U.S. patent application number 11/298621 was filed with the patent office on 2007-06-14 for lifting harness and method of using the same.
Invention is credited to Adil Aliev.
Application Number | 20070131726 11/298621 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38138275 |
Filed Date | 2007-06-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070131726 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Aliev; Adil |
June 14, 2007 |
Lifting harness and method of using the same
Abstract
The lifting harness includes a base strap and a pair of shoulder
straps releasably attached to a base strap. Each shoulder strap
includes a shoulder engaging portion and a plurality of arm loops
for receiving the arms of a user. The base strap is an oval,
elliptical, or other elongated loop having a pair of buckles or the
like for adjusting the circumference of the loop, and a pair of
parallel cross straps extending across the loop and slidable along
the loop to adjust the position of each cross strap, each cross
strap having a buckle to adjust the length of the cross strap. In
use, a heavy load is mounted on the base strap and each shoulder
strap is placed around the neck and over the shoulders of the
users, and a pair of arm loops receiving the forearms of the user.
Further, each shoulder strap further terminates at either end in an
adjustable releasable loop, allowing for one or more shoulder
straps to be used as carrying harnesses without the need for a base
strap.
Inventors: |
Aliev; Adil; (Mamaroneck,
NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LITMAN LAW OFFICES, LTD.
P.O. BOX 15035
CRYSTAL CITY STATION
ARLINGTON
VA
22215
US
|
Family ID: |
38138275 |
Appl. No.: |
11/298621 |
Filed: |
December 12, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
224/184 ;
224/257 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45F 3/14 20130101; A45F
2003/148 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
224/184 ;
224/257 |
International
Class: |
A45F 3/14 20060101
A45F003/14 |
Claims
1. A lifting harness, comprising: a base strap forming a continuous
loop; and a pair of shoulder straps releasably attached to the base
strap 180.degree. apart, each of the shoulder straps having a
shoulder-engaging portion and a pair of side portions extending
therefrom, each said side portion having at least one arm loop for
releasably receiving an arm of a user; whereby the base strap is
adapted to receive a load positioned on the base strap and the
shoulder straps are adapted for being looped around the necks and
over the shoulders of a pair users positioned on opposite sides of
the load.
2. The lifting harness as recited in claim 1, further comprising at
least one cross strap extending across the base strap loop, the
cross strap having opposed ends attached to said base strap for
supporting the load.
3. The lifting harness as recited in claim 2, wherein each of the
ends of said at least one cross strap defines a loop for receiving
said base strap, whereby said cross strap is movable on said base
strap to adjust arc size defined by said cross strap.
4. The lifting harness as recited in claim 3, wherein said at least
one cross strap further comprises means for adjusting cross strap
length.
5. The lifting harness as recited in claim 1, wherein: said base
strap further comprises means for adjusting the length of the
circumference of the loop; and each of said shoulder straps further
comprises means for adjusting shoulder strap length.
6. The lifting harness as recited in claim 1, wherein each of said
shoulder straps has opposing lower ends extending from the side
portions, the lifting harness further comprising: a first
releasable fastener attached to each of the lower ends; a connector
strap extending from each of the lower ends; and a second
releasable fastener attached to the connector strap, the second
releasable fastener mating with the first releasable fastener to
form a loop around said base strap, thereby movably attaching the
lower ends of said shoulder straps to said base strap.
7. A method of lifting a load, comprising the steps of: providing a
set of straps; selecting at least one strap of said set of straps
for lifting a load; supporting the load on said at least one strap;
positioning a portion of said at least one strap over a shoulder of
a user; and lifting said load.
8. The method of lifting a load as recited in claim 7, further
including the step of forming a loop in said at least one strap for
receiving said load.
9. The method of lifting a load as recited in claim 8, wherein said
step of supporting the load further comprises the step of
tightening said loop about said load.
10. The method of lifting a load as recited in claim 7, wherein
said selecting step further comprises selecting a base strap from
the set of straps.
11. The method of lifting a load as recited in claim 10, wherein
said step of supporting the load further comprises the step of
placing the load on said base strap.
