GB2454663A - Baby walker frame with vertical hand poles - Google Patents

Abstract

The walker frame comprises two rows of vertical poles j held in place by top and bottom panels (f,Fig.2),h wherein the poles are held by a baby to aid learning to walk and give stability to the baby's upper body whilst at the same time practicing leg movement. In use, the frame remains in a fixed position and the baby passes through. The base board is heavier than the top panel to give the frame stability and reduce the risk of the frame toppling in use. The poles are secured to the top and bottom panels by screws g and have slotted ends to prevent twisting of the poles. The frame may include hanging toys k to encourage the baby to walk through. The frame allows free movement of the baby whilst at the same time aiding concentration between the arms and legs helping to improve development of balance.

Description

1.0 Detailed Description

1.1 Background

It was discovered that before a baby can gain balance in order to learn how to walk, they must first learn to stand. A baby can stand holding onto a vertical pole before walking once strength in the legs has suitably developed. A baby holding a vertical pole gives stability to the upper body preventing falling.

Giving a baby a series of vertical poles to aid the learning of walking can then extend this principal further.

1.2 Advantages This is considered to be a better alternative to current baby walker designs.

Most baby walkers currently available rely on the baby being suspended in a seated position supported on sets of wheels. The baby can move around using the legs but this does not allow the baby to develop balance or proper leg muscle usage for walking. In addition, the legs are normally concealed below the current walker designs, which prevents the baby developing coordination between different parts of the body.

This invention has the advantage that the baby can move without restriction whilst at the same time encouraging progression from the crawling to standing position and then onto developing walking skills. The baby can develop walking through a series of poles by holding on with the hands to give stability to the upper body. The baby can pass through the poles unaided once suitably developed. The baby can move through the poles without being held by an adult. The poles are positioned in straight rows rather than curved or circular patters to aid the forward motion of walking.

This invention has the advantage that the baby can see the movement of their own feet and legs aiding coordination between different parts of the body.

Once the baby becomes more skilled, they should eventually be able to walk a short distance from the end of the walking frame to an adult unaided, without the use of the poles. The invention should encourage baby movement though the series of poles and out the end of the frame where the baby can attempt walking without the use of the frame. All of the baby's activities would need the supervision of an adult like the use other types of baby walkers or baby toys currently available.

Incentives can be given to the baby, such as hanging small toys and the ends of the walking frame to encourage movement through the poles.

The frame can also provide a stimulating object for a baby where they can use the poles to rise unaided from a crawling position to standing, once suitably developed.

1.3 The invention will now be described by referring to the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 -Side view of the frame showing curved vertical poles for improved styling.

Figure 2 -End view of the frame showing straight vertical side poles.

Figure 3 -Isometric view showing the positioning of a baby learning to walk.

Figure 4 -Enlargement showing the slot design at the top and base of the poles to prevent twisting.

Figure 5 -Plan view of the frame in a storage position.

Figure 6 -End view of the frame in a storage position.

1.4 The side view of the frame is shown in Fig. 1. The vertical poles, (a), will be constructed from a rigid material to reduce flexing. The poles will be vertical as seen when viewing the frame from the end. The poles have been given a curved profile when viewing the frame from the side to improve the styling of the invention. However the invention could also be used with straight vertical poles. The spacing of the poles, dimension (c), will be approximately 115mm from one pole to the next. Maximum gaps between the poles to be approximately 100mm.

1.5 All edges of the top and baseboards (b) will be rounded for best possible safety and improved styling.

1.6 The height of the frame will be approximately 800mm as shown by dimension (d). The frame height is to ensure adequate space for most babies of the ages likely to use the invention. The frame should not be excessively high as this would decrease the stability of the frame and make the object more cumbersome about the house.

1.7 The width of the frame as indicated by dimension (e) will be approximately 400mm. This dimension is to ensure that there is adequate space for the baby to move though the poles without restricting arm movement or causing excessive stretching of the arms.

