BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In many trades and occupations lifting is an occupational hazard which at times results in serious injury.

In trades and occupations which require the lifting of sheet materials, particularly glass, sheet metal, plaster board sheeting, large tiles, marble and granite sheeting or cladding possibly for wall decorations, or bench-tops, perspex and any other sheet materials etc, the hazard is increased due to the planar shape of the sheet material. The planar shape does not allow for hand holds which are comfortable and natural for a lifter, resulting in convoluted and complex muscle actions, which then must bear the forces or strain in a manner to which they are not well adapted. This results in overstraining and thus injury.

A study was conducted by the University of Iowa, USA and was reported at internet site http://iní'o. pmeh. uiowa. edu/construc/construc. htm. The report reported that out of 13 construction trades, glaziers had the highest rate of respondents who indicated that they were suffering from injury to their lower back, upper back, and neck. In the report glaziers had the second highest rate of respondents who indicated that they were suffering shoulder injury.

For the glazing trade the unusually high results stem from the fact that before lifting, particularly heavy glass, one or two suction devices having handles are placed on one side of a glass pane. Then the lift may be made by one hand or by two hands.

If two hands are used, the lifter's left hand or right hand is passed over to the same side of their body as the other hand. If both hands are used, as both hands are on one side of the body, the lifter's upper body region, before lifting forces are applied, will either be at an angle to the vertical, or alternatively twisted relative to the lower body. If one hand is used the force of the weight to be lifted is laterally applied to the lifter's body.

When lifting force is then applied, the muscles around the lower back of the lifter exert forces to compensate for the off centre load, causing the lower back muscles or lumbar to laterally flex and cause rotation in a coronal plane, which is not a manner in which they are particularly adapted to function. This can in many instances result in back injury.

Plaster board sheet carriers and lifters can have similar difficulties but as the plasterboard sheet has generally less mass than a similarly dimensioned pane of glass, the difficulties are not as exacerbated. Also, because of the more forgiving nature of the product, and its ability to be lifted by hand contact without the need for suction cups, the lifters can move the product to more ergonomically efficient positions relative to their bodies.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention provides a manually operated sheet material lifting implement including: a carrying frame having handle means associated therewith and a portion to rest against a midsection of a user; and one or more attachment means connected to one side of said carrying frame so that said carrying frame can be releasably attached to a sheet material article, so that when a sheet material article is attached to said implement a user can lift said sheet material article by lifting said carrying frame, resting said portion against his or her midsection.

Preferably said carrying frame includes at least two locations for the attachment of a support harness.

Preferably said carrying frame includes at least two points for attachment of a harness on one side of said carrying frame closest to said releasable attachment means.

Preferably a third attachment point on said frame is provided.

Preferably a harness having three connection means is connected to said frame.

Preferably when said implement is being held by a user and said horizontal member rests against a midsection of said user, said harness connects to either side of said horizontal member with a third point of said harness connecting to said frame at an upper point thereof across from a shoulder region of said user.

Preferably said harness includes a shoulder pad.

Preferably said shoulder pad is slidable along a strap of said harness.

Preferably said frame includes one or more curved members lying substantially in a single plane.

Preferably said frame includes at least 3 generally straight members lying substantially in the same plane.

Preferably said frame includes four generally straight sided members lying substantially in the same plane.

Preferably two of said four members are at right angles to said member which rests against a midsection of said user, said two members being said handles.

Preferably said harness includes a diagonal strap from one side of said member which rests against a midsection of a user and which progresses up to the opposite side shoulder and over said shoulder to a top portion on the opposite side of said frame.

Preferably a second strap connects to said diagonal strap from a midpoint of the back of said user and proceeds to the other side of the body around the back of the user, to the other end of said member which rests against a midsection of said user.

Preferably said second strap has a slidable connection means to connect one end to said diagonal strap.

Preferably wherein said frame is assembled from individual members.

Preferably said frame is constructed from an integrally formed skeletal rectangular member.

Preferably said attachment means is a suction means to attach to relatively smooth surfaces of a sheet material, to thereby attach said frame to said sheet material article.

Preferably said attachment means include a first and second channel member to engage respectively upper and lower edges of a sheet material outside.

Preferably said first and second channel members are re-positionable on said implement so as to accommodate sheet material articles of greater or lesser height.

Preferably said means to attach said attachment means to said frame include one or more of the following: a bracket which can slide and be secured to said frame; a bracket to receive a suction means and or a channel support means; a bracket which allows rotation of said attachment means; a bracket which allows re-positioning of said attachment means relative to said frame; a bracket which includes V-bolts.

Preferably said frame is extendable by the addition of a separate member to one or both sides of said frame.

Preferably said additional member when added to a near side of said frame includes a second receiving means to attach another attachment means to said implement.