12. The method of lifting a load as recited in claim 11, wherein
said step of selecting at least one strap further includes the step
of selecting a pair of shoulder straps.
13. The method of lifting a load as recited in claim 12, further
comprising the step of releasably securing said pair of shoulder
straps to said base strap.
14. The method of lifting a load as recited in claim 7, wherein
said selecting step further comprises selecting a plurality of
shoulder straps from the set of straps.
15. The method of lifting a load as recited in claim 14, further
including the step of joining said plurality of shoulder straps to
each other to form a base strap.
16. The method of lifting a load as recited in claim 15, wherein
the step of supporting the load further comprises the step of
placing the load on said mounting base.
17. The method of lifting a load as recited in claim 16, wherein
said step of selecting at least one strap further includes the step
of selecting another pair of shoulder straps.
18. The method of lifting a load as recited in claim 17, further
comprising the step of releasably securing said another pair of
shoulder straps to said base strap.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates devices for the moving, cargo
transport, and storage industries, and particularly to a lifting
harness and a method for using the harness for lifting and carrying
furniture, furnishings, and other loads.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] A multitude of devices are available for moving furniture,
cargo, boxes and other heavy loads often encountered in the fields
of moving and transportation. Transportation of heavy loads is
often accomplished through the use of dollies, carts, hand trucks
and the like. These devices, however, often provide only
transportation, and the cargo must still be lifted onto them, which
can cause great physical strain on the users. Further, such devices
are generally not adaptable to cargo of varying sizes; i.e., a
dolly may be useful for moving boxes, but it cannot transport a
large piece of furniture. Similarly, it would be inefficient to
transport a large cart to a moving site and only use the cart to
transport small boxes.
[0005] Various manual lifting devices worn or held by a user have
been utilized to aid the user in lifting heavy cargo. However, such
devices are generally hung from a single point of the user's body,
such as a strap or belt worn about the user's neck or attached only
to the user's arms or waist. Applying the entire force of the
cargo's weight to a single point on the user's body may be harmful
and can cause severe injuries to the user. It would be preferable
to provide a lifting device that distributes the weight of the
cargo over various points of the user's body, in order to reduce
the possibility of injury. Thus, a lifting harness and method of
using the same solving the aforementioned problems is desired.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The lifting harness includes a base strap and a pair of
shoulder straps releasably attached to the base strap spaced apart
by 180.degree.. Each shoulder strap includes a shoulder engaging
portion and a plurality of arm loops for receiving the arms of a
user. The base strap is an oval, elliptical, or other elongated
loop having a pair of buckles or the like for adjusting the
circumference of the loop, and a pair of parallel cross straps
extending across the loop and slidable along the loop to adjust the
position of each cross strap, each cross strap having a buckle to
adjust the length of the cross strap. In use, a heavy load is
mounted on the base strap and each shoulder strap is worn by the
user, with the shoulder engaging portion mounted on a user's
shoulders and a pair of arm loops receiving the forearms of the
user. The force of the load's weight is supported by the arms, the
upper back and the shoulders of both users, thus minimizing the
possibility of strain and injury.
[0007] Alternatively, one of the shoulder straps may be detached
from the base strap, and the single shoulder strap may be used as
an adjustable belt for lifting smaller loads, requiring the lifting
power of a single user. One end of the shoulder strap forms a loop,
and the free end is received through the looped end to form the
adjustable belt. The belt is tightened around the load, and the
free end is supported by the user. The user may mount the free end
over his or her shoulder, if necessary. Also, a rod or stick may be
provided for reception by one of the arm loops in order to
releasably lock the arm loop in position with respect to the
remainder of the adjustable belt, thus securing the load.
[0008] Further, a pair of shoulder straps may be joined together to
form an alternative base strap. A second pair of shoulder straps
are releasably attached to the alternative base strap, with the
load being mounted on the alternative base strap. One or more
shoulder straps may be used on their own to lift a load, wrapping
the shoulder strap or shoulder straps about the load and securing
the straps to the load. Each shoulder strap includes an
adjustable-length releasable loop at either end, which may further
be secured to or about loads.
