Compact and safe child carrying device

Abstract

An apparatus for assisting an adult in shoulder-carrying a child is provided, wherein the apparatus has a first cuff for clasping a first ankle of the child, second cuff for clasping the second ankle of the child, and a belt in selective engagement with the first and second cuffs, wherein the belt wraps around the back and under the arms of the adult for substantially hands-free carrying of the child on the shoulders. The first and second cuffs are removable from the belt, and selectively clasp the first and second ankles of the child by respective first and second fastening members, such as Velcro, snaps, and buckles. The first and second fastening members, in one example, generally prohibit fastening to one another when not fastened to the belt. A self-contained carrier is further provided, wherein carrier is configured to contain the first and second cuffs and belt for portability.

Description

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61 / 027,163 which was filed Feb. 8, 2008, entitled, Compact Child Safety And Convenience Belt, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates generally child restraint systems, and more particularly, to an apparatus for safely shoulder-carrying a child in a substantially hands-free manner.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Carrying a child on ones shoulders has been practiced throughout history.[0004]Conventionally, carrying a child on the shoulders has often required the holding of the child's ankles by the carrier's hands, wherein the child is stabilized and generally prevented from falling backwards. Moderately complicated framed carrying devices have also been used, wherein the child is placed in the framed carrying device and the carrying apparatus is fitt...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006]The present invention is generally directed toward an apparatus for assisting an adult in shoulder-carrying a child, wherein the apparatus safely secures the ankles of the child in front of the adult, while being portable enough such that the entire apparatus can be stowed and carried almost anywhere when not in use in carrying a child. The apparatus provides freedom to the adult to use his or her hands and arms to perform normal tasks and movements, while still carrying the child, without jeopardizing the safety of the child.

[0008]The first belt fastening member, for example, is configured to selectively mate and engage with the first cuff fastening member, and the second belt fastening member is configured to selectively mate and engage with the second cuff fastening member. In one example, the first belt fastening member and first cuff fastening member generally define a first quick-release buckle, and the second belt fastening member and second cuff fastening member generally define a second quick-release buckle. Accordingly, the first quick-release buckle and second quick-release buckle can be easily engaged and disengaged using a single hand of the adult, while the other hand can be used to stabilize the child the adult's shoulders. Further, in accordance with another example, the first cuff fastening member and second cuff fastening member are configured to generally prohibit a direct connection or coupling of the first cuff to the second cuff.

[0011]The carrier member, in another example, comprises a case that detachably coupled to the belt. The case, for example, comprises a closure member, and wherein the closure member generally secures the first cuff, second cuff, and belt within the case. In accordance with yet another example, a clasp member is operably coupled to one or more of the carrier member and the belt, wherein the clasp member is configured to selectively couple the case and / or belt to a personal object such as a pants belt loop, a purse, or other object. The clasp member, for example, comprises a caribiner or a hasp, wherein the child carrying apparatus is secured to the personal object when the child is not being carried on the shoulders of the adult. Thus, the child carrying apparatus can be stowed or carried conveniently with minimal hassle or consideration of space for stowage.

Problems solved by technology

Moderately complicated framed carrying devices have also been used, wherein the child is placed in the framed carrying device and the carrying apparatus is fitted on the carrier's back or shoulders.

Such conventional framed carrying devices are often heavy, cumbersome, and not easily portable.

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