-rigid connecting straps; an elongated connecting support; a head support; an off-center hinge; a group of links; a retractable cord and retractable cord housing; a backpack hinge; a back support; and a rigid connecting bar.  
           [0011]    In some embodiments, the connecting supports provide the primary support for the weight of a bag attached thereto. Accordingly, the connecting supports are generally substantially planar such that the connecting supports may be supported and balanced along the upper back of a user.  
           [0012]    Shoulder supports may extend from one or both ends of the connecting support to stabilize the bag anteriorly over the shoulder of a user. These opposing shoulder supports counterbalance each other, such that the weight of the bag is supported by a user. The dimensional relationship between the shoulder supports may promote a specific transport arrangement with respect to a position of the bag relative to a user. In this manner, balance between the bag and a user may be facilitated according to the weight and bulk of the bag. For example, where the bag is a traditionally designed elongate golf bag, the length of one shoulder support may extend beyond the length of the other shoulder support such that the golf bag is supported on a diagonal relative to a user.  
           [0013]    A bag carrying device in accordance with the present invention may also incorporate a cushioning support on an underside surface of the supporting structure so as to facilitate a user&#39;s comfort. A bag strap assembly may also be implemented in accordance with the present invention to enable selective adjustment of the relationship between the bag carrying device and the bag.  
           [0014]    These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be set forth or will become more fully apparent in the description that follows. The features and advantages may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. Furthermore, the features and advantages of the invention may be learned by the practice of the invention or will be obvious from the description, as set forth hereinafter.  
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0015]    In order that the manner in which the above recited and other features and advantages of the present invention are obtained, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that the drawings depict only typical embodiments of the present invention and are not, therefore, to be considered as limiting the scope of the invention, the present invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 1 illustrates a representative bag carrying device that includes a connecting support hinge;  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 2 illustrates a representative bag carrying device that includes a webbing support structure;  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 3 illustrates a representative bag carrying device that includes a bag strap webbing support structure;  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 4 illustrates a representative bag carrying device that includes an adjustable bag strap;  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 5 a  illustrates a representative bag carrying device that includes a torso support;  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 5 b  illustrates a representative bag carrying device that includes an alternative torso support;  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 6 illustrates a representative bag carrying device that includes an adjustable connecting support;  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 7 a  illustrates a representative bag carrying device that includes a central connecting support;  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 7 b  illustrates a representative bag carrying device that includes an alternative central connecting support;  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 8 illustrates a representative bag carrying device that includes two handles;  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 9 a  illustrates a representative bag carrying device that includes a rivet that connects the shoulder supports;  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 9 b  illustrates a close-up view of the rivet;  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 9 c  illustrates another view of a representative bag carrying device that includes a rivet;  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 9 d  illustrates a representative bag carrying device that includes a second handle;  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 10 a  illustrates a representative bag carrying device with rotatable shoulder supports and button that controls such movement;  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 10 b  illustrates a representative bag carrying device that shows the rotatable shoulder supports in a vertical position;  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 10 c  illustrates another representative bag carrying device with rotatable shoulder supports;  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 11 a  illustrates a representative bag carrying device with selectively rigid shoulder and connecting supports;  
         [0034]    [0034]FIGS. 11 b  illustrates a representative bag carrying device with selectively rigid shoulder and connecting supports that are shown in a rigid position on a user;  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 11 c  illustrates another representative bag carrying device with selectively rigid shoulder and connecting supports that are shown in a rigid position on a user;  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 12 a  illustrates a representative bag carrying device that is made up of a number of rigid segments;  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 12 b  illustrates a close up view of two segments;  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 12 c  illustrates an alternative view of a bag carrying device with rigid segments;  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 12 d  illustrates a front view of a representative bag carrying device with rigid segments;  
