GB2513923A - A mobile child transport system and associated devices - Google Patents

Abstract

A child transportation device comprises: a wheeled cart 10 in which a child may sit; and at least one flexible elongate tether 20 comprising a first end providing an attachment point to releasably attach the tether to the cart, and a second end providing a user attachment feature 30. The tether may be detachable from the user attachment feature, said attachment feature possibly comprising an independent harness for attachment to the waist and shoulders of the person pulling the cart. Alternatively the user attachment feature may attach to a backpack or garment of the user. A mirror may be provided so that the user may see the occupant of the cart without turning around, and a system for electronically communicating between the user and cart may also be provided. The cart may have three or four wheels similar to a stroller, where the front wheels are steerable. The device is particularly intended for a runner or walker to pull along behind them.

Description

A MOBILE CHILD TRANSPORT SYSTEM AND ASSOCIATED DEVICES

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a mobile child transport system and associated devices, in particular but not exclusively a system and devices for a runner or walker.

Background

When taking a young child out that is unable to walk long distances this is typièally undertaken by use of a pram or buggy. The user must therefore steer and guide the buggy with the child in. In some situations the user may need to use their hands for other activities such as to answer the phone which may require the user to stop pushing the buggy in order to do this. Furthermore if the user wishes to take their child with them whilst exercising it may be preferable to have their hands free so that they can swing freely whilst walking or running. This is not typically possible if pushing the buggy.

As an alternative the child maybe towed along behind the user in a wheeled cart.

Typically the user may pull the cart by means of a line held in their hand or the cart may be attached to a waist band. However such arrangements may place uneven strain on a user's body due to the forces being focused on particular parts of the body such as the waist or one arm which is undesirable and may lead to injury.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have beenfiled in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following: International patent application WO 2012 056 060 DE (MARIA et al) relates to a device made up of an extensible shaft comprising one or more telescopic sections secured to a frame for a backpack, suitcase, shopping trolley or the like, wherein said frame includes wheels that allow the item to be pulled along. The free end of the telescopic section end! in a ball joint linked, via a socket for the ball joint, to an anatomical back support which, by means of an adjustable harness, is placed on the shoulders and back of the user, allowing the frame and thus the backpack, suitcase or similar, to be pulled along by the back of the user, without having to wear said frame hanging with the backpack and without having to hold the latter manually in order to pull it along.

United States patent application US 2012 025 494 (GRIFFITH) discloses an apparatus for towing a child by the user's hips while jogging or hiking, comprised of two curved, collapsible, moderately flexible fore-aft tubes arching from each hip rearward to attach to a two-wheeled axle from behind and below; curved, collapsible, moderately flexible vertical load support tubes extending upward from the axle and restrained at their tops by the fore-aft tubes utilizing an elastic and rotating system that isolates the movement of the fore-aft tubes from the vertical load support tubes and vice-versa; a wheel and axle assembly; a detachable tube and fabric gondola for containing the child, suspended by and free to swing from the tops of the vertical load support tubes; and a fabric hip harness that allows the frame to attach to the hips in an elastic fashion so as to isolate the movements of the user's hips from the fore-aft tubes.

Granted German patent DE 10 258 397 (JANSEN) discloses a device for the detachable attachment of a transporting device, and especially a pushchair to a person, consists of a support a connecting device and a coupling element between them, whereby the support and connecting device are movable in relation to one another. The support is a belt system for wearing by the person and consists of a first section and a second section installed separately from it, with both sections constructed to be size adjustable. The first section of the belt system has a tension relief element in the form a chest strap. The connecting element is in rod form like a towing bar.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a mobile child transport system comprising: a wheeled cart device suitable for seating a child; and at least one flexible elongate tether comprising a first end providing at least one attachment point and a second end providing a user attachment feature, wherein said attachment feature is arranged in use to attach the tether to a user, and wherein the at least one attachment point is arranged in use to releasably attach the tether to the cart.

In preferred embodiments the attachment featurecomprises a harness far the user.

The attachment feature may comprise other arrangements for dispersing weight across shoulders, waist and back of the user.

In some embodiments the attachment feature may be analogous to a standardised backpack, or other independently available harnessing structure. For example in some further embodiments the attachment feature may solely comprise means to interface with a standard or independently provided backpack or harness, such as a multiple limbed securement means arrangeable to surround the backpack for a central securement.

In preferred embodiments however the attachment feature comprises a harness with shoulder straps and waist band, providing a connection point on a rear situated section of said waist band in use, for attachment of said tether, dispersing weight from the cart around the harness and more particularly across the user's torso.

In preferred embodiments the cart includes a handle or grip, extending foremost of the cart in use, wherein the tether attaches to said handle in use. In this way in some further embodiments the cart may be a standard or independently provided cart or buggy.

