This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application no. 61/767,795, filed February 21, 2013, which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

SUMMARY

A carrying aid comprises a first, vertically-oriented member adapted for sliding behind and being hung from a waist belt or waist of a garment worn by a person, and a second member connected with the first member and extending generally horizontally when worn. In one example, the device is optimized for assisting with manually carrying boxes and other objects. The device, in another embodiment, includes one or more features for enabling the device to sit comfortably against a person's hip or thigh when it is being used to support a box or other load or object being carried by the person.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGURE 1 A illustrates one embodiment of a carrying aid device worn by a person.

FIGURE IB illustrates an alterative embodiment to the device of FIGURE 1 A.

FIGURE 2 illustrates a second embodiment of such a device worn by a person.

FIGURE 3 illustrates the second embodiment of FIGURE 2 in greater detail.

FIGURE 4A is a schematic illustration of a representative embodiment of a carrying aid illustrating the range of acceptable angles that a horizontal portion of the device can have with respect to a vertical portion.

FIGURE 4B is a schematic illustration of a second representative embodiment of a carrying aid illustrating the range of acceptable angles that a horizontal portion of the device can have with respect to a vertical portion.

FIGURE 4C is a schematic illustration of an alternative to the embodiment of FIGURE 4B showing relationships between objects being carried of different sizes and shapes with respect to the length of a platform.

FIGURE 4D is a schematic illustration of yet another alternative embodiment of a carrying aid device.

FIGURE 5 is another example of an embodiment of a carrying aid.

FIGURES 6A-6D are various views of another embodiment of a carrying aid. FIGURE 6A is rendered from the back and to one side of the aid; FIGURE 6B is a bottom view; FIGURE 6C is rendered from the front and to one side; and FIGURE 6D is of one side of the carrying aid. FIGURE 7 is a representative example of a strap system for transferring weight on a carrying aid, such as any of those shown in the various figures, to the shoulder or other parts of the anatomy of a person wearing the carrying aid at his waist.

FIGURE 8 illustrates an embodiment of a carrying aid with a pivoting platform.

FIGURE 9 shows an example of a carrying aid with a specially formed platform in the form of a saddle for carrying, for example, and infant.

FIGURE 10 is another example of an embodiment of a carrying aid in which part of the leg rest or vertical member and part of a platform, or horizontal member, can be disconnected to modify the device to accommodate different persons of different sizes or capability to carry objects of different sizes, or to facilitate storage or transport.

FIGURE 11 is an example of an embodiment of a carrying aid in with a lower extension for strapping to the thigh of a person for transferring to the person's leg part of the load on the device caused by an object supported on it.

FIGURES 12A-12C illustrate different ways of connecting a strap to the top of a carrying aid.

FIGURES 13A and 13B illustrate different ways of connecting the lower extension shown in FIGURE 11 to the carrying aid.

FIGURES 14A-14F illustrate a carrying aid that can be pivoted up and down, and rotated or turned, to accommodate better a load.

FIGURE 15 is another example of an embodiment of a carrying aid.

FIGURE 16 is yet another example of an embodiment of a carrying aid.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

In the following description, like numbers refer to like elements. The following figures illustrate several examples of the device for aiding in carrying boxes and other objects on the hip of a person.

Referring now to FIGURES 1 A, IB, and 2, illustrated is a torso 10 of a person carrying a representative object, namely a box 12, which is balanced on the person's hip with the aid of the device placed against the person's hip and/or thigh and suspended from the person's waist using an article of clothing. The person using the device, the "user," places one corner or a portion of the object on the device, and holds with an arm 11 the object in a manner that pulls the object toward the device.

In FIGURE 1 A and IB, device 14 is mounted or carried on the person by hanging it from the person's waist belt 16 or pants 18. The pants and the belt are representative of a garment or article of clothing. FIGURE 2 illustrates a second embodiment of a device for assisting with carrying or aiding in carrying an object on a person's hip. In this example device 20 is mounted on the person's belt 16.

The carrying aid devices 14 and 20 each have a vertical member that is placed against the person's hip and/or thigh, preferably, or other portion of the body that against which the object being carried will be held. Each of the carrying aid devices also include a horizontal member or platform attached to the vertical member and extending generally horizontal direction away from the user' s body, on which a surface, corner or other part of the object to be carried is rested while being held against the body by the user's arm.

Carrying aid device 14 of FIGURES 1 A and IB has a vertical member or back 11 that extends in a generally vertical direction when being worn on a person, and a horizontal member or platform 13 extending generally horizontally from a person wearing the device. It incorporates an open loop 15 that allows the vertical member to be inserted behind a belt or waistband of a garment being worn by the person.