Preferably said implement with one side extended has a"q","p","g"."d","b"or"h"shape.

Preferably said member which is to rest against said midsection of said user is padded.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 Illustrates a perspective view of an implement having suction cups with a harness attached; Figure 2 Illustrates a side view of the implement frame of Figure 1 with sheet holding channels instead of suction cups, (suction cups shown in phantom outline) with a harness shown schematically; Figure 3 Illustrates a front view of the apparatus of Figure 2; Figure 4 Illustrates the apparatus of Figures 2 and 3 used by two persons in the process of lifting to carry a long sheet of glass (or other sheet material) prior to transporting; Figure 5 Illustrates an alternative harness to that of Figure I which includes a belt portion; Figure 6 Illustrates an alternative sheet holding channel system to that of Figures 2 and 3; Figure 7 Illustrates a perspective view of a channel member for use with the apparatus of Figures 7 and 8; Figure 8 Illustrates a perspective view of a securing corner piece for use with the apparatus of Figure 7; Figure 9 Illustrates a modified channel member for use with the apparatus of Figures 2 and 3; Figure 10 Illustrates an alternative implement to that of Figures 1 to 3; Figure 11 Illustrates an implement which is a modified version of the implement of Figure 10; Figure 12 Illustrates an alternative implement to that of Figures 1 to 3 and 11; Figure 13 Illustrates an alternative implement to that of Figures I to 3.11 and 12; Figure 14 Illustrates an alternative implement to that of Figures 1 to 3,11 to 13; Figure 15 Illustrates an alternative implement to that of Figures I to 3,11 to 14; Figure 16 Illustrates a section through the channel support of Figures 2 and 3; and Figure 17 Illustrates a perspective view of the channel of Figure 16; Figure 18 Illustrates the cross-section of Figure 17, with a sheet firmly wedged therein; Figure 19 Illustrates a preferred implement including a wheel attachment; Figure 20 Illustrates a perspective view of the bracket used with the implement of Figure 19; Figure 21 Illustrates a cross section through the harness attachment points; Figure 22 Illustrates a cross section through a T joint; and Figures 23 and 24 Illustrate methods of use of the implement of Figure 19; Figure 25 Illustrates a perspective view of a far side extension for use with the implement of Figure 21; and Figure 26 Illustrates a plan view of a further implement embodying the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS Illustrated in Figure 1 is an implement 2 having a generally rectangular frame 4 which can be held by a person's body 6 and simultaneously braced against that person's body 6 by a lower horizontal member 8, and supported further by the person's body 6 by means of a harness 10, which is connected to the frame 4. The frame is preferably constructed from tubular material giving a balance between weight of the implement 2 against its strength. The outside diameter of the tubing is preferably approximately 32 millimetres, but can be of any appropriate size depending upon the weight of sheet material to be carried.

The rectangular frame 4, has a far side member 12 and a near side member 14 which have their central longitudinal axes contained in a vertical plane. The far side and near side are references to the location of members 12 and 14 relative to a sheet 16 of glass or other material to be carried by implement 2.

The far side and near side members 12 and 14 are held and secured in spaced apart relationship by an upper horizontal member 18 and lower horizontal member 8. The members and 8 form the rectangular frame 4.

The frame 4 can be manufactured from any appropriate material which can transmit and bear the design criteria forces, without breakage or impairment. The design criteria forces will be dependent upon the size and mass of the sheet 16 which are to be carried by the frame 4. Any appropriate manufacturing technique can be used to produce the frame 4. such as casting, machining, fabrication, use of joining members to form the joints, concentrically arranged tube construction, welding etc.

Optionally, but preferably, the frame 4 can have a near side extension member 20, which attaches to the base 22 of near side member 14. The attachment can be by any known means such as a threaded connection, a pinned or bolted connection, a snap fit connection and any other releasable connection which will allow the two members 14 and 20 to structurally behave as a single structural member. If it is desired that the near side extension member 20 be permanently attached, then the near side extension member 20 can be formed integrally with near side member 14, at the time of manufacture. With the addition of the near side extension member 20, the implement 2 adopts a"p""q"or"d""g""h"or"b"shape.

The lower horizontal member 8 can be surrounded by padding 9, such as a foam or plastics material, to cushion the contact of lower horizontal member 8 with the lower torso of the user 6.

The near side member 14 has an attachment bracket 24 to which can be connected an attachment means such as a suction means such as a suction cup 26 as illustrated in Figure 1 or as is illustrated in Figure 2 a sheet material channel support 28. The suction cup would generally be used in respect of sheet materials having sufficient strength not to be damaged by the suction forces as well as those sheet materials having a smooth impervious surface, which will allow the application of suction forces.

For those sheets not having a smooth, impervious or sealed surface, the channel support 28 would be utilised with the implement 2.

