A CHILD CARRYING DEVICE WITH A WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

Abstract

A carrying device or carrying a child on a shoulder of a person comprises: a back-support frame for supporting the back of the child, a support bar comprising a free end and with an opposite end connected to the back-support frame such that it forms a support arc protruding from the support bar and which supports the child from below, a shoulder harness system comprising a shoulder strap connected to and covering at least a section of the support bar.

The carrying device comprises a weight distribution system comprising a counterweight device including connection means configured for cooperating with complementary connection means provided at or adjacent the free end of the support bar so as to provide a counterweight to the carrying device during use.

Claims

1. A carrying device for carrying a child on a shoulder of a person, the carrying device comprising: a back-support frame for supporting a back of the child and extending vertically at a side to a lower end of the carrying device, a support bar comprising a free end and with an opposite end connected to the back-support frame such that it forms a support arc protruding from the back-support frame and which supports the child from below, a shoulder harness system comprising a shoulder strap connected to and covering at least a section of the support bar, wherein the carrying device comprises a weight distribution system comprising a counterweight device having connection means configured for cooperating with complementary connection means provided at or adjacent the free end of the support bar so as to provide a counterweight to the carrying device during use.

2. The carrying device according to claim 1, wherein the counterweight device is at least any one of a: bag, sack, backpack or pouch for storing one or more items.

3. The carrying device according to claim 1, wherein the counterweight device is a backpack for carrying at the back of the person and connected to or adjacent the free end of the support bar such that a weight of the backpack is transferred to the support bar.

4. The carrying device according to claim 3, wherein the backpack comprises one or more straps extending from a back to a front of the carrying device and wherein the one or more straps are adjustable such that the backpack is tightly secured.

5. The carrying device according to claim 3, wherein the carrying device is foldable, and the backpack comprises a chamber for receiving the carrying device for storage and transport.

6. The carrying device according to claim 1, wherein the connection means comprises at least any one of a: buckle, loop, straps, Velcro, press button, magnets, and flaps for securing the counterweight device to or adjacent the free end of the support bar.

7. A method of attaching a counterweight device to a weight distribution system of the carrying device according to claim 1, wherein the carrying device comprises a first support bar and a second support bar and wherein the method comprises: securing a child in the carrying device on shoulders of a carrying person, attaching the counterweight device to connection means provided on or adjacent the free end of the first support bar, attaching the counterweight device to connection means provided on or adjacent the free end of the second support bar and, adjusting straps provided at the connections means for adjusting the counterweight device relative to the first and second support bars.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the counterweight device is a backpack for carrying at the back of the carrying person, and wherein the method comprises prior to attaching the counterweight device to connection means provided on or adjacent the free end of the second support bar, leading the backpack towards the back and around the carrier person for attaching the counterweight device to the connection means provided on or adjacent the free end of the second support bar, adjusting straps provided at the connections means for adjusting the backpack relative to the first and second support bars such that the weight is distributed to the support bars.

9. The carrying device according to claim 2, wherein the counterweight device is a backpack for carrying at the back of the person and connected to or adjacent the free end of the support bar such that a weight of the backpack is transferred to the support bar.

10. The carrying device according to claim 4, wherein the carrying device is foldable, and the backpack comprises a chamber for receiving the carrying device for storage and transport.

11. The carrying device according to claim 2, wherein the connection means comprises at least any one of a: buckle, loop, straps, Velcro, press button, magnets, and flaps for securing the counterweight device to or adjacent the free end of the support bar.

12. The carrying device according to claim 3, wherein the connection means comprises at least any one of a: buckle, loop, straps, Velcro, press button, magnets, and flaps for securing the counterweight device to or adjacent the free end of the support bar.

13. The carrying device according to claim 4, wherein the connection means comprises at least any one of a: buckle, loop, straps, Velcro, press button, magnets, and flaps for securing the counterweight device to or adjacent the free end of the support bar.

14. The carrying device according to claim 5, wherein the connection means comprises at least any one of a: buckle, loop, straps, Velcro, press button, magnets, and flaps for securing the counterweight device to or adjacent the free end of the support bar.