In an alternative embodiment of carrying aid device 14, shown in FIGURE IB, the horizontal member 13 has been adapted so that it is long enough to accommodate the depth of an object to be carried. The length of the horizontal can be fixed or adjustable. Examples of ways it can be made adjustable include, but are not limited to, having two or more segments sliding within another segment and extendable like a telescope or sliding on internal rods or other elongated members that allow the segments to slide apart. In this example, the horizontal member is shown to include an optional short vertical rail 17 for helping to stabilize the object on the carrying aid device. Furthermore, FIGURE IB demonstrates the optional use of one or more straps 19a connecting to the vertical rail 17, as shown, or directly to the horizontal portion 13 of if no vertical rail is used. The one or more straps are 19a are connected with the user's upper torso or shoulder, such as by strap 19b. The connection of the one or more straps 19a to the carrying aid device can be made releasable such as by using, for example, a hook or any other type of fastener.

Referring now to FIGURES 2 and 3, device 20 is comprised of a vertical member 22, which will also be referred to as a back or leg rest. The vertical member is shaped to complement the thigh region 24 of the person's leg, and a platform 26. When the device is worn the vertical member 22 extends generally in a vertical direction, substantially parallel with the person's thigh 24, or more precisely a portion of the surface of the thigh of the person's leg, when standing. Device 20 also includes a belt loop 28 through which belt 16 is placed, thereby strapping the device 22 the person's waist.

Referring now to FIGURE 4A, which is a schematic illustration of two basic elements of a representative hip mounted device 29 for aiding in carrying a load, namely a vertical member 30 and horizontal platform 32, found in devices 14 and 20, shown in FIGURES 1-3, and the other devices worn on the hip to aid in carrying loads described below in connection with FIGURE 5, 6A-6D, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 15. In the illustrated example, the vertical member and the horizontal platform are generally at a right angle with respect to each other. Furthermore, the vertical element 30 is generally aligned with the vertical axis, and the platform 32 is generally oriented with the horizontal axis. However, the angle between the vertical element 30 and platform 32 can be more or less than 90 degrees. In one embodiment, the angle between the vertical member 30 and the platform 32, as measured between top surface of the platform 32 and the back surface of the vertical member 30, is between 60 degrees and 120 degrees when it is in use, with their relative positions fixed. In such an embodiment the device can be worn so that the vertical member 30 is plus or minus 30 degrees from the vertical axis, or the platform is plus or minus 30 degrees form the horizontal axis. The vertical axis is generally normal to the earth's surface, and the horizontal axis is at a right angle to the vertical axis.

The device creates an extension of a person's hip by providing a surface that is generally parallel to a user' s body and perpendicular to the ground. This surface should be, as mentioned above, plus or minus 30 degrees from the vertical axis, representing the force of gravity, when mounted to a person and being used. The relationship between the vertical member 30 and the horizontal platform 32 is, when in use, fixed or rigid so as to create a counter lever point between the top half of the vertical member, which is being held in place by the tension of the belt or waistband of a garment, and a bottom half of the vertical member, which is pushing against the user's body, in particular the user's hip or thigh, thereby enhancing stability when the user carries a load resting on the horizontal platform 32.

Please refer now to FIGURES 4B, 4C, 5 and 6A-6D. FIGURES 4B and 4C are schematic illustrations an embodiment 33 of a hip worn device for aiding in the carrying of an object by a person. Additional examples of this type of embodiment are device 14, shown in FIGURE 1, device 48 shown in FIGURE 5, the device 50 shown in FIGURES 6A-6D, device 64 of FIGURE 8, device 74 of FIGURE 10, and the device shown in FIGURE 15. This embodiment includes a back 34 and a platform comprising a horizontal component 36 and a vertical component 38. The vertical component 38 is connected by turn 40 to the back 34. The vertical component 38 allows the horizontal component 36 to be spaced from the back 34 by a predetermined distance. The turn 40 in combination with the vertical component 38 of the platform and the back 34 forms an open loop 41. The distance between the vertical component 38 and the back 34 is wide enough to accommodate a belt, a waistband for pants or skirt, or a pocket. In one representative example, the distance is approximately 1/2 of an inch. The angle of the horizontal component 38 to the vertical component 36 of the platform is approximately 90 degrees in these examples. However, the angle may be between 60 and 120 degrees. Furthermore, the back 34 and the vertical component 38 are generally parallel to each other. However, they may be angled with respect to each other. That angle may be up to 30 degrees in either direction. In the example of the embodiment illustrated by FIGURES 4B-4C the back 34, turn 40, vertical component 38 and horizontal component are fixed with respect to each other. These elements may be integrally formed or formed separately of one or more pieces and then attached.

