GB2334669A

GB2334669A - Yoke for carrying a bag

Info

Publication number: GB2334669A
Application number: GB9803860A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Paul Fields
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1998-02-25
Filing date: 1998-02-25
Publication date: 1999-09-01
Anticipated expiration: 2018-02-25
Also published as: GB2334669B; GB9803860D0

Abstract

An apparatus to carry a bag on a shoulder comprises a substantially rigid member 104 and means for attaching the member to the bag 105-110. The member can also be configured to nestle to the shoulders and the upper part of the back. The apparatus, comprising a yoke, is particularly suitable for carrying a golf bag 102, the member having two curved portions for resting on the shoulders and a third curve to extend around the neck. The rigid member may comprise, a central hollow rigid structure (Fig 6) made of aluminium, plastic or graphite and a depressable outer structure, or may be padded. The attachment means 105-110 may be located at the ends of the member 104, be adjustable, connected at two points to the bag, and comprise metal connection rings eg. quick snap release connectors. The apparatus can be used across one (Fig 1B) or both shoulders or can be gripped and carried by hand (Fig 1C). The apparatus may be retrofit or provided as original equipment with a golf bag.

Description

APPARATUS FOR CARRYING A BAG Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an apparatus for carrying a bag, and in particular relates to an apparatus, usable by a person, to carry a golf bag, the golf bag being suitable for holding a plurality of golf clubs.

Background to the Invention A variety of devices usable by a person to carry a bag are known.

Traditional methods include use of a handle comprising a loop into which a given user inserts his or her hands so as to grasp the upper portion of the loop. A second method comprises an arrangement using straps to be placed over either one or both shoulders of the person carrying the bag. A variety of other mechanisms are known to aid a person to carry a bag, such as for example, suitcases having wheels, golf trolleys for transporting a golf bag comprising a plurality of golf clubs and trolleys for aiding transportation of general luggage. In the case of the sport of golf, typically a golf bag may be transported by a golf player around a golf course by placing a strap attached to the golf bag over the shoulder. The bag is held in place upon the shoulder by a shoulder strap attached at two points to the golf bag. This method is popular amongst golf players, having the advantage of minimizing weight which has to be transported and being suitable for transportation across a golf green. However, this method is known to stress the body of a golf player over either a single round of golf or over a plurality of rounds, this largely being due to an unequal weight distribution across the back of the golf player and the strap "digging" into the person's shoulder. An altemative traditional method of carrying a golf bag around a golf course comprises placing the golf bag upon a golf trolley. A golf trolley generally comprises a pair of wheels, a body for attaching the golf bag to and a handle for enabling the golf player to pull the golf trolley along the ground. The golf trolley has the advantage over the former method of substantially removing stresses placed directly upon the golf player's body. However the golf trolley method has certain disadvantages such as the golf trolley being difficult, and therefore to some extent stressful, to pull across "rough" terrain and a golf trolley being prevented from use in certain weather conditions (such as for example in water logged conditions). A further disadvantage of using a golf trolley relates to the fact that in general golf trolleys are not permitted to be transported across a golf green. Direct transportation of a golf bag comprising golf clubs across a golf green is desirable so as to save time and effort in retrieving the remaining golf clubs upon completion of a given hole.