         [0040]    [0040]FIG. 13 a  illustrates a representative bag carrying device that includes both non-rigid shoulder supports and a rigid structure;  
         [0041]    [0041]FIG. 13 b  illustrates another representative bag carrying device that includes both non-rigid shoulder supports and a rigid structure;  
         [0042]    [0042]FIG. 13 c  illustrates yet another representative bag carrying device that includes both non-rigid shoulder supports and a rigid structure;  
         [0043]    [0043]FIG. 13 d  illustrates an additional representative bag carrying device that includes both non-rigid shoulder supports and a rigid structure;  
         [0044]    [0044]FIG. 14 illustrates a representative bag carrying device that includes a front handle;  
         [0045]    [0045]FIG. 15 illustrates a representative bag carrying device where the connection of the shoulder supports forms a V;  
         [0046]    [0046]FIG. 16 a  illustrates a representative bag carrying device that includes a waist level handle;  
         [0047]    [0047]FIG. 16 b  illustrates an alternate view of a representative bag carrying device that includes a waist level handle;  
         [0048]    [0048]FIG. 17 a  illustrates a representative bag carrying device that includes a hollow connecting support;  
         [0049]    [0049]FIG. 17 b  illustrates a representative bag carrying device that includes a hollow connecting support, a tube and a mouthpiece;  
         [0050]    [0050]FIG. 18 a  illustrates a representative bag carrying device that includes a compliant connecting support;  
         [0051]    [0051]FIG. 18 b  illustrates a close-up view of a compliant connecting support;  
         [0052]    [0052]FIG. 19 a  illustrates a representative bag carrying device that includes a non-rigid connecting support and non-rigid connecting straps;  
         [0053]    [0053]FIG. 19 b  illustrates a representative bag carrying device that includes bent handles;  
         [0054]    [0054]FIG. 20 illustrates a representative bag carrying device with an elongated connecting support;  
         [0055]    [0055]FIG. 21 illustrates a representative bag carrying device with a head support;  
         [0056]    [0056]FIG. 22 a  illustrates a representative bag carrying device with an off-centered hinge;  
         [0057]    [0057]FIG. 22 b  illustrates a front view of a representative bag carrying device with an off-centered hinge;  
         [0058]    [0058]FIG. 23 a  illustrates a representative bag carrying device where the shoulder supports and connecting support are a group of links;  
         [0059]    [0059]FIG. 23 b  shows a representative bag carrying device similar to the one shown in FIG. 23 a , with the addition of a pronged strap;  
         [0060]    [0060]FIG. 24 a  illustrates a representative bag carrying device in a storage position;  
         [0061]    [0061]FIG. 24 b  illustrates another view of a representative bag carrying device in a storage position;  
         [0062]    [0062]FIG. 25 a  illustrates a representative bag carrying device with a retractable cord;  
         [0063]    [0063]FIG. 25 b  illustrates a representative bag carrying device with a retractable cord in its extended position;  
         [0064]    [0064]FIG. 25 c  illustrates a close-up view of a retractable cord housing;  
         [0065]    [0065]FIG. 26 a  illustrates a representative bag carrying device with a backpack hinge and solid tongue;  
         [0066]    [0066]FIG. 26 b  illustrates a representative bag carrying device with a backpack hinge and solid tongue worn by a user;  
         [0067]    [0067]FIG. 27 a  illustrates a representative bag carrying device with a rigid strap;  
         [0068]    [0068]FIG. 27 b  illustrates another view of a representative bag carrying device with a rigid strap; and  
         [0069]    [0069]FIG. 27 c  illustrates another view of a representative bag carrying device with a rigid strap and a non-rigid bag strap.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0070]    The present invention relates to carrying devices for facilitating manual transport an object such as luggage, a container or a bag. Particularly, the present invention relates to bag carrying devices for supporting the weight of an object on the back and/or shoulders of a user.  
         [0071]    In the disclosure and in the claims the term “shoulder area” or “shoulder” shall refer to “any area of the body that provides the support necessary to carry a bag, including the neck, shoulder, back and chest.” The term “torso” shall refer to “a human trunk, including the hips and arms.” The term “rigid” shall refer to “any material or substance deficient in or devoid of substantial flexibility, including any material or substance with strength sufficient to support the carrying of a bag.” The term “handle” shall refer to “any section of a bag carrying device that can be gripped by a human hand.” The term “deformable” shall mean “capable of altering a shape by any sort of stress or manipulation.” The term “compliant” shall mean “having a characteristic of flexibility either in conjunction with a rigid material or independent of a rigid material.” The term “bag” shall refer to “a container that is capable of holding, storing, or carrying something.” The term “golf bag” shall refer to “a container that is capable of holding, storing, or carrying something.” The term “backpack” shall refer to “a container that is capable of holding, storing, or carrying something.” 
