Patent Application
20140053789
The present invention pertains to the field of infant accessories, and more specifically to the field of infant training aids.
The prior art has put forth several designs for infant training aids. Among these are:
U.S. Pat. No. 5,388,551 to Jack Matusciello describes a convertible harness system to be worn by a child or other person including a harness having a waist encircling band and shoulder straps. A seat is detachably suspended from the harness and includes a seat pad which extends between the legs of the wearer. The seat assembly is removable for washing or in the event it is not necessary. The wearer is guided and supported by handles or loops slidably secured to the shoulder straps. An optional tether also is secured to the shoulder straps to restrain and control the wearer.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,836,902 to Alejandra G. Marquez and Maria G. Pulido describes a device for producing a safe and effective infant walking trainer and carrier garment to assist the parents with the training and care of their children. Too many articles in the care and handling of infants have been found to be a danger to the infant and in some cases have caused fatalities of infants even with very attentive parents. Safety in the design of devices in the field of childcare must be of the utmost importance.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,703,417 to Tianyun Wu describes a portable device to help adults hold and support their infants is a semicircular belt shaped fabric product that is well padded with soft durable materials. It comprises a center portion connecting with a pair of arm extended elements, a pair of shoulder straps, a body strap, a pair of hand-holder, and a pair of locking strap systems. It is primarily used for training and assisting infants to walk during early development stages and beyond. It also functions to minimize back strain on the child caregiver by eliminating back bending when holding a child who is a significantly different height. The design provides this device with the advantages of long term usage and multiple functions such as securing an infant on a chair.
None of these prior art references describe the present invention.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a comfortable harness with integrated strap handles to use in safely training a child to walk.
The first few years of a child's life are marked by many milestones, both physical and developmental. A first tooth, a first time a child rolls over unassisted and a first time a baby takes solid food are but a few of precious moments which mark steady development of an infant child. The first time a child crawls is of special significance as new mobility is a first step toward a little one's independence. Most babies learn to crawl between six and ten months after developing enough strength to sit upright on their own. A child's first toddling steps may begin immediately after learning to crawl or may take several months to master. A child's first steps often are met with bumps and bruises as an inexperienced walker easily loses balance while trying to steady themselves on their feet or when trying to take quick steps. These accidental mishaps render the child frustrated and sore. Abrasions, bruises and scrapes are common to children who are learning to master walking skills. Many caregivers solve this problem by holding on to a child's hands as the child totters along. Stooping to reach a toddler often results in sore shoulders, aching neck muscles and a throbbing back for caretakers who are prone to these types of injury.
The present invention, hereinafter referred to as Stroll Along, is a specially designed assistive device to be worn by toddler children.
Stroll Along is comprised of a pair of briefs 20 having a comfortable harness on which integrated strap handles, similar in appearance to a set of shoulder straps, are integrally attached. The straps are double straps and attached to the front of the brief. The first pair of straps 22 traverse the shoulders of the child. The second set of straps 24 serve as handles that are controlled by an adult user as a means of aiding and assisting the wearer of the device when first learning to walk, enabling the adult to stand upright comfortably behind the child as they toddle along. Stroll Along is comprised of a lightweight and comfortable harness comprising a pair of brief-like shorts 20 worn by the child and on which a pair of elongated strap handles are integrally attached. These handles are utilized by a parent as a means of supporting the child while they take their first steps.
The straps are adjustable in length to adjust to the height of the child and to adjust the length of the straps required by the adult. Adjustment means 32 adjust the length of the shoulder strap for the child. Adjustment means 34 adjusts the length of the strap for the assisting strap for the parent. The brief-like shorts 20, have openings 36 for receiving the legs of the child.
Material considerations for Stroll Along include a variety of comfortable fabrics such as woven cotton, denim, canvas and nylon, for example. The main component of the harness comprises a pair of comfortable brief like shorts that are worn alone or over a child's existing clothing. These briefs contain either a stretchy elastic waistband or a front fastener such as a snap or zipper for securing the briefs around the child's waist. Attached to the front and back waistband of the briefs is a set of integrated straps 22, 24 similar in appearance to shoulder straps and designed to be held comfortably by a caregiver as a child walks. Double stitched and reinforced, these sturdy straps are manufactured of reinforced or padded fabric material, facilitating a comfortable and firm grip and measuring an ample approximately eighteen inches in total length. Stroll Along briefs are produced in an adjustable one size fits all. Stroll Along is manufactured in a variety of attractive colors as well as in various printed designs.
Use of Stroll Along is very simple and straight forward. According to easily followed package instructions, a parent helps their child into Stroll Along briefs, pulling the garment up and over the child's legs and making necessary adjustments for a comfortable and secure fit. Next, the parent pulls elongated strap handles upwards so that each one is positioned over each of the child's shoulders. Once the Stroll Along is secured around the child, the parent simply grasps the handles, enabling them to comfortably support the child while standing and walking upright behind the toddler. The parent may choose to hold the two handles separately in each hand or draw them together to hold with one hand. Standing comfortably upright, the caretaker follows along behind their child, supporting the child completely via the strap extensions, as the child walked. After using, the parent simply removes Stroll Along harness and garment, and stores the present invention until needed again.
Stroll Along allows parents of infant and toddler children a simple means of assisting their child as they first learn to walk. Stroll Along is comprised of two lightweight and flexible strap handles that are easily gripped by a parent to safely guide their little one across unfamiliar terrain. Offering complete and secure support to a child as they walk, Stroll Along effectively prevents the child from toppling over and accidentally slipping and falling while taking their first tentative steps. Stroll Along is particularly useful to parents of children who suffer physical or mental limitations and are impeded from walking on their own. Enabling these caregivers to provide loving assistance to their children, Stroll Along is both a practical safety device as well an effective therapy tool for use in strengthening muscles and encouraging independence. Stroll Along also aids those parents who suffer limited mobility, back pain or similar maladies which restrict their ability to bend or stoop to the child's level when assisting them in walking. In conjunction with the extended handles, Stroll Along supports the child in an upright position while permitting the parent to comfortably follow behind the child without causing physical strain. Eliminating aching shoulders and a sore back often associated with assisting a child to walk, Stroll Along provides the parent with enjoyment instead of discomfort. Although designed specifically for general household use, Stroll Along is well suited for use in child care centers and similar facilities. Durably constructed of quality material, Stroll Along withstands repeated use with ease. Affordably priced, the present invention is an invaluable commodity in any household with small children.
Although this invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments, it is not intended to be limited thereto and various modifications which will become apparent to the person of ordinary skill in the art are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as described herein taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.
This patent application claims priority under 35 USC 119 (e) (1) from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/682,741 filed Aug. 13, 2012, of common inventorship herewith entitled, “Stroll Along.”
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61682741 | Aug 2012 | US |
