Carrying Device

Abstract

A carrying device has a lifting member with a first end, a second end, and a middle between its first and second ends. A spreading member has a first end and a second end, its first and second ends connected to the first and second ends of the lifting member. A first hanging member is adjacent to the first end of the spreading member and a second hanging member is adjacent to the second end of the spreading member. The lifting portion is adapted such that its middle portion hangs from a user's shoulder in order to facilitate carrying items hanging from the first and second hanging members.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A carrying device, comprising:
 a strap forming a lifting member, having a first end, a second end, and a middle between its first and second ends;   a rigid spreading member having a first end and a second end, its first and second ends connected to the first and second ends of the lifting member;   a first hook adjacent to the first end of the spreading member;   a second hook adjacent to the second end of the spreading member;   the lifting portion adapted such that its middle portion hangs from a user's shoulder in order to facilitate carrying items hanging from the first and second hooks.   
     
     
         2 . The carrying device of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a shoulder pad on an underside of the lifting member.   
     
     
         3 . The carrying device of  claim 2 , wherein the shoulder pad comprises molded plastic. 
     
     
         4 . The carrying device of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a shoulder pad on an underside of the spreading member.   
     
     
         5 . The carrying device of  claim 4 , wherein the shoulder pad comprises molded plastic. 
     
     
         6 . The carrying device of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a third hook adjacent to the first end of the spreading member;   a fourth hook adjacent to the second end of the spreading member.   
     
     
         7 . The carrying device of  claim 1 , wherein the spreading device comprises a curved shape. 
     
     
         8 . The carrying device of  claim 7 , wherein the curved shape wraps around the user between approximately 90 to 180 degrees. 
     
     
         9 . The carrying device of  claim 1 , further comprising a bag. 
     
     
         10 . The carrying device of  claim 1 , wherein the bag is affixed to the spreading device. 
     
     
         11 . The carrying device of  claim 1 , further comprising an offset to keep the spreading device at least 2 inches from the user. 
     
     
         12 . A carrying device, comprising:
 a lifting member having a first end, a second end, and a middle between its first and second ends;   a spreading member having a first end and a second end, its first and second ends connected to the first and second ends of the lifting member;   a first hanging member adjacent to the first end of the spreading member;   a second hanging member adjacent to the second end of the spreading member;   the lifting portion adapted such that its middle portion hangs from a user's shoulder in order to facilitate carrying items hanging from the first and second hanging members.   
     
     
         13 . The carrying device of  claim 12 , wherein:
 the lifting member comprises a strap;   the spreading member comprises an elongated rigid member adapted to keep the first and second ends of the lifting member separated;   the first and second hanging members comprise rings at the end of straps and at least one carbine on each ring.   
     
     
         14 . A carrying system, comprising:
 a first carrying device according to  claim 12 ;   a second carrying device according to  claim 12 ;   a securing member connecting the first and second carrying devices across a user's body.   
     
     
         15 . The carrying device of  claim 12 , wherein the lifting member and the spreading member are formed from a single piece of molded plastic. 
     
     
         16 . A method of carrying items using a carrying device, the carrying device having:
 a lifting member having a first end, a second end, and a middle between its first and second ends;   a spreading member having a first end and a second end, its first and second ends connected to the first and second ends of the lifting member;   a first hanging member adjacent to the first end of the spreading member;   a second hanging member adjacent to the second end of the spreading member;   the lifting portion adapted such that its middle portion hangs from a user's shoulder in order to facilitate carrying items hanging from the first and second hanging members;   the method comprising:   attaching a first carrying item to the first hanging member;   attaching a second carrying item to the second hanging member; and   raising the lifting member onto the user's shoulder.   
     
     
         17 . The method according to  claim 16 , wherein the first and second hanging members comprise hooks. 
     
     
         18 . The method according to  claim 16 , further comprising raising the spreading member onto the user's shoulder. 
     
     
         19 . The method according to  claim 16 , wherein the spreading device extends at least 90 degrees about a circumference of the user's body. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein the spreading device has a curved shape.