CHILD CARRIER

Abstract

Embodiments of a child carrier for carrying a child in a standing position on the back of the wearer are disclosed. According to various embodiments, the child carrier can comprise a rigid or substantially rigid frame, and a rigid or substantially rigid platform, configured for a person to stand upon, extending outwardly from a lower region of the frame.

Description

FIELD

The present teachings relate to the field of human transport methods and apparatus, and more particularly to carriers for small persons such as children.

BACKGROUND

There are many child carriers designed to transport infants and young toddlers. However, there is an unfilled need for child carriers designed specifically to transport preschoolers, who are able to walk, but who often tire easily. These relatively older children are heavier and thus can cause physical strain to an adult's body while being carried. It can be desirable that a child carrier for these older toddlers should provide adequate support for the adult wearing it. Another desirable feature for a child carrier designed for preschoolers can be the ability for the child to easily and quickly board and dismount on his/her own, as children of this age are gaining independence and their ability to explore the world around them.

SUMMARY OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS

An exemplary and non-limiting summary of various embodiments is set forth next.

The present teachings provide, among other things, methods and apparatus for human transport, and particularly methods and apparatus for picking up, carrying, and putting down children.

Various aspects of the present teachings relate to a child carrier for carrying a child in a standing position on the back of a wearer. According to various embodiments, the child carrier can comprise a rigid or substantially rigid frame, and a rigid or substantially rigid platform, configured for a person to stand upon, extending from a lower region on the rear or backside of the frame.

According to various embodiments, a child carrier, wearable on a user's back, can comprise, for example: an elongate rigid or substantially rigid frame, including first and second lateral sides, an upper region, and a lower region; first and second shoulder straps extending from the frame; a waist belt extending from the frame, which can be beneath the shoulder straps, adapted for dispersing weight about a user; and, a generally planar, substantially rigid platform, configured for a child to stand upon, extending outwardly from the lower region of the frame; and, wherein, upon moving the child carrier toward the ground, the platform can be positioned generally parallel and juxtaposed thereto such that a child can readily step upon or off of it.

In various embodiments, the frame and platform, together, generally form an “L” shape.

In a variety of embodiments, the platform is substantially rigidly attached at the lower region of the frame.

In some embodiments, the platform is pivotally attached at the lower region of said frame. For example, one or more hinges can provide a pivotal attachment.

In various embodiments, child carriers according to the present teachings can further comprise at least one strap configured to extend across and/or around and retain a child while standing on the platform.

In a variety of embodiments, child carriers according to the present teachings can further comprise at least one hand hold along the upper region of the frame. The hand-hold can comprise at least a portion of the frame, a strap, or a separate hand-hold can be mounted to the frame.

According to various embodiments, the frame is, at least in part, tubular. In other embodiments, a variety of frame cross-sections are contemplated, e.g., square, rectangular, triangular, oval, oblong, etc.

In various embodiments, the first and second shoulder straps are connected at the first and second lateral sides of the frame, respectively.

In some embodiments, the platform comprises a slip-resistant upper surface. For example, textured tape can be applied to the upper surface to reduce or prevent slipping. In some embodiments, the upper surface is treated with a composition of matter that imparts anti-slip properties to it. In a variety of embodiments, the upper surface comprises surface features, e.g., notches, channels, ridges, protrusions, indentations, etc., that can act to reduce or prevent slippage.

In various embodiments, a child carrier in accordance with the present teachings can comprise, for example: an elongate substantially rigid frame, including a lower region; means for supporting the frame via a user's shoulders; means for dispersing the weight of the carrier about a user's midsection or waist; and, platform means comprising a rigid surface for supporting a child in a standing position, with feet side-by-side, at the lower region of the frame; and, wherein, upon moving the child carrier toward the ground, the surface can be positioned juxtaposed thereto such that a child can readily step upon or off of it.

In various embodiments, the means for supporting comprises one or more straps. In some embodiments, the one or more straps comprise first and second shoulder straps extending from the frame. In various embodiments, the straps include one or more buckles.

In various embodiments, the means for dispersing comprises a belt configured for extending from said frame about a user's waist.

