GB2453758A - A portable stand to elevate a child - Google Patents

Abstract

A portable child support 10 comprises an elongate pole structure 32 having tubular parts 14, 16, a first 34 and second 36 end, and a pair of foot support portions 26, 30 attachable to the pole 32 between the first and second ends of the pole, and extending in opposite directions. A grip section 20 is provided for an adult to hold the pole 32 steady on a surface 38 whilst the child stands on the supports 26, 30 in order that the child can see over any obstacles. The pole may be dismantled for storage and transport in a carrier. The pole may be adjustable by threading the rod 28 through a different aperture in the pole.

Description

Portable Child Support The present invention relates to a portable child support and more specifically to a support for supporting a child in a raised position above a supporting surface.

Children generally reach their full grown adult height somewhere between the ages of 15 and 20 years old. However the majority of public facilities, events and the like cater predominantly for adults.

During early infancy, children are commonly lifted up by their parents or guardians if they are required to see or interact with something which is above the child's head height. It is not uncommon at events such as shows, exhibitions or the like to see a child being supported on an adult's back or shoulders in order to view the event in question.

However carrying a child in this manner for extended periods of time can become uncomfortable for an adult. As a child grows, It can become difficult and even dangerous for an adult to continue to support their child in this fashion. Thus there is a period of childhood, typically between the ages of 5 and 12 years old, when it is difficult for an adult to lift the child, but when the child is not sufficiently tall to be able to view proceedings from an adult perspective.

It can be extremely frustrating for a child when they are unable to see or participate in an event due to being surrounded by adults or other fixed obstructions. Where available, it may be possible for a child to climb on structures such as boxes, steps, barriers or the like in order to view the proceedings in question. However such makeshift structures are generally not designed for the task at hand and may be unsound. In addition, boxes and the like tend to be bulky and awkward to carry.

I

It is an object of the present invention to provide a child support, which can safely assist an adult in supporting a child in an elevated position and which is readily

portable.

According to the present invention there is provided a portable child support comprising an elongate pole structure having first and second ends, and a pair of foot support portions attachable to the pole part-way between the first and second ends of the pole such that a first foot support portion depends outwardly from the pole in a first direction and a second foot support portion depends outwardly from the pole in a second direction, wherein the first end of the pole can be located on a supporting surface for use with the pole held in a generally vertical orientation at a point between the foot portions and the second end so as to allow a child to be supported on the foot support portions above the supporting surface.

The present invention is advantageous in that a parent or guardian is only required to hold the pole structure at the correct orientation for use and is not required to support the full weight of the child, Instead the child can stand in an elevated position on the foot support portions such that their eye level is equivalent to that of an adult.

In one embodiment the pole structure comprises a single elongate pole having one or more formations therein for attachment of said foot support portions.

In one embodiment, the pole structure comprises a plurality of pole elements releasably connectable in an axial alignment. Preferably the pole structure is rigid when formed such that it is substantially incompressible by application of a manually-exerted force thereto.

One or more pole elements may have one or more attachment formations for selective attachment of the foot support portions. Preferably the pole element has a plurality of attachment formations along its length. In this embodiment the foot portions can be selectively connected to any one of the attachment formations such that the position of the foot portions relative to the pole structure can be altered as required. Thus the height at which a child is supported off the ground can be adjusted.

In one embodiment, the attachment formations comprise apertures or holes. The aperture may take the form of a through hole.

The first and second foot portions may be attachable to the pole structure by an attachment member. The attachment member may comprise a rod which may be insertable through a correspondingly shaped aperture in the pole structure. The rod may have a threaded portion for engagement with a correspondingly threaded bore in either the first or second foot support portions. The first and second foot support portions may be attachable to opposing ends of the attachment member.

One or more pole elements may have a connection formation at an end thereof for connection to an adjacent pole element within the pole structure. The connection formation may comprise an axial protrusion for location in a correspondingly shaped recess in the opposing end of the adjacent pole element.

The protrusion and recess may be threaded so as to allow the adjacent pole element to be screwed together and unscrewed as required.

