Patent Document

FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to manually operable devices which facilitate the processes of lifting, carrying, or otherwise moving of such articles as appliances, boxes, cartons, building materials, construction materials, gardening products, furniture, landscaping supplies, lumber, and metal or nonmetal piping, etc. The aforementioned reference to specific types of articles to be lifted, carried, or otherwise moved is not to be construed as limiting the invention to those articles. On the contrary, the present invention can be utilized to lift, carry, or otherwise move a great variety of different types and sizes of articles and objects other than those referenced above. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The lifting, carrying, or otherwise moving of objects of varying sizes, weights, and configurations are fundamental aspects of normal human existence. Many who are not able to perform these functions adequately are severely restricted in their personal and professional lives. Unfortunately, the human body is often not well adapted to withstand, without injury, pain, or discomfort, many forces, strains, and pressures that are often a fundamental and inescapable part of the lifting, carrying, and other moving processes. 
     For this primary reason, the improper lifting, carrying, and other moving of even relatively lightweight, conventionally shaped, or awkwardly shaped articles or objects can and often does result in severe back and other bodily injuries and lifetime problems with lower back pain, etc. for the affected party. Heavy objects may pose even greater risks and problems. While some of these injuries, and their effects, can be healed or otherwise mitigated in their preliminary effects and ultimate consequences, many result in irreversible physical and emotional damage. Often those who cannot adequately perform functions related to the normal ability to lift, carry, or otherwise move articles or objects may be classified as temporarily or permanently disabled. 
     Whether such injuries that accrue, or are suffered, from the improper lifting and carrying or movement of articles or objects are temporary or permanent, the collective results are reflected in tremendous, and often unnecessary, economic, individual and societal costs. 
     On a personal level such injuries may result in temporary or permanent disabilities that preclude, or seriously limit, the injured party from engaging in activities that are a normal and meaningful part of human activities. The physical limitation imposed by these injuries can, and quite often does, have serious emotional consequences as well. 
     Within a work environment such injuries may result in temporary or permanent disabilities or limitations which preclude, or seriously limit, the ability of the affected party to fully or partially engage in those activities that are a normal part of the affected party&#39;s job description. 
     These limitations often result in decreased workplace productivity and flexibility and tremendous Workers&#39; compensation costs. The aggregate nationwide costs associated with decreased worker productivity and Workers&#39; compensation claims are enormous. According to recent figures from the Texas Workers&#39; Compensation Commission the costs of medical treatments (payments relating to workers injured on the job) to doctors, chiropractors, physical therapists, dentists, occupational therapists, hospitals, and others totaled nearly 963.9 million dollars in 1998 alone. This figure does not include other significant costs (such as disability payments to the injured party) which result from workplace injuries. While not all these costs are the result of injuries resulting from the lifting, carrying, or other moving of articles or objects, assuming that a significant portion of these costs is attributable to injuries performed during the performance of those activities is logical. 
     Within a societal context the consequences of such injuries can be staggering. Limited resources may be diverted to the rehabilitation and treatment of those who have suffered, or are suffering, the consequences of injuries incurred while lifting, carrying, or otherwise moving articles or objects. 
     There are millions of disabled and other Americans who are excludable, or excluded, from jobs because they are unable to satisfactorily meet the physical requirements that may be involved in many lifting, carrying, and moving processes. When fully and correctly utilized, the present invention can mitigate existing physical limitations, more fully utilize physical abilities to accomplish assigned tasks, and minimize the likelihood of future injuries that will limit a vocational and vocational activities. 
     An extremely important aspect of the present invention is that it helps maximize the use of available strength relative to the accomplishment of desired tasks. By doing this the present invention opens employment and recreational opportunities for millions of Americans who are too weak to lift, carry or otherwise move articles or objects in traditional manners. 
     The widespread use of the present invention can enhance workplace productivity by making a higher and more efficient utilization of the work force possible. This may be accomplished in substantial part by facilitating the integration of many injured individuals, individuals susceptible to injury, or disabled individuals, into their previous or other jobs by substantially lessening the physical demands, and attendant risks, of many employment tasks that include lifting, carrying or moving elements. 
     The use of the present invention can also enable single parent families and the increasing millions of older Americans to be more fully integrated into independent living lifestyles. Independent living can be characterized by the ability to do, and engage in, those activities that are a normal part of human existence without assistance. The lifting, carrying, and otherwise moving of different articles or objects are fundamentally related to those activities. Because the present invention makes it easier to lift, carry, and otherwise move articles and objects such as furniture and groceries within the home, and to and from the home, senior citizens and single mothers can be less dependent on others. By using the present invention, often hard to find helpers may be dispensed with while accomplishing the desired task(s). This increases independence and decreases dependence. 
     The widespread use of the present invention may also make enormous contributions to the cause of integrating disabled and physically limited Americans into normal personal and professional activities, lifestyles, and jobs that may involve the lifting, carrying, or moving of articles or objects. 
     For many reasons it is eminently more sensible to prevent injuries than to attempt, often without success, to cure or mitigate them. This is best done by accomplishing the objective of enabling the assigned task or tasks to be completed while simultaneously removing the need to engage in the types of lifting, carrying, and moving behavior that commonly results in injuries. This use of the present invention greatly facilitates the accomplishment of that objective by fundamentally changing the way in which articles and objects can be lifted, carried, or otherwise moved. 
     It is hoped that an increased awareness of the principals demonstrated in the present invention will result in the widespread use of this device and that such use will fundamentally change the way articles and objects are handled and packaged as well as the way that such articles and objects are subsequently lifted, carried, or otherwise moved. 
