CARRYING DEVICE WITH A WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION SUPPORT

Abstract

A carrying device for carrying a child on a shoulder of a person is disclosed. The device comprises a weight distribution support with a first end connected the shoulder strap and a second end connected to the back portion of the carrying device. In use, a force acting on the weight distribution support from below, pushes the shoulder strap and the shoulder support bar in an upward direction such that the first curve is further curved outwards, thus allowing the weight to be evenly distributed over the weight distribution support.

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 the back of the child and extending vertically at a side to a lower end of the carrying device, a shoulder support bar comprising a free end and with an opposite end connected to the side of the back-support frame such that it forms a first curve which supports the child from below, a shoulder harness system comprising shoulder straps connected to and covering at least a section of the shoulder support bar the shoulder straps further being arranged with a collar extending between each of the shoulder straps, a cover attached to an upper section of the back-support frame and connected to the collar such that it provides a seating section for the child behind the collar, wherein the shoulder harness system further comprises a back portion attached to a lower section of the back-support frame and a weight distribution support with a first end connected the shoulder strap and a second end connected to the back portion, such that the weight distribution support forms a second curve located below the first curve, and wherein in use, a force acting on the weight distribution support from below, pushes the shoulder straps and the shoulder support bar in an upward direction such that the first curve is further curved outwards, thus allowing weight to be evenly distributed over the weight distribution support.

2. The carrying device according to claim 1, wherein the first end of the weight distribution support is connected to the shoulder strap at a location in the middle between the free and opposite ends of the shoulder support bar or closer to the opposite end connected to the back-support frame.

3. The carrying device according to claim 1, wherein the second end of the weight distribution support is connected to the back portion at a location above a mid-section of the back portion.

4. The carrying device according to claim 1, wherein the second end of the weight distribution support is located on the carrying device at a vertical location above the first end.

5. The carrying device according to claim 1, wherein the weight distribution support comprises foam and padding for carrying comfort.

6. The carrying device according to claim 1, wherein the carrying device comprises a weight distribution system comprising connection means provided at the free end of the shoulder support bar (9), wherein the connection means comprises a counterweight device arranged to be connected to the connection means so as to provide a counterweight balance to the carrying device.

7. The carrying device according to claim 6, wherein the counterweight device is at least any one of a: bag or pouch for holding an item.

8. The carrying device according to claim 6, wherein the connection means comprises at least any one of a: buckle, loop, straps, Velcro, and a press button for securing the counterweight device to the shoulder straps.

9. The carrying device according to claim 2, wherein the second end of the weight distribution support is connected to the back portion at a location above a mid-section of the back portion.

10. The carrying device according to claim 2, wherein the second end of the weight distribution support is located on the carrying device at a vertical location above the first end.

11. The carrying device according to claim 2, wherein the weight distribution support comprises foam and padding for carrying comfort.

12. The carrying device according to claim 2, wherein the carrying device comprises a weight distribution system comprising connection means provided at the free end of the shoulder support bar, wherein the connection means comprises a counterweight device arranged to be connected to the connection means so as to provide a counterweight balance to the carrying device.

13. The carrying device (1) according to claim 7, wherein the connection means comprises at least any one of a: buckle, loop, straps, Velcro, and a press button for securing the counterweight device to the shoulder straps.

14. The carrying device according to claim 3, wherein the second end of the weight distribution support is located on the carrying device at a vertical location above the first end.

15. The carrying device according to claim 3, wherein the weight distribution support comprises foam and padding for carrying comfort.

16. The carrying device according to claim 3, wherein the carrying device comprises a weight distribution system comprising connection means provided at the free end of the shoulder support bar, wherein the connection means comprises a counterweight device arranged to be connected to the connection means so as to provide a counterweight balance to the carrying device.

Description

FIGURES

[0070] 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:

[0071] FIG. 1 shows a prior art carrying device comprising a safety device.

[0072] FIG. 2 shows a back-support frame and a pair of support bars connected to the back-support frame.

[0073] FIG. 3 shows a front side of the carrying device comprising an outer- and inner securing system according to the invention.

[0074] FIG. 4 shows the back side of the carrying device comprising a seat adjusting device.

[0075] FIG. 5 shows a side view of the carrying device.

[0076] FIG. 6 shows the carrying device and the weight distribution system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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. Other shapes of the top part 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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.

[0084] 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.

[0085] A 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.

[0086] 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.

[0087] The inner securing system 7 is adapted to be adjusted independent of the outer securing system 6.

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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.

[0094] 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.

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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.

[0099] 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.

[0100] The weight distribution support 15 may comprise foam and/or padding for carrying comfort.

[0101] 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 means 39 may comprise a counterweight device 40 arranged to be connected to the connection means 39 so as to provide a counterweight balance to the carrying device 1. Such a counterweight system 38 is shown in FIG. 6.

[0102] The counterweight device 40 may be at least any one of a: bag 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.

[0103] 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.

[0104] The connection means 39 may be a loop provided on the carrying device 1 and hooks provided on the counterweight device 40 for interaction.