US20200221856A1 - Load distribution apparatus - Google Patents
Load distribution apparatus Download PDFInfo
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- US20200221856A1 US20200221856A1 US16/743,899 US202016743899A US2020221856A1 US 20200221856 A1 US20200221856 A1 US 20200221856A1 US 202016743899 A US202016743899 A US 202016743899A US 2020221856 A1 US2020221856 A1 US 2020221856A1
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- extending portion
- bar
- items
- load distribution
- distribution apparatus
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Images
Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45F—TRAVELLING OR CAMP EQUIPMENT: SACKS OR PACKS CARRIED ON THE BODY
- A45F5/00—Holders or carriers for hand articles; Holders or carriers for use while travelling or camping
- A45F5/10—Handles for carrying purposes
- A45F5/102—Handles for carrying purposes with means, e.g. a hook, receiving a carrying element of the hand article to be carried
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45F—TRAVELLING OR CAMP EQUIPMENT: SACKS OR PACKS CARRIED ON THE BODY
- A45F5/00—Holders or carriers for hand articles; Holders or carriers for use while travelling or camping
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45F—TRAVELLING OR CAMP EQUIPMENT: SACKS OR PACKS CARRIED ON THE BODY
- A45F5/00—Holders or carriers for hand articles; Holders or carriers for use while travelling or camping
- A45F5/10—Handles for carrying purposes
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45F—TRAVELLING OR CAMP EQUIPMENT: SACKS OR PACKS CARRIED ON THE BODY
- A45F5/00—Holders or carriers for hand articles; Holders or carriers for use while travelling or camping
- A45F2005/008—Hand articles fastened to the wrist or to the arm or to the leg
Abstract
Description
- The present application claims the benefit of domestic priority based on United States Provisional Patent Application 62/792,857 filed on Jan. 15, 2019, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.
- As Aristotle said, “the hand is the tool of tools.” In many occupations and activities, the complete use of fully functioning hands is of vital importance. Hands that have been damaged or fatigued can often be debilitating to the accomplishment of a task.
- One arena where highly functioning use of one's hands is of the utmost importance is the construction industry. During a construction projection, a person needs to use his or her hands for all sorts of activities, be it carrying items, operating tools, writing-up orders, texting, and the like. In particular, the carrying of numerous and disparate items is a ubiquitous part of the construction job. Many of these items are of awkward size and shape and/or are extremely heavy. When carrying awkward and/or heavy items, a person's grip can lose strength and effectiveness, and the person may have to set the item down for a period of time to rest. Sometimes, the grip strength can go out quickly, and it can become easy for a person to lose their grip and drop or damage the item or themselves. Furthermore, even when the item is not dropped or damaged, the carrying of one or more items can cause trauma to the hand. This can leave the hand or hands numb, weak, or in pain and can impair the user's ability to use their hands in other tasks.
- Therefore, there is a need for an apparatus that can assist a person in carrying item by hand. There is further a need for an apparatus that can reduce the stress and/or weight on a person's hand when the person is carrying an item by hand. There is further a need for an apparatus that can distribute the load away from a person's hand when the person is carrying an item by hand. There is further a need for an apparatus that can assist a person in carrying an object without damaging the object.
- The present invention satisfies these needs. In one aspect of the invention, an apparatus provides assistance to a person carrying an item by hand.
- In another aspect of the invention, a load distribution apparatus reduces the stress and/or weight on a person's hand and/or fingers when the person is carrying an item by hand.
- In another aspect of the invention, a load distribution apparatus distributes weight away from a person's hand when the person is carrying an item by hand.
- In another aspect of the invention, an apparatus provides assistance to a person carrying an item by hand in a manner that prevents damage to the item.
- In another aspect of the invention, an apparatus provides a user to selectively distribute the load of a item or items being carried from the hands to the wrist or arm.
- In another aspect of the invention, a load distribution apparatus comprises an attachment portion, the attachment portion comprising an attachment mechanism adapted to connect to a wrist or arm of a user; a weight receiving portion, the weight receiving portion comprising a downwardly extending portion, an upwardly extending portion, and a bottom portion connecting the downwardly extending portion and the upwardly extending portion, the bottom portion including a contact surface adapted to receive one or more items to be carried by the user; and a connection portion connecting the attachment portion to the weight receiving portion in a manner where the weight of the one or more items on the contact surface can be transferred to the wrist or arm of the user.
