US20200221856A1

US20200221856A1 - Load distribution apparatus

Info

Publication number: US20200221856A1
Application number: US16/743,899
Authority: US
Inventors: Brendan LaCorte
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2019-01-15
Filing date: 2020-01-15
Publication date: 2020-07-16

Abstract

A load distribution apparatus includes an attachment portion including an attachment mechanism adapted to connect to a wrist or arm of a user, a weight receiving portion including 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 one version, the downwardly extending portion and the upwardly extending portion are not parallel. In one version, the contact surface flattened portion that increases the contact area with the one or more items when the one or more items contact the contact surface. In one version, 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. A method of using the load distribution apparatus to distribute a carried load is also disclosed.

Description

PRIORITY

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.

BACKGROUND

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.

SUMMARY

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.

DRAWINGS

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:

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 of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2A is a schematic perspective view of the load distribution apparatus of FIG. 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.

DESCRIPTION

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.
FIG. 1A shows a version of a load distribution apparatus 100 of the present invention. The load distribution apparatus 100 includes an attachment portion 105 and a weight receiving portion 110. The attachment portion 105 and the weight receiving portion 110 are connected to one another at a connecting portion 115. The attaching portion 105 includes a wrist attachment mechanism 120 that is designed, sized, and shaped to allow the load distribution apparatus 100 to be attached to the wrist of a person or elsewhere along the arm of the person. The weight receiving portion 110 incudes a first end 125 that is connectable to the wrist attachment mechanism 120 at the connecting portion 115 and a second end 130 that is adapted to engage and at least partially support the weight of an item that is to be carried when the load 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 a strap 135 that can encircle a wrist to secure the load distribution apparatus 100 to the wrist. In one particular version, the strap 135 includes a fastening system 140, such as a hook and loop or Velcro system, to help secure the wrist attachment mechanism 120 to the wrist. For example, a first end 145 of the strap 135 can be attached or associated with a buckle 150 having an opening 155 that receives a second end 160 of the strap 135 when the strap 135 encircles the wrist of a person. The second end 160 is inserted through the opening 155 and then encircled back around the wrist in the opposite direction so that hook material 165 near the second end 160 can engage loop material 170 near the first end 145 of the strap 135. Alternatively, the hook material can be near the first end 145 and the loop material can be near the second end 160. Other attachment mechanisms for the strap can alternatively be provided. For example, the buckle 150 can be removed and the second end 160 can attached directly to the first 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. The strap 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, the first end 145 of the strap 135 can be attached to a backing member 175 to help make the load distribution apparatus 100 more comfortable for the wearer and to reduce strain on the wearer's wrist. The backing member 175 can be made of one or more of neoprene, polyester, polypropylene, leather, cotton, rubber, wool, and the like. The backing member 175 can be attached the strap 135 by any conventional method, such as by sewing. In one version of the invention, the backing member 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 the load distribution apparatus 100 is designed to extend into the palm of the hand of a person when the load distribution apparatus 100 is attached to the wrist of the person. The weight receiving portion 115 comprises a first bar 180, a second bar 185, and a cross bar portion 190 near the first end 125 of the weight receiving portion 110 that connects the first bar 180 to the second bar 185. The first bar 180 and the second bar 185 are each made up of a downwardly extending portion 195 and a hook portion 200. The hook portion 200 is made up of bottom portion 205 and an upwardly extending portion 210. The downwardly extending portion 195, the bottom portion 205, and the upwardly extending portion 210 together create an interior space 215 that can receive an item to be carried. In one version, the first bar 180 and the second bar 185 are substantially mirror images of one another and extend parallel to one another along their respective lengths. Alternatively, the first bar 180 and the second 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 the first bar 180 and the second bar 185 form a double-hooked claw configuration. The first bar 180 and the second 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. The load 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 the first bar 180 and/or the second bar 185 is from about ⅛^thinch to about 2 inches in diameter or in the equivalent cross-sectional dimension if non-circular.
The connecting portion 115 connects the attachment portion 105 to the weight receiving portion 110 in a manner whereby any weight carried by the weight receiving portion 110 is transferred to the attachment portion 105. Thus, when the attachment portion 105 is attached to the wrist of a person in a secure manner and when a weighted item is placed in the interior space 215 of the hook portion 200, the weight of the item is carried at least partially by the attachment portion 105 attached to the wrist. In one version, such as shown in FIG. 1A, the connecting portion 115 includes a strip of material 220, such as nylon or any of the materials mentioned above or the like, that extends around the cross bar portion 190 of the weight receiving portion 110 and it sewn or otherwise attached to the backing member 175 of the attachment portion 105. Alternatively, the strip 220 can attach directly to the strap 135 or to any other part of the attachment portion 110. Alternatively, the strip 220 and the backing member 175 and/or strap 135 can be made from a single piece of material or otherwise be integrally connected.
