Carrying device with load transfer capability

Abstract

A support system for carrying a load in a carrier (i.e. a backpack), includes a crossbar engaged with first and second extension arms. A plurality of fasteners is mounted on the crossbar for engagement with the load carrier. Additionally, a support unit is provided for wear at the waist of the user which includes a first holster positioned on one side of the user, and a second holster positioned on the other side. With this combination, the user can lift the load by the extension arms of the support system and insert ends of the extension arms into respective holsters. The result here is to lift the load from the shoulders of the user with the support system to shift the force distribution of the load from the shoulders to the waist of the user.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A device for shifting the force distribution of a load against a user as it is being transported by the user which comprises:
 a carrier for transporting the load, wherein the carrier includes a first shoulder strap and a second shoulder strap, and wherein the first and second shoulder straps are adjustable for supporting the load on the shoulders of the user;   a crossbar affixed in a secure engagement with the carrier, wherein the crossbar has a first end and a second end;   a first extension arm having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the first extension arm is engaged with the first end of the crossbar;   a second extension arm having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the second extension arm is engaged with the second end of the crossbar; and   a support unit for wear at the waist of the user, wherein the support unit has a first holster positioned on one side of the user, and a second holster positioned on the other side of the user, so the user can lift the first and second extension arms for insertion into the respective first and second holsters to lift the crossbar and the shoulder straps of the carrier from the shoulders of the user to shift the force distribution of the load from the shoulders to the waist of the user.   
     
     
         2 . The device as recited in  claim 1  further comprising:
 a first gripping handle attached to the second end of the first extension arm, wherein the first gripping handle is formed with a prong; and 
 a second gripping handle formed with a prong and attached to the second end of the second extension arm. 
 
     
     
         3 . The device as recited in  claim 2  wherein the first extension arm and the second extension arm each comprises:
 an arm member; 
 a shoulder joint interconnecting the arm member with the crossbar; 
 a forearm member; 
 an elbow joint interconnecting the forearm member with the arm member opposite the crossbar; and 
 a wrist joint for interconnecting the gripping handle with the forearm member opposite the arm member. 
 
     
     
         4 . The device as recited in  claim 3  wherein the elbow joint and the wrist joint are flexible joints, and wherein the shoulder joint is a fixed joint. 
     
     
         5 . The device as recited in  claim 2  wherein the gripping handle has a grip extending distally from the wrist joint in axial alignment with the forearm member, and wherein the prong extends from the wrist joint perpendicular to the grip for selective insertion into a holster. 
     
     
         6 . The device as recited in  claim 1  wherein the crossbar is embedded in the carrier. 
     
     
         7 . The device as recited in  claim 1  wherein the carrier is a backpack. 
     
     
         8 . The device as recited in  claim 1  wherein the carrier is a radiologic lead apron. 
     
     
         9 . The device as recited in  claim 3  wherein the crossbar, the arm members, the forearm members and the gripping handles are hollow tubes. 
     
     
         10 . The device as recited in  claim 9  wherein the crossbar, the arm members, the forearm members and the gripping handles are made of material selected from the group consisting of plastic, aluminum, stainless steel and nano tubing. 
     
     
         11 . A device for shifting the force distribution of a load against a user as the load is being carried by the user in a carrier, the device comprising:
 a support frame having fasteners mounted thereon for engagement of the support frame with the carrier, wherein the support frame includes a crossbar and a pair of extension arms extending from the crossbar to an exposed end of the respective extension arm; and   a pair of holsters positioned on the waist of the user, wherein the user can manipulate the pair of extension arms of the support frame for insertion of the exposed ends thereof into a respective holster, to lift the support frame and the carrier attached thereto from the shoulders of the user to shift the weight distribution of the load from the shoulders to the waist of the user.   
     
     
         12 . The device as recited in  claim 11  wherein the fasteners are selected from the group consisting of straps, buckles, clamps, clips, hooks and latches. 
     
     
         13 . The device as recited in  claim 12  wherein the extension arms each comprises:
 an arm member; 
 a shoulder joint interconnecting the arm member with the crossbar; 
 a forearm member; 
 an elbow joint interconnecting the forearm member with the arm member opposite the crossbar; and 
 a wrist joint for interconnecting a gripping handle with the forearm member opposite the arm member. 
 
     
     
         14 . The device as recited in  claim 13  wherein the elbow joint and the wrist joint are flexible joints, and wherein the shoulder joint is a fixed joint, and wherein the arm member and the forearm member have adjustable lengths. 
     
     
         15 . The device as recited in  claim 14  wherein the gripping handle has a grip extending distally from the wrist joint in axial alignment with the forearm member, and wherein a prong extends from the wrist joint perpendicular to the grip. 
     
     
         16 . The device as recited in  claim 15  wherein the carrier is a backpack. 
     
     
         17 . The device as recited in  claim 15  wherein the crossbar, the arm members, the forearm members and the gripping handles are hollow tubes, and are made of material selected from the group consisting of plastic, aluminum, stainless steel and nano tubing. 
     
     
         18 . A load support system for a user carrying the load which comprises:
 a crossbar having a first end and a second end;   a first extension arm having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the first extension arm is engaged with the first end of the crossbar;   a second extension arm having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the second extension arm is engaged with the second end of the crossbar;   a plurality of fasteners mounted on the crossbar for secure engagement with the load; and   a support unit for wear at the waist of the user, wherein the support unit has a first holster positioned on one side of the user and a second holster positioned on the other side of the user, so the user can lift the first and second extension arms for insertion into the respective first and second holsters to lift the crossbar and the carrier from the shoulders of the user to shift the force distribution of the load from the shoulders to the waist of the user.   
     
     
         19 . The system as recited in  claim 18  wherein fasteners in the plurality are selected from the group consisting of straps, buckles, clamps, clips, hooks and latches. 
     
     
         20 . A system as recited in  claim 18  wherein the crossbar and the first and second extension arms are hollow tubes, and are made of material selected from the group consisting of plastic, aluminum, stainless steel and nano tubing.