- In another aspect of the invention, a load distribution apparatus comprises an attachment portion, the attachment portion comprising an attachment mechanism adapted to connect to a wrist or arm of a user; a weight receiving portion, the weight receiving portion comprising a downwardly extending portion, an upwardly extending portion, and a bottom portion connecting the downwardly extending portion and the upwardly extending portion, the bottom portion including a contact surface adapted to receive one or more items to be carried by the user; and a connection portion connecting the attachment portion to the weight receiving portion in a manner where the weight of the one or more items on the contact surface can be transferred to the wrist or arm of the user, wherein the downwardly extending portion and the upwardly extending portion are not parallel.
- In another aspect of the invention, a load distribution apparatus comprises an attachment portion, the attachment portion comprising an attachment mechanism adapted to connect to a wrist or arm of a user; a weight receiving portion, the weight receiving portion comprising a downwardly extending portion, an upwardly extending portion, and a bottom portion connecting the downwardly extending portion and the upwardly extending portion, the bottom portion including a contact surface adapted to receive one or more items to be carried by the user; and a connection portion connecting the attachment portion to the weight receiving portion in a manner where the weight of the one or more items on the contact surface can be transferred to the wrist or arm of the user, wherein the contact surface includes a flattened portion that increases the contact area with the one or more items when the one or more items contact the contact surface.
- In another aspect of the invention, a load distribution apparatus comprises an attachment portion, the attachment portion comprising an attachment mechanism adapted to connect to a wrist or arm of a user; a weight receiving portion, the weight receiving portion comprising a downwardly extending portion, an upwardly extending portion, and a bottom portion connecting the downwardly extending portion and the upwardly extending portion, the bottom portion including a contact surface adapted to receive one or more items to be carried by the user; and a connection portion connecting the attachment portion to the weight receiving portion in a manner where the weight of the one or more items on the contact surface can be transferred to the wrist or arm of the user, wherein the extending portion and the bottom portion are sized and shaped to allow the user to selectively grasp the one or more items with the user's fingers and to selectively not touch the one or more items when the one or more items are on the contact surface.
- In another aspect of the invention, a method of distributing a load comprises attaching an attachment mechanism to a wrist or arm of a user; receiving one or more items in a weight receiving portion of a load distribution apparatus, the weight receiving portion comprising a downwardly extending portion, an upwardly extending portion, and a bottom portion connecting the downwardly extending portion and the upwardly extending portion, the bottom portion including a contact surface adapted to receive the one or more items to be carried by the user; the attachment mechanism being connected to the weight receiving portion in a manner where the weight of the one or more items on the contact surface can be transferred to the wrist or arm of the user.
- In another aspect of the invention, a method of distributing a load comprises attaching an attachment mechanism to a wrist or arm of a user; receiving one or more items in a weight receiving portion of a load distribution apparatus, the weight receiving portion comprising a downwardly extending portion, an upwardly extending portion, and a bottom portion connecting the downwardly extending portion and the upwardly extending portion, the bottom portion including a contact surface adapted to receive the one or more items to be carried by the user; the attachment mechanism being connected to the weight receiving portion in a manner where the weight of the one or more items on the contact surface can be transferred to the wrist or arm of the user, wherein the downwardly extending portion and the upwardly extending portion are not parallel.
- In another aspect of the invention, a method of distributing a load comprises attaching an attachment mechanism to a wrist or arm of a user; receiving one or more items in a weight receiving portion of a load distribution apparatus, the weight receiving portion comprising a downwardly extending portion, an upwardly extending portion, and a bottom portion connecting the downwardly extending portion and the upwardly extending portion, the bottom portion including a contact surface adapted to receive the one or more items to be carried by the user; the attachment mechanism being connected to the weight receiving portion in a manner where the weight of the one or more items on the contact surface can be transferred to the wrist or arm of the user, wherein the contact surface includes a flattened portion that increases the contact area with the one or more items when the one or more items contact the contact surface.
- In another aspect of the invention, a method of distributing a load comprises attaching an attachment mechanism to a wrist or arm of a user; receiving one or more items in a weight receiving portion of a load distribution apparatus, the weight receiving portion comprising a downwardly extending portion, an upwardly extending portion, and a bottom portion connecting the downwardly extending portion and the upwardly extending portion, the bottom portion including a contact surface adapted to receive the one or more items to be carried by the user; the attachment mechanism being connected to the weight receiving portion in a manner where the weight of the one or more items on the contact surface can be transferred to the wrist or arm of the user, wherein the extending portion and the bottom portion are sized and shaped to allow the user to selectively grasp the one or more items with the user's fingers and to selectively not touch the one or more items when the one or more items are on the contact surface.