         [0072]    It will be readily understood that the components of the present invention, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following more detailed description of the embodiments of the system and method of the present invention is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, as claimed, but is merely representative of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention.  
         [0073]    Referring now to FIG. 1, a bag carrying device  10  comprises a handle  12 , a first shoulder support  14 , a second shoulder support  16 , a connecting support  18 , a connecting hinge  20 , a first strap hole  22 , and a second strap hole  24 . In this presently preferred embodiment, handle  12  facilitates the easy lifting of the bag carrying device  10  while the bag carrying device  10  is attached to a bag  26 . A user lifts the bag carrying device by the handle  12  and places the bag carrying device  10  on his/her shoulder area in one fluid motion. In contrast, a person using a double-strapped bag such as a double-strapped golf bag, would need at least two motions to successfully place the straps onto the shoulder area of the user. In this presently preferred embodiment the first shoulder support  14 , the second support  16 , connecting to support  18  and the handle  12  are made out of rigid material. The curved shape of the bag carrying device together with the placement of the second strap hole  24  and the first strap hole  22  ensures an equal distribution of weight when carrying a bag. In some embodiments of the invention, a soft material  28  is attached to an engagement surface  30  where the engagement surface  30  rests upon the shoulder area of the user. When the bag carrying device  10  is not in use, connecting support hinge  20  facilitates the convenient storage of the bag carrying device by enabling the first shoulder support  14  and the second shoulder support  16  to fold together. Thus, the presently preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, shows the bag carrying device  10  whose rigidity allows it to be easily carried by the user, lifted, and placed onto a shoulder area of the user in a manner that equally distributes the weight of the bag. In addition, this embodiment allows for easy storage of such a device because of the connecting support hinge  20 .  
         [0074]    [0074]FIG. 2 shows another presently preferred embodiment of the present invention which comprises the bag carrying device  10  of FIG. 1 that also includes a webbing support structure  40  where webbing support structure  40  is connected to the bag carrying device  10  at two places. First, webbing support structure  40  is connected to a first webbing structure connection  42  and a second webbing structure connection  44 . The first webbing support structure  42  attaches the webbing support structure  40  of the engagement surface  30  of the second shoulder support  16 .  
         [0075]    Likewise, the second webbing support structure  44  is connected to the engagement surface  30  of the first shoulder support  14 . In some embodiments of the present invention, a space or air pocket  46  exists between the webbing support structure  40  and engagement surface  30  with the only connection being that of the first webbing support structure  42  and the second webbing support structure connection  44 . Thus, the space for air pocket  46  allows the webbing support structure  40  to provide additional comfort and support for the user of the bag carrying device  10 .  
         [0076]    In contrast to the bag carrying device  10  of FIG. 1, the shoulder area of the user comes in contact primarily with the webbing support structure  40  of the present invention instead of coming in contact with the engagement surface  30 , as is shown in FIG. 1.  
         [0077]    In addition, FIG. 2 shows a first bag strap  48  and a second back strap  50 . In this particular embodiment of the present invention, the first back strap  48  and the second back strap  50  are separate and distinct from the webbing support structure  40 . However, in some embodiments, as is shown in FIG. 3, the webbing support structure  40  of FIG. 2 together with the first back strap  48  and the second back strap  50  of FIG. 2 become a back strap webbing support structure  52 .  
         [0078]    [0078]FIG. 4 shows the second back strap  50  shown in FIG. 2 that is permanently attached to bag carrying device  10 . In this particular embodiment the second back strap is adjustable. In other embodiments the first back strap  44  and the second back strap  50  are detachable from the bag carrying device  10 .  
