Hand-held load distribution device

Abstract

A device (100) for distributing the weight of a hand-held load, the device (100) comprising a first portion (1) arranged for attachment to the wrist, arm or hand of a user of the device (100); and a second portion (2) arranged to support, at least in part, the weight of the hand-held load; wherein the first and second portions (1,2) are formed from a single piece of material.

1 - 29 . (canceled) 
     
     
         30 . A device for distributing the weight of a hand-held load, the device comprising a single piece of planar sheet material having:
 a first portion arranged to be fastened around a wrist or arm of a user of the device; and   a second portion arranged to provide a handle for receiving the hand-held load in the hand of the user whereby to support, at least in part, the weight of the hand-held load;   wherein the device is operable to be moved between:   a first configuration, in which the first and second portions are substantially planar such that the device can be laid flat; and   a second configuration, in which the first and second portions are moved relative to one another such that the device forms a three-dimensional structure capable of distributing the weight of a hand-held load when fastened to the user.   
     
     
         31 . The device of  claim 30 , wherein the first portion includes two opposing sides, the device being capable of being used reversibly such that either side of the first portion is capable of resting on the wrist or arm of a user when attached. 
     
     
         32 . The device of  claim 30 , wherein the first portion is further arranged to provide a strap for fastening around the wrist or arm of a user. 
     
     
         33 . The device of  claim 32 , wherein a length of the strap is adjustable. 
     
     
         34 . The device of  claim 30 , wherein the first portion is provided with one or more fastening means for attaching the device to the wrist or arm of a user. 
     
     
         35 . The device of  claim 34 , wherein the fastening means is configured for releasable fastening of the device to the wrist or arm of a user. 
     
     
         36 . The device of  claim 34 , wherein the fastening means includes one or more fastening elements provided on a first end of the first portion and one or more fastening slots provided on a second end of the first portion, the one or more fastening elements being arranged to engage with the one or more fastening slots so as to fasten the first end to the second end. 
     
     
         37 . The device of  claim 36 , wherein the one or more fastening elements are formed by one or more substantially semi-circular slots being provided in the first portion. 
     
     
         38 . The device of  claim 36 , wherein the one or more fastening elements in the first portion have rounded ends. 
     
     
         39 . The device of  claim 30 , wherein the first portion has a substantially frustoconical configuration in the second configuration so to conform to the shape of the hand of a user when attached thereto, wherein the frustoconical configuration is arranged such that a diameter of the frustum increases towards the second portion. 
     
     
         40 . The device of  claim 30 , wherein a second end of the first portion includes means for guiding a first end of the first portion so as to connect the first end and second end together. 
     
     
         41 . The device of  claim 30 , wherein the first portion is generally perpendicular to the second portion. 
     
     
         42 . The device of  claim 30 , wherein the second portion is arranged at least in part to fit within a palm of a hand of the user so as to distribute the weight of a hand-held load. 
     
     
         43 . The device of  claim 30 , wherein the second portion is arranged to extend at least part way across the palm of a hand of the user when the device is attached to the user. 
     
     
         44 . The device of  claim 30 , wherein the second portion is arranged such that it is capable of being bent by a user's fingers when the device is attached to the user, whereby to be curled over and form a channel in the hand of the user for receiving a load when the device is attached to the user. 
     
     
         45 . The device of  claim 30 , wherein the second portion is arranged to be supported by at least one of the hand or fingers of a user when the device is attached to the wrist or arm of a user so as to distribute the weight of a hand-held load. 
     
     
         46 . The device of  claim 30 , wherein the second portion includes concave curved sides arranged such that a distal edge of the second portion, relative to the first portion, has a substantially flared configuration. 
     
     
         47 . The device of  claim 46 , wherein the second portion is arranged to bow under load whereby the load can be supported by opposing ends of the distal edge of the second portion. 
     
     
         48 . The device of  claim 30 , wherein a distal edge of the second portion, relative to the first portion, is configured to curl over upon itself when held by a user whereby to secure the load within the second portion. 
     
     
         49 . The device of  claim 30 , wherein the device is formed from a blank having an arrangement of curves and angles configured such that the blank can be assembled to form a substantially rigid three-dimensional article. 
     
     
         50 . A garment comprising the device of  claim 30 .