In accordance with a variety of embodiments, the child carrier can further comprise means for retaining a child standing thereon. In various embodiments, the means for retaining can comprise one or more straps. In some embodiments, the one or more straps can include one or more buckles. In various embodiments, the straps and buckles can provide, for example, for a single-point harness, a two-point harness, a three-point harness, a four-point harness, a five-point harness, a six-point harness, etc.

Various aspects of the present teachings relate to methods for carrying a small person. In various embodiments, a method for carrying a small person, such as a child, can comprise, for example: providing a carrier comprising a rigid or substantially rigid frame, and a rigid or substantially rigid platform configured for a person to stand upon extending outwardly from a lower region of the frame; strapping the carrier onto one's (the wearer's) back; moving the carrier toward the ground, such that the platform becomes positioned generally parallel and juxtaposed thereto; permitting the person to step onto the platform, while proximate the ground, and to stand upon it; moving the carrier away from the ground, with the person standing on the platform; and, walking, with the person standing on the platform.

In various embodiments, while standing or walking, an uppermost region of the frame is lower than a wearer's eye level.

In accordance with various embodiments of the present teachings, the platform can be configured to pivot between an extended position and a folded position. Further, in various embodiments, a method for carrying a small person can further comprise pivoting the platform from an out-of-use folded position, generally parallel to the long axis of the frame, to a ready-to-use extended position generally normal to the frame.

In various embodiments, the step of moving the carrier toward the ground comprises kneeling or squatting (e.g., from a standing position) by the wearer.

In a variety of embodiments, the step of moving the carrier away from the ground comprises standing up (e.g., from a squatting or kneeling position) by the wearer.

Various aspects of the present teachings relate to kits for converting a suitable generally-available, external-frame backpack into a child carrier. For example, in accordance with various embodiments, a commercially-available, rigid or substantially-rigid, external-frame backpack including a shelf portion can be provided, and the pack removed. A platform comprising a surface can be secured to a shelf portion of the external frame. To this end, the kit can include a platform and one or more pieces of mounting hardware (e.g., threaded fasteners) and, optionally, one or more appropriate tools for mounting (e.g., screw driver, pliers, wrench, and the like). The kit can also include one or more spacer members for adjusting the height of the platform, and optionally anti-slip means for the platform. A belt or harness assembly can be provided in the kit, as desired, for retaining a child when standing on the platform. The belt or harness assembly can attach, for example, to the external frame and/or to the shoulder straps, and can be secured to a child. Further, the kit can include instructions, e.g., in paper and/or electronic format, for converting an external-frame backpack to a child carrier, in accordance with various embodiments of the present teachings.

In various embodiments, the present teachings provide kits for converting generally-available backpacks to child carriers, in accordance with the present teachings. In various embodiments, for example, a kit can comprise a platform and mounting hardware, such as threaded fasteners. A kit can also include one or more tools (e.g., a screw driver, pliers, a wrench, and the like). Additionally, the kit can include instructions for converting the backpack to a child carrier. In some embodiments, the instructions can list commercially-available backpacks suitable for conversion into a child carrier, in accordance with the present teachings. According to various embodiments, the platform can have holes pre-formed to receive fasteners, or a template can be provided for an end-user to create (e.g., drill) holes at appropriate places in the platform. A belt or harness assembly can be provided in the kit, as desired, for retaining a child when standing on the platform. The belt or harness assembly can attach, for example, to the external frame and/or to the shoulder straps, and can be secured to a child. The kit can also include one or more spacer members for adjusting the height of the platform, and optionally anti-slip means for the platform.

Various aspects of the present teachings provide kits for converting an external-frame backpack into a child carrier. In accordance with various embodiments, a kit can comprise: a rigid or substantially rigid platform; one or more pieces of mounting hardware; and instructions, in paper and/or electronic format, for mounting the platform to a shelf portion of the external-frame backpack.

In various embodiments, the kit can further comprise one or more tools, such as one or more screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers, etc.

In some embodiments, the kit further comprises one or more spacer members for adjusting the height of the platform, as desired.

In a variety of embodiments, the kit further comprises anti-slip means for the platform, such as anti-slip tape, an anti-slip composition, and/or a textured surface.

In various embodiments, the kit further comprises a belt or harness assembly for retaining a child when standing on the platform (e.g., a one-point, two-point, three-point, four-point, five-point assembly, or the like).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the present teachings will be or will become further apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and description.