[0009] These and other features of the present invention will
become readily apparent upon further review of the following
specification and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is an environmental, perspective view of a lifting
harness according to the present invention.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the lifting harness of the
present invention.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the lifting harness of the
present invention, illustrating detachment of a pair of shoulder
straps from a base strap.
[0013] FIG. 4A illustrates a first method step of using an
alternative lifting harness according to the present invention
formed from one of the shoulder straps.
[0014] FIG. 4B illustrates a second method step of using the
alternative lifting harness of FIG. 4A.
[0015] FIG. 4C illustrates a third method step of using the
alternative lifting harness of FIG. 4A.
[0016] FIG. 4D illustrates a fourth method step of using the
alternative lifting harness of FIG. 4A.
[0017] FIG. 4E illustrates a fifth method step of using the
alternative lifting harness of FIG. 4A.
[0018] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternative base strap of
the lifting harness of the present invention formed from a pair of
interlocked shoulder straps.
[0019] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another alternative base
strap of the lifting harness of the present invention formed from a
pair of interlocked shoulder straps.
[0020] FIG. 7 is an environmental, perspective view of an
alternative configuration of the lifting harness of the present
invention utilizing a pair of shoulder straps.
[0021] FIG. 8 is an environmental, perspective view of another
alternative configuration of the lifting harness of the present
invention utilizing a looped shoulder strap.
[0022] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another alternative
configuration of the lifting harness of the present invention
utilizing a single shoulder strap to carry a load.
[0023] Similar reference characters denote corresponding features
consistently throughout the attached drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0024] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown a lifting harness
10, which allows a pair of users to easily lift a heavy load 12,
such as a box, crate or article of furniture. The lifting harness
10 includes a base strap 14 and a pair of shoulder straps 16, which
are releasably attached to the base strap 14. Base strap 14 and
shoulder straps 16 are made of any suitable flexible material. In a
preferred embodiment, the base strap 14 and shoulder straps 16 are
formed of nylon, such as nylon webbing straps.
[0025] As best shown in FIG. 2, each shoulder strap 16 includes a
shoulder-engaging portion 24 and a pair of side portions, which
form a plurality of arm loops 18. In use, as shown in FIG. 1, when
worn by the user, the shoulder engaging portion 24 is looped around
the user's neck so that the load is supported by the user's
shoulders and upper back, and the arm loops 18 receive the user's
arms. Although each shoulder strap 16 is shown as having a total of
eight arm loops 18 in the drawings, it should be understood that
this is for exemplary purposes only, and each shoulder strap 16 may
include as many arm loops 18 as may be desired by the user. The arm
loops 18 are provided in pairs on shoulder strap 16, in order to
accommodate each of the user's arms.
[0026] The user may select which of arm loops 18 to utilize,
depending on the size and shape of the user's arms and body. In the
preferred embodiment, when worn, arm loops 18 engage the users'
forearms, allowing the users to support load 12 with their forearms
while leaving the users' hands free to provide additional support
and stability for load 12. However, the user may position arm loops
18 on any suitable portion of the user's arm, depending on comfort
and the further needs and desires of the user. It should be noted
that the choice of arm loop 18, and the selectable positioning of
the arm loop 18 on the arm of the user, is further dependent upon
the size and shape of the load to be carried.
[0027] As shown in FIG. 3, each shoulder strap 16 has a pair of
free ends 26, which terminate in connector elements 32 and 34. As
shown, each free end 26 may terminate in a socket receptacle 34,
with a connector strap 35 having one end affixed to the free end 26
above the socket 34 in pigtail fashion (alternatively the free end
may be bifurcated) and having a multi-prong plug 32 attached to the
opposite end, the plug 32 releasably mating with the socket
receptacle to form a loop at the free end 26 of the shoulder strap
16. In the drawings, connector elements 32 and 34 are shown as male
and female plug and socket connectors, respectively. However, it
should be understood that connector elements 32, 34 may be any
suitable releasable locking connectors. It should be noted that
connector elements 32, 34 may be adjustable connectors or may
include adjustable elements, such as buckles, allowing each end of
one of shoulder straps 16 to be formed into a releasable loop
having an adjustable circumference.
