Devices permitting a parent, or other adult caregiver, to assist an infant in learning to walk are well known. Some of the patents and patent applications written to infant walking devices include: U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,498,219, 6,196,949, 6,397,389 and 6,338,699; and published patent applications 2006/0278176 and 2008/0018163.
The prior art walking devices suffer from many significant problems that preclude or hinder their successful use by relevant consumers. One problem of prior art walking devices is that they often situate straps held by an adult such that they pass close by the infant's head where the straps occasionally rub on and possibly irritate his/her ears. Yet other walking devices are difficult to put on and/or take off of the infant reducing the chances that they will be used. Another problem is that many prior art walking devices support the infant too low on his/her body and increase the risk that the infant could pivot unsafely when suspended thereby increasing the risk of injury.
Other devices do not feature a means of supporting the lower torso of the infant and focus only on providing support for the chest area, which drives the infant's arms up to an unnatural and uncomfortable position during use. With some such devices it is possible for the entire harness to slip off from the infant during use, posing a safety hazard. Those prior art devices that do feature a means for lower torso support often have narrow leg openings which can potentially hinder the infant's free leg movement and preclude use with larger infants or infants wearing thicker pants.
Some prior art devices do not allow for any alterations in accommodation of an infant's height or chest circumference. This limits their use to infants of average size and does not accommodate smaller or larger infants. Finally, some prior art harnesses situate the attachment points of the support straps used by the assisting adult away from the infant's high center of gravity, thus limiting the stability and degree of control afforded to the adult during use.
Embodiments of the present invention include a harness designed to be adaptable for infants of varying shapes and sizes. The harness can be used by an adult to assist an infant in maintaining balance while learning to walk allowing the adult to remain erect behind the infant. The assisting adult benefits from not experiencing back pain due to prolonged bending as might be experienced if they bend over to support the child with their hands. The harness also provides the assisting adult good control over the infant's top heavy body. The infant benefits from using arms for balance and maintaining an unobstructed view of feet, which reinforces the visual feedback of cause and effect related to the voluntary movement of a foot forward and the resulting action of taking a step.
Embodiments may consist of a padded fabric harness that wraps around the upper chest and under an infant's crotch to provide all around support, while leaving the sides of the infant's lower torso uncovered. The harness combines support around the upper chest of an infant's torso, where the center of gravity of a top heavy infant is, with support of the infant's lower torso. The support of the lower torso is further enhanced by the attachment point of the support straps used by the assisting adult being situated close to the high center of gravity of the infant.
The top part of the harness or upper body section is designed like a vest with fastening means on the back. In one embodiment, the fastening means are hook and loop material patches allowing for adjustments based on the infant's chest circumference so as to provide a snug fit, important for the infant's balancing. Two upper body section loops ensure that there is no excessive movement in the upper chest and shoulder area of an infant, which can contribute to better balance. Additionally, the upper body section is adjustable and allows for wider chest circumferences and multiple layers of clothing.
The harness also features an easy to use lower body section which can be adjusted up or down via hook and loop material patches or other fastening means to accommodate an infant's height. The manner of the connection of the lower body section to the upper body section allows for size adjustment depending on an infant's height. The lower body section of the harness provides essential structural support for an infant and can prevent the upper body section from gathering up under the infant's arms by absorbing most of the infant's weight. Wide leg openings that result from the lower body section connecting to the upper body section can accommodate bigger infants or infants dressed in multiple layers of clothing without compromising a snug fit. In addition, the wide leg openings facilitate any voluntary bending action initiated by the infant during use, such as bending down to pick up a small object from the ground.
To aid the assisting adult, adjustable length support straps can be attached to the back of the upper body section loops and to a distal end of the lower body section. The support straps, when used by the assisting adult, can capture the infant's full weight and provide a means of enhanced control for the assisting adult. As shown in the figures, the support straps do not rub against the infant's ears and the length of the straps can be easily adjusted to the height of the assisting adult. Furthermore, the support straps are removable in order to allow an infant to crawl without risk of entangling and are easily reattached via buckles when the infant is ready to continue a walking session. This feature is desirable from the perspective of the assisting adult as it eliminates the need to remove the entire harness from the infant.