         [0079]    Moving now to FIGS. 5 a  and  5   b , FIG. 5 a  shows a particular embodiment of bag carrying device  10  where second shoulder support  16  is replaced in FIG. 5 a  with torso support  60 . In this embodiment, torso support  60  together with first shoulder support  40  work together to distribute the weight of the bag onto the user between the shoulder area of the user and the torso area of a user. The adjustable strap shown in FIG. 4 allows the user to customize the length of the strap through a position and length most comfortable to the user. The torso support  60  shown in FIG. 5 a  has a downward curve  62 . The downward curve  62  places more weight on the shoulder area beneath the first shoulder support  14 . This particular embodiment of the present invention is used by those wanting to place more weight on one shoulder. In contrast, the torso support  60  shown in FIG. 5 b  has an upward curve  64 . The upward curve  65  shown in FIG. 5 b  provides more support from the torso of the user than the torso support  60  shown in FIG. 5 a  that has the downward curve  62 . Thus, FIGS. 5 a  and  5   b  show examples of bag carrying device  10  that only have one shoulder support and an alternative support which in this case was embodied by torso support  60 . One skilled in the art could imagine other embodiments of torso support  60  that provide more and less support to the user.  
         [0080]    [0080]FIG. 6 shows an additional embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment shows the first shoulder support  14 , the second shoulder support  16 , a first connecting support  66 , a second connecting support  68 , an adjustable connecting support  70 , and second back strap  50 . This embodiment shows how adjustable connecting support  70  enables second connecting support  68  together with second shoulder support  16  to move into different positions. Two of these positions are shown in FIG. 6. First FIG. 6 shows an upper position  72  as well as a lower position  74 . In upper position  72 , the bag carrying device, as shown in FIG. 6, provides support similar to the support shown in FIGS. 1 through 4. Lower position  74 , on the other hand, shows the bag carrying device  10  as it provides support similar to the support shown in FIGS. 5 a  and  5   b . While only these two positions are shown in FIG. 6, one skilled in the art can recognize that a variety of positions may be desirable for users in order to most comfortably wear and use the bag carrying device  10  so that the weight is effectively and evenly distributed on the user&#39;s body.  
         [0081]    Also, while FIG. 6 shows only the movements of the second connecting support  68  and the second shoulder support  16 , other similar embodiments allow the first connecting support  66  and the first shoulder support  14  to move in a similar fashion. This movement ability also facilitates the storage of bag carrying  10 , as shown in FIG. 6, because bag carrying device  10  can be moved into a variety of positions.  
         [0082]    Moving now to FIGS. 7 a  and  7   b , FIG. 7 a  shows the bag carrying device  10  of the present invention that includes a central connecting support  80  that connects the first connecting support  66  and the second connecting support  68 . Central connecting support  80  is also connected to the second back strap  50 . The central connecting support  80  shown in FIG. 7 a  provides for added support for particularly large bags. The larger size and greater thickness of central connecting support  80  in comparison to other embodiments of the present invention allows for increased durability of bag carrying device  10  as well as makes it easier for the user to carry heavy bags. In contrast, the central connecting support  80  shown in FIG. 7 b  is of smaller size. While still being able to support large bags, the central connecting support  80  of FIG. 7 b  is more easily stored because of its smaller size. While the central connecting support of FIGS. 7 a  and  7   b  are shown in a central position relative to the user&#39;s back, one skilled in the art could understand that the central connecting system  80  could also be used in a variety of positions and locations on the user&#39;s back.  
         [0083]    [0083]FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of bag carrying device  10  that includes both handle  12  and a second handle  90 .  
         [0084]    [0084]FIGS. 9 a  through  9   b  show embodiments of the present invention that include a rivet  100 . Rivet  100  connects the first shoulder support  14  and the second shoulder support  16  and facilitates the pivoting of first shoulder support  14  and second shoulder support  16 . While able to pivot, rivet  100  can also be locked firmly, as shown in FIGS. 9 a ,  9   b  and  9   c , such that bag carrying device  10  remains rigid and stable.  