The load distributing apparatus 100 is shown in use in FIGS. 2A through 2C. As can be seen in FIG. 2A, the load distribution apparatus 100 is attached to the wrist of a person by the attachment portion 105 and the wrist attachment mechanism 120 at a position where the weight receiving portion 110 extends into the palm of the hand. The interior space 215 is located near where the fingers connect to the palm. As can be seen in FIG. 2B, an item, such as a handle of a five gallon bucket can be received within the interior space 215. In like manner, the load 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 the bottom portion 205 of the hook portion 200 to that at least a portion of the weight of the bucket is carried by the hook portion 205. Since the hook portion 205 is connected to the attachment 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 the hook portion 200 in the palm of the hand allows the fingers to additionally grasp or touch the item in the interior space 215, if desired. In this manner, the fingers can help secure the item in the hook 200 and/or can help to carry some of the load. As also can be seen in FIG. 2B, a person can wear a load 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 in FIG. 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 more load distribution apparatus 100. The load 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 to FIG. 1A, the bottom portion 205 has a contact surface 225 on its top or interior side that is adapted to contact an item received within the interior space 215. The distance, d₁, from the contact surface 225 to the lowermost portion 230 of the wrist 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 the contact surface 225 to the lowermost portion 235 of the strap 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 the contact surface 225 to the midpoint of the strap 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 the contact surface 225 to the midpoint of the strap 135 thus being the d₂dimensions discussed above plus one-half of these thicknesses. Thus, with the load 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 the load distribution apparatus 100 and the wrist carry the entire weight. Alternatively, the load can be shared by the hands and the load distribution apparatus 100. It is also possible for a user to be able to carry one or more items in the interior 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 the second 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 the interior 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 extending portion 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 extending portion 210.
In one version of the load distribution apparatus 100, as shown in FIG. 1A, the contact surface 225 on the bottom portion 205 is flattened. By having the contact 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 flattened contact 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 the contact surface 225 since the larger surface area creates more friction. The contact 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 the contact surface 225, of the first bar 180 and/or the second 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 the contact surface 225. Other coating possibilities include powder and/or rubber, and the like.
FIG. 3A illustrates a particular version of a weight receiving portion 110 of the load distribution apparatus 100. FIG. 3A is a side view of the weight receiving portion 100, so only the first bar 180 is visible. The downwardly extending portion 195 includes a straight portion 240 that extends along at least a portion of the length of the downwardly extending portion 195. The upwardly extending portion 210 also includes a straight portion 245 that extends along at least a portion of the length of the upwardly extending portion 210. The straight portion 240 of the downwardly extending portion 195 and the straight portion 245 of the upwardly extending portion 210 are connected to one another by the bottom portion 205. In the version of FIG. 3A, the bottom portion is curved. The straight portion 240 of the downwardly extending portion 195 and the straight portion 245 of the upwardly extending portion 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 the straight portion 245 of the upwardly extending portion 210 and a parallel line to a straight portion 240 of the downwardly extending portion 195. If there are multiple straight portions in the downwardly extending portion 195, then the angle, a, is measured relative to the straight portion that is the most vertical when in use. If the entire downwardly extending portion 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 extending portion 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 the interior space 215 and that are carried by the load distribution apparatus will be easier to remove from the load distribution apparatus 100 and/or load onto the load distribution apparatus 100. If the angle, a, were to be zero, the item or items would not be able to be slid off the load 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 the interior 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 extending portion 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. The straight portion 245 need not be straight across its length and/or across its entire length. At least a portion of the straight portion 245 can be curved, slotted, notched, indented, have projections thereon, or the like. In this regard, the straight portion 245 can be defined as a portion of the upwardly extending portion 210 that has a first end 250 and a second end 255, wherein the angle, a, at the first end 250 is substantially the same as the angle, a, at the second end 255. Between the ends 250, 255, the angle, a, may be different, and on both sides of the ends 250, 255, the angle can be different. It is the angle, a, at the first end 250 and the second end 255 that desirably falls within the ranges set forth above for the angle.
Another version of the load distribution apparatus 100 is shown in FIG. 3B. In this version, the bottom portion is not curved. Instead, the bottom portion has a straight section 260 that is entirely or partially straight. The cross section of the straight section 260 can be any desirable shape and can include a contact 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, the load 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 the interior 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