Embodiments of a hip mounted devices shown herein with right angles between horizontal and vertical components of a device, against which the edges of objects are placed, are designed to carry objects with straight corners and sides, such as boxes, such devices can carry objects that are round or oval, or that have curved corners. Objects without a rigid structure, such as a bag or strap, can be hung from the horizontal component. The horizontal component need not in such uses be at or near a right angle to the vertical component.

Some objects may benefit from a longer platform. Generally a platform of 3 inches, plus or minus 1/2 of inch provides for a good combination of stability for the load and comfort and convenience for the user, it can be made longer. FIGURE 4C illustrates that the horizontal component 36 of the platform may be extended to support, and aid in carrying an object, that is longer or wider. In this example, the length of the horizontal component of the platform can be extended by up to approximately 3 times to accommodate large objects. In another embodiment, a horizontal component of the platform is less then eight inches.

FIGURE 4D illustrates another embodiment 42 of a device for aiding in carrying objects. Like other embodiments, the device possesses the vertical element 30 and the horizontal element 32. However, it has a closed loop mounted under the horizontal element, forming an opening 43a through which to fit a belt or strap that is worn around the waist of the user. The closed loop in this example is curved, but it may be made in other shapes, as indicated by dashed line 44a.

Referring now only to FIGURES 6A to 6D, the back 34 of device 50, particularly its bottom half, is shaped to complement the shape of a person' s hip or thigh, and thereby lay more flatly against and increasing the comfort of the device when in use. As can be best seen in FIGURE 6C, the surface of the back 34, which will press against a user' s hip or thigh when worn, has a curve 52 extending laterally, or horizontally, across the back of the device. As best seen in FIGURE 6D, a lower portion of the back 34 also has vertical curve 56. The vertical curve can enhance comfort. It also makes it easier to insert the back 34 behind a belt or strap, waistband or other article of clothing worn by the user on or near the user's hip. Tip 56 also assists a user to slide the back into or behind an article of clothing on the user's hip. Device 50 also has an opening 58, which reduces weight and can assist with comfort when wearing. Opening or hole 60 allows for a user' s finger to be inserted thought the hole to assist with removing or attaching the device to a belt or other article of clothing. Opening or hole 61 allows for a permanent or removable strap 62 to be attached, as shown in FIGURE 7. In alternative embodiments, one or more the curves and or openings can be omitted. Referring to FIGURE 7, device 50 as well as all of the other carrying aid devices shown in the figures, can be further comprised of a strap or belt, which permanent or removable. For example, strap 62 can be worn around the user 10, passing over the user's should and behind his back, as shown in the figure. The strap is connected at one end to the carrying aid device. This connection can be fixed or permanent, or releasable using fastener such as clasp or hook. The other end is connects to a point along the strap, which is shown in the figure, using a releasable fastener, such as for example hook 63, or to the carrying device or the other end of the strap. The strap could also be made adjustable. The materials from which the strap can be made include nylon, plastic, leather, vinyl, cotton, cloth, other material, or combination of them. The clasps can be made of metal, plastic, or other material, or a combination of them. The device can work with conjunction with, or be attached to, a back brace (not shown). Different configurations of permanent or removable straps, belts, or braces, which are connected to device 50 or the other devices shown in the figures, can used to transfer the load from the device to a user's torso. This illustrated system is just one example. Device 64 of FIGURE 8 is an alternative embodiment to device 50. It is substantially similar to device 50, except that the horizontal component 36 of the platform is mounted to the vertical component of the platform in a manner to allow the platform to be flipped up, out of the way, when not in use. In this example the horizontal component is mounted using a hinge 64. When the platform is down or extended, the lip 66 hits stop 68 to form a fixed relationship that transfers the weight of the load from the horizontal component of the platform to the rest of the device.

FIGURES 9 and 10 are still further representative examples of alternate embodiments of devices 50 and 48, respectively.

In FIGURE 9, the platform of device 70 is comprised of a saddle 72 or, otherwise, a seat shaped to receive and hold an infant or child. The legs of child straddle the saddle. The saddle includes openings 73 for attaching straps to the saddle for supporting or holding an infant or child on the saddle.

Device 74 of FIGURE 10 illustrates a representative example in which one or both of the lower part 76 of the back 34 or the horizontal component 37a are separate pieces that can be connected and disconnected from the device. Disconnecting horizontal portion 37a allows for it to be stowed or otherwise moved out of the way for convenience. The connection is preferably rigid (at least in the direction in which it will be loaded) so that the horizontal component can transfer a load to the rest of the device. The connection enables separate horizontal members or platforms having different lengths, shapes or other characteristics to be connected. For example, as indicated in phantom, piece 37a can optionally be made to include a vertical rail or member 37b, with holes that allow straps to be connected. Removable lower piece 76 can be removed or replaced for similar reasons. For example, piece 76 can be replaced with pieces that have different lengths or shapes.