         [0085]    Some embodiments of the present invention, as shown if FIGS. 9 a  through  9   d , incorporate a bag carrying device  10  that locks into many different positions depending on the preference of the user. Other embodiments of the present invention have a single locked position which facilitates the easy and quick use of the bag carrying device  10 .  
         [0086]    [0086]FIG. 9 d  shows an embodiment of the present invention that includes handle  12  and second handle  90 . While this embodiment shows first bag strap  48  connected to handle  12 , some embodiments of the present invention allow for first bag strap  48  to be connected to second handle  90 .  
         [0087]    The present invention as shown in FIGS. 10 a  through  10   c  show alternative embodiments of central connecting support  80 . In this particular embodiment, central connecting support  80  includes a button  110 ; Button  110  facilitates the movement of first shoulder support  14  and second shoulder support  16 . When engaged, button  110  allows the first shoulder support  14  and the second shoulder support  16  to change positions, as is shown in FIG. 10 b . While the first shoulder support  14  and the second shoulder support  16  are shown in FIG. 10 b  in a substantial vertical position, other embodiments of the present invention include many other positions either for storage purposes or to facilitate the comfortable usage of the bag carrying device  10 .  
         [0088]    [0088]FIG. 10 c  of the present invention shows first shoulder support  14  and second shoulder support  16  that are connected to central connecting support  80  at a different position than shown in FIG. 10 a.    
         [0089]    The embodiments of the present invention shown in FIGS. 11 a  through  11   c  show examples of bag carrying device  10  that do not become rigid until and unless a force is acted upon them. The bag carrying device  10  shown in FIG. 11 a  shows a selectively rigid first shoulder support  120 , a selectively rigid second support  122 , a selectively rigid connecting support  124  and a selectively rigid connecting support  126 . FIG. 11 a  shows the bag carrying device  10  with the aforementioned selectively rigid attributes in its non-rigid form. In contrast, FIGS. 11 b  and  11   c  show bag carrying device  10  in its rigid form.  
         [0090]    In the embodiment shown in FIG. 11 c , the bag carrying device  10  is in its rigid form because of the force acted upon it by first bag strap  48  and second bag strap  50 . Thus, when bag carrying device  10 , as shown in FIGS. 11 a  through  11   c , is worn by a user, then used to carry a bag, the bag carrying device  10  is in its rigid form. However, when bag carrying device is not worn by the user, the bag carrying device, as shown in FIGS. 11 a  through  11   c , is not rigid. This better enables a user in conveniently storing the bag carrying device  10  in a small space.  
         [0091]    In addition, the bag carrying device  10  of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 11 a  through  11   c , have selectively rigid parts which are connected by a variety of methods including but not limited to hinges, pins, straps, and any other connection device used by one skilled in the art.  
         [0092]    [0092]FIGS. 12 a  through  12   d  show an alternative embodiment of the present invention where bag carrying device  10  is made from multiple rigid segments  130 . As shown in FIG. 12 b , a first segment  132  is connected to a second segment  134 . In this embodiment, the first segment  132  is layered and overlaps the second segment  134 . The rigid segments  130  combine to form bag carrying device  10  and allow for a bag carrying device that molds its shape to conform to the shape of the user. This provides for a more customized fit of the bag carrying device  10  while, because of the rigid nature of the segments, still providing sufficient support to carry heavy bags and to effectively distribute the weight of the bag over the user.  
         [0093]    [0093]FIGS. 13 a  through  13   d  show embodiments of the present invention where a first non-rigid shoulder support  140  and a second non-rigid support  142  are connected to a rigid structure  144 . In this embodiment of the present invention the first non-rigid shoulder support  140  and the second non-rigid shoulder support  42  engage the surface of the user while rigid structure  144  does not. Instead, rigid structure  144  facilitates the user in putting on bag carrying device  10  in one fluid motion.  