Embodiments of the present invention are for use after an infant has demonstrated an ability to stand supporting themselves on furniture or against a wall or holding on to an adult's hand and cruising (i.e., moving from one piece of furniture to the next, while holding on). These signs of maintaining posture and balance are typically observed around the ninth month of an infant's life and are indicative of neural maturation necessary for walking The signs are also indicative of completed changes in bodily proportion, such as longer legs, broader shoulders, and a smaller head relative to the rest of an infants' body. All of these changes lower the infant's center of gravity and make it easier to balance in an erect posture. At this stage infants are ready to begin clocking in the necessary hours of walking with some type of support to help them more quickly and effectively develop the strength and stability to walk independently.
The terms and phrases as indicated in quotation marks (“ ”) in this section are intended to have the meaning ascribed to them in this Terminology section applied to them throughout this document, including in the claims, unless clearly indicated otherwise in context. Further, as applicable, the stated definitions are to apply, regardless of the word or phrase's case, to the singular and plural variations of the defined word or phrase.
The term “or” as used in this specification and the appended claims is not meant to be exclusive; rather the term is inclusive, meaning either or both.
References in the specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “another embodiment, “a preferred embodiment”, “an alternative embodiment”, “one variation”, “a variation” and similar phrases mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or variation, is included in at least an embodiment or variation of the invention. The phrase “in one embodiment”, “in one variation” or similar phrases, as used in various places in the specification, are not necessarily meant to refer to the same embodiment or the same variation.
The term “couple” or “coupled” as used in this specification and appended claims refers to an indirect or direct physical connection between the identified elements, components, or objects. Often the manner of the coupling will be related specifically to the manner in which the two coupled elements interact.
The term “directly coupled” or “coupled directly,” as used in this specification and appended claims, refers to a physical connection between identified elements, components, or objects, in which no other element, component, or object resides between those identified as being directly coupled.
The term “approximately,” as used in this specification and appended claims, refers to plus or minus 10% of the value given.
The term “about,” as used in this specification and appended claims, refers to plus or minus 20% of the value given.
The terms “generally” and “substantially,” as used in this specification and appended claims, mean mostly, or for the most part.
Directional and/or relationary terms such as, but not limited to, left, right, nadir, apex, top, bottom, vertical, horizontal, back, front and lateral are relative to each other and are dependent on the specific orientation of an applicable element or article, and are used accordingly to aid in the description of the various embodiments and are not necessarily intended to be construed as limiting.
The term “hook and loop material patch,” as used in this specification and appended claims, refers to either a hook patch or a loop patch. Furthermore, where two hook and loop material patches interface, couple, or mate, it is to be understood that one patch is a hook patch and the other is a loop patch.
The term “attachment means,” as used in the specification and appended claims, refers to buckles, buttons, snap fasteners, d-ring fasteners, clasps, hook and loop fasteners, etc.
The term “permanent attachment means,” as used in the specification and appended claims, refers to sewing, adhesive bonding, mechanical fasteners, rivets, etc.
The term “fastening means,” as used in the specification and appended claims, refers to magnets, hook and loop material patches, safety pins, buttons, snap fasteners, etc.
