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.

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 transpor...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006] The lifting harness includes a base strap and a pair of shoulder straps releasably attached to the base strap spaced apart by 180°. 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.

Problems solved by technology

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.

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.

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