Ideally the cart is lightweight and particularly manufactured or retailed for the system.

Preferably therefore there is provided a towing system and apparatus for transporting a child comprising: a steerable trailer or cart device housing a seat for a child; a user's torso harness arranged in use to be attached to the user, and in which the harness is arranged in use to be releasably connected to the cart by at least one tether so as to enable tethered towing of the cart by the harnessed user.

In preferred embodiments a child is seated in the cart and the user, for example a parent or carer, dons the harness wherein the tether is connected between the harness and cart so that the user is able to tow the cart with the child, when the user is on foot In this way the harness serves to provide a supportive means of enabling the user to bear the weight of the cart and child safely and comfortably.

Advantageously the user's hands are free when donning the harness so that balance whilst towing the cart is maximised, and the user is able to use their hands/arms, for example allowing the arms to be capable of swinging whilst the user is walking or running, which typically aids with setting pace and/or general ease of movement.

In preferred embodiments the cart includes two axles, a front axle and a rear axle, with wheels mounted on each distal end. In this way the cart is optimally stable for carrying a child and less likely to topple, even on uneven terrain, and the tether is enabled to be flexible and/or not under constant tension.

In preferred embodiments the wheels and cart are lightweight so as not to provide additional burden to the user In some embodiments the wheels and spokes may be formed from synthetic plastic such as a polymer wherein the wheel includes a rim formed from resiliently deformable material such as rubber for enhanced grip and to aid in absorbing impact as the cart is towed.

In some other embodiments the wheels may be pneumatic In some embodiments the cart may include suspension to provide a smoother ride for the child. For example the cart may include leaf springs, coil springs, or hydraulic shock absorbers, such as oil, air or gel filled shocks.

Typically the rear wheels are larger than the front wheels in this way the front wheels are readily steerable. In some embodiment all wheels may be the same size and in yet further embodiments the cart may be provided with three wheels, comprising one foremost steerable wheel.

Preferably the front and/or rear axles is/are attached to the cart on a rotatable mounting so as to enable steering or articulated movement of the cart in use so as to avoid sudden direction changes from the user not being reflected in movement of the cart.

The handle may comprise a typically U or V shaped bar or member so as to provide two points of linkage to the cart and/or front axle. Advantageously the member provides an attachment point for the tether and enables the front axle to be steered by manoeuvring the member. The member may be hingeably attached to the front axle so that it can be folded over to be flush with the cart when not in use and folded away from the cart to extend ahead of the cart when in use.

Preferably the member is formed from a lightweight, strong, durable material such as aluminium carbon or synthetic plastic.

In some embodiments the member may include articulated or rotatable mounting on the cart or axle, and/or the member may be deformable, flexible or articulated so as to reflect, transmit and/or moderate movement at the attachment feature.

In preferred embodiments the cart comprises a frame that supports a base upon which the seat is mounted. Typically the base is substantially rectangular being mounted upon the axles. In this way the base and thereby the seat is positioned close to the ground for maximal stability in use In preferred embodiments the seat is mounted to the cart by moveable connectors that provide the seat with suspension so as to aid with absorbing forces generated or textures experienced as the cart is towed, therefore preventing the child from being excessively shaken or bounced.

The moveable connectors may be resiliently deformable, sprung or include hydraulic means ideally allowing movement in a plurality of directions so as to enable movement of the seat in response to forces received in towing.

Preferably the cart is provided with a five-point harness, such as provided for children's car seats, so as to safely and securely contain the child. In this way the child's body is fully supported in use and the seat provides protection should the cart overturn.

Advantageously the seat may be removable so that is can be changed to suit children of different sizes/ages. For example the seats may be removably fitted by means of clamps, clips, twist fittings or nuts and bolts. In some embodiments standard vehicle fixings such as ISO fixings may be provided on the cart to allow use of vehicular safety seats.

Advantageously the base may provide storage for items such as spare clothing, food and drinks or baby changing equipment.

The frame may be formed from lightweight, strong materials such as aluminium poles. In this way the frame is suitable for weight-bearing and capable of withstanding repeated forces.

In some embodiments the frame may be arranged with a cover to protect the child from the weather. It may be envisaged that the frame may include over-arching pads that serve to support the cover, said parts extending over and about the frame.

Preferably the cover is formed from a lightweight, durable, breathable, waterproof material for example polymer fabrics or polymer treated fabrics such as Gore-Tex (Trade Mark). In this way the cover takes up minimal space and can be readily arranged over the frame.

The cover may be removable and advantageously portions of the cover may be displaceable thereby enabling pals of, or the entire cart to be covered/uncovered.

