Lifting and carrying aid

Abstract

A lifting device includes an arcuate base member adapted to attach to a body encircling belt and at least one hinged member attached to the arcuate base member to support an object being maneuvered by a wearer of the lifting device. The arcuate base member is attached to the body encircling belt using adjustable lateral straps.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] Not applicable. STATEMENTS REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH [0002] Not applicable. FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0003] This invention relates generally to lifting aids and more particularly to a lifting support belt adapted to support an object being positioned or carried by a person wearing the lifting support belt. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0004] When an object is lifted by a person in a standing position, the weight of the object is transferred up the arms, through the shoulders and related musculo-skeletal structures, down the spinal column to the pelvis and the legs. Injury can occur from repetitive strain to these structures or uneven loading of these structures. By using proper lifting techniques of legs apart, knees bent and a straight back position, the center of gravity of the object can be maintained closer to the natural center of gravity of the human body and the possibility of overuse can be minimized. Also, by position...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0005] In accordance with the present invention, a lifting device includes an arcuate base member adapted to attach to a body encircling belt and at least one hinged member attached to the arcuate base member to support an object being maneuvered by a wearer of the lifting device. The arcuate base member is attached to the body encircling belt using adjustable lateral straps. With such an arrangement, a lifting device is provided to assist individuals in carrying objects including packaged goods which will decrease the incidence of and prevent against lower back injuries in persons involved in repetitive lifting and carrying. Another feature of the invention is to create a more ergonomically correct way to lift and carry objects that is less physically demanding.

[0006] In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, a lifting device includes a body encircling belt; an arcuate base member adapted to attach to the body encircling belt; and at least one hinged member or fixed member attached to the arcuate base member to support an object being positioned by a wearer of the lifting device. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one hinged member includes two hinged members equally spaced from a center line of the arcuate base member. Additionally, the arcuate base member is shaped to accommodate the two hinged members when the two hinged members are in the stored position. With such an arrangement, a lifting device is provided that ensures maintaining a balance of load close to normal center of gravity and to minimize the amount of muscle work that needs to be performed in order to maintain stasis. The present invention overcomes the difficulty of carrying difficult loads, especially large, heterogeneous or non-regularly shaped loads, where the arms are used for balance in more than one plane such as anterior-posterior as well as lateral balance. With the center of the load anchored at the appropriate position, the arms can be used more efficiently for lateral balance only. The present invention will benefit the user by assuring proper positioning of load as well as anterior-posterior balancing and decrease arm loading.

Problems solved by technology

Injury can occur from repetitive strain to these structures or uneven loading of these structures.

The constant muscular tension required for this action can become uncomfortable after repeated lifting maneuvers especially during carrying and lifting actions.

Unfortunately, when carrying large or awkward objects, the amount of muscular strain required of the both the larger trunk muscles and the smaller extremity muscles can be excessive.

Furthermore, when lifiting or carrying an object the arms can tire and a load can shift downward and forward resulting in improper loading and an increase in back tension and injury risk.

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