     It is also hoped that there will be fundamental and widespread changes in the manner that lifting, carrying, and other moving are commonly performed in order to take advantage of the value of this device and minimize much of the pain, suffering, and human misery that so often accompany avoidable, and unnecessarily incurred, workplace and non work place injuries. 
     If articles and objects are manufactured in such a manner as to optimally interface with the use of the present invention there can be an immensely greater reduction in the work and non-workplace injuries which are normally attributable to the lifting, carrying, or moving process. 
     This device facilitates the accomplishment of many of the above referenced objectives of reducing injuries, or mitigating the adverse impact of injuries, relating to the carrying, lifting, and moving processes. The present invention does this by fundamentally changing the way many articles and objects can be lifted, carried, or otherwise moved. This will be explained in detail in the following text and the description of the preferred forms of the present invention. 
     OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     An object of the present invention is to provide a novel and unobvious device for the lifting, carrying or otherwise moving of articles or objects of differing configurations, sizes, and weights. 
     Another object of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide a device that permits an individual to lift, carry, or otherwise move relatively heavy or awkwardly shaped articles or objects without the assistance of others. 
     A further object of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide an article mover that permits an individual or individuals to lift, carry or otherwise move articles or objects with the individual&#39;s arm, or arms, fully or virtually fully, extended. 
     A further object of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide an article mover that permits an individual or individuals to lift, carry or otherwise move articles or objects that would not be within the user&#39;s capabilities without the use of the device. 
     A further object of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide an article mover that permits an individual or individuals to lift, carry or otherwise move articles or objects in such a manner as to minimize the risk of injury during the execution of those tasks. 
     A further object of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide an article mover that permits an individual or individuals to engage in lifting, carrying or otherwise moving articles or objects that would not normally be within the user&#39;s parameters of acceptable task execution risks without the use of the device. 
     A further object of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide an article mover that enables an individual or individuals to lift, carry or otherwise move articles or objects across surfaces of varying elevational levels that would not conveniently or otherwise be within the user&#39;s capabilities without the use of the device. 
     An object of the present invention is to provide an article mover that permits an individual or individuals to lift, carry or otherwise move articles or objects across surfaces of equal or varying elevational levels while the individuals feet remain totally, or virtually totally, stationary. 
     An object of the present invention is to provide an article mover that permits an individual or individuals to lift, carry or otherwise move articles or objects across, or from and to, surfaces of equal or varying elevational levels while moving the optimally minimal amount while engaging in task execution. 
     A further object of the present invention is to provide an article mover that permits an individual or individuals to lift, carry or otherwise move articles from one area to another area while the individual&#39;s feet remain totally, or virtually totally, stationary. 
     A further object of the present invention is to provide an article mover that permits an individual or individuals to lift, carry or otherwise move articles or objects to and from secondary surfaces such as, but not limited to, assembly lines, pallets, or shelves. 
     Yet a further object of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide a device that can be used to lift, carry or otherwise move a wide variety of types and sizes of articles and objects. 
     A further object of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide an article mover that permits an individual or individuals to lift, carry or otherwise move articles or objects which have primary mover contact surfaces which are at varying distances from the surface the object is to be lifted, carried, or otherwise moved from. 
     Still another object of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide an article mover that can be readily used by a plurality of operators to lift, carry or otherwise move large, awkwardly shaped, and heavy objects. 
     Yet another object of one aspect of the present invention is to provide a device that can be readily adjusted to meet the particular requirements for lifting, carrying, or otherwise moving a given object. 
     Yet another object of one aspect of the present invention is to provide a device that has a foot or feet attached to the base which can be adjusted in length to meet the particular requirements for lifting, carrying, or otherwise moving a given object. 
     Yet another object of one aspect of the present invention is to provide a device that has a foot or feet attached to the base which can be adjusted in width to meet the particular requirements for lifting, carrying, or otherwise moving a given article or object. 
     Yet another object of one aspect of the present invention is to provide a device that has a foot or feet attached to the base which can be adjusted in length and width to meet the particular requirements for lifting, carrying, or otherwise moving a given article or object. 
     Yet another object of one aspect of the present invention is to provide a device with a component or components that can be readily adjusted to meet the particular physiological needs or limitations of the individual or individuals engaged in the lifting, carrying, or otherwise moving of a given article or object. 
     Yet another object of one aspect of the present invention is to provide a device with a component or components that can be readily adjusted to meet the particular psychological needs or limitations of the individual or individuals engaged in the lifting, carrying, or otherwise moving of a given article or object. 
     Yet still another object of one aspect of the present invention is to provide a device that has at least one element that can be readily adjusted to meet changing requirements for lifting, carrying, or otherwise moving a given article or object. 
     Yet still another object of one aspect of the present invention is to provide a device that has at least one element that can be readily adjusted to meet changing requirements for lifting, carrying, or otherwise moving a plurality of articles or objects. 
     Still yet another object of one aspect of the present invention is to provide a device with interchangeable elements such as bases, handles, or handle grips, so that an individual or individuals can readily select the element, or various elements, needed to more optimally lift, carry, or otherwise move a particular article or object. 
     Still yet a further object of one aspect of the invention is to provide a device that enables the user or users to easily and quickly move the user&#39;s hand or hands to different vertical positions on the device to more readily accommodate the efficient lifting, carrying, or other movement of different articles or objects. 
     Another object of one aspect of the invention is to provide a device that enables the user or users to have their right and left hands simultaneously placed in different vertical planes on the device and relative to the base of the device while using the device. 
     A further object of one aspect of the invention is to provide a device that enables the user or users to have the user&#39;s right and left hands simultaneously placed on the same vertical plane on the device while using the device. 