- These features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings which illustrate exemplary features of the invention. However, it is to be understood that each of the features can be used in the invention in general, not merely in the context of the particular drawings, and the invention includes any combination of these features, where:
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FIG. 1A is a schematic perspective front view of a load distribution apparatus according to the present invention; -
FIG. 1B is a schematic perspective rear view of the load distribution apparatus ofFIG. 1A ; -
FIG. 2A is a schematic perspective view of the load distribution apparatus ofFIG. 1A worn on the hand and wrist of a person; -
FIG. 2B is a schematic view of a pair of load distribution apparatus in use; -
FIG. 2C is a schematic view of load distribution apparatus being used by multiple persons; -
FIG. 3A is a schematic side view of a portion of a version of a load distribution apparatus; and -
FIG. 3B is a schematic side view of a portion of another version of a load distribution apparatus. - The present invention relates to an apparatus for assisting in the carrying of one or more items by hand. In particular, the invention relates to a load distribution apparatus that distributes the load of an item carried by hand away from the hand. Although the invention is illustrated and described in the context of being useful for carrying items at a construction site, the present invention can be used in other ways, as would be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, the present invention should not be limited just to the examples and embodiments described herein.
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FIG. 1A shows a version of aload distribution apparatus 100 of the present invention. Theload distribution apparatus 100 includes anattachment portion 105 and aweight receiving portion 110. Theattachment portion 105 and theweight receiving portion 110 are connected to one another at a connectingportion 115. The attachingportion 105 includes awrist attachment mechanism 120 that is designed, sized, and shaped to allow theload distribution apparatus 100 to be attached to the wrist of a person or elsewhere along the arm of the person. Theweight receiving portion 110 incudes afirst end 125 that is connectable to thewrist attachment mechanism 120 at the connectingportion 115 and asecond end 130 that is adapted to engage and at least partially support the weight of an item that is to be carried when theload distribution apparatus 100 is secured to the wrist of a person that is to carry or assist in carrying the item. - In the version shown in
FIG. 1A , the wrist attachment mechanism includes astrap 135 that can encircle a wrist to secure theload distribution apparatus 100 to the wrist. In one particular version, thestrap 135 includes afastening system 140, such as a hook and loop or Velcro system, to help secure thewrist attachment mechanism 120 to the wrist. For example, afirst end 145 of thestrap 135 can be attached or associated with abuckle 150 having anopening 155 that receives asecond end 160 of thestrap 135 when thestrap 135 encircles the wrist of a person. Thesecond end 160 is inserted through theopening 155 and then encircled back around the wrist in the opposite direction so thathook material 165 near thesecond end 160 can engageloop material 170 near thefirst end 145 of thestrap 135. Alternatively, the hook material can be near thefirst end 145 and the loop material can be near thesecond end 160. Other attachment mechanisms for the strap can alternatively be provided. For example, thebuckle 150 can be removed and thesecond end 160 can attached directly to thefirst end 145 without doubling back. Also, the hook and loop system can be replaced with any other commonly known connection system, such as snaps, buttons, holes and notches as in a belt, and the like. Thestrap 135 can be form 1 inch to 50 inches and can be made from one or more of nylon, polyester, polypropylene, leather, cotton, rubber, wool, and the like, and can be elastic or non-elastic. Optionally, thefirst end 145 of thestrap 135 can be attached to abacking member 175 to help make theload distribution apparatus 100 more comfortable for the wearer and to reduce strain on the wearer's wrist. Thebacking member 175 can be made of one or more of neoprene, polyester, polypropylene, leather, cotton, rubber, wool, and the like. Thebacking member 175 can be attached thestrap 135 by any conventional method, such as by sewing. In one version of the invention, the backingmember 175 is attached to the strap by a sewing pattern that increases the attachment strength. For example, in one particular version, the sewing pattern comprise a rectangular sewing pattern with an x-shaped sewing pattern within the rectangle. - The