Improvements to the above mechanisms for transporting a golf bag around a golf course are known. For example it is known to have a golf trolley comprising a motor operable by the golf player so as to reduce the effort required by the golf player to transport the bag around the golf course. This method has the disadvantage of incurring substantial expense. Another known improvement is described in intemational patent publication number WO 91/09550, wherein a dual strap carrier device for golf bags is described. The dual strap device is based on the traditional single strap mechanism, but wherein a first strap is placed over the right shoulder of the golf player (or golf caddy) and a second strap is placed over the left shoulder of the golf player (or caddy) the golf bag being effected to rest substantially horizontally in relation to the lower back of the golf player. This mechanism is found to reduce stresses placed upon the golfer's back by effecting a more equal distribution of weight upon the back, neck and shoulders of the golf player. This in tum is considered to aid a golf player's performance, since the player is not rendered as tired and uncomfortable as is otherwise the case. However, the known dual strap carrier device for carrying golf bags has several disadvantages associated with it, as compared with using a single strap device. A first disadvantage relates to the dual strap device being attached to a golf bag at three positions, this forming the two required loops to place over each shoulder of the golf player. By forming two loops in this way, it is rendered more difficult to place the golf bag into position on the golf player's back, this being particularly the case with players already suffering from back problems and general reduced or impaired maneuverability. A second disadvantage relates to the dual strap assembly being difficult to remove, and in particular has the disadvantage that should a golf player slip or fall, through loss of balance, then the bag will remain attached to the body of the golf player, rather than simply falling away from the player's body to one side. Thus, there is a potential safety problem and a convenience problem associated with the known dual strap carrier device for golf bags and in general there is a need for an improved apparatus usable by a person to carry a bag, such as a golf bag. In particular, there is a need for an apparatus which is usable in a plurality of modes of operation and which is convenient for placing upon the body of a person suffering from back problems. Furthermore, there is a need for an improved apparatus for carrying a bag which will simply fall away from the body of the user in situations where the user loses control of their balance.

Summary of the Invention According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus usable by a person to carry a bag, the apparatus comprising a substantially rigid member and means for attaching the member to the bag, wherein the member is configured to fit on a shoulder of the person.

Suitably, the apparatus is configured to be placed across both shoulders of the person carrying the bag. In this way, the apparatus is operable in a plurality of modes giving a user a variety of arrangements to carry a particular bag.

The bag may be a sports bag for carrying a plurality of golf clubs, or may be a bag for carrying luggage, such as a suitcase. In general the bag may be a bag which is suitable for canying equipment of one kind or another.

The rigid member is preferably an elongate member and the member is preferably substantially circular in cross section. Furthermore, the member preferably comprises a plurality of bends and suitably the member comprises at least 3 bends. Depending upon the particular configuration of the rigid member, five bends may be preferable, some being more pronounced than others. The bends may take effect in three dimensions and preferably at least one bend has effect in three dimensions. Furthermore, the member is padded on its outer surface. The preferred embodiment for the member comprises a central hollow rigid structure lying within an outer structure, the outer structure comprising material which is partially depressable in response to moderately applied pressure. Preferably the inner hollow structure comprises a metal tube and a suitable metal tube is made of aluminium such as hardened aluminium.

Altematively, the inner hollow structure may be made of a plastics based material or a graphite based material.

The means for attaching a bag to the member preferably comprises two points of attachment. In a preferred embodiment, the points of attachment are located at the ends of the member. The attachment means are suitably adjustable and the attaching means preferably comprise metal connection rings which may include quick snap release connectors. The attachment means are preferably attached to the central hollow rigid structure.

The invention includes an elongate member for carrying a golf bag across a person's shoulder, the member having: first and second ends; first and second curves configured to rest upon a person's shoulders, the first and second curves being positioned between the first and second ends; a third curve configured to extend around the persons neck with the third curve being positioned between the first and second curve; and first and second attachment means positioned respectively at the first and second ends, the first and second attachment means being configured for attachment of a golf bag.

The invention includes apparatus usable by a person to carry a bag, the apparatus comprising a substantially rigid member and means for attaching the member to the bag, wherein the member is configured to nestle to the shoulders and upper part of the back of the person canying the bag.

The invention also includes a yoke usable by a person to carry a bag, the yoke comprising a substantially rigid member and means for attaching the member to the bag, wherein the member is configured to embed onto the shoulders and upper part of the back of the person canying the bag.

The yoke essentially comprises a member, wherein preferably the member comprises a plurality of bends. The yoke is preferably configured to fit transversely over a shoulder of a person carrying the bag. The yoke is preferably shaped such that the yoke comprises a plurality of bends connecting a central portion to two arms, each arm comprising an end portion and a connecting portion and wherein the connecting portion extends from the central portion via a substantially 45" bend and an end portion extends from the connecting portions via a substantially 90" bend.