     Yet a further object of one aspect of the invention is to provide a device that enables the user or users to easily and quickly move the user&#39;s hand or hands to different vertical positions on the device to more readily accommodate the more efficient movement of objects across differing elevational surfaces. 
     Yet still another object of one aspect of the invention is to provide a device that enables the user to avoid or minimize the bending over and straightening up movements which are a normal part of many lifting, carrying, or other moving process(es). 
     Yet still another object of one aspect of the invention is to provide a device that enables the user to avoid or minimize the risk of injury, or reasonably lessen the level of potential injury, resulting from the bending over and straightening up movements which are a normal part of many lifting, carrying, or other moving process(es). 
     Still another object of one aspect of the present invention is to provide a device which enables the user or users to lift a given article or object to be moved the optimally least vertical distance necessary for task execution. 
     Still yet another object of one aspect of the present invention is to provide a device that can be effectively utilized with one or two hands of the device operator engaged with the device. 
     A further object of one aspect of the present invention is to provide a device that can be used by a plurality of operators while either or all operators, or any combination thereof, have their bodies facing in the direction of, or facing away from, the article or object to lifted, carried or otherwise moved. 
     A further object of one aspect of the present invention is to provide a device that can be used by a plurality of operators while either or all operators, or any combination thereof, may individually have one hand or both hands engaged with the device. 
     A further object of one aspect of the present invention is to provide a device that can be used by a plurality of operators while either or all operators, or any combination thereof, may simultaneously be on different elevational levels while the article or object is being lifted, carried or otherwise moved. 
     Still a further object of one aspect of the present invention is to provide a device which can be used in tandem while either or both operators are moving the article or object across unlevel surfaces. 
     Still a further object of one aspect of the present invention is to provide a device which contains at least one handle or handle section with at least one angled portion, which can be used, in conjunction with a handle grip or handle grips, in such a manner as to keep the operators hand or hands from being in any contact with any portion of the object being lifted, carried, or otherwise moved. 
     Yet still a further object of one aspect of the present invention is to provide a device that can be used to lift, carry or otherwise move a variety of objects having bottom surfaces which are at highly varying distances above the floor, ground or other support surface. 
     Many of these and other objects of the present invention will be readily apparent upon a review of the following detailed description of the preferred form of the invention and the accompanying drawings. These objects are not exhaustive and are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the claimed invention. 
     In summary, the present invention is directed to a novel and unobvious article mover for lifting, carrying, or otherwise moving articles and objects such as appliances, boxes, building materials, bulk pet food, cartons, construction materials, furniture, gardening products, landscaping supplies, lumber, and metal or nonmetal piping, etc. In one form of the present invention, the article mover includes a base, a handle and at least two handle grips to provide the individual with greater flexibility in positioning his or her hands on the article mover to lift, carry, or otherwise move a given article or object. In another form of the present invention, the article mover includes a base, a handle, a handle grip that intersects the handle at an angle, and at least one other fixed handle grip positioned along the handle, to provide the individual with greater flexibility in positioning his or her hands on the article mover to lift, carry, or otherwise move a given article or object. In a further form of the present invention, the article mover includes a base, a handle, a handle grip that intersects the handle at an angle, and at least one other movable handle grip positioned along the handle, to provide the individual with greater flexibility in positioning his or her hands on the article mover to lift, carry, or otherwise move a given article or object. In still another form of the present invention, the article mover is provided with a base, a handle and at least one moveable handle grip which again provides the individual with greater flexibility in locating his or her hands relative to the article or object to be lifted, carried, or otherwise moved. In a further form of the present invention the article mover includes a base, a handle and at least one handle grip. In this form of the invention, at least one element of the device is removable from the other components to allow an individual to readily substitute parts or vary the position of one part relative to another to make a given lifting, carrying, or other moving task easier. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a first embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the first embodiment illustrated in FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of an alternative base portion for a device formed in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of another alternative base portion for a device formed in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of a further alternative base portion for a device formed in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of a second embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of the second embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIG.  6 . 
     FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of a third embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of the fourth embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIG.  9 . 
     FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of an alternative handle grip for a device formed in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 13 is a rear perspective view of the fifth embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIG.  12 . 
     FIG. 14 is a front perspective view of a sixth embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 15 is a rear perspective view of the sixth embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIG.  14 . 
     FIG. 15A is a rear perspective view a modified form of the sixth embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIG.  14 . 
     FIG. 16 is a front perspective view of a seventh embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 17 is a rear perspective view of the seventh embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIG.  16 . 
     FIG. 18 is a side elevational view of the seventh embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIG.  16 . 
     FIG. 19 is a front perspective view of an eighth embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 20 is a rear perspective view of the eighth embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIG.  19 . 
     FIG. 21 is an exploded fragmentary perspective view of the upper portion of the eighth embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIG.  18 . 
     FIG. 22 is an exploded fragmentary perspective view of the lower portion of the eighth embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIG.  18 . 
     FIG. 23 is a rear perspective view of the eighth embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 19 assembled in an alternative manner. 
     FIG. 24 is a front perspective view of a ninth embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 25 is a fragmentary front perspective view of an alternative base portion for a device formed in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIG. 26 is a fragmentary front perspective view of another alternative base portion for a device formed in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIG. 27 is a front perspective view of a tenth embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 28 is an exploded fragmentary front perspective view of the tenth embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIG.  27 . 
     FIGS. 29 through 37 are plan views depicting alternative forms of the handle of a device formed in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIG. 38 is a front perspective view of an eleventh embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 39 is a rear perspective view of the eleventh embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIG.  38 . 
     FIG. 40 is a front perspective view of the twelfth embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 41 is a rear perspective view of the twelfth embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIG.  40 . 