For example the cover has sides that may remain in place whilst the cover has a roof or front may be removed.

The displaceable portions may be removably attached so as to facilitate covering and uncovering of the cad. Ideally the displaceable portions include an attachment feature so as to enable the cover to be provided as one pad wherein portions may be readily displaced and to advantageously limit flapping of the displaceable portions in use. For example the displaceable portions may be attached by zips, push fittings, buttons or hook and loop means such as Velcro (Trade Mark). In this way the portions can be readily displaced and replaced repeatedly as and when required.

Furthermore in some embodiments the cover may include transparent portions so that the child is able to see out and the user is able to see into the cal even when the covers are in place.

Additionally the cart and in particular the cover may include reflective outer sections so as to be clearly visible in low light or darkness for improved safety. For example reflective strips may be provided on the front back and sides. In addition or the alternative the harness and/or tether may be provided with retroreflective or high visibility sections.

In preferred embodiments the frame is arranged so as to be collapsible when not in use so as to be readily stowed or transported. Additionally the frame may be adjusted in use to change orientation of the seat. For example the seat may comprise at least one hinge to allow movement from an upright to an. inclined orientation to suit the child Preferably the frame may include a handle from where the frame can be held whilst adjusting, erecting or collapsing the frame. In some embodiments the handle may include a button to release the frame so that it may be collapsed. For example the button may free hinges to enable collapse and erection In preferred embodiments the harness is arranged in use about the user's torso so as to provide a structure that evenly distributes or disperses the carts weight on the user in order to reduce likelihood of any associated injury.

Preferably therefore the harness includes multiple parts comprising two over-shoulder straps and a band about the waist and back wherein all parts are linked.

The harness may be fully adjustable so as to enable it to be closely fitted to the user's torso so that in use it does not move excessively and cause rubbing and discomfort.

In preferred embodiments the harness is padded, for example with resiliently deformable material such as foam or neoprepe for improved comfort and support for the user.

The harness may be formed from lightweight, flexible, durable materials such as polymer fabrics. Ideally the harness is adjustable by means of clips, buckles or hook and loop means such as Velcro (Trade Mark) which allow the straps and waist band to be individually adjusted. Preferably the clips and buckles are formed from lightweight, durable, strong materials such as injection moulded polymer.

Advantageously the harness may include pockets so that user can store items whilst walking or running.

In some further embodiments the shoulder straps may also be connected to one another across the user's chest so as to prevent the shoulder straps slipping off.

Said connection may be adjustable to account for fullness of breast, displaceable or otherwise discretionary. For example the straps may be joined by a clip, buckle or tie. Preferably therefore weight is distributed across the user, with no impediments to movement as the harness provides a central attachment point remote from limbs.

In preferred embodiments the harness includes an attachment point for the tether such as a towing ring, shackle or universal joint onto which the tether is attached For example the attachment point may be provided on a backing plate located within the harness so as to be securely fitted. In this way the attachment is not fixed and is moveable with the user to prevent jarring.

The attachment point and tether consequently allows a device to be pulled behind the user, with a direct, stable and centralising force transferral. In consequence the system allows freedom for the user to swing arms and improved balance and posture is provided whilst running. Other ways of spreading weight or forces around or about the user may be envisaged, for example wherein the harness is arranged as a garment1 keeping the weight transferral centralised and away from the limbs, and best adapted for the users balance in use.

In some embodiments the tether is flexible with a clip at each end so that it may be removably fastened at a fastener to the cart on one end and attached to the harness at the distal end, thereby joining the user via the harness to the cart.

In other embodiments the tether may be semi rigid, for example including a protective outer sleeve, for example a synthetic plastic sleeve, so as to reduce wear and improve durability. Typically in such embodiments each end of the tether includes an eye so as to accept a clip. The sleeve may be heat-shrunk around all or part of the tether, for example around where the sleeve meets the eye, thereby preventing items such as dirt or moisture such as rainwater entering the sleeve.

In yet further embodiments the tether may be rigid at least in part wherein the cart is maintained and maintainable always at a fixed distance away from the user i.e. the tether and member length, and so that the cart automatically slows as the user does therefore not providing any opportunity for the cart to overrun the user.

The clip may have a displaceable lock closure, or hinged gate such as a carabineer, so as to be locatable securely, and to be capable of bearing weight.

In some embodiments the clips, attachment point and/or fastener, and/or member and/or tether may include elasticated or deformable portions so as to enable the weight of the cart to be borne incrementally or gradually when the user commences towing thereby reducing rick of injury through jarring or snatching of the tether and/or member.