15. The carrying device according to claim 9, wherein the backpack comprises one or more straps extending from a back to a front of the carrying device and wherein the one or more straps are adjustable such that the backpack is tightly secured.

16. The carrying device according to claim 10, wherein the carrying device is foldable, and the backpack comprises a chamber for receiving the carrying device for storage and transport.

Description

FIGURES

[0100] The description above, as well as further objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more fully appreciated by reference to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment which should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0101] FIG. 1 shows a prior art carrying device comprising a safety device.

[0102] FIG. 2 shows a back-support frame and a pair of support bars connected to the back-support frame.

[0103] FIG. 3 shows a front side of the carrying device comprising an outer- and inner securing system according to the invention.

[0104] FIG. 4 shows the back side of the carrying device comprising a seat adjusting device.

[0105] FIG. 5 shows a side view of the carrying device.

[0106] FIG. 6 shows the carrying device and the weight distribution system.

[0107] FIG. 7 shows a carrier device folded together and a backpack for storing the folded carrier device.

[0108] FIG. 8 shows a front view of the carrier device with the backpack attached to the free end of the support bars.

[0109] FIG. 9 shows a side view of the carrying device with the backpack arranged at and below the lower portion of the support bar and connected to the front of the carrier device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0110] FIG. 1 shows a prior art carrying device for carrying a child on the shoulder of an adult. The device comprises a back support connected to a pair of shoulder harness and wherein the back support and the shoulder harness forming a seating section for a child on the shoulder of the carrying adult. The carrier further comprises a safety securing system for retaining the child in the seated position. The securing system comprising a T-shaped waistband extending from one side of the back support to the opposite side. The waistband is connected to a Y-shaped support strap and extends to the back and attached to the back support. The head of the child needs to be threaded into the Y-shaped support strap and afterward the support strap is secured to the waistband. The T-shaped waistband is adapted for side adjustment, while the Y shaped support strap is adapted for height adjustment.

[0111] The prior art carrying device further comprises a support bar connected to a lumar support forming a pre-shaped arch fitting to a shoulder of a carrying person. The shoulder straps are covering the support bars for support between the shoulder and the support bar.

[0112] FIG. 2 shows the back-support frame 2 of an embodiment of the present invention, for supporting the back of the child while seated in in the carrying device 1. Said frame 2 may constitute a bar arranged in an up down U shape (with U shape on top) and extending vertically at both side to a lower end of the of the carrying device 1. The back-support frame is arranged for supporting the back of the child and extends further to the back of the carrier person. Other shapes of the top part of the back-support frame may also be possible, such as pyramidical or with edges (part of a square). At the lower end, the back-support frame 2 may be connected to the back portion of the shoulder harness system 3.

[0113] The bar of the back-support frame 2 may be arranged such that it is foldable (not shown). It may be foldable to either side of the carrying device. For easy packing, it may be preferable that the top part (the U-shape) of the back-support frame is foldable towards the front of the carrying device, thus enclosing the front part together with the shoulder harness system 3.

[0114] As shown in FIG. 2, two support bars 9 each comprising a free end 31 and an opposite end 32 connected to respective side of the back-support frame 2, are arranged for supporting the child from below. While in the seated position the thighs and legs of the child is resting on the two support pars 9. It may be preferable that the support bars 9 are made of rigid material that are most rigid at the connection point of the support bar 9 to the back-support frame 2, and gradually being less rigid towards the free end 31. The support bars 9, each forming a first curve 34 for fitting to a shoulder of the person carrying the device 1.

[0115] The carrying device further comprises a shoulder harness system 3 comprising a shoulder strap 17 connected to and covering at least a section of the support bar 9. The shoulder strap may be provided with a pocket for holding and covering the support bar 9.

[0116] The shoulder harness system 3 may comprise a back portion 18 attached to the shoulder traps 17 for supporting the back of the carrier 1. The back portion 18 may comprise pockets for holding the lower ends 33 of the back-support frame 2.

[0117] The shoulder straps 17 further being arranged with a collar 4 between each other. The collar 4 may be padded for comfort and fit to the neck of the carrier 1.