weight receiving portion 110 of theload distribution apparatus 100 is designed to extend into the palm of the hand of a person when theload distribution apparatus 100 is attached to the wrist of the person. Theweight receiving portion 115 comprises afirst bar 180, asecond bar 185, and across bar portion 190 near thefirst end 125 of theweight receiving portion 110 that connects thefirst bar 180 to thesecond bar 185. Thefirst bar 180 and thesecond bar 185 are each made up of a downwardly extendingportion 195 and ahook portion 200. Thehook portion 200 is made up ofbottom portion 205 and an upwardly extendingportion 210. The downwardly extendingportion 195, thebottom portion 205, and the upwardly extendingportion 210 together create aninterior space 215 that can receive an item to be carried. In one version, thefirst bar 180 and thesecond bar 185 are substantially mirror images of one another and extend parallel to one another along their respective lengths. Alternatively, thefirst bar 180 and thesecond bar 185 can be something other than a mirror image of one another and/or can be non-parallel at least over a portion of the bars. Together thefirst bar 180 and thesecond bar 185 form a double-hooked claw configuration. Thefirst bar 180 and thesecond bar 185 may be made of a metal, such as one or more of carbon steel, tool steel, stainless steel, alloy steel, iron, any metal alloy, and the like, or may be made from a material other than metal that is capable of carrying the desired load. Theload distribution apparatus 100 can be designed to be able to carry from 1 pound to 25,000 pounds. In one version, the cross-sectional dimension of thefirst bar 180 and/or thesecond bar 185 is from about ⅛th inch to about 2 inches in diameter or in the equivalent cross-sectional dimension if non-circular. - The connecting
portion 115 connects theattachment portion 105 to theweight receiving portion 110 in a manner whereby any weight carried by theweight receiving portion 110 is transferred to theattachment portion 105. Thus, when theattachment portion 105 is attached to the wrist of a person in a secure manner and when a weighted item is placed in theinterior space 215 of thehook portion 200, the weight of the item is carried at least partially by theattachment portion 105 attached to the wrist. In one version, such as shown inFIG. 1A , the connectingportion 115 includes a strip ofmaterial 220, such as nylon or any of the materials mentioned above or the like, that extends around thecross bar portion 190 of theweight receiving portion 110 and it sewn or otherwise attached to thebacking member 175 of theattachment portion 105. Alternatively, thestrip 220 can attach directly to thestrap 135 or to any other part of theattachment portion 110. Alternatively, thestrip 220 and thebacking member 175 and/orstrap 135 can be made from a single piece of material or otherwise be integrally connected. - The
load distributing apparatus 100 is shown in use inFIGS. 2A through 2C . As can be seen inFIG. 2A , theload distribution apparatus 100 is attached to the wrist of a person by theattachment portion 105 and thewrist attachment mechanism 120 at a position where theweight receiving portion 110 extends into the palm of the hand. Theinterior space 215 is located near where the fingers connect to the palm. As can be seen inFIG. 2B , an item, such as a handle of a five gallon bucket can be received within theinterior space 215. In like manner, theload distribution apparatus 100 can be used to carry one or more items such as paint cans, buckets of cement, plywood, drywall, sheet metal, wood studs, and the like. The handle of the bucket, or other item, can rest on thebottom portion 205 of thehook portion 200 to that at least a portion of the weight of the bucket is carried by thehook portion 205. Since thehook portion 205 is connected to theattachment portion 105 which is attached to the wrist of the person, the wrist of the person carries the weight of the bucket without the need for the hand to be involved. The positioning of thehook portion 200 in the palm of the hand allows the fingers to additionally grasp or touch the item in theinterior space 215, if desired. In this manner, the fingers can help secure the item in thehook 200 and/or can help to carry some of the load. As also can be seen inFIG. 2B , a person can wear aload distribution apparatus 100 on both wrists and be able to assistedly carry different items in each hand. In addition, the person with a load distribution apparatus on both wrists can more easily carry larger, heavier, and/or more awkward items, such as a large sheet of plywood or drywall.FIG. 2C illustrates how load distribution apparatus can be worn by multiple persons to carry large and/or heavy objects. As also shown inFIG. 2C , the person can either face the item or face away from the item when carrying it. The large sheet of plywood or drywall or the like can also be carried by a single person wearing one or moreload distribution apparatus 100. Theload distribution apparatus 100 allows for a user to carry a heavier load and/or carry a load for a longer distance before the hand and fingers grow fatigued and their strength gives out. - The
load distribution apparatus 100 can be sized, shaped, and dimensioned to fit a standard hand at a desired location and in a desire manner. For example, referring again toFIG. 