US20060226183A1

US20060226183A1 - Apparatus for creating an alternate point of attachment for an attachable end of a load-bearing shoulder strap

Info

Publication number: US20060226183A1
Application number: US11/376,526
Authority: US
Inventors: Brian Sanderson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-03-17
Filing date: 2006-03-14
Publication date: 2006-10-12

Abstract

The present invention is an apparatus for use with a multiple or a single shoulder harness assembly such as seen on backpacks, golf bags, duffel bags, attaché cases, mail bags, and the like. The straps which attach a harness to these loads are often hindering and cumbersome; therefore, this apparatus creates an alternate point of attachment for an attachable end of a load-bearing shoulder harness. This apparatus gains support and leverage by attaching to a portion of one load bearing shoulder harness and provides an alternate point of attachment for one end of the same, or another, load bearing harness, which allows the removal of one harness-to-load attachment strap while maintaining the integrity of the harness' load bearing attributes. The result enables the user to single-handedly don and doff the complete load bearing shoulder harness assembly with one quick and easy motion, while providing freedom and mobility for the user.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based on provisional application Ser. No. 60/662,215, filed on Feb. 17, 2005.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

DESCRIPTION OF ATTACHED APPENDIX

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to load bearing carrying devices, such as straps, harnesses and yokes, which are designed to attach to a load, a container, luggage, duffels, backpacks, golf bags, mail bags, military bags and etc. (and any other totable item), and which allows the user to heft and transport the totable load over one or more shoulders, and more specifically to an apparatus for creating an alternate point of attachment for an attachable end of a load-bearing shoulder strap.
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to load bearing carrying devices, such as straps, harnesses and yokes, which are designed to attach to a load, a container, luggage, duffels, backpacks, golf bags, mail bags, military bags and etc. (and any other totable item), and which allows the user to heft and transport the totable load over one or more shoulders.
2. Background of the Invention and Related Art
Harnesses, straps, yokes and other such carrying devices are commonly seen and used in daily situations to facilitate the carrying of backpacks, golf bags, luggage, duffels, mail bags and a large variety of other such totable items which are carried by means of the shoulder(s) of a user.
Many of these of these prior art carrying devices are dual shoulder harness assemblies made of pliable, flexible materials. When upon the shoulders, these dual shoulder harness assemblies are still widely believed to be the most comfortable systems for carrying loads such as backpacks, golf bags, and duffels; the reason being that the pliable harnesses conform easily and comfortably to the unique landscape of the user's anatomy. In addition, added width and cushion, such as foam or air cells, can enhance the comfort of the harness. These dual shoulder harness assemblies, however, are not without their drawbacks and disadvantages.
One of the drawbacks which has long existed for the users of these dual shoulder harness assemblies is that they are difficult to don. Once the first of the two harnesses has been donned over the first shoulder, the user must reach back in an unnatural position to search for the second shoulder harness. Once the second shoulder harness has been located and is firmly in hand, the user must then pull the harness over the second shoulder, which, again, often requires the user to bend and stretch in unnatural ways in order to “get into” the second harness. Often, in the interest of time and ease, this frustrating problem is avoided by the user simply by donning only one of the two harnesses and leaving the other harness unused and dangling, which is very commonly seen in the use of small backpacks, school backpacks, and golf bags. Seemingly harmless, the result however can be very detrimental, especially when totable items which are used frequently, and even daily, are being toted only over one shoulder, which can become very strenuous and harmful to the skeletal and muscular structure and balance of the user. Also, harnesses that are donned over a single shoulder are less secure and can be harmful to the user and to the load in the event that the harness slips off the shoulder, which happens frequently.
Another drawback that exists with commonly used shoulder harnesses is presented by means of the harness attachment system. Most single harness systems utilize two attachment points on the load, and most dual harness systems utilize four attachment points on the load. Often, such as with some golf bags, a more complex configuration is utilized wherein two or more of the straps on a dual harness system converge and become one attachment point on the load. However, in all instances, the harness straps which are attached to a load become cumbersome and inhibit the freedom and movement of the user, and with a greater number of attachment straps that are utilized, the more cumbersome and restrictive the load and harness system become.
Other carrying devices commonly seen in use are yoke-type carrying devices. Musicians use rigid carrying devices to carry large instruments as seen in marching bands and symphonies. While these systems provide good support and leverage for the load they carry, because of their rigid construction they are uncomfortable and constrictive to the user. They are also bulky, cumbersome, and heavy.
Other yoke-type carrying devices are seen in the field of golf bags. These primarily rigid systems, although convenient to don, do not provide the same level of comfort as the dual shoulder harness systems which are more widely seen in the golf arena.