What is claimed is:

1. A load distribution apparatus comprising:

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.

2. A load distribution apparatus according to claim 1 the weight receiving portion comprises a first bar and a second bar, each of the first bar and the second bar making up the downwardly extending portion, the upwardly extending portion, and the bottom portion.

3. A load distribution apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the first bar and the second bar together form a double hook configuration.

4. A load distribution apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the first bar and the second bar are separated from one another by from about 1 inch to about 8 inches.

5. A load distribution apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the downwardly extending portion includes a straight portion and wherein the upwardly extending portion includes a straight portion.

6. A load distribution apparatus according to claim 5 wherein the straight portion of the upwardly extending portion is angled relative to the straight portion of the downwardly extending portion by an angle of from about 10 degrees to about 85 degrees.

7. A load distribution apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the contact surface is flattened.

8. A load distribution apparatus according to claim 1 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.

9. A load distribution apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the attachment mechanism comprises a strap adapted to encircle the wrist.

10. A load distribution apparatus comprising:

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.

11. A load distribution apparatus according to claim 10 the weight receiving portion comprises a first bar and a second bar, each of the first bar and the second bar making up the downwardly extending portion, the upwardly extending portion, and the bottom portion.

12. A load distribution apparatus according to claim 11 wherein the first bar and the second bar together form a double hook configuration.

13. A load distribution apparatus according to claim 10 wherein the contact surface comprises a friction increasing surface treatment.

14. A load distribution apparatus according to claim 10 wherein the downwardly extending portion includes a straight portion and wherein the upwardly extending portion includes a straight portion.

15. A load distribution apparatus according to claim 14 wherein the straight portion of the upwardly extending portion is angled relative to the straight portion of the downwardly extending portion by an angle of from about 15 degrees to about 80 degrees.

16. A load distribution apparatus comprising:

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.

17. A load distribution apparatus according to claim 16 the weight receiving portion comprises a first bar and a second bar, each of the first bar and the second bar making up the downwardly extending portion, the upwardly extending portion, and the bottom portion, and wherein the first bar and the second bar together form a double hook configuration.

18. A load distribution apparatus according to claim 16 wherein the downwardly extending portion includes a straight portion and wherein the upwardly extending portion includes a straight portion, and wherein the straight portion of the upwardly extending portion is angled relative to the straight portion of the downwardly extending portion by an angle of from about 15 degrees to about 80 degrees.

19. A load distribution apparatus according to claim 16 wherein the length from the bottom of the attachment mechanism to the contact surface is from about 2 inches to about 6 inches.

20. A load distribution apparatus according to claim 16 the weight receiving portion comprises a first bar and a second bar, each of the first bar and the second bar making up the downwardly extending portion, the upwardly extending portion, and the bottom portion, and wherein the first bar and the second bar are separated from one another by from about 1 inch to about 8 inches.