FIG. 1 is a partially exploded, perspective view of a child carrier comprising a frame and platform, according to various embodiments of the present teachings.

FIG. 2 is a bottom plan view of the platform of FIG. 1, showing braces holding the platform to the frame, in accordance with various embodiments of the present teachings.

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the platform of FIG. 1, showing the top portions of threaded fasteners used to hold the platform to the frame, according to various embodiments of the present teachings.

FIG. 4 is an exploded, perspective view of the child carrier of FIG. 1, including a spacer member between the platform and the frame for adjusting the height of the platform, as desired, according to various embodiments of the present teachings.

FIG. 5 schematically depicts a user kneeling while wearing a child carrier according to various embodiments of the present teachings, and a child stepping onto the platform of the carrier while gripping a hand-hold.

FIG. 6 schematically shows the user and child of FIG. 5, with the user standing fully upright while wearing the child carrier and the child standing fully upright while on the platform, according to various embodiments of the present teachings.

DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made to various embodiments. While the present teachings will be described in conjunction with various embodiments, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the present teachings to those embodiments. On the contrary, the present teachings are intended to cover various alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as will be appreciated by those of skill in the art.

Various aspects of the present teachings relate to methods and apparatus for carrying persons, including small persons, such as children (e.g., toddlers). Particularly, various embodiments of the present teachings relate to child carriers. For example, according to various embodiments, a child carrier of the present teachings can be wearable on a user's back, and can comprise a rigid or substantially rigid frame and a rigid or substantially rigid platform extending or extendable from a lower region of the frame. The platform can be configured for a child to stand upon. A child carrier, according to various embodiments of the present teachings, can be useful, e.g., for carrying a child in a standing position on a wearer's back.

Referring to FIG. 1, in accordance with various embodiments of the present teachings, a partially exploded, perspective view of a child carrier is depicted generally at 12, comprising a frame 14 and a platform 16. As shown, frame 14 is elongated in the vertical direction and includes left and right side (lateral) rails 14a, 14b, an upper cross rail 14c bridging the left and right side rails; and a lower, rearwardly extending base region 18 having a cross rail, 14d, at its terminus. The base region extends outwardly, forming a step or shelf which can support platform 16.

According to various embodiments, the frame comprises a rigid or substantially rigid frame. The frame can be formed of one or more materials that are relatively light in weight, since the frame is intended to be carried, yet are sufficiently strong to bear the load of a child standing on the platform. For example, according to various embodiments, frames herein can be comprised of steel, titanium, aluminum, and the like. In some embodiments, a frame is comprised of one or more composite materials. While a variety of frame geometries are contemplated herein, in various embodiments, the frame can comprise a tubular frame.

The frame can comprise a shape to generally conform to the shape of a wearer's back when wearing the carrier. Thus, while the majority of the frame can roughly be described as generally planar, it is not in fact perfectly planar, but rather has mild curves and bends. The lowermost portion of frame, on the other hand, comprises a sharp outward bend that forms a step or shelf. The step or shelf itself lies generally along a plane which forms an angle a with the general plane of the frame. Such angle a can be, for example, within a range of from about 70 degrees to about 130 degrees. In some embodiments, such angle is about 90 degrees. In various embodiments, the shelf is configured to be substantially horizontal to the ground (+/−5 degrees, 10 degrees, 15 degrees, or 20 degrees) when the carrier is worn by a user.

In various embodiments, and with continuing reference to FIG. 1, left and right shoulder straps 21, 22 extend from the front of frame 14, and connect at left and right side rails, 14a, 14b, respectively. A belt 26 for dispersing or distributing the weight of the carrier and any load thereon about a wearer's waist can be located beneath the shoulder straps. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, above the carrier, is shown a belt 28 including first and second swivel snap hooks, 32, 34, attached at its terminal ends by way of respective tri-rings, 36, 38, with each swivel snap hook being configured to engage a respective tri-ring 42, 44 attached to an upper portion of one of shoulder straps. Belt 28 is of a length sufficient to allow it to reach back behind the child carrier and around a child thereon when the carrier is in use. Further, belt 28 can be sufficiently taut in order that the belt can act to retain, at least in part, a person standing on the platform. In various embodiments, the shoulder straps and/or one or both belts include padding, especially along those regions where they are anticipated to be in contact with, and/or pressing upon, a person's body. The belts can be provided with buckles (not shown), such as quick release buckles, to allow ready buckling and removal. The shoulder straps and belts can comprise any suitable material(s). For example, according to various embodiments, the straps and belts can comprise one or more of nylon, polyester, and/or polypropylene webbing.