The attachment bracket 24 of Figure 1 is constructed from a tubular body 30 through which the near side member 14 can pass.

The body 30 also includes a threaded portion 32 through which a securing bolt 34 can pass to engage a series of holes 36 on the near side member 14. If desired, the suction cup 26 or channel support 28 can be integrally formed or otherwise permanently and immovably attached or secured to the implement 2.

If the mechanism for the attachment of the suction cup 26 to the attachment bracket 24 is to be releasable, then any known releasable mechanism can be used, such as bolts, U shaped bolts or any other known mechanism which will be able to resist the stresses applied to the connection mechanism when a sheet of material such as sheet 16 whether of glass or other material is lifted by the implement 2.

A second attachment bracket 24 can be located on the near side extension member 20 and has the same features as attachment bracket 24 located on near side member 14. Near side extension member 20 also has a series of holes 36 which allow the body 30 to be positioned at a variety of locations there along.

The attachment bracket 24 can be designed so as to be able to receive the variety of suction cups 26 which are currently possessed or purchasable by glaziers.

As illustrated in Figure 1 a strap 44, which is a part of harness 10, is attached to or near to the intersection 38 on the lower near side corner of the frame 4, by means of one end 40. The lower near side corner of the frame 4 has an attachment loop or other mechanism 39 permanently attached to it, to thereby connect the end 40, by means of a carbineer type fitting (not illustrated) if desired. The strap 44 progresses around the near side of the user's waist of the body 6 and terminates at end 56 in a looped terminus 58, through which a strap 50 passes. The strap 50 is connected at end 52 by a carabineer type fitting (not illustrated) thereat, to a permanently attached loop fitting 59 at the far side lower corner 54 of the frame 4. The strap 50 from end 52 passes around the far side waist of the user's body 6, and through the looped end 56 and loop 58 of strap 44 at the back region of the body 6. The strap 50 then proceeds up to and through a shoulder guard 60 (which will be described in more detail later) and over the near side shoulder of the user's body 6. From the shoulder guard 60 the strap 50 proceeds to near side upper corner 48, where it connects to and terminates. The strap 50 attaches to near side upper corner 48 by means of a carbineer type fitting (not illustrated) which attaches to a looped type fitting 53 which is permanently attached to the near side upper corner 48.

The looped terminus 58 surrounds the strap 50 and allows the end 56 of strap 44 to slide there along, if required so as to position the end 56 approximately in the centre of the user's back, adjacent to their spine. Other mechanisms to allow the end 56 to slide along the strap 50 can be utilised if desired such as a sown-in rings on end 56, or even a fitting which is releasably securable to strap 50, and mounted on strap 50, to which fitting end 56 of strap 44 attaches.

Over the near side shoulder 46 of the user 6 is the epaulette type shoulder guard 60 which includes two looped portions 62, through which the strap 50 passes.

The harness 10 preferably has each of the three strap portions being adjustable to allow for different sizes of user's body 6.

This ability to adjust is also useful when the harness 10 and implement 2 are in use, so as to adjust the location and or orientation of the implement 2 relative to the user's body 6.

The shoulder guard 60 and the loop portion 62 allow easy movement of the strap 50 through the looped portions 62, for such times as the strap lengths are being adjusted or the position of implement 2 is being adjusted. Preferably the shoulder guard 60 is moulded from a resilient material which includes foam padding between the resilient material and the user's shoulder 46. If desired, a hook strip can be attached at one end of the guard 60, which is preferably the end furthest from a user's neck, and a loop strip provided a distance away therefrom.

The purpose of the hook and loop strips (such as that known by the trade mark VELCRO) is so that if a user has to carry the implement 2, after disconnecting a piece of sheet material, the user can support the implement 2 on their shoulder and secure the horizontal member 18 to the shoulder guard 60 by closing the hook and loop strips over the horizontal member 18. If desired the shoulder guard 60 can be cradled between the intersection of the horizontal member 18 and near side member 14.

This allows a user to carry the implement in a hands-free manner, when it is not being used for lifting.

The shoulder guard 60 when made of a rigid or semi rigid material preferably includes at least one curved end 60A (see Figure 5) so that the shoulder guard 60 can locate near to the neck of the user. The curve of the curved end 60A as seen in Figure 6 has its centre of curvature in a line down the page of Figure 6. This curved end 60A can be used to sit against the user's neck if

desired which can assist to keep the shoulder guard 60 on the user's shoulder. Preferably there are two such curved ends 60A to provide interchangeability for left and right shoulders.

An alternative harness l OA is illustrated in Figure 5. Parts of harness I OA of Figure 5 have been liked numbered with like parts of harness 10 of Figure 1. In this harness IOA, the end 56 of strap 44 does not include a looped terminus 58 but is permanently attached by stitching to the strap 50. Also included is a belt 45 stitched or otherwise attached to the straps 44 and 50.

