US-12616293-B2 - Smart strap for carrying unwieldy objects

Abstract

Several strap apparatuses employing different strap configurations for securing unwieldy objects are disclosed herein. Strap apparatus embodiments can employ a fulcrum with a plurality of straps attached to the fulcrum. For example, an embodiment can include four straps attached to the fulcrum at the corners using D-clips and stitching. Straps can be interconnected using buckle fasteners and tightened using cinch clips or other means. Another embodiment can include straps with enlarged ends that can be attached to the fulcrum through openings. Handles can be attached to the straps to enable a user to adjust the straps for carrying an unwieldy object. Cross straps can be included to further secure the apparatus during transport of an object.

Inventors

• Troy Pefley
• Dustin Pefley

Assignees

• D&T Products, LLC

Dates

Publication Date

20260505

Application Date

20220825

Claims (5)

1. 1 . A strap apparatus for use in carrying an unwieldy object, the strap apparatus comprising: a) a fulcrum comprising a removable harness and a plurality of attachment points; b) the fulcrum is configured to be positioned on the back of a user; c) a first strap and a second strap; d) a third strap and a fourth strap; g) each attachment point includes a webbing affixed to the fulcrum; h) the first strap is affixed directly to a first attachment point; i) the second strap is affixed directly to a second attachment point; j) a first handle section affixed to the first strap; k) a second handle section affixed to the second strap; l) the first strap is configured to be positioned on a first shoulder of the user; m) the second strap is configured to be positioned on a second shoulder of the user; n) a cinch strap comprising a hook fastener; o) a fulcrum strap comprising a loop fastener, wherein the fulcrum strap is affixed to the fulcrum; p) the hook fastener of the cinch strap is mechanically connected to the loop fastener of the fulcrum strap; and q) wherein each of the straps are adjustable by the user.
2. 2 . The strap apparatus of claim 1 , wherein: c); a) a pulley mechanism comprising two cross straps and a fastener connecting the cross straps; b) the cross straps are affixed to the first strap and third strap; c) wherein a user can use the fastener of the pulley mechanism to secure the cross straps across the user's chest; d) each attachment point of the fulcrum further includes a D-ring connected to each webbing; e) the first strap is affixed to a first D-ring; and f) the second strap is affixed directly to a second D-ring.
3. 3 . The strap apparatus of claim 1 , wherein: a) the removable harness further includes a chest strap; and b) the removable harness includes: a female hitch receiver connected to the plurality of attachment points and the fulcrum strap; a male hitch having a hitch stem; and the female hitch engages with the male hitch.
4. 4 . The strap apparatus of claim 1 , wherein: a) the first handle section is attached to the first strap using a mechanical fastener; and b) the second handle section is attached to the second strap using a mechanical fastener.
5. 5 . The strap apparatus of claim 4 , wherein: a) the first handle section includes a handle strap; b) the second handle section includes a handle strap; and c) wherein each of the handle straps are adjustable by the user.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/385,304 filed 26 Jul. 2021. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to strap apparatuses. More particularly, the present invention relates to strap apparatuses for use in carrying unwieldy objects. 2. Description of Related Art For workers and other people who frequently carry unwieldy objects, it is often difficult and time consuming. For example, objects that cannot be carried by one person often require two or three people. If a person uses straps or a harness to tightly secure an object to their body, it can be dangerous during transport. If the person is traveling on stairs or on a hazardous surface and the person falls, the harnessed object may stay attached to the person and create another hazard during the fall. Thus, current strap systems are insufficient for enabling a person to transport an unwieldy object and readily release the object. There is a need in the field for an improved strap apparatus and method for securing and carrying unwieldy objects. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Several strap apparatuses employing different strap configurations for securing unwieldy objects are disclosed herein. Strap apparatus embodiments can employ a fulcrum with a plurality of straps attached to the fulcrum. For example, an embodiment can include four straps attached to the fulcrum at the corners using D-clips and stitching. Straps can be interconnected using buckle fasteners and tightened using cinch clips or other means. Another embodiment can include straps with enlarged ends that can be attached to the fulcrum through openings. Handles can be attached to the straps to enable a user to adjust the straps for carrying an unwieldy object. Cross straps can be included to further secure the apparatus during transport of an object. A method of carrying an unwieldy object includes placing the object on a fulcrum prior to mounting on a user's back. The unwieldy object is positioned and balanced on a user's back between the fulcrum and the user. The user can manually adjust the straps as needed to securely transport the object. When the user wants to release the object, he can do so quickly by releasing the straps. These and other features and advantages will be apparent from reading of the following detailed description and review of the associated drawings. It is to be understood that both the forgoing general description and the following detailed description are explanatory and do not restrict aspects as claimed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 illustrates a strap apparatus embodiment implementing four straps for carrying an unwieldy object. FIG. 2 illustrates a user employing a strap apparatus embodiment to carry an unwieldy object. FIG. 3 illustrates an alternative strap apparatus embodiment implementing four straps for carrying an unwieldy object. FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of an alternative strap apparatus embodiment implementing two straps that intersect and resemble a figure-eight shape. FIG. 5 illustrates a rear view of the alternative strap apparatus embodiment implementing two straps that intersect and resemble a figure-eight shape. FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative strap apparatus embodiment for use in carrying an unwieldy object. FIG. 7 illustrates the strap apparatus embodiment with a removable harness. FIG. 8A illustrates a front view of the removable harness of the strap apparatus embodiment including a chest strap. FIG. 8B illustrates a side view of the removable harness of the strap apparatus embodiment. FIG. 9 illustrates a side view of a shoulder strap of the strap apparatus embodiment. FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of a user employing the strap apparatus embodiment to carry an unwieldy object up a flight of stairs. FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of a user employing the strap apparatus embodiment to carry an unwieldy object down a flight of stairs. FIG. 12 illustrates a top view of the strap apparatus embodiment. FIG. 13A illustrates two straps with handle sections for the strap apparatus embodiment. FIG. 13B illustrates a close up view of a handle section of the strap apparatus embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS The following descriptions relate principally to preferred embodiments while a few alternative embodiments may also be referenced on occasion, although it should be understood that many other alternative embodiments would also fall within the scope of the invention. The embodiments disclosed are not to be construed as describing limits to the invention, whereas the broader scope of the invention should instead be considered with reference to the claims, which may be now appended or may later be added or amended in this or related applications. Unless indicated otherwise, it is to be understood that terms used in these descriptions generally have the same meanings as