Thus the present invention provides for a child support structure which can be assembled and dismantled as required. When dismantled, the individual elements of the structure are sufficiently small to allow them to be Contained within a conventional carrier such as a bag, rucksack or the like. Alternatively, a customized carrier may be provided for the child support structure of the present invention.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a child support system comprising a child support structure according to the first aspect which can be converted between a storage and an in use condition.

The term pole is intended to cover any elongate member regardless of cross sectional profile.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying figures, of which: Figure 1 shows an exploded perspective view of a child support structure according to the present invention; Figure 2 shows sectional view of a child support structure according to the present invention when in use; Figure 3 shows a plan view of the child support structure of figure 2 when stored; and, Figure 4 shows a sectional view of a child support structure according to a further embodiment of the present invention.

Turning firstly to figure 1, a child support structure is shown generally at 10. The support structure 10 comprises three elongate pole elements 12, 14 and 16 which are generally tubular in shape. The pole elements may be formed of plastic or a metal such as aluminium, which may be provided in hollow sections.

Suitable wall thicknesses of the tubular sections can be determined in order to be sufficient to support the weight of a child.

Elements 12 and 14 each have a threaded protrusion in a first end thereof. The second end of pole element 12 has a handle or grip portion 20. This may be formed by applying a surface texture to the end portion of the pole element 12 or else by application of a plastic or rubber gnp portion.

The second end of pole elements 14 and 16 each have an axial threaded bore therein extending part way into the element. Typically the pole element are hollow such that the threaded section is simply applied to a portion of the internal walls thereof.

The first end of pole element 16 is sealed by a cap 22. This may simply be formed by a closed end of the tubular material of the element 16 or else a separate cap member formed of metal, plastic, rubber or the like may be provided.

The pole element 14 is provided with a series of apertures 24 spaced along its length. The apertures 24 extend through the entire width of the pole element 14 in the form of a through hole. However it will be appreciated in an alternative embodiment that the apertures need not extend through the entire width of the pole.

A first foot support portion 26 is generally cylindrical in shape and may have a surface texture applied thereto. A rod 28 protrudes from one end of the first foot support portion 26 in an axial direction. The free end of the rod 28 is threaded.

A second foot support portion 30 is generally cylindrical in shape and may be identical or similar to the first foot support portion 26. The first and second foot portions as well as the rod 28 may be formed of metal or plastic. The second foot portion has a threaded axial recess which is shown in figure 2.

Figure 2 shows the child support structure 10 when erected for use. The first end of the pole element 12 is connected to the second end of pole element 14 by screwing of the threaded protrusion 18 into the corresponding threaded recess 19 in the second end of pole element 14. The first end of pole element 14 is similarly connected to the second end of pole element 16 by screwing of the threaded protrusion 18 into the corresponding threaded recess 19 in the second end of pole element 16.

Thus the three pole elements are connected in axial alignment to form a pole structure 32 having first 34 and second 36 opposing ends. The pole structure 32 has a generally uniform cross section along its length and, in this embodiment, is generally circular in section, although other sectional profiles are possible. l0

The rod 28 has been inserted through an aperture 24 in the pole element 14 and screwed into the threaded recess 31 of the second foot support portion 30 such that the foot portions 26 and 30 are attached on opposing sides of the pole structure 32.

The pole 32 is positioned on a support surface 38 which may be the ground. The first end 34 of the pole 32 has a rubber bung or stop 22 which contacts the ground and helps to avoid slippage.

The pole is supported in a generally upright orientation by a user, who is typically an adult, by gripping the pole at a location above the level of the foot support portions 26 and 30. a child can then stand on the foot support portions and grip the upper end 36 of the pole in the region 20. an adult can thus support a child in an elevated position with minimal effort.

The pole structure 32 when formed is typically between 4 and 6 ft tall. In the embodiment shown, the pole structure is formed of three elements 12, 14 and 16, although two or four or more pole elements may be used. Accordingly the individual pole elements preferably have a length of 3ft or less. Whilst the central pole element 14 is shown with apertures in figure 1, it is possible that any or all of the pole elements may be provided with apertures or another form of attachment formations.

The generally cylindrical shape of the foot support portions conveniently allows a child to rock back and forth on the foot support portions as required to achieve a balanced position. Thus the additional support required by an adult to maintain the upright orientation of the pole structure is minimal. Such an advantage could also be achieved by providing foot support portions having a planar foot support surface but which are pivotable relative to the pole about the axis of the rod 28 when connected for use.