     FIG. 42 is a front perspective view of a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 43 is a front perspective view of a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 44 is a rear perspective view of the fourteenth embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIG.  43 . 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described hereinafter with reference made to FIGS. 1 through 44. 
     FIGS.  1  Through  5   
     The first embodiment of the present invention and several variations thereof will be described with reference to FIGS. 1-5. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the device A includes a base  10 , a handle  20  and handle grips  30  and  40 . The base  10  preferably includes a horizontal plate  12  and a vertical plate  14 . The horizontal plate  12  forms the lowermost portion of the device A, i.e., no portion of the device A extends below the horizontal plate  12 . The horizontal plate  12  is preferably a thin flat plate permitting the device A to readily engage an object to be lifted or otherwise moved. Preferably, the horizontal plate  12  includes rounded edges  16  and  18  to prevent damage to the article to be lifted or otherwise moved, surrounding objects and the individual using the moving device A. Vertical plate  14  extends upwardly from the horizontal plate  12 . Preferably, vertical plate  14  is a thin flat plate which forms an angle of approximately 90° angle with the horizontal plate  12 . However, it will be readily appreciated to those of ordinary skill in the art that the vertical plate  14  may form angles less or greater than 90° with the horizontal plate  12 . For instance, in moving objects such as pipes having a circular cross-section, it may be desirable to orient the vertical plate  14  relative to the horizontal plate  12  such that an angle of less than 90° is formed to prevent the object being moved from rolling off the horizontal plate  12 . Vertical plate  14  preferably includes rounded edges  22  and  24  to prevent damage to the object to be lifted or otherwise moved, the surrounding objects and the individual using the device A. Handle  20  is secured to rear face  26  of vertical plate  14 . While welding is shown as one of the preferred methods of securing handle  20  to the vertical plate  14 , it will be readily appreciated that the handle  20  may be secured to the vertical plate  14  in numerous different ways including but not limited to any of the alternative arrangements illustrated in the subsequent embodiments disclosed herein. One of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that the thickness as well as surface texture of the plates  12  and  14  may be varied. In some instances, it may be desirable to have thick plates to move a particular object. Similarly, the surfaces of the plates  12  and  14  may be dimpled or ridged to assist in the moving of a given object from one location to another. 
     Preferably, handle  20  has a tubular shape. Most preferably, handle  20  has a circular cross-section. Handle  20  includes a plurality of holes  28  spaced along its longitudinal axis. Handle grip  30  is permanently secured to the handle  20 , i.e. handle grip  30  can not be moved relative to or removed from handle  20 . As seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, handle grip  30  is symmetrically disposed about handle  20 . Accordingly, two gripping portions  32  and  34  of equal length are formed. Handle grip  40  is disposed symmetrically about handle  20  thereby forming gripping portions  42  and  44  of equal length. 
     Handle grip  40  further includes a hollow support collar  46 . Support collar  46  has an opening  48  which aligns with openings  28  in handle  20  and receives pin  50  to position handle grip  40  at the desired location relative to the base  12 . Upon removal of pin  50 , an individual can readily slide handle grip  40  along handle  20  to position it at the desired location. One of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that any suitable fastener may be substituted for pin  50 . 
     Referring to FIGS. 3 through 5, several alternative forms of the base of the device are illustrated. Referring to FIG. 3, base  60  includes feet  62  and  64 . The edges of feet  62  and  64  have been rounded to prevent damage to the article to be lifted or otherwise moved, surrounding objects and individuals using the device. Referring to FIG. 4, base  70  includes horizontal and vertical plates  72  and  74 , respectively, having straight edges rather than the rounded edges illustrated in FIG.  1 . Referring to FIG. 5, base  80  is similar to base  70  and further includes feet  82  and  84 . It should be noted that these are just a few of the bases that a device formed in accordance with the present invention may have. It will be readily appreciated that any of the bases disclosed herein may be used. 
     FIGS.  6  and  7   
     A second embodiment will now be described with reference made to FIGS. 6 and 7. Device B includes a base  90 , a handle  100  and a handle grip  110 . Base  90  includes horizontal plate  92  which forms an angle of approximately  90 o with vertical plate  94 . However, it will be readily appreciated to those of ordinary skill in the art that the vertical plate  94  may form angles less or greater than 90° with the horizontal plate  92 . For instance, in moving objects such as pipes having a circular cross-section, it may be desirable to orient the vertical plate  94  relative to the horizontal plate  92  such that an angle of less than 90° is formed to prevent the object being moved from rolling off the horizontal plate  92 . Both plates are preferably thin flat plates to assist in positioning the device B in engagement with the article to be lifted or otherwise moved. Preferably, handle  100  is secured to the rear face  96  of vertical plate  94  such that the vertical plate  94  extends outwardly an equal distance from either side of the handle  100 . While welding is shown as one of the preferred methods of securing handle  100  to the vertical plate  94 , it will be readily appreciated that the handle  100  may be secured to the vertical plate  94  in numerous different ways including but not limited to any of the alternative arrangements illustrated in the previous and/or subsequent embodiments disclosed herein. 
     Preferably, handle  100  has a tubular shape. Most preferably, handle  100  has a circular cross-section. Handle  100  includes a plurality of holes  102  spaced along its longitudinal axis. Handle grip  110  has an opening  112  for slidably receiving handle  100 . Further, handle grip  110  includes an opening  114  which aligns with holes  102  and receives pin  120 . Upon removal of pin  120 , an individual may readily slide handle grip  110  along the handle  100  to position the handle grip  110  at the desired location. Further, an individual may readily remove handle grip  110  from the handle  100  and substitute another type of handle grip therefor. Preferably, handle grip  110   20  is disposed symmetrically about handle  100  thereby forming gripping portions  116  and  118  of equal length. It will be readily appreciated that any of the bases disclosed herein could be substituted for base  90 . 