Illustrated in Figure 1 the lower horizontal member 8 is positioned away from the body, however this is not the correct location in use, as it is prior to the straps 44 and 50 being properly adjusted to length by adjustment provided on each of two or three of the strap portions of harness 10. In use, the positioning shown in Figures 2 and 3 of the lower horizontal member 8, is in the correct position, that is just on the lower abdomen, below the navel and just above the pelvic region of the person's body 6.

The positioning of lower horizontal member 8 distributes the load and weight of sheet 16 close to the centre of mass of the user's body 6.

In the embodiment of Figure 1 the near side and far side members 12 and 14 include handle portions 72 which are defined by textured surfaces either added to, or formed with, the far side and near side members 12 and 14. The textured surfaces provide a positive grip for the user 6 by providing greater friction. If desired the handle portion and surface treatment of the handle portion 72 can be along the entire length of the far side and near side members 12 and 14. in order that the whole of the length of these members 12 and 14 can be utilised as handle or hand grip portions. If desired a series of annular or part annular corrugations, along the length of the far side and near side members 12 and 14 can be provided in order to correctly position and separate the user's fingers to thereby cradle each finger. This will prevent sliding movement of the far side and near side members 12 and 14 in a user's hands, by a means other than just friction gripping means.

The implement 2 of Figure 1 when used, helps a user to centralise the load of a sheet 16 using lumbar spine extension from a position of forward flexion and rotation in a sagittal plane. This will replace the lumbar lateral flexion and rotation in a coronal plane which causes the injuries previously mentioned, by the prior art methods of lifting glass mentioned under the heading of "Background Of The Invention"above. The implement 2 of Figure 1, by disconnecting the user from the harness 10, can be reversed so as to attach to the other side of sheet 16.

The implement 2 of Figures 2 and 3 is altered by comparison to Figure 1, by the replacement of suction cups 26 by channel supports 28. The channel supports 28 are used in the case of plaster board sheeting or other sheet materials which do not have a relatively smooth surface upon which the suction cups 26 could create a suction and thus not operate. If the paper surface on the plaster or compressed fibre board sheeting provides a relatively smooth impervious surface, as it is for some product ranges, then the suction cups 26 may well operate. However, as it is possible that the suction cups 26 may generate relatively large vacuum forces damage to the sheet may occur if suction cups 26 were present. Thus, in the case of risk of damage to the sheet 16, suction cups 26 can be replaced by channel supports 28.

In Figures 2 and 3 the suction cups 26 are illustrated in phantom to show how they could be used in conjunction with or as replacements to the channel supports for lifting sheeting material.

The channel support 28 comprises a horizontal channel portion 76 which is supported by a vertical support 78. The upper and lower channel supports 28 connect to the frame 4 by an attachment bracket 80 which is different to the attachment bracket used in Figure 1. The attachment bracket 80 is substantially a U shaped section which includes an internal surface having the same shape and dimension as the outer shape and dimension of the near side member 14.

Attached to the attachment bracket 80 is a bracket 82 which provides a support by a rectangular hollow carriage 84 in which is received the vertical support 78 of the channel support 28. The bracket 82 also includes bolt holes 86 through which the suction cup 26 having threaded bolt holes 88 can be secured.

By this attachment bracket 80 and its associated bracket 82, either the channel support 28 and suction cup 26 can be attached, or if desired for any reason, both can be attached at the same time. The bracket 82 is welded to the attachment bracket 80 so that no movement is possible. However, provision can be made for altering the angle 88A by providing a positively engaging adjustable connection.

The attachment bracket 80 can be attached to the near side member 14, by means of bolts 81 having handles thereon. The bolts 81 can be loosened and removed, to allow re-positioning at one set of two holes of the series of holes 36. Similar handle bearing bolts 83 can be used to secure the vertical support 78 into the hollow carriage 84, via holes 85 and 87 respectively therein.

If desired the attachment bracket 80 can be welded around its periphery to the near side member 14. Alternatively the bracket 82 could be welded directly to the near side member 14.

If the implement 2 of Figures 2 and 3 is the only implement in use on a sheet 16, then it preferably includes the use of a front securing strap 77 which links the forward right hand side of upper channel portion 76 to the forward left hand side of lower channel portion 76. Also a rear securing strap 79 is used which links the rearward right hand side of lower channel portion 76 to the rearward left hand side of upper channel portion 76. The straps 77 and 79 pass respectively around the leading edge 16A and trailing edge 16B of sheet 16.

