WO2007130023A1

WO2007130023A1 - Supervised modular guide

Info

Publication number: WO2007130023A1
Application number: PCT/US2006/016529
Authority: WO
Inventors: Lynn Walker
Original assignee: Walker, Jeremy
Priority date: 2006-05-01
Filing date: 2006-05-01
Publication date: 2007-11-15

Abstract

A new and improved modular device to maintain a group of children in an organized, supervised group formation and to provide a sense of security and togetherness during sightseeing trips or other outdoor activities to prevent them from straying or getting lost. The embodiment for children is non-tethering and non-restraining. The device is made of multiple, flexible, sectional strap assemblies (1) connected sequentially to form one or many center support lines to which handle assemblies (3) are attached and grasped by the children. Each handle assembly (3) can be attached by a swivel hook clip (6) to the 'D ring' (4) of any strap assembly. The device is modular, and may accommodate an unlimited and variable number of children by adding or removing handles (3) and by adding or removing sectional strap assemblies (1). Optional leader extensions (2) and optional trailer extensions (12) and related handles (3) can be attached to the front and/or to the rear or/and to the sides of the center support line to accommodate leading and/or trailing supervisors. The device is also designed to restrain a variable number of pets by adding or removing pet strap assemblies (14) and to allow more than one leader. Because of its flexibility, lightweight and compactness, the device allows easy transportation.

Description

PCT PATENT APPLICATION TITLE OF INVENTION: Supervised Modular Guide

SPECIFICATION

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a multiple use device for maintaining either a group of children or multiple pets in an organized, supervised group and more particularly to a device that is modular and can be adjusted to a specific, unlimited number of children or pets and supervising adults or leaders.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] One of the major problem for schools and institution is to keep control of a group of children during excursions, sightseeing trips, outings, skiing, hiking or when simply walking together. Children have the natural tendency to leave the group excited by their curiosity and eventually get lost and be exposed to a variety of dangerous and unsafe situations. Children of preschool and primary school ages are known for their lack of self-discipline and their need for close supervision, particularly when walking in a group during school field trips. [0003] There are numerous inventions related to the safety and the well being of children, especially when children are travelling either by walking with an adult or using transportation media. The prior art teaches a variety of different devices for tethering or harnessing small children in a group.

[0004] These include, tethers or leashes intended to allow a child to walk alongside a supervising adult, harnesses used to carry a child on the body of an adult; walking aids, providing support for a young child just learning to walk, and the like. These inventions are all intended to provide safety and restraint for children, especially preventing them from being inadvertently separated from the supervising adult.

[0005] The vast majority of the prior art devices are used to restrain or support individual children using straps or webs, attached to the each individual child either at the wrist, at the waist, or, in the case of harnesses, at the torso.

The following patents represent the status of the prior art over which the present invention is a patentable improvement.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 3,563,208 shows a device for maintaining walking children in an organized, supervised group using an elongated center support member and a plurality of laterally extending cross members with stirrup-like handles for children to grasp or straps to be secured around the wrist of a child. The invention uses a semi-rigid material such as a rope with a metal wire reinforcement at the center to avoid the collapsing of the cross member when a child temporarily loses his grip.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 4,751 ,896 is related to an adult and child tethered assembly as an interconnecting strap assembly tethering one child's wrist to the adult's wrist. The invention also teaches the adjustable cuffs using a VELCRO®. The invention allows a single child to be supervised by one adult.

[0008] In U.S. Pat. No. 5,423,292 the invention teaches an elongated strap with a plurality of cross members secured centrally by stitches and securing the wrist of a child with loop type fasteners of

VELCRO-like material. The invention does not allow for a flexible number of children to be attached because the cross members are permanently stitched to the elongated strap. One elongated strap can secure up to eight children. If the number of children is not in a multiple of the number of fasteners stitched to the elongated strap, a number of unused fasteners are dangling down.

[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,447,121 shows a non-tethering device for children to hold onto a ring. The invention allows the addition of extensions using clip fasteners. The invention also teaches the use of different colors, letters, numbers of symbols to identify each attachment.

The invention does not provide an attachment for a leader in the front of the device nor for an attachment for a supervisor at the end of the device.

[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 6,047,665 teaches a tether-harness combination to restrain a group of children. To achieve modularity, the invention uses quick release connectors to interconnect the different elements of the device, including the attachment of children at their waist or wrist.

[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 6,422,176 teaches a rope guide where the children grasp a handle attached to a main rope, including attachments for a leader in front and a supervisor on the back of the line. The device allows a variable number of children by adding a variable number of cross members using knots.

[0012] Belgian patent BE1015627 illustrates two parallel flexible rods with multiple, variable number of wrist bands with self-locking buckles, including two attachments for a leader supervisor and a trailer supervisor.

[0013] In most of the prior art inventions, children have been tethered to ropes to keeps them from getting lost when travelling.

The main objective of this invention is to provide a new and improved adult-attended, highly modular guide for children to escort a group of children while promoting team togetherness and safety.