Generally, the harness 102 comprises an upper body section 104 and a lower body section 106. The upper body section 104 wraps around the upper body of an infant just underneath the arms of the infant. The lower body section 106 of the harness 102 extends downwardly from a bottom edge of the upper body section 104, tapering to a section that corresponds to the position directly underneath and between the infant's legs when worn. The lower body section 106 then expands out again into a somewhat circular wider section to help provide support to the infant's buttocks. Finally, at a distal end of the lower body section 106, the lower body section 106 may taper back down again and includes a patch of hook and loop material for attachment on the back side to the upper body section 104, as shown in
As shown in
The first patch 110 and the second patch 112 can be elongated and, as such, may permit the circumference of the upper body section 104 to be adjusted for infants of differing sizes. For instance, the first patch 110 and the second patch 112 can be elongated horizontally. In one example, the first patch 110 and the second patch 112 have a four inch by one and a half inch rectangular shape. In another example, each of the patches have a three inch by one inch rectangular shape It is to be appreciated that hook and loop material patches of varying lengths and widths may be implemented without exceeding the scope of the present invention.
In a preferred embodiment, the fourth patch 120 is located on the front side of the upper body section 104 opposite the second patch 112. In another embodiment, one of the ends of the upper body section 104 includes a hook and loop material patch on both an interior surface and an exterior surface of the upper body section 104. As shown in
To securely embrace the infant, a pair of shoulder straps or loops 108 extends upwardly from a top side of the upper body section 104 to embrace an infant's shoulders. The shoulder loops 108 include a first pair or set of quick release (“QR”) buckles 116 mounted thereon. In one example, each of the first pair of buckles 116 is mounted on a backside of one of the shoulder loops 108. In a preferred embodiment, the first pair of buckles 116 are attached below an apex on the backside of the shoulder loops 108. It is to be appreciated that the first pair of buckles 116 can be located on a front side or a backside below the apex of the shoulder loops 108. As shown in
A pair of support straps 122, which can be held by an adult when supporting the infant, couple or attach to the first pair of buckles 116. The support straps 122 are shown in
The upper body section 104 and the lower body section 106 typically comprise a thin foam material sandwiched between two pieces of sewn together or otherwise joined exterior and interior pieces of fabric. For instance, the upper body section 104 and the lower body section 106 can comprise cotton, nylon, canvas, or any other suitable flexible sheet material. In at least one variation, a quarter inch rolled foam may be utilized. It is to be appreciated that a variety of thicknesses of rolled foam may be implemented in the upper body section 104 and the lower body section 106. Generally, the upper body section 104 and the lower body section 106 comprise the same material. In at least one variation, the upper body 104 comprises a different material than the lower body section 106. For example, the upper body section 104 comprises a stiff or supportive material and the lower body section 106 comprises a flexible or comfortable material.
The third hook and loop material patch 118, which is located on the distal end of the lower body section 106, permits the distal end of the lower body section 106 to connect with one of the ends of the upper body section 104. In one embodiment, the third patch 118 interfaces with the second patch 112. The length of the third patch 118 on the lower body section 106 allows the location of attachment to be adjusted such that the lower body section 106 can be fitted to infants of differing sizes and snugly cradle them therein. The unique means of joining the ends of the upper body section 104 and the distal end of the lower body section 106 permit the harness 102 to be easily placed on an infant and adjusted thereon to provide a snug and reassuring fit.
It is worthy of note that many variations and other embodiments of the harness 102 are contemplated and figures of the illustrated embodiment should not in and of themselves be seen as limiting. For instance, the length of the hook and loop patches can be longer in some variations to permit greater adjustability of the harness 102 when worn. In another variation, the straps that are attached to the distal end of the lower body section 106 to hold the quick release buckles can be shorter without hindering functionality. The type of fabric or flexible sheeting material used in the upper body section 104 and the lower body section 106 can be changed as well. As shown in the figures, the upper body section 104 and lower body section 106 are made of a cotton fabric, but variations can be made of any suitable material and even combinations thereof. In this sense, the type of foam can vary as well.
As shown in
Of important note, the support straps 122 are positioned behind the infant and as such the support straps 122 do not hinder the infant's ability to move and walk. The support straps 122 are positioned such that the support straps 122 do not graze an infant's head during use and the support straps 122 do not provide a visual distraction for the child. This is accomplished by the placement of the first pair of buckles 116 and the second pair of buckles 114. The first pair of buckles 116 on the shoulder loops 108 are mounted to the rear of the shoulder loops 108 below an apex. The second pair of buckles 114 are mounted at the distal end of the lower body section 106, which when worn corresponds in location to the infant's back roughly midway between the shoulder blades. In a preferred embodiment, means to adjust the length of the support straps 122 can be provided to permit the adult to adjust them to a suitable length.