In recent years, efforts have been made to improve the comfort, ease, security, and support of carrying devices. Some of these designs are briefly described herein.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,402,441 to Jones; Russell S. teaches the design for a musical instrument carrier comprising a support frame having shoulder pads, a front body engaging pad and a support frame securing the shoulder pads rearwardly of and above the front body engaging pad. The frame includes a pair of tubular members extending outwardly from the body engaging pad and dimensioned to receive a rod-like end portion of an instrument holder. The holder is shaped to engage an appropriate spot on the musical instrument such that the rod-like end portions register with the outwardly extending tubular members.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,256,007 to Streit; James L. teaches the design for a percussion instrument carrier particularly adapted for marching. The instrument carrier comprises a rigid frame having a pair of spaced-apart hook members for contacting the shoulder blades of the marcher, an integral rear support portion adapted to rest upon the back of the marcher, a pair of forwardly-projecting, spaced-apart arm members for securing the percussion instrument in a playing position, and means for coupling the arm members to the supportive frame at a height convenient to the marcher. A releasable belt is coupled at opposite ends thereof between downwardly projecting portions of the frame to aid in securing the carrier to the marcher while facilitating marcher comfort.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,883,691 to Pratt, et al. teaches the design for a unique carrying device for carrying a cartable item, wherein the carrying device is formed of a rigid structure and comprises means for engaging a first shoulder of a user, means for engaging a second shoulder of a user, means for connecting the means for engaging the first and second shoulders of a user together, means for adjusting the ergonomic configuration of the carrying device, means for releasably coupling or attaching the carrying device to a golf bag, and means for transitioning, upon elective actuation, functions to transition or convert the carrying device from a single-shoulder carrying arrangement or position to a dual-shoulder carrying arrangement or position.
U.S. Pat. Application No. 20040262343 of Pratt, Michael James; et al. teaches the design for a substantially rigid load bearing apparatus for facilitating manual transport of a load, such as a golf bag, luggage, camping equipment, backpack, and the like. The load bearing apparatus facilitates manual transport of a load by providing independent support for the load as well as enabling a user to quickly and easily implement the load bearing apparatus in a single motion. The load bearing apparatus may also incorporate a support strap assembly for selectively adjusting the position of the load relative to a user.
U.S. Pat. Application No. 20040256426 of Pratt, Michael James; et al. teaches the design for a substantially rigid bag carrying device for facilitating manual transport of a bag, such as a golf bag, luggage, camping equipment, backpack, and the like. The bag carrying device facilitates manual transport of a bag by providing independent support for the bag as well as enabling a user to quickly and easily implement the bag carrying device in a single motion. The support structure of the bag carrying device may be defined by a variety of shoulder supports, connecting supports, and other support structures. The bag carrying device may also incorporate one or more support straps for selectively adjusting the position of the bag relative to a user.
U.S. Pat. No. 387,556 to Beebe et al. teaches the design for a golf bag with dual shoulder straps.
U.S. Pat. No. 348,567 to Dunn teaches the design for a golf bag with a single strap.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,558,259 to Izzo describes a golf bag with a dual carrying strap assembly. In one embodiment, the strap assembly includes a first strap which is attached to the golf bag and interfaces with the golf bag at first and second longitudinally displaced locations. The strap assembly also includes a separate second strap which is also attached to the golf bag and which one end thereof interfaces with the golf bag at the second location and which its other end either interfaces with the golf bag at this same second location or at an intermediate location such as at the carrying handle of the golf bag. Nonetheless, the two separate straps form two loops such that the golf bag may be supported on both of the golfer's shoulders.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,487,347 to Zegar comprises a golf bag and a carrying device. It includes an elongated rigid bar which is attachable to a conventional single strap golf bag. The bar includes perforations. In one embodiment, the two shoulder straps are designed to be adjustable and include provision for quick attachment to and detachment from the elongated rigid bar.
Although some improvements have been made in the field of load carrying devices, several deficiencies are also apparent and still exist in these prior art designs. Specifically, Streit and Jones teach a rigid frame. Pratt teaches a rigid carrying device. Dunn and Zegar each teach a single shoulder strap. Bebe and Izzo teach dual shoulder straps. These prior art designs limit the user to a significantly rigid system, or limit the user to a single carrying shoulder, or require the user to utilize significant effort to donn the dual-shoulder design.
Consequently, there is a need in the current market for load carrying devices. Specifically, there is a need for carrying devices that are equal to the comfort of a pliable shoulder harness, as easy to don as a single shoulder harness, as secure as a dual shoulder harness, and which is lightweight. Accordingly, with a collaboration of all these attributes, the present invention provides a noticeable and vast improvement in the art of carrying devices.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is the object of this invention:
To provide a support apparatus for use with a load bearing shoulder harness which provides an alternate point of attachment for an attachable end of the load bearing shoulder harness, and also enables the removal of one or more harness-to-load attachment straps.
To provide a support apparatus with an attachment arm which attaches to a portion of a load bearing shoulder harness thereby gaining stability.
To provide a support arm extending from the attachment arm of the apparatus to which one end of a load bearing shoulder harness may be attached and supported.
To provide a connecting arm which connects the attachment arm of the apparatus to the support arm of the apparatus.
To provide an apparatus which will provide a point of attachment for attaching and supporting an attachable end of a load bearing harness being unattached to said load.
To provide an apparatus which will provide a point of attachment for attaching and supporting an attachable end of a load bearing harness being unattached to said load to provide ease of donning and doffing said load bearing shoulder harness.
To provide an apparatus which will provide ease of donning and doffing a load bearing two-shoulder harness.
To provide an apparatus which will provide a point of attachment for attaching and supporting an attachable end of a load bearing harness being unattached to said load to enable the removal of one or more harness-to-load attachment straps which will provide the user will more freedom and mobility.
To provide an apparatus which will facilitate a load bearing shoulder harness assembly with fewer harness-to-load attachment straps to provide the user with more freedom and mobility.
To provide a support apparatus which will provide a complete and adjustable load bearing shoulder harness assembly that is equal to the comfort of a pliable shoulder harness, as easy to don as a single shoulder harness, as secure as a dual shoulder harness, and which is lightweight, less cumbersome, which provides more freedom and mobility, and which is adjustable to accommodate a wide range of user sizes.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following descriptions, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed.
In light of the deficiencies in prior art designs, the intent of the present invention is to create a new and unique device, system, and method for enhancing an existing load bearing shoulder harness, which is used for carrying a variety of loads such as backpacks, golf bags, luggage, bags, mail bags, duffels, and other similar loads capable of being carried
the present invention relates to a unique support device and system designed to attach to a single or double shoulder harness assembly, which enables the removal of one or more harness-to-load attachment straps, the result of which enables the user to quickly and easily don and doff the load bearing shoulder strap assembly in a single-handed solitary motion while allowing the load bearing harness system to maintain the integrity of its prior load bearing attributes and while also providing greater freedom and mobility for the user. The present invention can be attached to an existing shoulder harness assembly, allowing the user to alter or convert an existing shoulder harness system, or alternately the invention can be supplied as a component of manufacture for new shoulder harness systems.
To accomplish this, the present invention features an apparatus adapted to enable the removal of a portion of one or more harness-to-load shoulder attachment straps, and to likewise enable the support of the same shoulder harness. The support device comprises an attachment arm which is a means for attaching the support device to a portion of the shoulder harness assembly; a support arm which is means for supporting an attachable end of a shoulder harness; and a connecting arm which is means for connecting the support arm to the attachment arm.
When the load bearing shoulder harness is donned upon the user, and being that the attachment arm of the support device is attached to a portion of the shoulder harness assembly, the support device gains support and leverage from the taught load bearing shoulder harness. The support and leverage that is gained from being attached to the taught harness is transferred through the device to the end of the support arm where it supports an attachable end of the same or a second shoulder harness.
After the support device is assembled to the load bearing shoulder harness system, and one or more of the harness-to-load attachment straps has been removed, as previously stated the result is such that the support device enables the user to single-handedly don and doff the complete load bearing shoulder harness assembly with one quick and easy motion, while maintaining the integrity of the harness' load bearing attributes and while providing freedom and mobility for the user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments to the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. It is to be understood that in some instances various aspects of the invention may be shown exaggerated or enlarged to facilitate an understanding of the invention.
A more particular description of the invention is rendered below. Illustrations of various embodiments of the present invention are appended. The drawings depict only typical embodimients of the present invention and are not, therefore, to be considered as limiting the scope of the invention. The present invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail thorugh the use of the accompanying drawings which:
FIG. 1 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the present invention which has not yet attached to a dual shoulder harness system. Illustrated is a support apparatus 20 for use with a load bearing shoulder harness 21 which attaches to a portion of an existing load bearing shoulder harness 21 and with the support and leverage it gains from the shoulder harness 21 provides an alternate point of attachment 22 for an attachable end 23 of the load bearing shoulder harness 21. The support apparatus comprises: an attachment arm 24 for attaching the support apparatus 20 to the shoulder harness 21; a support arm 25 for supporting one attachable end 23 of the shoulder harness; a connecting arm 26 for connecting the support arm 25 to the attachment arm 24.