[0028] As shown in FIG. 2, each set of male and female connector
elements 32, 34 is releasably locked together to form releasable
loops 30, which receive base strap 14, releasably securing shoulder
straps 16 to base strap 14. Releasable loops 30 slide along the
base strap to allow for the movable positioning of each end 26 of
shoulder straps 16 on base strap 14.
[0029] Each shoulder strap 16 further includes an adjustable buckle
42, allowing for the selective adjustment of the length of the
shoulder strap 16. Depending on the size and shape of the user,
each shoulder strap 16 may be adjusted for optimal comfort and
stability. Similarly, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the base strap 14
includes a pair of adjustable buckles 20, allowing the
circumference of base strap 14 to be adjusted, depending upon the
dimensions of load 12.
[0030] Further, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, base strap 14 is an
oval, elliptical or other strap forming an elongated loop provided
with a pair of cross straps 22 for providing enhanced support and
stability for load 12. Each cross strap 22 includes a pair of
opposed ends that form loops 28, which receive base strap 14. Loops
28 allow for the attachment of cross straps 22 to base strap 14 and
further provide for the adjustable positioning of cross straps 22
with respect to base strap 14. Each cross strap 22 also includes a
buckle 20, allowing for the adjustable length of cross straps 22,
depending on the size and shape of load 12. Though the
circumference of base strap 14 and the lengths of cross straps 22
are adjustable, in the preferred embodiment, the base strap 14 has
a maximum circumference of approximately twenty-four feet, and each
cross strap 22 has a maximum length of approximately four feet.
[0031] As best shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in use, shoulder straps 16
are connected to base strap 14 through the use of releasable loops
30. The circumference of base strap 14 and the length of cross
straps 22 are adjusted, dependent upon the size and shape of load
12. Load 12 is positioned on base strap 14 and cross straps 22, and
each user places a respective one of shoulder straps 16 around the
neck and over the shoulders. The length of each shoulder strap 16
may be adjusted, through use of adjustable buckle 42, dependent
upon the size and shape of the user's body.
[0032] Shoulder engaging portions 24 are mounted on the users'
shoulders, and the users insert their arms into respective pairs of
arm loops 18. As shown in FIG. 1, load 12 is supported by base
strap 14 and the primary lifting force is provided by the
engagement of the users' arms with arm loops 18. The users' hands
are free to provide additional support and stability to load
12.
[0033] As illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4D, each individual shoulder
strap 16 may be used as an alternative lifting harness for lifting
smaller loads 40, requiring the lifting strength of only one user.
Small load 40 may be a stack of bricks, a small box, a stack of
cushions or any other load not requiring the pair of users
illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0034] As shown in FIG. 4A, in order to utilize a single shoulder
strap 16 as a lifting harness, one adjacent pair of male and female
connectors 32, 34 are connected to form releasable loop 30,
providing shoulder strap 16 with one looped end 38 and one free end
36. As shown in FIG. 4B, free end 36 is received by, and projects
through, looped end 38 to form an adjustable belt having an
adjustable loop portion for receiving load 40.
[0035] As illustrated in FIG. 4C, load 40 is received within the
adjustable loop portion of shoulder strap 16 and the strap 16 is
tightened around load 40. The user may then lift load 40 by
grasping free end 36, and free end 36 may be supported on the
user's shoulder or back, if necessary or desirable.
[0036] Optionally, a stick or rod 44 may further secure shoulder
strap 16 about load 40. As shown in FIG. 4D, one of arm loops 18 is
pulled through releasable loop 30. In order to firmly secure
shoulder strap 16 about load 40, the user may pull as many of arm
loops 18 through releasable loop 30 as necessary. The arm loop 18
adjacent to releasable loop 30 is held in place by stick or rod 44,
which is received through arm loop 18 and prevents the adjacent arm
loop 18 from passing back through releasable loop 30, as shown.
[0037] Once the load 40 has been secured within shoulder strap 16,
the load 40 may then be carried by the user, as illustrated in FIG.