In a variety of embodiments, a hand hold (not shown in FIG. 1) can be provided along an upper region of the frame. In various embodiments, a portion of the frame itself, and/or a portion of a strap, provides a hand hold. In some embodiments, one or more hand holds are provided as add-ons to the frame. For example, in various embodiments, a handle can attach (e.g., clamp) to top rail 14c.

According to various embodiments, a platform extends, or is extendable, from the frame. With continued reference to FIG. 1, platform 16 can comprise, for example, a planar or substantially planar surface 16a. In various embodiments, a generally planar, rigid or substantially rigid platform, configured for a child to stand upon, extends, or is extendable, outwardly from a lower region on the backside of frame 14. Upon moving child carrier 12 toward the ground, platform 16 can be positioned generally parallel and juxtaposed thereto such that a child can readily step upon or off of surface 16a.

In accordance with various embodiments of the present teachings, platform 16 can be provided with one or more surface features configured to reduce or prevent slipping. For example, the surface can be treated with an anti-slip composition or material, a slip-resistant tape can be applied to the surface, and/or indentations and/or protrusions can be provided along the surface to reduce or prevent slipping.

As can be seen in the embodiment of FIG. 1, frame 14 and platform 16, together, generally form an “L” shape. In various embodiments, the shelf portion of the frame, or the platform, comprises the bottommost portion of the overall child carrier assembly.

In various embodiments, the platform is rigidly attached at a lower region of the frame. In some embodiments, the platform is pivotally attached at the lower region of the frame. For example, one or more hinges can provide a pivotal connection between a long or major side-edge of the platform proximate the frame and the frame.

The platform can connect or fasten to the frame by any suitable means. For example, in the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 3, four U-clamps 48a-d are shown securing the underside of platform 16 to the shelf region of frame 14. Threaded fasteners such as 52, for example, can secure the U-clamps to the platform. For example, nuts, bolts, screws, and the like, can be employed. In various embodiments, the heads of any bolts or screws employed are flush mounted with the surface of platform, or recessed therein. In some embodiments, the platform can be held to the frame by one or more adhesives, welds, rivets, and the like.

FIG. 4 is an exploded, perspective view of the child carrier of FIG. 1, including a spacer member 56 interposed between platform 16 and frame 14, according to various embodiments of the present teachings. Such a spacer can be useful, for example, to increase the height of the platform with respect to the frame, thereby improving usability for relatively shorter users that might stand on the platform. As can be seen, sufficiently long threaded fasteners 52 (one of which is shown in the figure) can be employed to secure the spacer between the underside of platform 16 and the upper side of the shelf region of frame 14. Spacer 56 can comprise any suitable material. In various embodiments, for example, the spacer is comprised of a wood, polymeric or plastic material. In some embodiments, the spacer 56 comprises a polyurethane material.

FIGS. 5 and 6 schematically depict an exemplary use of a child carrier in accordance with various embodiments of the present teachings. In various embodiments, a carrier 12 is provided comprising a rigid or substantially rigid frame 14, and a rigid or substantially rigid platform 16 configured for a person, such as a child, to stand upon extending outwardly from a lower region of the frame. As can be seen in FIG. 5, a user can wear child carrier 12 on his back, by strapping on shoulder straps 21, 22 (one of which is shown) and waist belt 26. The wearer can kneel or squat towards the ground such that the carrier is lowered, with its platform brought juxtaposed to and generally parallel to the ground. Such positioning of the platform permits a child to readily step upon the platform. Once both feet of the child have been placed on platform 16, the wearer can then stand, thereby moving carrier 12 away from the ground with the child standing on the platform, as shown in FIG. 6. The wearer can then move about (e.g., walk) with the child standing on the platform. As can be seen in FIG. 6, in accordance with various embodiments, while standing or walking, an uppermost region of frame 14 is lower than a wearer's eye level.