In some embodiments the cart may include a system of brakes. For example the member may be linked to said system so that the member drops or displaces to engage the brakes, for example in order that as and when the user slows or goes downhill the brakes are automatically engaged. For example when the tether is not under tension the member may displace or drop and the cart braked, preventing the cart slamming into the user. The member is ideally spring biased for said purpose.

Advantageously the tether length may be varied according to user preference in use, for example depending upon the area or situation in which the cart is to be towed and the user, wherein in busy areas a shorter tether may be required to keep the cart closer to the User so that less space is taken up.

In further embodiments more than one tether may be in use simultaneously for attachment of the cart to the harness, for example one tether may be attached to a side of the cart or on ends or sides of the member.

In some embodiments the cart may include a light so as to illuminate the cart to third parties and/or to illuminate the interior where the child is seated so that the user can easily observe the child when in use, even if in low light or darkness. Additionally or alternatively the cart may include exterior lighting so as to alert third parties to the cart.

In other embodiments the harness may include a reflective surface such a rear view or wing mirror so that the user is able to observe the cart and thereby the child without requirement to turn their head whilst towing. The mirror may be extendable from and removably attached to the harness, for example only attached or extended when in use Preferably the mirror is capable of being adjusted in use so as to be in a desired position for the user to be able to observe the cart In some embodiments the mirror is capable of being stowed parallel to the harness or within a pocket of the harness when not in use. In further embodiments the mirror is separate or detachable and mountable elsewhere, for example on a hat.

In some further embodiments the mobile child towing system may be provided with a monitoring or communication system, wherein a communication unit is provided in the cart and another with the user so that the user is able to communicate with or hear the child, even where the cart is covered or the background noise such as traffic is loud. Additionally the monitoring system may inckide a camera so that the user can make visual contact with the child. In some further embodiments the communication system may enable two way communications between child and user so that user and child may communicate with one another without the user having to stop. For example the cart may include speakers and a microphone so to enable this.

Additionally audio may be played to the child when the cart is in use to keep them occupied. For example the speakers may be linked to an audio player.

Preferably the communication system is wireless for example operating via radio frequency or Bluetooth (Trade Mark) so as not to interfere with the user in use or wired, such as to use the tether.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows a side view of preferred embodiments of the devices in use to form the system; Figures 2 show views of the attachment feature as shown in Figure 1;.

Figure 3 shows a side view of the tether device as shown in Figure 1; Figures 4 show views of the cart device as shown in Figure 1; And Figures 5 show isometric views of the cart device as shown in Figure 1.

Detailed Description of Figures

With reference to the figures preferred embodiment of the system provides an attachment feature 30, tether device 20 and cad device 10, wherein said tether 20 can be detached from both said attachment feature 30 and said cart 10, being provided with articulation comprising carabineers 23 and ring 22.

The attachment means 30 comprises a separate harness with two shoulder straps 34 and waist band 31. The waist band may be tightened and fastened at a buckle 33, and said straps tightened by a tightening mechanism 36. The harness also includes pockets 35 on the waist band 31, which pockets may be used for storage and transport of the tether 20.

The tether 20 attaches to a hoop 32.

The tether 20 subsequently attaches to the cart 10 at the handle 11 at a secure point 21. The cart has four wheels 13, 14 wherein smaller front wheels 14 are mounted on an axle 12 fixed on a pivot 15 to allow steering. Larger rear wheels 13 provide a smoother ride.

The cart 10 includes a cover 17 with displaceable transparent portion 16, attached at an attachment mechanism 18 comprising zippers or in further embodiments magnetic portions.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, farm, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to (hose skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention

Claims (9)

1. Claims 1. A mobile child transport system comprising: a wheeled cart device suitable for seating a child; and at least one flexible elongate tether comprising a first end providing at least one attachment point and a second end providing a user attachment feature, wherein said attachment feature is arranged in use to attach the tether to a user, and wherein the at least one attachment point is arranged in use to releasably attach the tether to the cart.
2. 2. A mobile child transport system according to claim 1 wherein the tether is detachable from the cart and user attachment feature.
3. 3. A mobile child transport system according to claims 1 or 2 wherein the user attachment feature comprises an independent harness.
4. 4. A mobile child transport system according to claims 1 or 2 wherein in arrangement of the user attachment feature the cart comprises attachment to a backpack.
5. 5. A mobile child transport system according to claims 1 or 2 wherein the user attachment feature comprises attaáhment to a garment.
6. 6. A mobile child transport system according to any of the preceding claims wherein the user attachment feature is centrally located on a users torso in use distal from limbs.
7. 7. A mobile child transport device according to any of the preceding claims comprising a rear view mirror for the user.
8. 8. A mobile child transport device according to any of the preceding claims comprising an electronic communication system between the user and cart.
9. 9. A user attachment means substantially as described herein and with reference to figure 2.