The channel portions 76 include on their inner surfaces 75, U-shaped neoprene padding/gripping material 73. This is more clearly illustrated in Figures 16,17 and 18. This material 73 will, by virtue of its shape and friction characteristics, provide by its opposing side walls suitable friction and compression forces to a sheet material, when a sheet material of suitable thickness is inserted between the side walls of material 73. This will in turn provide a means whereby the channel portion 76 will hold firmly in place the top and bottom edges of the sheet 16. As the Neoprene insert has its inner surfaces tapered it can accommodate different thicknesses of sheet 16. Alternatively, U-shaped neoprene inserts having differing dimensions, can be provided to accommodate different thickness of sheet material.

This padding/gripping material 73 and straps 77 and 79 together cooperate to keep the sheet 16 in position between respective channel portions 76. If desired, as an additional safety measure, or if the material 73 is absent, a strap 71 of adjustable length, can be used together with a padded hook 69, to secure the sheet 16 into the top channel portion 76.

If desired, another form of attachment bracket (not illustrated) can be used whereby a bracket similar to the bracket 82 receives a saddle bracket which has a rubber gripping surface attached to the internal curved surface of the saddle bracket. The saddle bracket can be attached to bracket 82 via holes through both brackets, so that together they surround the handle of a suction unit, which is shaped not unlike a telephone hand piece. The rubber gripping surface compresses against the handle of the suction unit when bolts are passed through holes in both brackets and are secured by nuts.

Figure 4 illustrates how two persons may utilise the implements 2 with either suction cups 26 or channel supports 28 (suction cups 26 being shown in phantom outline). If required more persons can be utilised to carry the weight of very thick heavy sheeting. Because two or more implements 2 are employed, a strap 71 is not required, and only the rear implement 2 need have a strap 79, whereas the forward most implement 2 can have a strap 77, to hold the sheet 16 in position.

Illustrated in Figure 6 is an alternative channel support 200 for use with the implement 2. The apparatus of Figure 6 uses the components of Figures 7 and 8. The channel support 200 is made up of a single post 202 which can be attached to the

implement 2. Channels 204 form a complete frame 210 to surround a sheet 16. The frame 210 is made up of two side members 206 and top and bottom members 208. The frame 210 is placed around a sheet to be carried and adjacent members 206 and 208 are joined at their respective termini 204A or 204B or intersection sites by corner members 212 which are illustrated in more detail in Figure 8.

Corner members 212 of Figure 8 are made up of a right angled bracket 214 carrying two moveable hooks 216 which are biased towards the corner 217 by tension springs 219. The hooks 216 engage holes 218 in respective members 206 and 208 (of Figure 6 and 7), with the tension springs 219 tensioning the join between adjacent members.

The holes 218 as illustrated in Figure 7, serve the dual purpose of providing an anchor location for the hooks 216, as well as serving to reduce the weight and mass of the members 206 and 208. If desired the corner members 212 can include a brace member 220 as illustrated in Figure 8.

If desired, octopus or alligator straps could be used to connect respective members 206 and 208. The top and bottom channels members 208 are moveable or re-positionable on the post 202 to accommodate sheets of lesser height. With this embodiment the straps 77 and 79 of Figures 2 and 3 would not be required.

If further desired, in order to assist in the carrying of ferrous metal sheets, a strip of magnetic material can be secured to the post 202 so that the centre portion of a carried sheet will be held stable relative to post 202 by the magnetic force of attachment. The magnetic strips can be added to the rear side or the front side of the post 202 or to the side of post 202 adjacent to or facing the sheet metal. As an alternative the top and bottom channel members 208 can be replace by L-shaped channels 252A as illustrated in Figure 9 positioned at upper and lower locations on a post 202.

The upper located channel 252A such as that illustrated in Figure 9 cradles the or part of the upper edge and simultaneously part of the leading edge of a sheet, while a lower located channel 252A cradles the edge or part of the lower edge and simultaneously part of the trailing edge of a sheet to be carried. With this embodiment the straps 77 and 79 of Figures 2 and 3 and the two side numbers 206 would not be required.

Illustrated in Figures 10 to 15 are alternative embodiments of the implement 2.

In Figure 10, an implement l l l has a generally U-shaped configuration, with a near side member 111 A and a far side member 111 B, which are held by and kept in spaced apart relation, by a single horizontal member 11 1 C. The lower portions 111 D and I I I E of respective members 111 A and 111 B include handles. Suction unit 26 is attached to the near side terminus of horizontal member 111C. In this embodiment, the connection between members 111 A, I11B and 111C must be suitably rigid.

While in the embodiments described above the carry frame is comprised of a plurality of members joined together, an embodiment of the invention in its simplest form comprises a carry frame having a single member as in Figure 11 where there is illustrated an implement 11 IF, which is a modified version of the implement 111 of Figure 10, with near side and far side members I I IA and I I IB removed. The members I I I D and I I IE can be used as handles or locations to secure a two strap harness. The members I I I D and I I I E are optional, in which case the handle means is or are formed as part of the member 111C.