1A , thebottom portion 205 has acontact surface 225 on its top or interior side that is adapted to contact an item received within theinterior space 215. The distance, d1, from thecontact surface 225 to thelowermost portion 230 of thewrist attachment mechanism 120 may be from about 1 inch to about 7 inches, or from about 2 inches to about 4 inches, or from about 3 inches to about 3.5 inches, or about 3.25 inches. The distance, d2, from thecontact surface 225 to thelowermost portion 235 of thestrap 135 may be from about 1 inch to about 7 inches, or from about 2 inches to about 6 inches, or from about 3 inches to about 5 inches, or about 4 inches. Alternatively, the distance may be measured from thecontact surface 225 to the midpoint of thestrap 135, with the strap having a thickness, t, of from about 1 inch to about 3 inches, or from about 1.5 inches to about 2.5 inches, or about 2 inches, and the distance from thecontact surface 225 to the midpoint of thestrap 135 thus being the d2 dimensions discussed above plus one-half of these thicknesses. Thus, with theload distribution apparatus 100, it is possible for a user to use his or her fingers and hands a desirable amount during the carrying of an item or items. For example, a user can grasp an item or items and use his or her hands to carry the entire weight of the item or items, and the user can let go of the item or items and let theload distribution apparatus 100 and the wrist carry the entire weight. Alternatively, the load can be shared by the hands and theload distribution apparatus 100. It is also possible for a user to be able to carry one or more items in theinterior space 215 while also holding one or more other items, such as a tool, with the fingers of the user. - In addition, the width, w, of the space between the
first bar 180 and thesecond bar 185 may be selected as desired. For example, in one version, the space may be sized some that one or four fingers can comfortably extend through the space to allow the fingers to contact an item in theinterior space 215. In this version, the width, w, may be from about 0 to about 9 inches, or from about 1 inch to about 8 inches, or from about 1 inch to about 6 inches, or from about 2 inches to about 4 inches, or from about 3 inches to about 4 inches, or about 3.5 inches. Alternatively, in other versions, the space can be significantly wider to allow for very large items to be carried or significantly smaller to prevent fingers from contacting the item. In one version, the first and second bar are replaced by a single bar or sheet. The single bar or sheet can be solid or can have openings therein. In another version, the downward extendingportion 195 can be made up of the first bar and the second bar and then the two bars can merge into a single bar or sheet at the bottom portion and/or the upwardly extendingportion 210. - In one version of the
load distribution apparatus 100, as shown inFIG. 1A , thecontact surface 225 on thebottom portion 205 is flattened. By having thecontact surface 225 flattened in its cross-section at the area of contact, the contact area is increased as opposed to a round or unflattened contact surface. By flattened it is meant that the contact surface is flattened or at least partially flattened and is not circular or similarly round in cross-section so that contact with a flat item on the contact area will not be along a small area or point. For example, the flattened contact area can be designed to contact an item or items along its cross-section for at least ¼ inch. The flattenedcontact surface 225 allows for better contact with the item being carried and distributes the weight of the item over a larger area than a round bar. This larger contact surface helps prevent damage to the item that can occur when a smaller or round contact surface is used, such as with a round bar. This protection against damage is particularly important when the item being carried is easily damaged or marred, such as drywall. In addition, the larger contact surface area helps prevent an item or items from sliding around when they are on thecontact surface 225 since the larger surface area creates more friction. Thecontact surface 225 can also include a roughened and/or sticky surface to further help hold an item or items. In one version, at least a portion, such as in the area of thecontact surface 225, of thefirst bar 180 and/or thesecond bar 185 can be dipped in a PVC dip or otherwise coated with a similar material to help make them more rigid and to further protect the item or items on thecontact surface 225. Other coating possibilities include powder and/or rubber, and the like. -
FIG. 3A illustrates a particular version of aweight receiving portion 110 of theload distribution apparatus 100.FIG. 3A is a side view of theweight receiving portion 100, so only thefirst bar 180 is visible. The downwardly extendingportion 195 includes astraight portion 240 that extends along at least a portion of the length of the downwardly extendingportion 195. The upwardly extendingportion 210 also includes astraight portion 245 that extends along at least a portion of the length of the upwardly extendingportion 210. Thestraight portion 240 of the downwardly extendingportion 195 and thestraight portion 245 of the upwardly extendingportion 210 are connected to one another by thebottom portion 205. In the version ofFIG. 3A , the bottom portion is curved. Thestraight portion 240 of the downwardly extendingportion 195 and thestraight portion 245 of the upwardly extendingportion 210 are at an angle, a, relative to one another that is greater than zero degrees, i.e. they are not parallel to one another. The angle, a, is defined as the angle between thestraight portion 245 of the upwardly extendingportion 210 and a parallel line to astraight portion 240 of the downwardly extendingportion 195. If there are multiple straight portions in the downwardly extendingportion 195, then the angle, a, is measured relative to the straight portion that is the most vertical when in use. If the entire downwardly extendingportion 195 is curved, then the angle is relative to the vertical when the apparatus is in use. - By providing an angle, a, that is greater than zero degrees, the