     FIG.  8   
     A third embodiment will now be described with reference made to FIG.  8 . Device C includes a base  130 , a handle  140  and handle grips  150  and  160 . Base  130  includes horizontal plate  132  which forms an angle of approximately 90° with vertical plate  134 . However, it will be readily appreciated to those of ordinary skill in the art that the vertical plate  134  may form angles less or greater than 90° with the horizontal plate  132 . For instance, in moving objects such as pipes having a circular cross-section, it may be desirable to orient the vertical plate  134  relative to the horizontal plate  132  such that an angle of less than 90° is formed to prevent the object being moved from rolling off the horizontal plate  132 . Both plates are preferably thin flat plates to assist in positioning the device C in engagement with the article to be lifted or otherwise moved. Preferably, handle  140  is removably secured to the rear face  136  of vertical plate  134  such that the vertical plate  134  extends outwardly an equal distance from either side of the handle  140 . Specifically, a collar  138  is welded or otherwise attached to the rear face  136  of vertical plate  134 . Handle  140  has a plurality of holes  137  formed therein along its longitudinal axis. 
     Collar  138  has a hole  142  extending therethrough to receive the lowermost end of handle  140 . Collar  138  further includes a hole  144  which aligns with a corresponding hole  137  of handle  140  and receives pin  170 . Upon removal of pin  170 , an individual may readily detach base  130  from the handle  140  and thereby substitute other types of bases as needed. It will be readily appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that any suitable fastener may be substituted for pin  170 . 
     Preferably, handle  140  has a tubular shape. Most preferably, handle  140  has a circular cross-section. Handle grip  150  has an opening  152  for slidably receiving handle  140 . Further, handle grip  150  includes an opening  154  which aligns with holes  137  in handle  140  and receives pin  180 . Upon removal of pin  180 , an individual may readily slide handle grip  150  along the handle  140  to position the handle grip  150  at the desired location. It will be readily appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that any suitable fastener may be substituted for pin  180 . Preferably, handle grip  150  is disposed symmetrically about handle  140  thereby forming gripping portions  156  and  158  of equal length. Handle grip  160  has an opening  162  for slidably receiving handle  140 . Further, handle grip  160  includes an opening  164  which aligns with holes  137  in handle  140  and receives pin  190 . Upon removal of pin  190 , an individual may readily slide handle grip  160  along the handle  140  to position the handle grip  160  at the desired location. It will be readily appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that any suitable fastener may be substituted for pin  190 . Preferably, handle grip  160  is disposed symmetrically about handle  140  thereby forming gripping portions  166  and  168  of equal length. It should be noted that because handle grips  150  and  160  are removable, an individual can readily detach the same from handle  140  and substitute other types of handles therefor. 
     FIGS.  9  Through  11   
     A fourth embodiment will now be described with reference made to FIGS. 9 and 10. Device D includes a base  200 , a handle  210  and a handle grip  220 . Base  200  includes horizontal plate  202  which forms an angle of approximately 90° with vertical plate  204 . However, it will be readily appreciated to those of ordinary skill in the art that the vertical plate  204  may form angles less or greater than 90° with the horizontal plate  202 . For instance, in moving objects such as pipes having a circular cross-section, it may be desirable to orient the vertical plate  204  relative to the horizontal plate  202  such that an angle of less than 90° is formed to prevent the object being moved from rolling off the horizontal plate  202 . Both plates are preferably thin flat plates to assist in positioning the device D in engagement with the article to be lifted or otherwise moved. Preferably, handle  210  is removably secured to the rear face  206  of vertical plate  204  such that the vertical plate  204  extends outwardly an equal distance from either side of the handle  210 . Specifically, a collar  208  is welded or otherwise attached to the rear face  206  of vertical plate  204 . Handle  210  has a plurality of holes  207  formed therein along its longitudinal axis. 
     Collar  208  has a hole  212  extending therethrough to receive the lowermost end of handle  210 . Collar  208  further includes a hole  214  which aligns with a corresponding hole  207  of handle  210  and receives pin  230 . Upon removal of pin  230 , an individual may readily detach base  200  from the handle  210  and thereby substitute other types of bases as may be needed. It will be readily appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that any suitable fastener may be substituted for pin  230 . 
     Preferably, handle  210  has a tubular configuration. Most preferably, handle  210  has a circular cross-section. Handle grip  220  includes a support collar  221  having an opening  222  for slidably receiving handle  210 . Further, support collar  221  includes an opening  224  which aligns with holes  207  in handle  210  and receives pin  240 . Upon removal of pin  240 , an individual may readily slide handle grip  220  along the handle  210  to position the handle grip  220  at the desired location. It will be readily appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that any suitable fastener may be substituted for pin  240 . Preferably, handle grip  220  is disposed symmetrically about handle  210  thereby forming gripping portions  226  and  228  of equal length. It should be noted that because handle grip  220  is removable, an individual can readily detach the same from handle  210  and substitute other types of handles therefor. Handle grip  250 , illustrated in FIG. 11, is one of many different handle grips which may be substituted for handle grip  220 . 
     FIGS.  12  and  13   
     A fifth embodiment will now be described with reference made to FIGS. 12 and 13. Device E includes a base  260 , a handle  270  and a handle grip  280 . Base  260  and handle  270  are identical to base  90  and handle  100 , respectively, illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7 and, therefore, will not be described in detail hereinafter. Handle grip  280  includes a support collar  282 . Collar  282  has an opening  284  for receiving the handle  270 . Collar  282  further includes an opening  286  which aligns with the holes in handle  270  and receives pin  290 . Handle  280  further includes gripping sections  286  and  288  which are secured to collar  282  such that the gripping sections are offset from the handle  270 . Upon removal of pin  290 , an individual may readily slide handle grip  280  along handle  270  to position the handle grip  280  at a desired location. It will be readily appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that any suitable fastener may be substituted for pin  290 . Further, because handle grip  280  is removable, an individual can readily detach the same from handle  270  and substitute other types of handles. 
