Walking training apparatus

Abstract

A walking training apparatus having a support vest adapted to be fitted around the torso of an infant, the support vest having a left and right attachment projections with buckles. Left and right straps, each having buckles on one end and forming a loop handle on the opposite end, attach to the projection buckles. Both straps have clasps connected to the buckle end and slidably attached to the strap, allowing strap length to be adjusted. The left and right projection buckles are detachably connectable to one another when the straps are removed from the vest, preventing the projection buckles from distracting the infant or snagging on other objects. The vest is fitted using hook and loop fasteners and vest straps. All seams are double bar tacked for durability.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION DATA[0001]The present application is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 314,317, also entitled “Walking Training Apparatus,” filed Dec. 21, 2005, which is herein incorporated by reference as if fully set forth in its entirety for its pertinent and supportive teachings.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present embodiment of the invention relates to a walking training apparatus for use in connection with devices used to train infants to walk. The walking training apparatus has particular utility in connection with a walking training apparatus having adjustable detachable handles and a bell shaped attachment projection.[0004]Currently, training an infant to walk requires an attendant to hover in a stooped position over the infant to ensure that no injury occurs during the inevitable falls that will occur during learning to walk. The pain associated with learning to walk increases the frustration level for ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0016]The walking training apparatus of the present invention has a torso harness which covers the torso of the infant and distributes the restraining force over the body mass of the infant and supports the infant underneath the arms as would occur when an attendant is catching a falling infant from behind. The walking training apparatus has unrestricted shoulder area and strictly uses a torso harness to allow the child to play without shoulder restrictions. The handle straps are adjustable in length allowing their use for different size attendants and also for use with both crawling and walking training, additionally modifying the length allows varying the amount of support offered to the infant. The adjustable handle straps adjust to the parent's height to reduce back pain because the parent will not have to bend over and will be able to adjust the straps to their height. The handles of the present invention also removable which allows the infant to play with reduced probability of catching the restraint on an object. Additionally, in order to further reduce the probability of catching the restraint on an object or of distracting the infant, the buckles to which the straps attach may be connected to one another when the straps are removed. The benefit of the comfort cushion is to provide a cushion for the baby's comfort at the baby's armpits. If the comfort cushion does not exist, the baby's underarms / armpits would become sore when using the invention. The removable handle straps also make the strap connection points shorter which is safer for the baby and minimizes entanglement risks. Another benefit of the present invention is that without a shoulder harness or other restraints the baby is allowed to balance naturally when learning to walk which is a benefit that has been noted by pediatricians.

[0018]To attain this, the present embodiment of the invention is a walking training apparatus has a support vest adapted to be fitted around the torso of an infant, the support vest having a left bell-shaped attachment projection with a left projection buckle, and a right bell-shaped attachment projection with a right projection buckle. A left strap having a buckle on one end and forming a left loop handle on the opposite end attaches to the left projection buckle. The apparatus also has right strap forming a loop handle on one end and having a right strap buckle on the opposite end that attaches to the right projection buckle. Both straps have clasps connected to the buckle end and slidably attached to the strap, allowing the strap length to be adjusted. The left and right projection buckles are detachably connectable to one another when said left strap and said right strap are removed from the vest, preventing the buckles from distracting the infant or snagging on other objects. The vest is fitted using a hook and loop fasteners and vest straps. All seams are double bar tacked for durability.

[0024]It is another object of the present embodiment of the invention to provide a new and improved walking training apparatus that may be easily and efficiently manufactured and marketed, and that has a low cost of manufacture with regard to both materials and labor, and which accordingly is then susceptible of low prices of sale to the consuming public, thereby making such walking training apparatus economically available to the buying public.

Problems solved by technology

However, the Crocker '999 patent does not have a bell shaped set of handle strap attachments, does not have a removable handle, and does not have an adjustable handle strap.

However, the Sherman et al '737 document does not have bell shaped handle strap attachment and does not have an adjustable handle strap.

However, the Martusciello '551 patent does not have bell shaped handle strap attachments and does not have an adjustable handle strap.

However, the Tardy '692 patent does not have bell shaped handle strap attachments and does not have an adjustable handle strap and does not have a detachable handle.

However, the Baran '993 patent does not have bell shaped handle strap attachments and does not have a detachable handle.

However, the Mungia '736 document does not does not have bell shaped handle strap attachments and does not have a detachable handle.

While the above-described devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives and requirements, the aforementioned patents do not describe a walking training apparatus that allows walking training apparatus having adjustable detachable handles, bell shaped attachments for the handle strap, a provision to prevent the handle attachment points from loosely moving and distracting the child when the handles are removed.

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