Brief DescriDtion of the Drawines For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, there will now be described by way of example only, specific embodiments, methods and processes according to the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1A schematically illustrates, in accordance with the present invention, an apparatus in the form of a yoke usable by a person to carry a bag and the figure represents a first mode of operation of said apparatus; Fig. ?B schematically illustrates a second mode of operation of the apparatus identified in Fig. 1A; Fig. 1C schematically illustrates a third mode of operation of the apparatus identified in Figs. 1A and 1B; Fig. 2 schematically details a first view of the apparatus identified in Figs. 1A to 1C, usable by a person to cany a bag; Fig. 3 schematically details the yoke identified in Fig. 2 as viewed from a rear view; Fig. 4 schematically details the bag carrying yoke identified in Figs. 2 and 3, as viewed from a side view; Fig. 5 schematically details the bag canying yoke identified in Figs. 2 to 4, from a perspective view from above; Fig. 6 schematically illustrates a preferred embodiment of a cross section through the apparatus identified in Figs. 1 to 5 and includes a central rigid metal tube.

Detailed Description of the Best Mode for Carrying Out the invention There will now be described by way of example the best mode contemplated by the inventor for carrying out the invention. In the following description numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without limitation to these specific details. In other instances, well known methods and structures have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention.

Fig. 1A illustrates a first mode of operation of the present invention. A golf player 101 is shown canying a golf bag 102 wherein the golf bag 102 comprises a plurality of golf clubs 103. The invention comprises an apparatus usable by a person to cany a bag, the apparatus comprising a substantially rigid member 104 and means for attaching the member to the bag. The means for attaching the member to the bag comprises a first loop 105 attached to member 104 and a second loop 106 attached to member 104. In the preferred embodiment, member 104 is a substantially elongate member and thus, in the example shown, member 104 effectively has two ends.

Attached to loops 105 and 106 are straps 107 and 108 respectively and the straps are attached to bag 102 via connectors 109 and 110 respectively.

Connectors 109 and 110 are attached to loops or handles associated with the bag 111 and 112 respectively. Rigid member 104 is configured to be placed across both shoulders, 113 and 114 respectively, of person 101. Member 104 is configured to nestle to and slightly hook over the front of a person's shoulders and to nestle to the upper part of the back and around the back of the neck of person 101. Member 104 is effectively placed around the back of the neck and hooks over the front edges of the persons shoulders. In this way member 104, hooking over the front portions of the person's shoulders, remains in place on the shoulders and is prevented from slipping off. In the particular embodiment shown, member 104 effectively represents a yoke usable by a person to carry a bag, the yoke being configured to embed onto the shoulders and upper part of the back of person 101. A yoke is generally defined as a piece of timber shaped to fit a person's shoulders and support a pail, etc. In terms of the present invention, the term yoke should be interpreted in a broader sense and is not for example to be considered to be restricted to timber or timber like materials and in fact, the preferred embodiment of the present invention does not incorporate any timber material whatsoever. The invention is advantageous over prior art dual strap assemblies in that member 104 effects a more equal distribution of weight over the body of person 101 as compared with a single known strap assembly and more particularly replaces contact of straps upon the person's shoulders by the body of person 101 being subjected only to weight exerted upon and distributed across member 104. Thus member 104 provides a more comfortable arrangement for carrying a bag such as golf bag 102. In a particular application of the golf yoke being used for carrying a golf bag the invention is also suitable for a golf player 101 to transport golf bag 102 over a golf green 115.

In the following description herein the term "bend" should be construed as equivalent and interchangeable with the word "curve".

Fig. 1B illustrates a second mode of operation of the present invention, wherein rigid member 104 is placed over a single shoulder 113 of golf player 101. In this configuration, there is essentially an apparatus usable by a person to carry a bag, the apparatus comprising a substantially rigid member 104 and means for attaching the member to the bag 102. The attaching means in this mode of operation are as identified in Fig. IA. In this mode of operation, the rigid member is configured to fit on a shoulder 113 of person 101. By allowing the mode of operation illustrated in Fig. 1 B, the invention effectively simulates an operational mode corresponding to the known single strap mechanism. This is advantageous in that in general, people may prefer carrying mechanisms which provide a plurality of modes of operation. A plurality of modes of operation may facilitate certain activities and improve overall comfort by enabling a user to regularly change the mode of carriage.