In Figure 12, an implement 121 comprises a rectangular frame made up of sides 121A, 121B, 121C, and 121 D. Each side 121 A, 121 B, 121 C and 121 D is extendable by a hole and pin (not illustrated) system 121E. On each of the moveable parts of side 121 D are respective suction units 26. Handles 121 F are also provided on each of the moveable parts of sides 121A and 121C. The implement 121 of Figure 12 has only one lower suction unit 26.

Illustrated in Figure 13 an implement 131 comprises a generally three sided frame, with handles 131F on member 131A, and one upper suction unit 26 attached to vertical member 131 C. All members 131 B, 131 A and 131 C are expandable or

contractible by a hole and pin system 131 E. The horizontal feet 131G allow the implement 131 to be free standing when not in use.

Illustrated in Figure 14 is an implement 141 which is similar to that of Figure 13, however, an additional horizontal member 141 A is joined to the free ends of feet 131G of Figure 13. The horizontal member 141A can serve the same purpose as the horizontal member 8 of Figures 1 to 3.

Illustrated in Figure 15 is an implement 151 which includes three members 151 A, 151B and 151C which form an arch shaped frame. Linking the free ends of members 151 A and 151 C is a waist strap or belt 151 D which passes around the waist of a user.

Out of the belt 151 D, the free ends of 151 A and 151 C pivot from the belt 151 D. The handles are the members 151 A and 151 C, and the suction units 26 (not illustrated in Figure 15) of other Figures can be attached by any known means.

If desired the implement 2 of Figures 2 and 3 can include a strap which is similar to that of strap 79. The strap can have a hook (not illustrated) which hooks into a series of holes bored into the horizontal channel support 76, (similar to holes 218 of Figure 7 or 9). From the upper horizontal channel support 76, the strap progresses to and around the trailing edge 16B and back to the near side extension member 20, where it is attached by another hook to a hole or loop in or on the near side extension member 20 or on the lower horizontal channel support 76. Such a strap is preferably of an adjustable length to ensure that it has a tension therein when installed. Alternatively, such a strap may have elastic characteristics. If desired, a similar strap can be utilised with respect to the leading edge 16A of sheet 16, in the same manner as strap 77 is used in Figure 2.

An alternative attachment means for attaching a suction unit 26 to the implement 2 can be used with a suction unit which has four threaded mounting holes formed in the rear face of its body.

Such an attachment means can include two like shaped, L shaped brackets which have a U-shaped portion (similar to attachment bracket 80 of Figures 2 and 3) from which extends a bracket portion so as to line up two holes on the bracket portion with two holes in the rear of the body of the suction unit 26. The bracket portion extends, towards the centre of suction unit 26. The bracket portion orients the suction unit 26 so that the suction surface is at substantially right angles to the plane which contains the near and far side members 12 and 14.

A second of the two L shaped brackets also has a bracket portion which allows the other two mounting holes on suction unit 26 to line up with holes in the bracket portion.

The two L-shaped brackets can be moveably secured to near side member 14 by a series of holes and pins. However, as there are two such brackets it will be difficult to move two at once and line up the holes therein, thus it is preferred that the U shaped portions are attached by welding or other relatively permanent securing means to prevent any movement and or re-positioning.

If a suction unit is to be used which has a telephone hand piece shaped handle then the L shaped brackets can hold the handle of such a telephone hand set shaped suction unit with the handle being secured by means of a saddle bracket attached to the two L shaped brackets to thereby clamp the handle therebetween.

In the embodiments illustrated in the above Figures the connection of the attachment bracket of either the suction cup and or the support channel is a rigid connection, that is there is no relative rotation of the channel support 28 or the suction cup 26 relative to the near side member 14. If desired however, a rotation mechanism could be provided so that in situations where only one suction cup were utilised (for relatively small panes of glass or other sheet material which can be held securely by a single suction cup) this will allow rotation of the frame 4 relative to the sheet 16 whilst in motion.

In respect of the above embodiments, where appropriate, the rectangular frame can have the facility to slidably store (in telescoping fashion) the extension member 20 in the near side member 14; and, or slidably store (in telescoping fashion) the extension leg 90A in the far side member 12. Such a sliding storage arrangement can include an engagement and securement

mechanism, such as a spring biased lug mounted in extension member 20 and leg 90A, to secure the leg 90A or member 20, once in its desired position. The securing is performed by means of the lug engaging one or two diametrically located holes in the near side member 14 and or far side member 12 respectively.

Illustrated in Figure 19 to Figure 22 is a preferred embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment the like parts of the previous Figures have been like numbered and have like purpose and do not require additional description here. The implement 2 is formed from a frame 4 from a single piece of cylindrical tubing which is curved at three corners 300,302, and 304. By manufacturing from a single tube and bending at these corners, a strong structure with as few joins as possible is created. This increases the strength and rigidity of the frame 4. In this embodiment the near side extension member 20 is integrally formed with the near side member 14.