         [0094]    [0094]FIGS. 13 b ,  13   c , and  13   d  show alternative embodiments where the first non-rigid support  14  and the second non-rigid support  142  are in physical contact with the user while the rigid structures shown in these figures are not. However, in some embodiments of the present invention, a portion of rigid structure  144  rests on a portion of the user. For instance, FIG. 13 b  shows such an embodiment where a rigid structure connecting support  146  rests on the back of the user  148 .  
         [0095]    [0095]FIG. 13 c  of the present invention shows an embodiment of the present invention where handle  12  allows the user to torque the bag carrying device  10  and manipulate the bag carrying device  10  and second shoulder support  16 .  
         [0096]    In FIG. 14, the front handle  150  increases the surface area of bag carrying device  10 . Because the surface is larger, the weight becomes more evenly distributed. Front handle  150  also allows the user to grab front handle  150  anywhere along the surface of front handle  150  with either one or two hands.  
         [0097]    Bag carrying device  10  shown in FIG. 15 shows a first shoulder support  14  and second shoulder support  16  that are formed to connect with each other in the shape of a “V.” This V-shaped configuration is different from other embodiments of the present invention because this embodiment does not have connecting support  18 .  
         [0098]    [0098]FIGS. 16 a  and  16   b  show an embodiment of the present invention that has two support points. The first support point comprises first shoulder support  14  and the second support point comprises waist level handle  160 . As shown in FIG. 16 b , waist handle  160  extends beyond the user&#39;s torso  162 . This configuration of the present invention allows the user to control the bag carrying device  10  while in transit. In contrast, other embodiments of the present invention can be used hands free.  
         [0099]    Referring now to FIG. 17 a , this embodiment of the bag carrying device  10  includes first shoulder support  14 , second shoulder support  16 , hollow connecting support  170 , tube  172 , and cap  174 .  
         [0100]    In addition, FIG. 17 b  shows first shoulder support  14 , tube  172 , and mouth piece  176 . This embodiment of the present invention is useful for putting water in hollow connecting support  170  and drinking the water or other fluid by using mouthpiece  176 . Thus, a user of bag carrying device  10  could be involved in some sort of athletic exercise or outdoor activity such as hiking, golf or biking.  
         [0101]    [0101]FIG. 18 a  shows an alternative embodiment of the present invention that includes first shoulder support  14 , second shoulder support  16  and compliant connecting support  180 . In addition, FIG. 18 a  shows compliant connecting support hinge  182 .  
         [0102]    [0102]FIG. 18 b  shows a close up version of compliant connecting support  180 . As can be seen in FIG. 18 b  compliant connecting support  180  comprises two or more sections connected together. FIG. 18 b  shows a first section of compliant connecting support  184  connected to a second section of compliant connecting support  186 .  
         [0103]    The first section of compliant connecting support  184  is connected to the second section of compliant connecting support  186  by a ball joint  188  (not shown) that is similar to ball joint  190 . In some embodiments, the compliant connecting support  180  is made out of material that is deformable. In other words, the compliant connecting support  180  conforms to the shape of the user&#39;s body.  
         [0104]    In addition, because the compliant connecting support  180  is made of sections, the user can have bag carrying device  10  custom fit. For instance, a broad shouldered user may prefer more sections whereas others may prefer that fewer sections are included in the compliant connecting support  180 .  
         [0105]    [0105]FIG. 19 a  of the present invention shows bag carrying device  10  that includes the first shoulder support  14 , the second shoulder support  16 , and a non-rigid connecting support  200 . The non-rigid connecting support  200  comprises a first non-rigid connecting strap  202 , a second non-rigid connecting strap  204 , a connector  206  and a connector cover  208 . The second back strap  50  also connects to the connector  206 . The advantages of this presently preferred embodiment of the invention are that first shoulder support strap  14  and second shoulder support  16  are sufficiently rigid to provide support to the user so that the weight is evenly distributed on the user&#39;s body, while at the same time providing a non-rigid component (non-rigid connecting support  200 ), which allows the user to customize the fit of bag carrying device  10 .  
         [0106]    [0106]FIG. 19 b  shows an alternative embodiment of the present invention that includes a first bent handle  210  and a second bent handle  212 . This embodiment can also be used with any of the other embodiments disclosed herein. This embodiment of the present invention may be preferred by some users because of the increased gripping space on these handles allowing the user to better lift and torque the bag carrying device  10 .  