[0118] The carrying device may comprise a cover 5 for covering at least a section of the back-support frame providing a back support 20 for the child. The back-support frame 2 extends at either side of the carrying device to a back portion of the carrying person.

[0119] The cover 5 may be attached to an upper section (up down U-shape) of the back-support frame 2 and connected to the collar 4 such that it provides a seating section 16 for the child behind the collar 4. The cover 5 may be made of a fabric material such as polyester, cotton, neoprene, pvc, rubber, or a combination thereof.

[0120] As shown in FIG. 3, the child carrying device 1 further comprises a safety device for retaining the child in a seated position, the safety device comprises: an outer securing system 6 providing an outer securing perimeter for the child, and an inner securing system 7 arranged within the outer securing system 6 and providing an inner securing perimeter which is smaller than the outer securing perimeter.

[0121] The inner securing system 7 is adapted to be adjusted independent of the outer securing system 6.

[0122] The inner securing system 7 comprises an inner strap 7 with ends connected to loops provided at respective flaps of the outer securing system 6. The ends of the inner strap may comprise Velcro for adjusting the length of the inner strap. The inner strap is further connected to the cover 5 through an opening provided in the cover. The inner strap may be attached to the cover 5 at a vertical front centerline (cl) of the carrying device 1. The inner securing system 7 proving an inner securing perimeter defined by the inner strap.

[0123] The outer securing system 6 may comprise two flaps arranged on respective sides of the carrying device 1. The two flaps may be arranged with outer strap and buckles for connecting and adjusting the flaps. The outer securing system 6 providing an outer securing perimeter defined by the flaps, the outer strap and the buckles.

[0124] The outer securing system 6 is arranged such that it closes both the outer and inner securing system 6,7 when it is closed by the buckles and adjusted by the outer straps.

[0125] In use, the inner securing system 6 may be first adjusted according to the size of the child, wherein the carrying device is fitted on the shoulders of the carrier. The child is then lifted into the seating section of the device 1. A carrying person may reach the outer securing system 6 (flaps provided at each side) and fasten the buckles of the outer securing system 6. The outer securing strap is reachable above the shoulder of the carrier such that the inner and outer securing system 6,7 may be tightened by pulling the strap end of the outer securing system 6. Thus, providing a flexible and double securing system for retaining the child in the seated position on the shoulders of the carrier.

[0126] FIG. 4 shows the back side of the carrying device 1. The back-support frame 2 constitutes a bar with an up down U-shape top portion. A cover 5 provided with a pocket for holding the upper section (up down U-shape) of the back-support frame 2. A seat adjustable strap 19, adjustable through a buckle, is provided from one side of the carrying device to the opposite. The seat adjustable strap 19 may be located at the back of the flaps of the outer securing system 6.

[0127] Also shown in FIG. 4, the ends of the back-support frame 2 extends on either side to the lower end of the carrying device 1. At the lower portion of the back-support frame, said frame 2 is connected to a back portion 18 of the shoulder harness system 3.

[0128] FIG. 5 shows a side view of the carrying device 1. The device may comprise a back-support frame 2 for supporting the back of the child and extending vertically at a side to a lower end 33 of the of the carrying device. A shoulder support bar 9 comprising a free end 31 and with an opposite end 32 connected to the side of the back-support frame 2 such that it forms a first curve 34 which supports the child from below. A shoulder harness system 3 comprising a shoulder strap 17 is connected to and covering at least a section of the support bar 2. The two shoulder straps 17 are further being arranged with a collar 4 extending between each other.

[0129] A cover 5 is attached to an upper section of the back-support frame 2 and connected to the collar 4 such that it provides a seating section 16 for the child behind the collar 4.