     FIGS.  14  Through  15 A 
     A sixth embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference made to FIGS. 14 and 15. Device F includes a base  300 , a handle  310  and handle grips  320  and  330 . Base  300  and handle  310  are identical to base  90  and handle  100 , respectively, illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7 and, therefore, will not be described in detail hereinafter. Handle grips  320  and  330  are identical to handle grip  220  illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, and, therefore, will not be described in detail hereinafter. As shown in FIG. 15 A, handle grip  332  may be positioned such that a vertical plane passing through the longitudinal axis of handle grip  332  forms approximately a 90° angle to a vertical plane passing through the longitudinal axis of handle grip  334  rather than the same vertical plane passing through the longitudinal axis of both handle grips as depicted in FIGS. 14 and 15. In such instance, the handle grip  332  preferably extends only rearwardly so as not to come into contact with the object to be lifted. Preferably, the handle grip  332  is oriented relative to handle grip  334  such that horizontal planes passing through the longitudinal axis of each handle grip extend parallel to each other. 
     FIGS.  16  Through  18   
     The seventh embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIGS. 16 through 18. Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, the device G includes a base  340 , a first handle section  350 , a second handle section  360 , and handle grips  370  and  380 . The base  340  includes a horizontal plate  342  and a vertical plate  344 . The horizontal plate  342  is preferably a thin flat plate permitting the device G to be readily inserted under an object to be lifted or otherwise moved. Vertical plate  344  extends upwardly from the horizontal plate  342 . Vertical plate  344  is preferably a thin flat plate and forms an angle of approximately 90° with the horizontal plate  342 . Vertical plate  344  includes collars  343 ,  345  and  346 . Collars  343 ,  345  and  346  include an opening  347  for receiving one of the first and second handle sections  350  and  360 . Collars  343 ,  345  and  346  include an opening  349  which extends transverse to opening  347 . First handle section  350  includes a plurality of openings  352 . Similarly, second handle section  360  includes a plurality of openings  362 . It should be noted that the first handle section  350  is interchangeable with the second handle section  360 . Openings  352  of the handle section  350  align with openings  349  to receive pin  361  to secure handle section  350  to a desired collar. It will be readily appreciated that any suitable fastener may be substituted for pin  361 . 
     Handle grip  370  includes a support collar  372  having an opening  374  for receiving corresponding ends of handle sections  350  and  360 . Further, collar  372  has a pair of openings  376  and  378  which extend transversely to opening  374 . Opening  376  aligns with the lowermost opening  362  in second handle section  360  and receives pin  390  to secure the second handle section  360  to support collar  372 . It will be readily appreciated that any suitable fastener may be substituted for pin  390 . Opening  378  aligns with the uppermost opening  352  in first handle section  350  and receives pin  400  to secure the first handle section  350  to support collar  372 . Handle grip  380  is identical to handle grip  280  depicted in FIGS. 12 and 13 and, therefore, will not be described in detail hereinafter. 
     FIGS.  19  Through  24   
     The eighth embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIGS. 19 through 23. Referring to FIGS. 19 and 20, the device H includes a base  410 , a first handle section  420 , a second handle section  430 , and handle grips  440  and  450 . Base plate  410  is identical to base plate  340  depicted in FIGS. 16 and 17 and, therefore, will not be described in detail hereinafter. As best seen in FIG. 21, first handle section  420  is welded to support collar  442  of handle grip  440 . Similarly, second handle section  430  is welded to support collar  452  of handle grip  450 . 
     Referring to FIG. 22, collar  414  of base  410  includes openings  416  and  418 . The lowermost portion of first handle section  420  is inserted into opening  416 . Opening  418  aligns with opening  422  of first handle section  420  and receives pin  460  to secure the first handle section to base  410 . It should be noted that the two outside collars formed on the vertical plate of the base depicted in FIG. 20 have been omitted from FIG. 22 so that the manner of connecting the first handle section  420  to the base can be readily illustrated. 
     Referring to FIG. 21, second handle section  430  has an opening  432  which aligns with opening  444  formed in support collar  442  and receives pin  470  to secure the second handle section  430  thereto. Handle grip  450  includes a support collar  452  with an opening  454  for receiving pin  456 . Pin  456  is provided in the event that it is desired to secure an additional handle section and handle grip to support collar  452 . Such an arrangement is depicted in FIG.  24 . Referring to FIG. 23, an alternative manner of attaching the first and second handle sections  420  and  430  and corresponding handle grips  440  and  450  to base  410  is depicted. 
     Referring to FIG. 24, a ninth embodiment is disclosed which is exactly the same as the embodiment disclosed in FIGS. 19 through 23 with the sole exception that the device I includes a third handle section and corresponding handle grip. 
     It will be readily appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that any suitable fasteners may be substituted for pins  456 ,  460  and  470 . 
     FIGS.  25  Through  28   
     FIGS. 25 through 28 depict alternative configurations for the base of a device formed in accordance with the present invention. Referring to FIG. 25, device J, only a portion of which is illustrated, includes an elongated base  500  having rounded edges. Referring to FIG. 26, device K, only a portion of which is illustrated, base  520  includes feet  522 ,  524  and  526 . Each of the feet are provided with an opening  528 . Openings  528  provide an individual with a ready means to secure an article to be carried to the device through ropes, straps and the like. Also, the openings permit two devices to be secured together. Alternatively, rubber inserts or inserts of other material may be positioned in the openings to vary the coefficient of friction of the base to assist in moving a given object. 