         [0107]    [0107]FIGS. 20 a  and  20   b  show another embodiment of the present invention that includes first shoulder support  14 , second shoulder support  16 , and an elongated connecting support  220 . In this embodiment the elongated connecting support  220  is connected to a golf bag  222 . The bag carrying device  10  is connected to the golf bag  222  in a manner that allows the bag carrying device  10  to extend above the golf bag in order to allow the user to wear the bag carrying device  10  and pull bag carrying device  10  to a different location. When not in use, bag carrying device  10  slides downwards so that bag carrying device  10  does not extend above the top of golf bag  222 .  
         [0108]    [0108]FIG. 21 shows an embodiment of the present invention that includes a head support  230 . Head support  230  can be added to any of the other embodiments disclosed herein. Head support  230  further distributes the weight of any bag or device carried by bag carrying device  10  by adding an additional structure of support.  
         [0109]    [0109]FIGS. 22 a  and  22   b  show a bag carrying device  10  that includes an off center hinge  240 . This embodiment also includes a weighted support  242 . Weighted support  242  helps to facilitate the automatic engagement of bag carrying device  10  so that a user can put on this embodiment of bag carrying device  10  in one fluid motion.  
         [0110]    [0110]FIG. 23 a  shows bag carrying device  10  that is made out of a group of links  250 . The advantages of this embodiment include: being able to adjust the size of the bag carrying device  10  by taking out or adding a link to a group of links  250 ; and the inherent “conforming” characteristic that group of links  250  has to conform to the body of a user.  
         [0111]    [0111]FIG. 23 b  shows an alternative embodiment of the present invention with a first connecting point  252  and a second connecting point  254 . This embodiment allows a pronged strap  256  to be attached.  
         [0112]    [0112]FIGS. 24 a  and  24   b  show bag carrying device  10  together with golf bag  222  where bag carrying device  10  is in a storage position.  
         [0113]    [0113]FIG. 25 a  shows bag carrying device  10  in storage position on travel bag  230 . This embodiment also shows a retractable cord  232  in its retracted position.  
         [0114]    [0114]FIG. 25 b  shows bag carrying device  10  and retractable cord  232  in its extended position.  
         [0115]    [0115]FIG. 25 c  shows a retractable cord housing  234 . The embodiment of the present invention as shown in FIG. 25 a  through  25   c  show how different embodiments of different bag carrying device  10  can be used, as well as shows how bag carrying device can easily be stored and placed on various types of bags.  
         [0116]    Moving now to FIG. 26 a , bag carrying device  10  is shown connected to a backpack  240  and is connected by backpack hinge  242  via a solid tongue  244 . Solid tongue  244  extends into backpack  240  in order to connect bag carrying device  10  to backpack  240 . In some embodiments, solid tongue  244  is permanently attached to backpack  240  and in other embodiments, solid tongue  244  is removably connected, such as where solid tongue  244  is connected via the main compartment of a bag. Also, in some embodiments solid tongue  244  encompasses a substantial portion of the backpack  240 . In other embodiments, solid tongue  244  encompasses an insubstantial portion of the backpack.  
         [0117]    [0117]FIG. 26 a  shows this embodiment of the bag carrying device  10  in a resting position. In contrast, FIG. 26 b  shows this embodiment of backpack carrying device  10  and its accompanying backpack hinge  242  in use on a user. As can be seen FIG. 26 b  backpack hinge  242  is fully extended aligning solid tongue  244  with first shoulder support  14  and second shoulder support  16 .  
         [0118]    [0118]FIG. 27 a  and FIG. 27 b  show bag carrying device  10  coupled to golf bag  222  via a rigid connecting bar  250  and as shown in FIG. 27 c  by second back strap  50 .  
         [0119]    The different variations of the bag carrying device can be used in any of the embodiments disclosed above and are not limited to inclusion only in the particular embodiments in which they are disclosed.  
         [0120]    The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.