4E. The user positions the strap 16 over the user's shoulder and
carries the load 40 on his or her back. The user may secure his or
her forearm through one of the free arm loops 18, as shown.
[0038] In an alternative embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 5, a pair
of shoulder straps 16 are joined together to form an alternative
base strap. The male and female connectors 32, 34 of opposed ends
of one shoulder strap 16 are joined together to form the shoulder
strap 16 into a continuous closed loop, and one the free ends 26 of
the other shoulder strap 16 is pulled through the loop and secured
to the opposite free end 26 so that the two shoulder straps 16 form
two loops linked together in a figure-eight or lemniscate-type
(infinity symbol) shape, as shown. This configuration may be used
as an alternative to base strap 14, shown in FIG. 2, and a separate
pair of shoulder straps 16 may be releasably connected to the
alternative base strap.
[0039] FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative configuration, similar to
FIG. 5. As shown, the ends of a single strap 16 are first crossed
before the fasteners 32 and 34 of the opposed straps 16 are joined.
This configuration will also result in a figure-eight type shape
for use as a base strap.
[0040] Alternatively, a pair of shoulder straps 16 may be used on
their own to lift a load 12, as shown in FIG. 7. In this
alternative embodiment, each shoulder strap 16 is worn over one of
the user's shoulders to secure load 12 to the user's back. This
configuration is similar to a backpack. The pair of shoulder straps
16 may be joined across the user's chest through engagement of
respective interlocking elements 32 and 34.
[0041] A single shoulder strap 16 may also be used for the
transportation of a load, as shown in FIG. 8. If load 12 has an
irregular shape, such as that shown in FIG. 8, allowing shoulder
strap 16 to be looped through or around part of the load 12, the
user may then grasp the free end of shoulder strap 16, engage one
of arm loops 18, and drag or lift the load 12. FIG. 9 offers an
alternative configuration to the lifting of a load via a single
shoulder strap 16. Looped ends 38 of shoulder strap 18 are well
adapted for carrying loose loads, such as loose rods 13. Looped
ends 38 secure the loose rods 13 and the shoulder strap 16 may then
be worn by the user to carry the load to the destination. As noted
above, connector elements 32, 34 may be adjustable, allowing the
looped ends of each shoulder strap 16 to be formed as releasable
loops having an adjustable circumference. Once looped ends 38
receive the load, they may be adjustably fastened about the load by
the user, for secure transportation of the load to the destination.
For heavy or long loads requiring two users to lift the load, a
pair of shoulder straps 16 could be fixed to load 13 in a manner
similar to that shown in FIG. 9. It should be understood that
shoulder straps 16 may be applied to any load without the use of a
corresponding base strap; shoulder straps 16 may be connected
together, as described above, or used on their own, fixed to loads
in a wide variety of manners.
[0042] It should be understood that shoulder straps 16 may be used
with the provided base strap 14, may be used one their own, or a
single shoulder strap 16 may be utilized to lift a load. As
described in the examples above, a pair of shoulder straps 16 may
be interconnected to act as a base strap or, in the alternative,
shoulder straps 16 may be interconnected, positioned beneath a load
to be lifted, and used together as a lifting harness. A wide
variety of combinations of interconnections between the pair of
shoulders straps 16 and base strap 14 are possible for providing a
lifting harness; the selective detachable nature of shoulder straps
16 with respect to base strap 14 provides for great versatility in
applying the lifting harness 10 to a wide variety of loads having
varying shapes and sizes.
[0043] The lifting harness 10 is adaptable for the lifting and
transportation of a wide variety of different cargo items,
including, but not limited to, furniture, boxes, plants, mattresses
and other heavy loads. In order to decrease the risk of injury to
the users, the weight of the load is supported over multiple points
of the users' bodies. Primarily, lifting harness 10 allows the
users to support the load with the combination of the users' arms,
shoulders and backs, rather than applying the entire force to only
a single region of each user's body, which could cause severe
injuries to the users.
[0044] It is to be understood that the present invention is not
limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and
all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.
* * * * *