     Referring to FIGS. 27 and 28, a tenth embodiment of the present invention will now be described. Device L includes a base  530  which has only a horizontal plate  532 . An opening  534  is formed in the base plate to receive screw  536  or other suitable fastener. Preferably, opening  534  is formed such that the head of screw  536  lies substantially flush with the bottom surface of plate  532 . Handle  538  includes an opening  540  for receiving screw  536 . Alternately, handle  538  may be welded or otherwise permanently attached to base  530  or base plate  532 . 
     FIGS.  29  Through  37   
     In FIGS. 29 through 37, various alternative handle/base arrangements are depicted. Referring to FIG. 29, base  550  is identical to base  10  depicted in FIG.  1 . Handle  560  is similar to handle  20  shown in FIG. 1 with the sole exception that handle  560  has a square cross-section. Base  570 , shown in FIG. 30, is the same as that depicted in FIG.  29 . Handle  580  has a rectangular configuration as opposed to the square configuration of handle  560 . Base  590  shown in FIG. 31 includes three collars  600 ,  610  and  620  for receiving handles having a square configuration. Collars  600 ,  610  and  620  are the same as collars  343 ,  345  and  346  with the sole exception being the shape. Base  630  depicted in FIG. 32 is the same as base  590  shown in FIG. 31 with the sole exception being that collars  640 ,  650  and  660  are shaped to receive handles having a rectangular configuration. 
     Base  670  depicted in FIG. 33 is the same as the base  530  shown in FIGS. 27 and 28. Handle  680  differs from handle  538  of figures  27  and  28  in that handle  680  has a square cross-section. Referring to FIG. 34, base  690  is identical to base  670 . Handle  700  has a rectangular cross-section as opposed to the square cross-section of handle  680 . Base  710  depicted in FIG. 35 is the same as base  670  shown in FIG.  33 . Handles  730  and  740  are attached to opposite sides of base  710  in the same manner as depicted in FIGS. 27 and 28 or alternatively may be permanently or otherwise attached. Base  750  shown in FIG. 36 is the same as base  670  depicted in FIG.  33 . Handles  760  and  770  are attached to opposite ends of base  750  in the same manner as depicted in FIGS. 27 and 29. Handles  760  and  770  have a circular cross-section. Base  780  shown in FIG. 37 is the same as base  670  depicted in FIG.  33 . Handles  790  and  800  are attached to opposite ends of base  780  in the same manner as depicted in FIGS. 27 and 28. Handles  790  and  800  have a rectangular cross-section. 
     FIGS.  38  and  39   
     The eleventh embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIGS. 38 and 39. Referring to FIGS. 38 and 39, the device M includes a base  810 , a handle  820 , and handle grips  830  and  840 . Base  810  is identical to base  10  depicted in FIG. 1 and, therefore, will not be described in detail hereinafter. Further, handle  820  is secured to base  810  in the manner depicted in FIG.  2 . Handle grips  830  and  840  are permanently secured to handle  820 . 
     FIGS.  40  Through  42   
     The twelfth embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIGS. 40 and 41. Referring to FIGS. 40 and 41, the device N includes a base  850 , a handle  860 , and handle grips  870  and  880 . Base  850  includes a horizontal plate  852  which forms an angle of approximately 90° with vertical plate  854 . However, it will be readily appreciated to those of ordinary skill in the art that the vertical plate  854  may form angles less than 90° with the horizontal plate  852 . For instance, in moving objects such as pipes having a circular cross-section, it may be desirable to orient the vertical plate  854  relative to the horizontal plate  852  such that an angle of less than 90° is formed to prevent the object being moved from rolling off the horizontal plate  852 . Both the horizontal and vertical plates have rounded edges to prevent damage to the article to be lifted or carried and/or the surrounding objects. Handle  860  is welded to the rear surface of base plate  854 . Alternatively, handle  860  may be otherwise attached to the rear surface of base plate  854 . Further, handle  860  is threaded so that an individual may readily vary the position of handle grip  870 . Handle grip  880  is permanently secured to handle  860 . 
     A thirteenth embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIG.  42 . This embodiment is similar to the twelfth embodiment depicted in FIGS. 40 and 41 and, therefore, only the differences will be described hereinafter. Base  890  has a horizontal plate  892  having a pair of feet  894  and  896 . Feet  894  and  896  each have an opening  898 . Handle  900  has threads which extend only a portion of its length. It should be noted that the number of feet may be varied as desired. 
     FIGS.  43  and  44   
     The fourteenth embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIGS. 43 and 44. Device O includes a base  910 , a handle  920 , and handle grips  930  and  940 . Base  910  includes a horizontal plate  912  which forms an angle of approximately 90° with vertical plate  914 . Plate  912  includes feet  916  and  918 . Both the horizontal and vertical plates have rounded edges to prevent damage to the article to be lifted or carried and/or the surrounding objects. Handle  920  is welded to the rear surface of vertical plate  914 . Alternatively, handle  920  may be otherwise attached to the rear surface of vertical plate  914 . Handle grips  930  and  940  are permanently secured to handle  920 . 