Prior art patented inventions regarding restrain of pets are mostly limited to leashes that can accommodate a fixed number of pets, without giving the flexibility of restraining a variable number of pets. These inventions do not allow more than one pet leader. The capability to allow more than one leader is a very important feature for leading a large number of walking pets.

[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 6,932,027 teaches a waist mountable tethering device that allows for the hand free exercising of multiple pets.

The two pieced waist harness includes a back portion which is enlarged and padded and can be placed about a persons waist with a front portion which allows for ease of securement by the use of hook and loop attachment. A nylon strap engages the entire circumference of the first and second portion of the waist harness to prevent disengagement of the harness during use. The waist harness includes multiple attachment loops to allow for caring of addition items including attachment of multiple pets. [0015] U.S. Pat. No. 6,237,539 is teaching a multiple dog leash limited to the restrain of two dogs, with the possibility of adding a third one. This leash which makes it possible for a single individual to concurrently control at least two dogs that differ in size and therefore require leashes of different length. The multiple leash includes an elongated strap that passes through a coupling ring and is folded therefor to define two leash sections whose relative lengths depends on the site of the fold; a leash handle being linked to the coupling ring. Each leash section terminates in a connector that can be coupled to the collar or harness of a dog.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0016] When compared to the prior art, the advantage of this invention is to form a modular, flexible center support line or a set of multiple lines with handles that children can grasp preventing them from straying or getting lost. This invention also allows an indefinite number of supervising adults to be attached either at the front, or at the side or at the back of the line. This invention allows one adult to safely supervise a large number of children. In a different embodiment, this invention also allows to restrain a variable number of pets lead by one or many leaders. [0017] The center support line is made of multiple strap assemblies connected sequentially one after the other and allows handles for gripping to be attached or detached easily to them. Group leader or supervisor handles are located at the forward portion of the center support line or at the end of the center support line or even on the sides of the center support line. The device allows children to maintain the appropriate walking distance from one another.

[0018] The invention does not use harnesses, tethers or other restraining devices to keep the children in a group because the invention is aimed to maintain in a walking formation instruction-prone children that are able to follow orders and instructions from the supervisors. The invention minimizes the number of supervisors required while minimizing the risk of danger for the entire group. This device is useful for schools, camps, or other associations that care for young children, and seek to physically keep them under control during field trips, outings, and other indoor or outdoor activities.

[0019] The current invention provides a practical, safe, efficient and inexpensive way for organizing and guiding a group of children in a formation. It also provides a means for only one adult to supervise a relatively large group of children in an atmosphere where it is essential that the group remain close together, to preclude the possibility of a member oecoming lost, as for instances, in large crowds or to prevent exposure to dangerous areas such as heavy traffic streets. The device stimulates interest among the children and the essential cooperative spirit necessary to a successful conduct. The device can also be used by ski schools to allow ski instructors to monitor a group of young skiers. The device can also be used by leading a group of handicapped adults that need supervision by one or more leaders when walking in a group. [0020] In the embodiment for pets, one or many adjustable strap assemblies for pets can be attached in multiple configurations, allowing one or many leaders to supervise a variable number of pets. [0021] Pet owners, kennels, animal hospitals, professional pet walkers can use the pets embodiment of this invention at full advantage to walk one or multiple pets in formation led by one or multiple leaders. [0022] The current invention is completely modular and it can be expanded indefinitely by adding components. The entire device is constructed of flexible strap or web material that can be made of natural fibers or synthetic material. The quick-release swivel clips for adding or removing strap modules and for adding or removing handles can be made of metal or plastic material.

[0023] The set of straps and handles make the device safe, reliable, simple to use and operate. Its construction is very durable, simple and reliable. The entire device is washable, easy to pack and transport and has a pleasant appearance. The device also allows multiple, different colors to be used for each component to allow children to remember easily their proper position within the group. The pet embodiment straps can be decorated with reflector bands that can increase safety when walking a group of pets at nighttime.

[0024] Decorations, accessories or utility items may be attached to the center support line. Decorative signs, images or figures may be hung or attached to the center support line to enhance the design, entertain the youngest children and allow identification of the individual handles to be associated to each one of the children. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] To further clarify the above and other advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to the preferred embodiments of the invention, which are illustrated in the appended drawings.

[0026] It is appreciated that these drawings depict only few of the many embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

[0027] FIG. 1 is the top view of one of the preferred embodiments of the invention showing the capability for children supervision highlighting its high modularity that allows an indefinite number of children and supervisors to be attached.

[0028] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the primary strap assembly which includes a "D" ring and a swivel hook clip connected to a strap line.

[0029] FIG. 2a is a top view of the primary strap assembly as described in Fig. 2.

[0030] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the pet adjustable strap assembly which includes a three bar slide, a loop and two swivel hook clips that are connected to a strap line.

[0031] FIG. 3a is a top view of the pet adjustable strap assembly showing the addition of the reflective band for increased security at night.

[0032] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the handle assembly that includes a handle grip and a swivel hook clip connected by a handle strap.