The upper horizontal member 18, lower horizontal member 8, near side member 14 and far side member 12 may all be covered with a neoprene rubber material such as is used for the manufacture of wetsuits. The lower horizontal member 18 is given either a thicker layer or multiple layers of the neoprene rubber material so as to spread over a greater surface area the force transmitted to a user's mid section.

Preferably the harness 10 is made up of a base webbing 306 with the ends terminating in an attachment plate 308 at both ends.

The attachment plates 308 have a slot at one end through which the web is looped and stitched to itself. The plates 308 have key hole shaped (a large bore and slot extending therefrom) apertures to engage the bolts 340 (see figures 21 and 22) located at the corners 300,304 and intersection point 310. The bolts 340 each have the same shaped head 342 but are of different lengths as will be discussed later. The heads 342 of the bolts 340 pass through the large bore in the plates 308 and then the plates 308 are slid relative to the bolts 340 to position lower section 343 of the head 342 in the slots. This keeps the plates 308 attached to the bolts 340. When the implement 2 is not being used, and the plates 308 are connected to the bolts 340, gravity will ensure that the plates 308 will not disengage from the bolts 340 except with human intervention. The key hole aperture will ensure that the plates 308 will not disengage from the bolts 340 when the implement 2 is in use, due to lower section 343 of the head 342 being located in the slots of the key hole apertures while the upper face of the plates 308 engage the lower surface of the bolt head 340 preventing disengagement when there is tension on the webbing 306.

A webbing 307 is also provided which also has a plate 308 which connects to the corner 300 via a bolt. The webbing 307 terminates in a narrower adjustable strap 317 which passes through a SIMONSONS brand STEPLOC buckle 312 which allows ready adjustment of the free length of the adjustment strap 317. The buckle 312 has a slot in one end which allows it to have a loop of webbing 314 secured thereto. The webbing 314 provides a sliding connection to the webbing 306, so as to ensure that the loop 314 is positioned in the centre of the back of the user.

At the base of the near side extension member 20 is provision to receive a castor 316 which can be held in the base of the near side extension member 20 by means of a pin or bolt 318. The pin or bolt 318 need not carry any weight other than the weight of the castor 316 if the base 320 of the near side extension member 20 engages the shoulder 322 on the castor 316.

The suction units 26 as are secured to the near side member 14 by means of attachment brackets 110. The suction units 26 of Figure 19 are thought to be the"state of the art"suction unit used by glaziers. This suction unit 26 has a pump actuation button 112 in handle 104. By depressing the button 112 a pump will pump out the air inside the body 114. The working surface is comprised of a rubber diaphragm 116, and when a suction is created in the body 112 and on one side of the diaphragm 116, a suction force will be created against a sheet material surface positioned adjacent and in contact therewith. Suction units 26, include threaded bolt holes 118 on the body 114 (or in its sides), for bolting to crane lifting cables in other uses but for the purpose illustrated in Figure 19 can be used to connect to the attachment bracket 110.

The attachment bracket 110 is illustrated in more detail in Figure 20. The bracket 110 has a central cylindrical body 330 by which the bracket 110 can be secured to the near side member 14. Extending angularly away from the body 330 are two legs which terminate with narrow flanges 334 which provide two holes 336 therein so as to receive bolts by which to pick up the threaded mounting holes 118 in the body of the suction units 26. The space 338 between the legs 332 allows the handle 104 of the suction unit 26 to be positioned therein once connection and securement of the suction unit 26 to the bracket 110 has occurred, as is illustrated in Figure 19.

Illustrated in Figure 20 is a cross section detail of the corners 300 and 304. This Figure illustrates a bolt 340 which has a shaped head 342 and a shank 344 which is threaded at its end 346. A dome headed nut 348 and washer 350 are used to secure the bolt 340 to the tube 352 of the frame 4.

The bolt 340 passes through a hole 354 drilled through the neoprene rubber 356 and the tube 352. The lower section 343 of the bolt head 342 is generally circular with two opposed flat surfaces 345 of which only one is visible in Figure 21. The opposed flat surfaces provide a means for a spanner to prevent the bolt 340 from rotating while the nut 348 is secured and tightened thereto. The top 341 of the bolt head 342 is dome shaped so as to prevent any sharp corners being present and exposed when the implement 2 is in use.

The intersection 310 is illustrated in more detail and in cross section in Figure 22. The bolt 360 is similar to the bolt 340 of Figure 21 except that it is longer. Accordingly like features have been like numbered with the bolt of Figure 21 and have a like purpose which will not be described again. Instead of connecting into a dome shaped nut the threaded end 346 connects into a T joint cylindrical nut 362 which has an outside diameter so as to fit snugly into the tube end of the lower horizontal member 8.