Fig. 1C illustrates a third mode of operation of the present invention, wherein rigid member 104 may be grasped by hand 116 of person 101. This mode of operation is particularly appropriate for carrying a bag 102 a relatively short distance, possibly over several meters. The second mode of operation illustrated in Fig. 1B, may be considered to be most convenient for transportation of bag 102 over slightly further distances, such as for example between nearby holes on a golf course. The first mode of operation illustrated in Fig. 1A may be considered to be most appropriate for transporting bag 102 further distances, possible comprising several hundred meters, such as for example between holes on a golf course which are separated by a relatively large distance.

The invention described herein, is suitable for a wide range of applications, and is not intended to be restricted to carrying a golf bag. Thus in general the invention may be used in a wide variety of applications such as carrying a sports bag, golf bag for carrying golf clubs, a luggage bag or suitcase. In general, the invention may be applicable to carrying a wide variety of equipment including trade tools for example.

Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a view of the golf yoke identified in Figs.

1A to 1C respectively. Fig. 2 represents a front view, and if used in the operational mode identified in Fig. IA, wherein the yoke is issued to carry a bag across both shoulders of a person, then this view corresponds to viewing the yoke from a direction looking at the face of the user. The yoke comprises a rigid member 201 having a plurality of bends, such as bends 202, 203 and 204 respectively. Means for attaching member 201, which is substantially elongate, to a bag are provided by mechanism 205 and 206 respectively.

Mechanisms 205 and 206 are located at the ends of member 201 and each mechanism comprises identical components. Mechanism 205 for example comprises a ring 207 attached to member 201. In the preferred embodiment ring 207 is attached to a plastic plug which plugs into the end of member 201.

Attached to ring 207 is an adjustable length strap 208 which at its distal end is attached to ring 209 having a quick snap release connector 210 as is known in the art. Quick snap release connector 210 is provided to enable attachment to a bag both quickly and with minimal effort. A similar connector to connector 210 may be provided for attachment of strap 208 to ring 207.

The exact arrangement with regards connection mechanisms 205 and 206 may take on a variety of forms as is known in the art of connection.

Elongate member 201 may be considered to essentially comprise a central portion or bend 202, end portions 211 and 212 and connection portions 213 and 214 respectively. Connecting portion 213 comprises bend 203 and connection portion 214 comprises bend 204. In a preferred embodiment, bend 202 between connecting portions 213 and 214 is substantially comprised of an arcuate central bend, together with two further bends wherein the further bends effectively render connecting portions 213 and 214 to slope away from the central portion 202 at substantially 450. In this way, connecting portions 213 and 214 effectively extend from central portion 202 via substantially 45" bends. Bends 203 and 204 are, in the preferred embodiment, respectively substantially 90" bends. The precise angles involved and directions associated with said bends render member 201 to be a complex three-dimensional shape which may extend from a given direction in 3 dimensional space to another direction effectively at each bend.

Fig. 3 further schematically illustrates the yoke identified in Fig. 2. The view illustrated in Fig. 3 represents the same line of sight as that shown in Fig. 2 but from a view point 1800 from that shown in Fig. 2. Thus the golf yoke shown in Fig. 3 represents a view, if worn by a user, from the back of the head of the user. As illustrated, member 201 is configured to effectively provide an arcuate shape 301 (to be placed around the back of the person's neck) by virtue of bends 203 and 204 respectively. Furthermore, bends 203 and 204 and lower surface 302 effectively, in use, rest or nestle on the shoulders of a given user.

The edge generally indicated at 302, forming the underside of member 201, is configured to embed, or rather nestle, onto the shoulders and the upper part of the back of the person carrying the bag to which the yoke is attached.

Fig. 4 schematically illustrates the yoke identified in Figs. 2 and 3 as seen from taking a viewpoint substantially forming an end elevation. The view taken is indicated on Figs. 2 and 3 by an arrow labeled with the letter A, and thus with this particular view, arm 211 identified in Fig. 2 is observed in the foreground of Fig. 4, but arm 212 is effectively hidden in this view. The reason that arm 212 is effectively hidden behind arm 211 in this figure is that member 201 is substantially symmetrical, symmetry existing for example about a vertical axis through bend 202 in Fig. 2.