     It should be noted that the article movers described and referenced herein, or the components of the article movers described herein, can be entirely fabricated from individual components, can be the product of injection molding, casting, or suitable processes, or can be a combination of fabrication, injection molding, casting, or other suitable processes. It should be further noted that components of the present invention herein described and referenced can often be attached to, and interchangeable with, various other components of the present invention herein described. The base portion of the article movers described herein may be rectangular, circular or other configuration. Further, the base portion may be formed of metal, plastic, fiberglass or other suitable material or combination of materials. The base may include one or more openings or perforations for one or more of the reasons previously described. The base may be hollow, solid, or a combination of both hollow and solid. Further, the surface of the base may be minimally or substantially perforated, smooth, dimpled, ridged, ribbed or other wise raised to facilitate structural integrity or to facilitate increased friction between the base and the object being lifted or carried. Further, the base may be minimally or substantially perforated to lessen the weight of the article mover, facilitate the joining of a plurality of the present invention, facilitate structural integrity, facilitate the wrapping or binding of objects being moved, or to facilitate the use of rubberized or other inserts designed to increase friction between the base and the object being lifted, carried, or otherwise moved. The base, in part or in total, may be designed to accommodate a covering of foam, rubber or other material. Further, the base may be so covered during or after the manufacturing process of the article mover. The handle grip, or handle grips, of the article movers described herein may be rectangular, circular, or of some other shape. The handle grip, or handle grips may be formed of metal, plastic, fiberglass, or some other material or combination of materials. The handle grip, or handle grips, may cross the handle or be only on one side. The handle grip, or handle grips, in part or in total, may be designed to accommodate a covering of foam, rubber or other material. Further, the handle grip, or handle grips, may be so covered during or after the manufacturing process of the article mover. The handle grip, or handle grips, may be parallel, perpendicular, or otherwise angled in relation to the base. The handle grip, or handle grips, may be parallel, perpendicular, or otherwise angled in relation to the handle. Different handle grips used on the present invention may be simultaneously parallel, perpendicular, or otherwise angled, in relation to the base. The handle grip, or handle grips, may be hollow, solid, or a combination of both hollow and solid. The handle grip, or handle grips, may contain one or more indentations or perforations designed to accommodate and facilitate the attachment of hooks, ropes, straps, etc. The handle grip, or handle grips, may be moveable along all or part of the handle. The handle grip, or handle grips, may contain an opening, designed to facilitate the movement of said handle grip or handle grips along the handle. The handle grip, or handle grips, may contain a plurality of openings, designed to facilitate the movement of said handle grip along the handle as well as to facilitate the location of greater or lesser portions of the handle grip, or handle grips, on either side of the handle. The handle grip, or handle grips, may contain an opening or a plurality of openings designed to facilitate the connection of said handle grip or handle grips with another article mover or a plurality of other article movers. The handle grip, or handle grips, in total or in part, may be temporarily or permanently inwardly or outwardly disposed in relation to the object being moved. The handle grip, or handle grips, in total or in part, may be temporarily or permanently inwardly or outwardly disposed in relation to the base of the present invention. Further, the handle grip, or handle grips, may be minimally or substantially perforated to lessen the weight of the article mover, facilitate the joining of a plurality of the present invention, facilitate structural integrity, or facilitate the wrapping or binding of objects being moved. A plurality of handle grips may be permanently or temporarily attached to one handle, or a plurality of handles, permanently or temporarily attached to the base of the present invention. A handle grip may be permanently or temporarily attached to one handle, or a plurality of handles, permanently or temporarily attached to the base of the present invention. The handle or handles of the article movers described herein may be circular, rectangular, or of some other shape. The handle or handles may be hollow, solid, or a combination of both hollow and solid. The handle or handles may be formed of metal, plastic, fiberglass, or some other material or combination of materials. The handle or handles may contain a plurality of perforations or openings designed to accommodate and facilitate the attachment of hooks, ropes, straps, etc. The handle or handles, in total or in part, may be welded or otherwise permanently attached to the handle grip or handle grips. The handle or handles, in total or in part, may be temporarily attached to the handle grip or handle grips. The handle or handles may be temporarily attached to one or more handle grips while simultaneously being permanently attached to one or more handle grips. The handle, or handles, may be welded or otherwise permanently attached to the base. The handle, or handles, may be temporarily attached or fastened to the base using a wide variety of fastening and connecting mechanisms. The handle or handles, may be temporarily or permanently attached to either side of any vertical portion of the base. The handle or handles, in total or in part, may be temporarily or permanently attached to, or positioned on or along, any vertical portion of the base. The handle or handles may be attached to, or positioned on or along, any portion of any horizontal portion of the base. The handle or handles, in total or in part, may be attachable to and detachable from the base. The handle or handles, in total or in part, may be attachable to and detachable from one or more handle grips. The handle, or handles, in total or in part, may be temporarily or permanently inwardly or outwardly disposed in relation to the base of the present invention. The handle, or handles, in total or in part, may be constructed with an angled portion which is temporarily or permanently inwardly or outwardly disposed in relation to the base of the present invention. The handle or handles, in total or part, may be temporarily or permanently inwardly or outwardly disposed in relation to the article or object being moved. The handle or handles, in total or in part, may be constructed with an angled portion which is temporarily or permanently inwardly or outwardly disposed in relation to the article or object being lifted, carried, or otherwise moved. Further, the handle or handles, in total or in part, may have openings or indentations, or be minimally or substantially perforated, to lessen the weight of the article mover, facilitate the joining of a plurality of the present invention, facilitate structural integrity, or facilitate the wrapping or binding of objects being moved. The handle or handles, in part or in total, used as a part of the present invention, may be composed of a plurality of sections with at least one section being essentially vertical and at least one attachable section containing at least one angle. 
     While this invention has been described as having a preferred design, it is understood that it is capable of further modifications, uses and/or adaptions following in general the principle of the invention and including such departures from the present disclosure as come within the known or customary practice in the art to which the invention pertains and as maybe applied to the central features hereinbefore set forth, and fall within the scope of the invention and the limits of the appended claims.

Technology Category: 7