FIG. 2 illustrates the support apparatus 20 which is attached to the load bearing support harness 21 by use of preferred attachment means such as, but not limited to, a rivet 30. Also illustrated by use of dotted lines is the portion of one harness-to-load attachment strap 31 which is able to be cut away or removed from the load bearing support harness 21.
FIG. 3 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Illustrated is a support apparatus 20 being attached to a load bearing support harness 21 and being donned over the shoulders of a user.
FIG. 4 illustrates an alternately preferred embodiment of the present invention. Illustrated is a support device 20 being unattached to a load bearing shoulder harness 21.
FIG. 5 illustrates the support apparatus 20 which is attached to the load bearing support harness 21 by use of preferred attachment means such as, but not limited to, a rivet 30. Also illustrated by use of dotted lines is the portion of one harness-to-load attachment strap 31 which is able to be cut away or removed from the load bearing support harness 21.
FIG. 6 illustrates a support apparatus 20 being attached to a load bearing support harness 21 and being donned over the shoulders of a user.
FIG. 7 illustrates an alternately preferred embodiment of the present invention. Illustrated is a support device 20 for use with a load bearing shoulder harness 21 which attaches to a portion of an existing load bearing shoulder harness 21 and with the support and leverage it gains from the shoulder harness 21 provides an alternate point of attachment 22 for an attachable end 23 of the load bearing shoulder harness 21. The support apparatus comprises: an attachment arm 24 for attaching the support apparatus 20 to the shoulder harness 21; a support arm 25 for supporting one attachable end 23 of the shoulder harness; a connecting arm 26 for connecting the support arm 25 to the attachment arm 24.
FIG. 8 illustrates the support apparatus 20 which is attached to the load bearing support harness 21 by use of preferred attachment means such as, but not limited to, a rivet 30. Also illustrated by use of dotted lines is the portion of one harness-to-load attachment strap 31 which is able to be cut away or removed from the load bearing support harness 21.
FIG. 9 illustrates an alternately preferred embodiment of the present invention. Illustrated is a support apparatus 20 being attached to a load bearing support harness 21 and being donned over the shoulders of a user.
FIG. 10 illustrates the embodiment of FIGS. 7, 8, and 9 being couple with a second embodiment of FIGS. 7, 8, and 9 which are utilized together to facilitate the carry of the same load.
FIG. 11 illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 11, wherein the two embodiments are connected by a connecting arm 40.
FIG. 12 illustrates the embodiment of FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, wherein a support strap 50 is connected between the support device 20 and the load bearing shoulder harness 21.
FIG. 13 illustrates the embodiment of FIGS. 4, 5, and 6, wherein a support strap 60 is connected between the support device 20 and the load 19.
FIG. 14 illustrates a support appartus 20 wherein any of the arms 24, 25, 26 can be utilized as a handle 70 for use in donning the load bearing system.
FIG. 15 illustrates a support apparatus 20 whereon a handle 80 is connected to any portion of the support apparatus 20.
FIG. 16 illustrates a support apparatus 20 whereon an addition attachment arm 90 extends from the apparatus and is attached to the load bearing harness 21.
FIG. 17 illustrates a support apparatus 20 whereon an addition attachment arm 90 which is hingedly attached 100 to the support apparatus 20 and which extends from the apparatus 20 and is attached to the load bearing harness 21.
FIG. 18 illustrates a support apparatus 20 wherein the attachment arm 24 and the support arm 26 are hingedly attached 110.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiment are provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure or manner.
The present invention relates to load bearing carrying devices, such as straps, harnesses and yokes, which are designed to attach to a load, a container, luggage, duffels, backpacks, golf bags, mail bags, military bags and etc. (and any other totable item), and which allows the user to heft and transport the totable load over one or more shoulders.
It will be readily understood that the components of the present invention, as generally described herein, can be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following more detailed description of embodiments of the present invention is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, as claimed, but is merely representative of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.
It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the objects of this invention can be achieved without the expense of undue experimentation using well known variants, modifications, or equivalents of the methods and techniques described herein. The skilled artisan will also appreciate that alternative means, other than those specifically described, are available in the art to achieve the functional features of embodiments of the present invention described herein and how to employ those alternatives to achieve functional equivalents of the present invention. It is intended that the present invention include those variants, modifications, alternatives, and equivalents which are appreciated by the skilled artisan and encompassed by the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.
As provided herein, the present invention relates to load bearing carrying devices, such as straps, harnesses and yokes, which are designed to attach to a load, a container, luggage, duffels, backpacks, golf bags, mail bags, military bags and etc. (and any other totable item), and which allows the user to heft and transport the totable load over one or more shoulders.