[0130] The shoulder harness system 3 may further comprise a pack portion 18 attached to a lower section of the back-support frame 2, and a weight distribution support 15 with a first end connected the shoulder strap 17 and a second end connected to the back portion 18, such that the weight distribution support 15 forms a second curve 35 located below the first curve 34, and wherein in use, a force (F) acting on the weight distribution support 15 from below, pushes the shoulder strap 17 and the shoulder support bar 9 in an upward direction such that the first curve 34 are further curved outwards, thus allowing the weight to be evenly distributed over the weight distribution support 15. This is illustrated in FIG. 5 where the arrows illustrate the force (F) acting on the second curve 35 such that it pulls the front part of the shoulder strap 17 and the support bar 9 upwards and the free end 31 of the support bar 9 inwards towards the upper stomach region of the carrier.

[0131] The first end 36 of the weight distribution support may be connected to the shoulder strap 17 at a location in the middle between the ends of the shoulder support bar 9 or closer to the end connected to the back-support frame 2.

[0132] The second end 37 of the weight distribution support 15 may be connected to the back portion 18 at a location above a mid-section of the back portion 18.

[0133] The second end 37 of the weight distribution support 15 may be located on the carrying device 1 at a vertical location above the first end 36. Seen from the side, the second end 37 of the weight distribution support 15 may be connected to the upper part of the back portion 18 and arranged in a second curve 35 forming a shoulder section and further connected to the shoulder support bar 2 at the first end 36, which is situated vertically lower than the second end 37 of the weight distribution support 15.

[0134] The weight distribution support 15 may comprise foam and/or padding for carrying comfort.

[0135] The carrying device 1 may comprise a counterweight system 38 comprising connection means 39 provided at the free end 31 of the shoulder strap 17 and the support bar 2. The connection system 38 comprises a counterweight device 40 arranged to be connected to the support bars 9 of the carrying device by connection means 39. The counterweight device 40 provides a counterweight balance to the carrying device 1 by applying a pull force to the front of the carrying device 1. Such a counterweight system 38 is shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 8.

[0136] The counterweight device 40 may be at least any one of a: bag, backpack, sack or pouch for holding an item. The device 40 may be arranged for holding travelling accessories such as garments, keys, water bottle, food, etc. Thus, the counterweight device 40 may be adapted for carrying travelling items for the child and the adults.

[0137] The counterweight device 40 may assist to pull the shoulder straps 17 and the support bars 9 in a downward forward direction, opposite the up and backwards direction of the child, thus creating a counterweight for the carrying device 1 during use.

[0138] The connection means 39 may be a loop provided on the carrying device 1 and hooks provided on the counterweight device 40 for interaction.

[0139] The connection means 39 may comprise buckle and magnets for easy connection and release of the device 40.

[0140] FIG. 7 shows how the carrying device 1 may be assembled and packed for easy transport and storing. The counterweight device 40 may be a backpack comprising a chamber 42 for storing/holding a folded or assembled carrying device 1. The backpack may be used for storing and carrying the carrying device 1 while it is not in use.

[0141] The backpack 40 may also be used for storing travelling items while the carrying device 1 is in use.

[0142] The backpack 40 may comprise connection means 39 for attaching the backpack 40 to the carrying device 1.

[0143] FIG. 8 shows a front view of the carrying device 1 where the backpack 40 has been connected to the complementary connections means 39 provided at or adjacent the free end 31 of the support bar 2. The figure shows a connection via straps provided on flaps on the backpack 40. The backpack 40 is adjustable and may be tightened to the carrier by pulling the adjusting straps of the connection means 39.

[0144] FIG. 9 shows a side view of the backpack 40 while attached to shoulder harness system 3 of the carrying device 1. The relatively large backpack 40 may be carried at the back of the carrier person at and below the lower portion or lower end 33 of the back-support frame 2. The weight of the backpack 40 may thus be transferred to the front portion of the carrier (to the support bars) by the connection to the complementary connection means 39 provided at or adjacent the free end 31 of the support bar 9.

[0145] The backpack 40 may be a relatively large sized pack that can receive garments, food and travelling accessories. Such large sized packs are not easy to carry in front of the carrier since it will be situated on the stomach and upper leg area of the carrier. Therefore, the back position of the backpack 40 may be the ideal position to carry the backpack. The present invention is advantageous since it allows the weight of the backpack 40 to act on the front part of the carrying device 1 while the backpack 40 is situated at the back.