The cylindrical nut is held in position in the end of the lower horizontal member 8 and prevented from rotation therein by a pin 364 which passes through the member 8 and engages the member 8 at opposite sides thereof.

The threaded end 346 of the bolt 356 is passed through a hole 354 in the neoprene rubber material 356 and tube 352 in the region between the imaginary end of the near side member 14 and imaginary beginning of the near side extension member 20.

The threaded end 346 engages the female thread in the nut 362, whereupon tightening of the bolt will securely locate the nut 362 adjacent the outside of the tube 352 and as the pin 364 holds the end of the member 8 in position a relatively strong join or connection between the end of member 8 and the tube forming near side member 14 is formed.

As illustrated in Figures 23 and 24, a far side extension leg 20 can be added to the implement 2, which is preferably of the same length as the near side extension member. The implement 2 illustrated in Figures 23 and 24 is the implement 2 of Figures 19 to 22. The extension leg 90A is illustrated in Figure 25 and is made up of a leg portion 90B and an attachment bracket 90C to connect to the corner 304 of Figure 19. The bracket 90C is a curved channel which has a key hole shaped aperture 90D to receive and be held by the bolt 340 located at the corner 304.

The far side extension leg 90A can be used to engage the ground to thereby transfer weight or force to the ground to support the weight of the glass whilst the user removes the harness and stands on the far side of the implement 2. This will then allow a longer supporting leg by which to lift the pane of glass 16 into a higher position than would be normal utilising the implement 2 alone.

Illustrated in Figure 24, the extension leg 90A also allows a second person on the other side of implement 2 to assist in the lifting process, or alternatively as in Figure 23, a person can connect a rope or other lifting device to the horizontal member 18, and lift the sheet 16 together with implement 2 to a desired location, with assistance by persons below, as in Figure 23.

Illustrated in Figure 26 is an implement 2 constructed by a different means to that of Figures 19 to 22. The implement of Figure 26 is an all welded construction, with the lower horizontal member 8 being constructed from a larger diameter tube. In the

implement 2 illustrated in Figure 26, the near side extension member 20, the near side member 14, upper horizontal member 18 and far side member 12 are all manufactured from 32 mm outside diameter tubing, with the lower horizontal member 8 being manufactured from 40 mm outside diameter tubing. In both cases the tubing is preferably 1.6 mm in thickness. As is illustrated in hidden detail the tubes which make up both the members 14 and 20 have a reinforcing tube inserted therethrough, as does the tube which makes member 14. The provision of a horizontal member 8 with a larger diameter than members 18,12, and 14, and the provision of reinforcing gives the frame 4 a greater degree of rigidity making the implement 2 easier to use. Clearly there exists a design compromise in the rigidity of the frame, as to get even higher rigidity levels will require a greater mass of frame and thus weight. The increase in weight will mean that users may have to lift significantly more than the weight of the sheet to be lifted.

To attach a harness such as harness 10 there is provided L shaped members 304A which are welded to both the lower horizontal member 8 and the respective members 14 and 12. A web 340B is provided on the corner between the members 4 and 14 for the attachment of the harness to the top of the frame 4.

All of the above embodiments can be used on either side of a sheet material, by preferably turning the implement around.

Alternatively provision to attach the suction units 26 or channel supports 28 can be provided on the other side of the carrying frame. Also if desired other implements 2 can be used so that at least one is located on either side of the sheet material.

To even further improve the ergonomic benefits of the implement 2, a user can apply a second extension member to the base of far side member 12, and attach suction cups 26 or channel supports 28 and have two sheets of glass or sheet material either side of the user. This will improve the balance of the forces to be lifted but will be limited by how much one person can carry safely. It may also limit the movement of the user. In the situation where weight may become a factor, a second implement 2 with suction units 26 or channel supports on both sides thereof can be utilised with an extra person or series of extra people and implements.

If desired counter weights can be added to implement 2. The counter weights are preferably added to implement 2 at the points of intersection of the far side member 12 and respectively the upper and lower horizontal members 18 and 8. The counter weights can be positioned anywhere on implement 2 to produce a balancing force, but most preferably the counter weights would be added to members 8,18 or 12. If desired, to one or both of the members 18 and 8 sliding counter weights can be attached, allowing for repositioning of the counter weights, as desired. The counter weights, while adding mass provide a means to counter balance implement 2 when a sheet 16 is attached.

It will be understood that the invention disclosed and defined herein extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text or drawings. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the invention.

The foregoing describes embodiments of the present invention, and modifications obvious to those skilled in the art, can be made thereto, without departing from the scope of the present invention.