Universal Child Travel Sling and Methods of Use

Abstract

A flexible sling device utilizing straps to attach the sling on top of an article of luggage, such as a rolling suitcase. The device attaches to the base of the suitcase handle and the child sits on top of the suitcase with their legs around the handle. The sling wraps around their bottom and back and a strap runs around the back of the sling to the suitcase handle. The tension from the child will help to maintain the sling and the child relative to the top of the suitcase. The straps use buckles with adjustable straps that can be adjusted in length as the child grows. The sling can be transformed into a wearable string by connecting additional straps to form shoulder straps which allow a child to be carried on the front or the back of the caretaker wearing the sling.

Claims

1. A universal child sling system comprising: a sling assembly comprising a sling body having a first, upper strap and a second, lower strap; said first, upper strap comprising a first buckle; said second, lower strap comprising a second buckle; wherein said sling assembly is configured to be placed into a first orientation deployed atop a piece of luggage such that said first and second straps are secured about a suitcase handle via said first and second buckles, such that said sling body forms a seat portion and a seat back portion; and wherein a child can be secured within said sling assembly atop said piece of luggage such that said child can be transported via said piece of luggage.

2. The universal child sling system of claim 1, further comprising: said sling body comprising an integrated pocket; said integrated pocket being capable of receiving said sling body within said integrated pocket such that said entire sling body is converted to a second, stored orientation completely within said integrated pocket; and wherein said sling body can be transported within said integrated pocket.

3. The universal child sling system of claim 2, wherein said integrated pocket is selectively closeable via a zipper.

4. The universal child sling system of claim 1, further comprising at least one seatbelt loop affixed to said sling body.

5. The universal child sling system of claim 1, further comprising two pairs of infant leg loop closures configured for securing said child's legs therein.

6. The universal child sling system of claim 1, further comprising: a third strap comprising a third buckle; a fourth strap comprising a fourth buckle; said third strap configured to be looped around said first strap and said suitcase handle; and said fourth strap configured to be looped around said third strap, thereby forming a handle loop.

7. The universal child sling system of claim 1, further comprising: a third strap comprising a third buckle; a fourth strap comprising a fourth buckle; said third and fourth straps configured to be oriented into a crisscross orientation such that said third and fourth buckles are connected to said first and second buckles, thereby transforming said sling assembly into a wearable sling.

8. The universal child sling system of claim 7, wherein said wearable sling comprises a front-worn sling configured for carrying said child.

9. The universal child sling system of claim 7, wherein said wearable sling comprises a rear-worn sling configured for carrying said child.

10. The universal child sling system of claim 1, wherein a bottom edge of said sling body comprises a U-shape configured for fitting around said luggage handle.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention illustrating various objects and features thereof.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a three-dimensional isometric view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in a first orientation in a typical environment mounted atop a piece of luggage with a child being supported therein.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a three-dimensional isometric view thereof without the child being shown.

[0012] FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the embodiment of the present invention alone.

[0013] FIG. 4 is a rear elevational view thereof.

[0014] FIG. 5 is a front elevational view thereof shown folded into a storage pocket.

[0015] FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of a pair of support straps that optionally interface with the primary embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] FIG. 7 is a three-dimensional isometric view of the preferred embodiment shown in a wearable sling orientation.

[0017] FIG. 8 is a left-side elevational view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention being worn by a caretaker as a front sling element for supporting a child.

[0018] FIG. 9 is a front elevational view thereof.

[0019] FIG. 10 is a rear elevational view thereof.

[0020] FIG. 11 is a right-side elevational view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention being worn by a caretaker as a rear, piggy-back sling element for supporting a child.

[0021] FIG. 12 is a rear elevational view thereof.

[0022] FIG. 13 is a front elevational view thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

I. Introduction and Environment

[0023] As required, detailed aspects of the present invention are disclosed herein, however, it is to be understood that the disclosed aspects are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art how to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.

[0024] Certain terminology will be used in the following description for convenience in reference only and will not be limiting. For example, up, down, front, back, right and left refer to the invention as orientated in the view being referred to. The words, inwardly and outwardly refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the aspect being described and designated parts thereof. Forwardly and rearwardly are generally in reference to the direction of travel, if appropriate. Said terminology will include the words specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof and words of similar meaning.

II. Preferred Embodiment Universal Child Sling System 2

[0025] As shown in FIGS. 1-2, a preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a universal child sling system 2 which allows a sling 4 to be placed onto the top surface 24 of suitcase 20 or other piece of luggage such that a child 26 can be secured atop the suitcase and transported thereon.

[0026] The sling 4 includes a flexible body 6 constructed out of a double layer of water-resistant utility fabric with cushion material filling the sling interior, or other suitable flexible and durable material. The body 6 can form an upper portion 8 and a lower portion 10. The upper portion forms a seat back, while the lower portion forms a seat. The edge of the sling body 6 may have a thick webbing folded over the fabric for trim. The thickness of this material gives the sling some rigidity. The bottom edge 11 of the sling is in a U shape to help the sling fit around the suitcase 20 handle 22. The bottom straps 14 are anchored into the tips of the U, are adjustable and connect together with a buckle 18. The top strap 12 is shown as a continuous across the back of the sling 6 and sewn into the fabric. The top strap 12 is adjustable in length and incorporates a buckle 16 to secure the straps together. The buckles are arraigned to be able to be crisscross for the carrier modes. In other embodiments, the sling can have a hard frame to sit on top of a luggage article, such as a hard-case suitcase, and in further embodiments the sling material has more rigidity.

[0027] FIG. 2 shows how a third strap 37 and associated buckle 38 which can secure between the top strap 12 and the suitcase handle 22, with a fourth strap 39 and associated buckle 40 forming a loop which a child could use as a handle.

[0028] FIGS. 3 and 4 show the sling 4 in detail, including a pair of seatbelt loops 28 which could be used within a vehicle for receiving a seatbelt. A number of infant leg loop closures 30 are also shown, which can be used to further secure an infant child within the sling 4 when in use.

[0029] FIG. 4 shows an integrated pocket 32 with a double-sided zipper 34 which can be used to store the entire sling 4 into a compact configuration as shown in FIG. 5. A carry strap 35 may also be included for ease of transport of the entire stored sling 4.

[0030] FIG. 6 shows the third 37 and fourth 39 straps in a crisscross orientation 36, with the associated third 38 and fourth 40 buckles, which can then interface with the first 16 and second 18 buckles of the first 12 and second 14 straps, respectively. FIG. 7 shows the sling 4 in a wearable orientation where the crisscross orientation 36 is connected to the first 12 and second 14 straps, forming a wearable sling.

[0031] FIGS. 8-10 show the wearable sling 4 being worn as a front sling by a caregiver. FIGS. 11-13 show the wearable sling 4 being worn on the caretaker's back as a piggy-back sling.

[0032] It is to be understood that while certain embodiments and/or aspects of the invention have been shown and described, the invention is not limited thereto and encompasses various other embodiments and aspects.