The manner of securing the walker in place is illustrated in
Referring to
Generally, the harness 302 comprises the upper body section 304, the lower body section 306, two shoulder straps or loops 308, a first hook and loop material patch 310, a second hook and loop material patch 312, a third hook and loop material patch 314, a fourth hook and loop material patch 316, a first set of quick release buckles 318, and a second set of quick release buckles 320. It is to be appreciated that other fastening means can be implemented in place of the hook and loop patches. For example, a plurality of magnets sewn into the harness 302 can replace the hook and loop patches. In another example, buttons sewn into the harness 302 can replace the hook and loop patches. As noted, support straps are not shown for illustrative purposes.
The first stage of implementing the harness 302 is shown in
As previously mentioned, magnets can be implemented in place of the hook and loop patches. In one embodiment, a plurality of magnets sewn into the harness 302 in a horizontal orientation can be implemented in place of the first patch 310, third patch 314, and fourth patch 314. A plurality of magnets can also be oriented in a vertical stack in place of the second patch 312. It is to be appreciated that different fastening means can be implemented to achieve the same result as using hook and loop material patches, as illustrated in the figures.
The second stage of implementing the harness 302 is shown in
The third stage or final stage of implementing the harness 302 is shown in
On the backside of each loop 308 there is the first set of buckles 318. Two support straps can be attached to the buckles 318. Each of the support straps ends with a second set of buckles 320 that allows the support straps to attach to the lower body section 306.
Additionally, the lower body section 306 can be elongated at the top with the third patch 314 that attaches to an end of the upper body section 304 completing the snug fit around the infant's entire torso and allowing for adjustments based on the infant's height. In one embodiment, the rounded back part of the lower body section 306 can provide support to an infant's buttocks and can make the harness 302 more comfortable for the infant during use.
The elongated part of the lower body section 306 can be connected to the support straps by the second set of buckles 320 and thus complete the loop of each support strap. In one embodiment, buckles of the support straps can allow for length adjustment which is important for accommodating the height of an assisting adult. In another embodiment, the support straps can be removed by implementing quick release plastic buckles. If an infant wants to crawl for a little bit during a walking session, the support straps can be temporarily removed to avoid entangling. The manner of connection of the lower body section 306 to the support straps near the infant's center of gravity, in combination with the assisting adult pulling on the support straps, provides even infant weight distribution during use. Because of this, the infant's balance is easier to support via the support straps.
Referring to
Referring to
Next, the adult folds the end of the upper portion having interior and exterior hook and loop patches over and around the child's torso. To adjust the harness based on a height of the infant, the interior hook and loop patch is secured to the hook and loop patch of the distal end of the lower body section in block 606. Thereafter, the harness can be adjusted for the infant's width. To adjust the width of the harness, the second end of the upper portion is wrapped around the infant's torso and its hook and loop patch is brought in contact with the exterior hook and loop patch of the other upper portion end in block 608. After all three ends are secured, the adult may selectively release and re-secure the hook and loop patches to adjust the fit of the walker for the infant. When the harness is securely fitted, the adult can attach support straps in block 610. In block 612, the adult aids the infant in learning to walk.
The various embodiments and variations thereof, illustrated in the accompanying Figures and/or described above, are merely exemplary and are not meant to limit the scope of the invention. It is to be appreciated that numerous other variations of the invention have been contemplated, as would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, given the benefit of this disclosure. All variations of the invention that read upon appended claims are intended and contemplated to be within the scope of the invention.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/534,291, filed 13 Sep. 2011.
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
Parent | 61534291 | Sep 2011 | US |
Child | 13612525 | US |