Device 76 of FIGURE 11 is alternative embodiment of device 64, with a closed loop 66 for a belt or strap, or alternative, a strap fixed to the, and a lower vertical platform 78 connected to the bottom of back 34 by means of an extension joint 80. Vertical platform 78 is worn against the lower part of the thigh of the user, and is strapped to the leg by fixed straps 82 and buckle 84.

FIGURES 12A-12C illustrates examples of a connection of a strap to a device for aiding in carrying an object to a connection hole 61 formed in the turn 40 of representative devices 50, 64, 70, and 76. In FIGURES 12A and 12C a strap, such as the one shown in FIGURE 7, is connected to the top portion of the device by connecting clasp 86 to hole 61. FIGURE 12B is an example of a rope being tied the device by inserting it through hole 61.

FIGURE 13 illustrates different connections means for the extension joint 80, including a linear joint 88 and a ball joint 90, for connecting device 64 to a lower vertical platform 78. The ball joint allows for 360 degrees of rotation and articulation in dimensions.

FIGURE 14A to 14F illustrate alternative embodiments represented by devices 29 and 33, as discussed above. In FIGURES 14A-14B, devices 29 and 33 each have a horizontal platform 32 and 36, respectively, that pivots up and down using a ratchet mechanism, generally represented by ratchet 92 as shown in FIGURES 14C-14D. Ratchet 92 includes a wheel 94 with teeth engaged by a stop or pawl 96 that is spring loaded by spring 98. The ratchet connects the horizontal platforms or members to the vertical members of the devices to allow for them to be pivoted up and down, and positioned at different angles for use. As indicated by an alternative embodiment of

FIGURES 14E-14F, a ratchet mechanism can be incorporated into, for example, representative device 33 to allow a horizontal member 36 to be turned or rotated about an axis extending outwardly from the vertical component 38 as well as pivoted up and down.

FIGURES 15 and 16 illustrate examples of additional embodiments of a device, worn on the hip of a person, for aiding the person in carrying an object.

Referring to FIGURE 15, device 100 includes a leg rest 102 that is adapted for resting against the leg or hip of a person when the device is worn by inserting the leg rest behind a belt, waistband of a garment, or strap around the waist of a person. A lower end 103 of the leg rest is curved. The top of the belt, strap or garment waistband rests within a loop 104 formed between the leg rest and a vertical portion 106 of platform 108.

Referring to FIGURE 16, device 110 includes a leg rest portion 112 that has an enlarged portion 114 that is wider and longer as compared to, for example, device 100, to allow for better distribution of forces to a person's leg. The enlarged portion 114 is curved both outwardly and side-to-side to better conform to a person's leg. The end of the extension 114 includes a narrower and thinner extension that helps with inserting or slipping the legal rest portion of the device behind a belt, strap, or waistband. The device includes a loop portion 118 that rests on top of belt, strap, or waistband when worn by a person. A platform 120 extends generally horizontally from leg rest portion 112, and is connected to the leg rest by a vertical portion 112 that forms part of the loop portion 118. Alternatively, the horizontal portion of platform 120 could be connected direction to the leg rest 114, with the bottom of the platform resting against the top of belt, strap or waistband when the device is worn. A loop may, optionally, be included beneath the horizontal platform in this alternative to better retain the device when worn. The device further includes a strap loop 126, which a strap worn over the shoulder can be connected for transferring some of the load on the device. This embodiment, in this example, is constructed from an industrial plastic, has foam back for comfort, and metal reinforcing rods or components inside the plastic. Examples of where such reinforcement can be placed include one or more of the following locations: area 124 of the platform 120, vertical member 122, and leg rest 112 over part or most of its length.

One or more of the parts of the devices shown in the foregoing FIGURES 1-16 are made from an injection molded plastic, for example ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) or stronger, zinc alloy, or other metals, woods, composites, acrylics and/or resins. The devices and any one or more of its components can be formed by the milling process as well, and molded or bent into the desired shape.

Furthermore, although they are preferred for it to placed on or near the hip, any of the carrying aid devices shown in FIGURE 1-15 can be repositioned at different locations on the body. For example, the carrying aid device can be positioned on the front of the user, along her waist. It can also be placed higher on the torso, such a by using a strap or system of straps to position on or near the user's chest, or even on the person's leg.

The foregoing description is of exemplary and preferred embodiments. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments. Alterations and modifications to the disclosed embodiments may be made without departing from the invention. The meaning of the terms used in this specification are, unless expressly stated otherwise, intended to have ordinary and customary meaning and are not intended to be limited to the details of the illustrated or described structures or embodiments.