The embodiment shown also allows ease of manufacture since the pole elements 12, 14 and 16 can each be made to the same design. A grip portion 20 can then be screwed into the end of the pole element 12 and a base or cap element 22 can be screwed onto the threaded protruding end 18 of the element 16. The apertures 24 can be simply drilled into any of the elements 12, 14 or 16. In addition the opposing foot support portions can be identical for ease of manufacture.

In an alternative embodiment, the entire pole structure 32 can be formed of only one material, such as, for example, aluminium. The relevant grip, handle and/or other portions of the elements can be textured to indicate the intended use.

In addition to the grip portion 20, a further grip portion may be provided between the foot support portions and the upper end 36 of the pole 32 for gripping by a user.

In figure 3, the individual component parts are shown in a dismantled condition and stored within a carrier 40. The carrier 40 may have a pouch 42 which can hold the dismantled elements 12, 14 and 16 as well as the foot support portions 26, 30 and rod 28. Individual pouches may be provided for each individual element.

The carner 40 has a handle or shoulder strap 44. Opposing edges of the carrier 40 are provided with ties 46 such that the carrier 40 can be rolled up and fastened in a closed condition by tying the ties 26. Other fasteners such as a zip, poppers, buttons, a drawstring or the like may be used in addition to or instead of the ties 46. Alternatively a more conventional form of carrier 40 can be provided which has an upper opening and a simple internal cavity shaped to closely surround the child support structure components when dismantled.

Whilst the pole elements are described as being attachable by the screwing together of correspondingly threaded sections, it will be appreciated that other connection and/or locking arrangements are possible and will be apparent to a person skilled in the art. For example the pole elements may be hingedly connected and may be releasably lockable in an axial alignment by way of a latch or catch means.

Additionally or alternatively, a protrusion on one element may have sprung-loaded latching means for engagement with a correspondingly shaped aperture on the adjacent pole element. Thus the latching means can be depressed to release the adjacent pole elements after use.

Turning now to figure 4, a further embodiment of the present invention is shown, in which the pole structure 100 is formed of two pole elements 102 and 104. The first pole element 102 is tubular in shape and has an internal borel06. The diameter of the second pole element 104 is such that the second pole element 104 can fit within the elongate bore of the first pole element 102.

Either or both of the pole elements 102, 104 are provided with apertures 108 which define through holes running laterally through the pole elements.

Accordingly when an aperture 108 on the first pole element 102 is aligned with a pole aperture on the second pole element 104, a bolt or other fastening means can be inserted through the common opening of the aligned apertures in order to fix the pole elements in the required longitudinal orientation.

Accordingly, the arrangement of figure 4 is telescopic such that the second element 104 can be slid within the bore 106 between a retracted position in which the element 104 is substantially contained within the first element 102, and an extended position, in which the element 104 protrudes longitudinally from the element 102 for use as a child support.

The provision of a plurality of apertures 108 along the length of the element 102 and/or 104 allows the length of the pole structure 100 to be adjusted to suit the required viewing height and/or the height of the child using the support.

In this embodiment, the first and second foot portions may be. provided by way of a single rod member 110. The rod member may be of substantially constant diameter such that it can be inserted and removed from the apertures 108 as required. Thus the opposing ends 112, 114 of the rod member extend from opposing sides of the pole structure 100 and provide the first and second foot support portions. Alternatively the foot support portions may be provided any a manner discussed above in relation to the embodiment of figures 1 to 3.

The upper end of the support 100 is provided with a grip or handle portion 116.

This may comprise a textured surface of the pole or else may comprise a sleeve member shaped to surround the pole and typically made of an insulating material such as a plastic. A further handle portion 118 is provided part way along the pole between the foot support 100 and the upper end of the pole. In use, a child standing on the pole can grip one handle portion 116 or 118 and the pole can be supported in a generally upright condition by a person standing adjacent the pole via the other handle portion.

The free end of pole element 104 is provided with a foot member 120. The width or diameter dimension of the foot 120 are typically greater than that of the element 104 such that when the element 104 is retracted within 106 for storage, the foot 120 abuts against the end of pole element 102 and acts as a stop.