1.8 The top panel, (f), with is to be a light but rigid material giving stability to the frame and vertical poles whilst retaining a low centre of gravity for the invention.

1.9 Self-assembly screws, (g), will be supplied. The screws will give a secure attachment between the vertical poles and the top and base panels. The screws are to be relatively large in size to reduce risks associated with babies chewing and swallowing small objects should any screws come loose.

1.10 The baseboard to the frame, (h), will be constructed from a heavier material than the top board. This is to give the frame stability and reduce the risk of the frame toppling whilst in use. The walking surface to the frame will be given a slip resistant fmish to aid the use of the frame. :3

1.11 The top and bottom of each of the vertical poles will have slotted ends at the attachment to the top and base panels, indicated by Fig. 4, item (1). This is to prevent twisting of the poles due to the curved side profile.

1.12 Fig. 3 illustrates the frame in use. A baby holds Onto the vertical bars (j) whilst moving through the frame. Open space is provided at each end of the frame for the baby to enter and exit.

1.13 Provision will be made at the ends of the top panel for hanging small toys from the frame, (k). The toys are to act as an incentive for the baby to move through the frame if needed.

1.14 The frame will be designed so that is can be dismantled relatively easily for storage as shown in figs. 5 and 6. The vertical bars can all be removed and laid flat between the top and baseboards as indicated by (1). Space will also be provided for storage of the fixing screws.

1.15 The frame can be supplied with a basic storage bag (in) to keep all of the components together whist in storage.

1.16 Once in the storage position, the frame will reduce down to a height of approximately 130mm as indicated by dimension (n).

1.17 The panels to the top and bottom of the frame along with the vertical poles will be manufactured in relatively bright colours to aid coordination of the baby when using the frame. Bright colours will also aid the styling of the invention to improve marketability.

1.18 Invention would be used typically between 9 and l8xnonths age, dependant on rate of baby development.

2.0 Statement of Invention

This invention relates to a baby walker frame where a baby can act independently by walking through a series of vertical poles. The poles are held onto by the baby in order to give stability to the upper body whilst at the same time practicing movement of the legs. The frame remains in a fixed position and the baby passes through aimed at unprov]ng babies learning to walk.

Claims (9)

1. Claims What is claimed is: 1. A baby walker frame comprising: A frame where a baby can act independently by walking through a series of vertical poles; the poles are held onto by the baby in order to give stability to the upper body whilst at the same time practicing movement of the legs; the frame remains in a fixed position and the baby passes through aimed at improving babies learning to walk; the principal feature of the frame is the two rows of rigid vertical poles stabilized by the top and base panels; openings are provided at the ends of the frame so that a baby can enter the area between the poles; once suitably developed, a baby can use the poles to rise from a crawling to a standing position; a baby can be taught to take hold of the poles on each side with the left and right hands whilst in the standing position, once suitable developed the baby should then naturally try to walk forward.
2. 2. Small toys can be hung at the ends of the baby walker frame in claim 1 to act as an incentive for movement along the frame.
3. 3. The vertical poles of the baby walker in claim 1 have slotted ends at the connection to the top and base panels to prevent twisting.
4. 4. The baby walker frame in claim I can be dismantled easily for storage.
5. 5. The baby walker frame in claim 1 will have easy use self assembly screws attaching the top and bottom panels to the vertical poles.
6. 6. The connections between the poles and the top and base panels of the baby walker frame in claim 3 will be relatively tight fitting to ensure good stability of the frame.
7. 7. The base panel of the baby walker frame in claim 1 will be of a heavier material than to top panel to give stability to the frame and reduce the possibility of toppling the frame.
8. 8. The vertical poles of the baby walker frame in claim I will be of a rigid material to prevent flexing.
9. 9. The poles of the baby walker frame in claim I have a curved design when viewed from the side to improve the styling of the invention; although the invention could also be used with straight vertical poles. I, I