Carrying Aid

Abstract

A carrying aid that transfers weight from a load supported by shoulder straps, such as a backpack or portable tree stand, to the user's hip area is disclosed. The carrying aid includes a weight supporting region and a fastener region. The weight supporting region forms a trough around a portion of the load that reduces the risk of the load from being dislodged from the weight supporting region. A fastener attaches the carrying aid to the user's belt. The carrying aid can be molded, shaped, or formed from a single piece of material such as a metal, plastic, or polycarbonate. The carrying aid is easy to attach and remove from the user's belt and the load is easily inserted and removed from the trough formed by the weight supporting region. The carrying aid is lightweight and easily stored when not in use. This carrying aid is particularly useful for deer hunters or nature enthusiasts carrying shoulder strap-supported portable tree stands.

1 . A carrying aid that shifts weight from a load otherwise supported by shoulder straps to the user's hip area comprising:
 a. a weight supporting region formed by a base portion having a proximal and distal end, a first side portion distal to the user having a top and bottom end wherein said bottom end is connected to said base region's said distal end, and a second side portion proximal to the user having a top and bottom end wherein said bottom end is connected to said base region's said proximal end, such that the first and second side regions are substantially parallel to each other and largely perpendicular to the base region; and   b. a fastener extending from said top end of said second side region that is adapted to attaching the carrying aid to a belt or clothing article, so that said base region is largely perpendicular to the user's coronal plane when the carrying aid is attached to the user's belt or clothing article by said fastener.   
     
     
         2 . The carrying aid of  claim 1  in which the carrying aid is molded, shaped, fabricated, or formed from a single piece of material. 
     
     
         3 . A carrying aid as in  claim 1  in which the carrying aid is metallic. 
     
     
         4 . A carrying aid as in  claim 1  in which the carrying aid is plastic. 
     
     
         5 . A carrying aid as in  claim 1  in which the carrying aid is a polycarbonate. 
     
     
         6 . A carrying aid as in  claim 1  in which said second side region extends further from said base region than said first side region extends from said base region. 
     
     
         7 . A carrying aid as in  claim 2  in which the carrying aid is metallic. 
     
     
         8 . A carrying aid as in  claim 2  in which the carrying aid is plastic. 
     
     
         9 . A carrying aid as in  claim 2  in which the carrying aid is a polycarbonate. 
     
     
         10 . A carrying aid as in  claim 2  in which said second side region extends further from said base region than said first side region extends from said base region.