Fig. 5 schematically illustrates a perspective view 501 of the yoke identified in Figs. 2 to 4. At 502 the view point A representing a line of sight as identified in Fig. 4, is identified. An outer coating of member 201 is identified at 503, 503 effectively representing the seam of a polyvinylchloride (PVC) outer coating which extends along the length of the yoke. With respect to Fig. 2, the ends of the substantially elongate member are again identifiable as end 211 and end 212 respectively. Arrow 504 generally indicates the arcuate space identified above, into which the user's neck is placed, surface 505 being placed substantially in close proximity to the back of the user's neck.

From Figs. 2 to 5, at least three bends comprise member 201, these consisting of for example bend 202, bend 203 and bend 204 as identified in Fig. 2. Ideally member 201 is a smooth curve from end to end.

Fig. 6 schematically illustrates a cross section through member 201 in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention. The preferred embodiment comprises a central metal tube 601, a structure surrounding the tube 601 which comprises material that is partially depressable in response to moderately applied pressure and an outer coating 603. By moderately applied pressure, it is meant herein those pressures, exerted upon a person's shoulders, having a magnitude substantially to be expected when canying a relatively heavy bag (and associated contents) such as a golf bag for example. Outer coating 603 is preferably made of PVC or other such suitable material. Thus in the preferred embodiment, member 201 comprises a central hollow rigid structure lying within an outer structure, the outer structure comprising material which is partially depressable in response to applied pressure. In the preferred embodiment, outer structure 602 is made of an aerated rubber foam type material. A suitable material has been found to be that commonly used in insulating water pipes. A variety of other materials may be suitable for the purposes of the present invention and it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to any specific material with respect to outer structure 602. To some extent the material used for outer structure 602 will depend upon particular preferences with respect to the depressability of material 602. The material forming outer portion 602 must not be too hard since this material effectively aids nestling onto the shoulders and upper back of a person carrying the yoke. Furthermore, the material comprising outer structure 602 is preferably of a relatively lightweight material and preferably should be relatively inexpensive and readily obtainable. In the preferred embodiment, the central hollow structure 601 is made of aluminium and preferably the aluminium is hardened. The diameter of the aluminium tube is suitably 19 millimeters. The thickness of material 602, in terms of the distance between central structure 601 and outer surface 603 is suitably 25 millimeters before insertion of tube 602. Upon insertion of structure 601 into outer structure 602, the wall thickness of structure 602 compresses due to the central hole in structure 602 being 4 mm smaller in diameter than structure 601.. Thus the overall diameter of member 201 for a typical golf player is found to be approximately 65 millimeters. The preferred embodiment of member 201 identified in Fig. 6 is found to be convenient for attaching to a bag, because connectors such as metal rings may be readily attached to central rigid structure 601. In the preferred embodiment a metal attachment ring is fitted to a plug made of a plastics material where the plug is inserted into structure 601. Plugs of this type are known wherein the plug comprises a ridged surface of substantially the same diameter as the internal diameter of central structure 601. Structure 601 is preferably hollow for reasons of weight reduction of the yoke. Other suitable materials forming central structure 601 may include plastics based materials or graphite based materials for example. These may be hollow or bar like.

Other embodiments of member 201 may be suitable for use in the present invention. Thus, for example it is possible that a suitable yoke like structure may be configured from a member 201 which has a substantially different intemal structure to that shown in Fig. 6. In particular, it may be found, for example, that a particular material renders having a central hollow structure 601 as either unnecessary or at least one that is not required to pass right along member 201. The overall cross section of member 201 is illustrated as being substantially circular. A circular cross section is found to be suitable for carrying a golf bag and furthermore is found to be readily assembled using existing equipment. However, it may be that for certain applications, or perhaps persons requiring a customized version, that the cross section of member 201 is not a perfect circle. In addition, member 201 may be preferred to be rigid rather than substantially rigid for use by certain people. Whatever materials and variations are used it will be understood by those skilled in the art that a variety of modifications may be made without detracting from the invention. In the preferred embodiment, member 201 is effectively padded on its outer surface by virtue of outer structure 602.