load distribution apparatus 100 offers advantages over a version of the device that has an upwardly extendingportion 210 that extends all the way to vertical. For example, when the angle, a, is greater than zero, an item or items that are received in theinterior space 215 and that are carried by the load distribution apparatus will be easier to remove from theload distribution apparatus 100 and/or load onto theload distribution apparatus 100. If the angle, a, were to be zero, the item or items would not be able to be slid off theload distribution apparatus 100 but would instead have to be entirely lifted. Thus, in one version of the load distribution apparatus, the angle, a, is greater than zero degrees, or greater than 5 degrees, or greater than 15 degrees, or greater than 35 degrees. - In addition or alternatively, in a version of the
load distribution apparatus 100, the angle, a is 90 degrees or less. By having an angle, a, of 90 degrees or less, the item or items being carried within theinterior space 215 will not slide off merely by gravity. Furthermore, by having an angle, a, of less than 90, some amount of lifting would be needed to remove the item or items. This would help prevent the item or items from inadvertently falling off while the user is moving the item or items. This allows the user to carry many different types of products including buckets, steel studs, and drywall without them readily falling off. Thus, in this version, the angle, a, is 90 degrees or less, or less than 90 degrees, or less than 80 degrees, or less than 70 degrees. In one version, the angle, a, is selected to accomplish both of these advantages. In such version, the angle, a, is from about 5 degrees to less than 90 degrees, or from about 10 degrees to about 85 degrees, or from about 15 degrees to about 80 degrees, or from about 35 to about 70 degrees, or about 55 degrees. - The length, l, of the
straight portion 245 of the upwardly extendingportion 210 can also be selected to advantageously allow for the carrying of an item or items. In one version, the length, l, is selected to be from about 0.5 inches to about 10 inches, or from about 1 inch to about 5 inches, or from about 2 inches to about 3 inches, or about 2.25 inches. These ranges of lengths have been determined to be well suited for carrying a construction item or items, such as plywood and drywall and are particularly suited for carrying two such boards. Thestraight portion 245 need not be straight across its length and/or across its entire length. At least a portion of thestraight portion 245 can be curved, slotted, notched, indented, have projections thereon, or the like. In this regard, thestraight portion 245 can be defined as a portion of the upwardly extendingportion 210 that has afirst end 250 and asecond end 255, wherein the angle, a, at thefirst end 250 is substantially the same as the angle, a, at thesecond end 255. Between theends ends first end 250 and thesecond end 255 that desirably falls within the ranges set forth above for the angle. - Another version of the
load distribution apparatus 100 is shown inFIG. 3B . In this version, the bottom portion is not curved. Instead, the bottom portion has astraight section 260 that is entirely or partially straight. The cross section of thestraight section 260 can be any desirable shape and can include acontact surface 225 that is at least partially flattened, as discussed above. - The
load distribution apparatus 100 can be further modified as would be readily apparent to those of skill in the art. For example, theload distribution apparatus 100 can be adapted to fit any desirable item or items that are to be carried. Furthermore, additional safety features or accessories, such as a strap to secure the item in theinterior space 215, can be provided. - The present invention also includes the method of using the
load distribution apparatus 100 in the manners described above. - Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with regard to certain preferred versions thereof, other versions are possible, and alterations, permutations and equivalents of the version shown will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the specification and study of the drawings. For example, the cooperating components may be reversed or provided in additional or fewer number. Also, the various features of the versions herein can be combined in various ways to provide additional versions of the present invention. Furthermore, certain terminology has been used for the purposes of descriptive clarity, and not to limit the present invention. Throughout this specification and any claims appended hereto, unless the context makes it clear otherwise, the term “comprise” and its variations such as “comprises” and “comprising” should be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, limitation, or step but not the exclusion of any other elements, limitations, or steps. Therefore, any appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred versions contained herein and should include all such alterations, permutations, and equivalents as fall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention.
Claims (20)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US16/743,899 US20200221856A1 (en) | 2019-01-15 | 2020-01-15 | Load distribution apparatus |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US201962792857P | 2019-01-15 | 2019-01-15 | |
US16/743,899 US20200221856A1 (en) | 2019-01-15 | 2020-01-15 | Load distribution apparatus |
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