In the embodiment of figure 4, the foot support bar 110 is provided with removable pin members 122 or sprung loaded ball bearings or alternative securing means on either side of the pole to retain the foot support 110 within aperture 108. Additionally or alternatively the foot support 110 may be hinged such that it can be folded flat against the side of the pole element 102 in the storage condition. In addition the element 104 may have an aperture 124 towards the free end thereof which can align with the aperture in the element 104 to allow the element 104 to be secured in the retracted condition by insertion of a bolt or else the foot support 110.

Whilst not shown in figure 4, it is envisaged that the end of pole element 104 lying within element 102 may be of increased diameter. In addition, the lower end of pole element 102 may be provided with a section of decreased diameter in the form of an annular stop member. The end of pole element 104 may thus abut against the stop member of element 102 when the pole is in the fully extended condition. Such an arrangement would provide a default extend pole position and would align the pole apertures 108 automatically so that a user can simply insert the foot support 110 therethrough.

It will be appreciated that the embodiment of figure 4 may be inverted such that the inner pole element 104 is uppermost when the pole is in use. In such an embodiment, the foot portion 120 may be substituted for a handle portion which is of greater width dimension than the remainder of the pole element so as to act as a stop as described above.

Claims (19)

1. Claims: 1. A portable support structure for supporting a child comprising: an elongate pole structure having first and second ends; and, a pair of foot support portions attachable to the pole part-way between the first and second ends of the pole such that a first foot support portion depends outwardly from the pole in a first direction and a second foot support portion depends outwardly from the pole in a second direction, wherein the first end of the pole structure is arranged to be located on a supporting surface for use with the pole held by a user in a generally vertical orientation at a point between the foot support portions and the second end so as to allow a child to be supported on the foot support portions above the supporting surface.
2. 2. A portable support structure according to claim 1, wherein the pole structure comprises a plurality of pole elements connectable in an axial alignment so as to form a rigid pole structure.
3. 3. A portable support structure according to either claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the pole elements are releasably connectable.
4. 4. A portable support structure according to any preceding claim, wherein one or more pole elements has a connection formation protruding from an end thereof for location with a recess in an end of an adjacent pole element within the pole structure.
5. 5. A portable support structure according to claim 4, wherein the connection formation and recess are correspondingly threaded.
6. 6. A portable support structure according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein a first pole element is telescopically received in a second pole element.
7. 7. A portable support structure according to claim 6, wherein the first and second pole element have one or more apertures therein such that a securing means can be passed through the first and second pate elements in order to secure them in an axial alignment for use.
8. 8. A portable support structure according to claim 7, wherein the securing means is integral with or attachable to at least one of said foot portions.
9. 9. A portable support structure according to claim 7 or claim 8, wherein any or any combination of the first and/or second pole elements has a plurality of apertures longitudinally spaced along said pole element such that the support structure is range-taking.
10. 10. A portable support structure according to any one of claims 2 to 9, wherein the pole structure comprises a single central pole formed of the connected pole elements.
11. 11. A portable support structure according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one pole element is provided with an attachment formation for selective attachment of the foot support portions.
12. 12. A portable support structure according to claim 11, wherein the pole element has a plurality of attachment formations along its length.
13. 13. A portable support structure according to claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the or each attachment formation comprises an aperture.
14. 14. A portable support structure according to any preceding claim, wherein the first and second foot portions are attachable to the pole structure by an attachment member.
15. A portable support structure according to claim 14, wherein the attachment member comprises a rod which is insertable through a correspondingly shaped aperture in the pole structure.
16. 16. A portable support structure according to claim 14 or claim 15, wherein the rod has a threaded portion for engagement with a correspondingly threaded bore in either the first or second foot support portions.
17. 17. A portable support system comprising a support structure according to any preceding claim, wherein any or any combination of the pole elements and/or foot support portions are releasably attachable so as to allow the support structure to be dismantled for insertion into a carrier.
18. 18. A portable support structure according to any preceding claim, wherein the elongate pole structure is generally tubular in shape.
19. 19. A portable child support structure substantially as herein before described with reference to the accompanying drawings.