However it may also be required to further pad member 201, particularly in locations along member 201 where pressure exerted by an attached bag is directed at particular points on the caniers body.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, identified in Fig. 6, the central hollow rigid structure 601 may be shaped into a required configuration by using conventional pipe bending equipment. With conventional pipe bending equipment, the preferred configuration of bends is effected in a way which may render for example seven bends to be identifiable. Depending upon the type of equipment used to shape central structure 601, may determine the exact nature and identifiable number of bends which central structure 601 comprises. Thus in tum the number of bends identifiable in the finally assembled yoke, may be difficult to determine from observing the outer structure 602 when the yoke is assembled.

Altemative types of pipe bending equipment may be more suitable for mass producing a bag carrying yoke of the type described. In particular equipment may be available which produces a central hollow structure of a more uniform nature and wherein individual bends may be more difficult to identify with respect to one another. With the preferred embodiment identified in Fig. 6, once a particular hollow structure has been formed by using particular pipe bending equipment, an outer structure 602 is effectively placed over structure 601. Finally, PVC coating 603 may be placed upon external structure 602 by effectively sliding outer surface material 603 over external structure 602.

Thus covering 603 may be PVC material shaped into a cylindrical shape of slightly less diameter than external structure 602 so as to provide a tight fitting covering for external structure 602. PVC is found to be particularly suitable for this purpose due to it having a certain degree of elasticity associated with it.

Claims

Claims:

1. Apparatus usable by a person to carry a bag, the apparatus comprising a substantially rigid member and means for attaching said member to said bag, wherein said member is configured to fit on a shoulder of said person.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said apparatus is configured to be placed across both shoulders of said person.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said bag is a sports bag.

4. Apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said bag is a golf bag for carrying golf clubs.

5. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said bag is a luggage bag.

6. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said bag is a bag for carrying equipment.

7. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said member is a substantially elongate member.

8. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 7, wherein said member is substantially circular in cross section.

9. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein said member comprises a plurality of bends.

10. Apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said plurality of bends comprises at least three bends.

11. Apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said plurality is five.

12. Apparatus according to claims 9, 10 or 11, wherein at least one said bend has effect in three space dimensions.

13. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein said member is padded on its outer surface.

14. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said member comprises a central hollow rigid structure lying within an outer structure, said outer structure comprising material which is partially depressable in response to moderately applied pressure.

15. Apparatus according to claim 14, wherein said inner hollow structure comprises a metal tube.

16. Apparatus according to claim 15, wherein said metal is aluminium.

17. Apparatus according to claim 14, wherein said inner hollow structure is made of a plastics based material.

18. Apparatus according to claim 14, wherein said inner hollow structure is made of a graphite based material.

19. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said means for attaching said bag comprises two points of attachment.

20. Apparatus according to claim 19, wherein said points of attachment are located, for said elongate member, at the ends of said member.

21. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein said attachment means are adjustable.

22. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein said attaching means comprise metal connection rings.

23. Apparatus according to claim 22, wherein said metal rings include quick snap release connectors.

24. Apparatus according to claim 14, wherein said attachment means are attached to said central hollow rigid structure.

25. An elongate member for carrying a golf bag across a persons shoulder, said member having: first and second ends; first and second curves configured to rest upon a persons shoulders, said first and second curves being positioned between said first and second ends; a third curve configured to extend around the persons neck, said third curve being positioned between said first and second curves; and first and second attachment means positioned respectively at said first and second ends, said first and second attachment means configured for attachment of said golf bag.

26. Apparatus usable by a person to carry a bag, the apparatus comprising a substantially rigid member and means for attaching said member to said bag wherein said member is configured to nestle to the shoulders and upper part of the back of said person.

27. A yoke usable by a person to carry a bag, the yoke comprising a substantially rigid member and means for attaching said member to said bag wherein said member is configured to embed onto the shoulders and upper part of the back of said person.

28. A yoke according to claim 27, wherein said member comprises a plurality of bends.

29. A yoke according to claims 27 or 28, wherein said yoke is configured to fit transversely over a shoulder of said person.

30. A yoke according to any of claims 27 to 29, wherein said yoke is shaped such that said yoke comprises a plurality of bends connecting a central portion to two arms, each said arm comprising an end portion and a connecting portion and wherein a said connecting portion extends from said central portion via a substantially 450 bend and a said end portion extends from a said connecting portions via a substantially 900 bend.