Harnesses, straps, yokes and other such carrying devices are commonly seen and used in daily situations to facilitate the carrying of backpacks, golf bags, luggage, duffels, mail bags and a large variety of other such totable items which are carried by means of the shoulder(s) of a user.
Many of these of these prior art carrying devices are dual shoulder harness assemblies made of pliable, flexible materials. When upon the shoulders, these dual shoulder harness assemblies are still widely believed to be the most comfortable systems for carrying loads such as backpacks, golf bags, and duffels; the reason being that the pliable harnesses conform easily and comfortably to the unique landscape of the user's anatomy. In addition, added width and cushion, such as foam or air cells, can enhance the comfort of the harness. These dual shoulder harness assemblies, however, are not without their drawbacks and disadvantages.
One of the drawbacks which has long existed for the users of these dual shoulder harness assemblies is that they are difficult to don. Once the first of the two harnesses has been donned over the first shoulder, the user must reach back in an unnatural position to search for the second shoulder harness. Once the second shoulder harness has been located and is firmly in hand, the user must then pull the harness over the second shoulder, which, again, often requires the user to bend and stretch in unnatural ways in order to “get into” the second harness. Often, in the interest of time and ease, this frustrating problem is avoided by the user simply by donning only one of the two harnesses and leaving the other harness unused and dangling, which is very commonly seen in the use of small backpacks, school backpacks, and golf bags. Seemingly harmless, the result however can be very detrimental, especially when totable items which are used frequently, and even daily, are being toted only over one shoulder, which can become very strenuous and harmful to the skeletal and muscular structure and balance of the user. Also, harnesses that are donned over a single shoulder are less secure and can be harmful to the user and to the load in the event that the harness slips off the shoulder, which happens frequently.
Another drawback that exists with commonly used shoulder harnesses is presented by means of the harness attachment system. Most single harness systems utilize two attachment points on the load, and most dual harness systems utilize four attachment points on the load. Often, such as with some golf bags, a more complex configuration is utilized wherein two or more of the straps on a dual harness system converge and become one attachment point on the load. However, in all instances, the harness straps which are attached to a load become cumbersome and inhibit the freedom and movement of the user, and with a greater number of attachment straps that are utilized, the more cumbersome and restrictive the load and harness system become.
In light of the deficiencies in prior art designs, the intent of the present invention is to create a new and unique device, system, and method for enhancing an existing load bearing shoulder harness, which is used for carrying a variety of loads such as backpacks, golf bags, luggage, bags, mail bags, duffels, and other similar loads capable of being carried
the present invention relates to a unique support device and system designed to attach to a single or double shoulder harness assembly, which enables the removal of one or more harness-to-load attachment straps, the result of which enables the user to quickly and easily don and doff the load bearing. shoulder strap assembly in a single-handed solitary motion while allowing the load bearing harness system to maintain the integrity of its prior load bearing attributes and while also providing greater freedom and mobility for the user. The present invention can be attached to an existing shoulder harness assembly, allowing the user to alter or convert an existing shoulder harness system, or alternately the invention can be supplied as a component of manufacture for new shoulder harness systems.
To accomplish this, the present invention features an apparatus adapted to enable the removal of a portion of one or more harness-to-load shoulder attachment straps, and to likewise enable the support of the same shoulder harness. The support device comprises an attachment arm which is a means for attaching the support device to a portion of the shoulder harness assembly; a support arm which is means for supporting an attachable end of a shoulder harness; and a connecting arm which is means for connecting the support arm to the attachment arm.
When the load bearing shoulder harness is donned upon the user, and being that the attachment arm of the support device is attached to a portion of the shoulder harness assembly, the support device gains support and leverage from the taught load bearing shoulder harness. The support and leverage that is gained from being attached to the taught harness is transferred through the device to the end of the support arm where it supports an attachable end of the same or a second shoulder harness.
After the support device is assembled to the load bearing shoulder harness system, and one or more of the harness-to-load attachment straps has been removed, as previously stated the result is such that the support device enables the user to single-handedly don and doff the complete load bearing shoulder harness assembly with one quick and easy motion, while maintaining the integrity of the harness' load bearing attributes and while providing freedom and mobility for the user.
While the invention has been described in connection with a preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the particular form set forth, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A support apparatus for use with a load bearing shoulder harness which attaches to a portion of said load bearing shoulder harness and provides an alternate point of attachment for an attachable end of said load bearing shoulder harness, said support apparatus comprising:

a selectively rigid primary attachment arm for attaching said support apparatus to said shoulder harness;

a selectively rigid support arm for supporting one attachable end of said shoulder harness;

a selectively rigid connecting arm for connecting said support arm to said attachment arm.

2. The support apparatus of claim 1, wherein said support apparatus being fixedly attached to said load bearing shoulder harness.

3. The support apparatus of claim 1, wherein said support apparatus being removably attached to said load bearing shoulder harness

4. The support apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a secondary attachment arm extending from said primary attachment arm of said support apparatus.

5. The support apparatus of claim 4, wherein said secondary attachment arm being hingedly attached to said primary attachment arm.

6. The support apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a support strap being attached to said support apparatus.

7. The support apparatus of claim 6, wherein said support strap attaches to said load bearing shoulder harness.

8. The support apparatus of claim 6, wherein said support strap attaches to said load.

9. The support apparatus of claim 6, wherein said support strap being adjustable.

10. The support apparatus of claim 1, wherein said selectively rigid primary attachment arm attaches to an anterior portion of said load bearing shoulder harness, said load bearing shoulder harness position being relevant to user when donned.

11. The support apparatus of claim 1, wherein said selectively rigid primary attachment arm attaches to a posterior portion of said load bearing shoulder harness, said load bearing shoulder harness position being relevant to user when donned.

12. The support apparatus of claim 1, wherein said selectively rigid primary support arm supports an anterior end of said load bearing shoulder harness, said load bearing shoulder harness position being relevant to user when donned.

13. The support apparatus of claim 1, wherein said selectively rigid primary support arm supports a posterior end of said load bearing shoulder harness, said load bearing shoulder harness position being relevant to user when donned.

14. The support apparatus of claim 1, wherein said support apparatus being for use with a single load bearing shoulder strap assembly.

15. The support apparatus of claim 1, wherein said support apparatus being for use with a multiple load bearing shoulder strap assembly.

16. The support apparatus of claim 14, wherein said support apparatus is used contiguously with another said support apparatus of claim 14, wherein both said single load bearing shoulder harness assemblies are facilitating the transport of one said load.

17. The support apparatus of claim 14, wherein contiguous support apparati of claim 14 being connected with a selectively rigid arm.

18. The support apparatus of claim 1, wherein one of said arms can be constructed to secondarily perform as a handle to assist in the donning and doffing of said load bearing shoulder harness.

19. The support apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a selectively rigid handle being connected to a portion of said apparatus to assist in the donning and doffing of said load bearing shoulder harness.

20. The support apparatus of claim 1, wherein said selectively rigid support arm being hingedly attached to said attachment arm.

21. The support apparatus of claim 1, wherein said selectively rigid support arm being adjustable.