Various aspects of the present teachings relate to kits for converting a suitable generally-available, external-frame backpack into a child carrier in accordance with the teachings herein. For example, a commercially-available, external-frame backpack can be obtained, and the pack removed. Among the various models that can be converted, certain embodiments contemplate conversion of the Deuter Kid Comfort I, II and/or III (Deuter USA; Longmont, Colo.). A platform can be secured to a shelf portion of the external frame. To this end, the kit can include a platform and one or more pieces of mounting hardware and, optionally, one or more appropriate tools for mounting. The kit can also optionally include a spacer member and anti-slip means for the platform, as described herein. Further, the kit can include instructions, in paper and/or electronic format, for converting an external-frame backpack to a child carrier, in accordance with various embodiments of the present teachings. A belt or harness assembly can be provided in the kit, as desired, for retaining a child when standing on the platform. The belt or harness assembly can attach to the external frame and/or to the shoulder harnesses, and can be secured to a child.

All references set forth herein are expressly incorporated by reference in their entireties for all purposes.

Those skilled in the art can now appreciate from the foregoing description that the broad teachings herein can be implemented in a variety of forms. Therefore, while the present teachings have been described in connection with various embodiments and examples, the scope of the present teachings are not intended, and should not be construed to be, limited thereby. Various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present teachings.

Claims

1. A child carrier, wearable on a user's back, comprising:

an elongate substantially rigid frame, including first and second lateral sides, an upper region, and a lower region;

first and second shoulder straps extending from said frame;

a waist belt extending from said frame adapted for dispersing weight about a user; and,

a generally planar, substantially rigid platform, configured for a child to stand upon, extending outwardly from said lower region of said frame; and,

wherein, upon moving the child carrier toward the ground, said platform can be positioned generally parallel and juxtaposed thereto such that a child can readily step upon or off of it.

2. The carrier of claim 1, wherein said frame and said platform, together, generally form an “L” shape.

3. The carrier of claim 1, wherein said platform is rigidly attached at said lower region of said frame.

4. The carrier of claim 1, wherein said platform is pivotally attached at said lower region of said frame.

5. The carrier of claim 1, further comprising at least one strap configured to extend across and retain a child while standing on the platform.

6. The carrier of claim 1, further comprising at least one hand hold along said upper region of said frame.

7. The carrier of claim 1, wherein said frame is, at least in part, tubular.

8. The carrier of claim 1, wherein said first and second shoulder straps are connected at said first and second lateral sides of said frame, respectively.

9. The carrier of claim 1, wherein said platform comprises a slip-resistant upper surface.

10. A kit for converting a substantially rigid, external-frame backpack into a child carrier, comprising:

a platform;

one or more pieces of mounting hardware; and

instructions for mounting the platform to a shelf portion of the external-frame backpack.

11. The kit of claim 10, wherein said platform comprises one or more holes pre-formed therein to receive said one or more pieces of mounting hardware.

12. The kit of claim 10, further comprising one or more tools configured for manipulating said one or more pieces of mounting hardware.

13. The kit of claim 10, further comprising a spacer member for adjusting the height of the platform.

14. The kit of claim 10, further comprising anti-slip means for the platform.

15. The kit of claim 10, further comprising a belt or harness assembly for retaining a child when standing on the platform.

16. A method for carrying a small person, comprising:

providing a carrier comprising a substantially rigid frame, and a substantially rigid platform configured for a person to stand upon extending outwardly from a lower region of said frame;

strapping the carrier onto one's back;

moving the carrier toward the ground, such that said platform becomes positioned generally parallel and juxtaposed thereto;

permitting said person to step onto said platform, while juxtaposed to the ground, and to stand upon it;

moving the carrier away from the ground, with said person standing on said platform; and,

walking, with said person standing on said platform.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein, while walking, an uppermost region of the frame is lower than a user's eye level.

18. The method of claim 16, further comprising pivoting the platform from a folded position to a position generally normal to the frame.

19. The method of claim 16, wherein said step of moving the carrier toward the ground comprises kneeling or squatting.

20. The method of claim 16, wherein said step of moving the carrier away from the ground comprises standing up.