[0033] FIG. 5 is a top view of the extension strap assembly that includes a swivel hook clip and a "D" ring connected by an extension strap. [0034] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the leader extension assembly which includes two "D" rings connected to the extension strap. [0035] FIG. 6a is a top view of the leader extension strap assembly as described in Fig. 6.

[0036] FIG. 7 shows a second embodiment for children of the invention. In this embodiment, two center support lines are connected to one leader extension assembly, allowing a larger number of children to be attached.

[0037] FIG. 8 shows a third embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, one center support line has handle assemblies attached alternatively on the right side and on the left side of the center support line to allow more space to the person attached to each handle. This embodiment is used, as an example, for a group of skier skiing together or for a group of children or adults hiking the mountains. [0038] FIG. 9 shows a fourth embodiment of the invention. This embodiment is used to restrain multiple pets by connecting one trailer extension strap assembly connected to a handle assembly and to multiple pet adjustable strap assemblies.

[0039] FIG. 10 shows a fifth embodiment of the invention. This embodiment is used to restrain multiple pets by connecting multiple pet adjustable strap assemblies to a center support line held by two leaders, one in the front of the group of pets, the other at the back.

[0040] REFERENCE NUMERALS IN DRAWINGS

1 Primary strap assembly

2 Leader extension strap assembly

3 Handle assembly

4 "D" ring

5 Primary strap

6 Swivel hook clip assembly

7 Extension strap

8 Handle strap

9 Handle grip

10 Swivel hook clip

11 Swivel hook clip ring Trailer extension strap assembly Reflective band Pet adjustable strap assembly Three bar slide Loop

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0041] In the preferred embodiment of the invention, FIG.1 illustrates one or more primary strap assemblies (1) connected one after the other to form a center support line that allows multiple handles (3) to be attached to both sides of the "D" rings. The handles are connected to the strap assembly by the way of swivel clips. An indefinite number of strap assemblies (1) can be attached to one another to allow additional handle assemblies to be connected to allow an indefinite number of children to use the device.

[0042] Because there will be only one handle (3) for every child in the group, there will be no unused handles attached. This facilitates the supervisors to note quickly if one child is missing by noticing the unused handle. One or more leader extension straps (2) can be connected to the front of the center support line to allow one or multiple handles (3) for the supervisors. Additionally, one or more trailer extension straps (12) can be connected to the rear of the center supporting line to allow one or more additional handles (3) for the supervisors to be attached. [0043] FlG. 2 illustrates an isometric view of the primary strap assembly (1) which is made of a primary strap (5) attached on one side to a "D" ring (4) and on the opposite side to a swivel hook clip (6). Multiple strap assemblies can be connected to form a center support line. Multiple handles (3) can be attached to the D" rings (4).

FlG. 2a illustrates the top view of the primary strap as described in Fig.2. [0044] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the pet adjustable strap assembly which includes a three bar slide, a loop and two swivel hook clip connected to a strap line. The pet adjustable strap has the adjustable length any of several well-known methods. One of the most common methods is the use of a three bar slide15 and the related loop 16. [0045] FIG. 3a is a top view of the pet adjustable strap assembly showing the addition of the reflective band for increase security at nighttime.

[0046] FIG. 4 is a top view of the handle assembly (3) which comprises a handle strap (8) passing through the hole of the padded handle (9) and connected to the swivel hook assembly (6). The swivel hook assembly (6) allows the handle assembly to be connected to a "D" ring (4) of any of the strap assemblies. The swivel hook clip assembly comprises the clip (10) and the swivel hook clip ring (11). The figure also shows the side view and a top view of the handle grip (9). [0047] FIG. 5 is a top view of the trailer extension strap assembly

(12) which comprises a swivel hook clip (6) and a "D" ring (4) connected by the extension strap (7). This is a shorter version of the primary strap assembly (1). This strap assembly is usually used to connect a handle assembly for the trailing supervisor.

[0048] FIG. 6 illustrates an isometric view of the leader extension assembly (2) which comprises the extension strap (7) attached to two "D" rings (4) on both sides. The Leader extension assembly allows a leader handle (3) to be attached to one of the two "D" rings (4) while the other ¹¹D" ring (4) is attached to the primary strap assembly (1) by the way of a swivel clip (6).

[0049] FIG. 6a is a top view of the leader extension strap assembly

(2) as described in FIG. 6.

[0050] In the preferred embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 1 , the center support line is assembled using one or multiple primary strap assemblies (1). If multiple strap assemblies are used, they will be joined one at the end of the other by way of the swivel clip of one strap assembly joined to the "D" ring of the other strap assembly. [0051] Additionally, in the preferred embodiment as illustrated in

FIG. 1 , one leader extension assembly (2) is joined to one of the primary strap assembly by connecting the "D" ring of the leader strap assembly to the swivel clip of the first primary strap assembly. An handle assembly (3) for the leader can be connected to the "D" ring of the leader extension assembly (2) and multiple handle assemblies are connected to both sides of each "D" ring of the primary strap assemblies (1). Additionally, a trailer extension assembly (12) can be attached to the "D" ring (4) of the primary strap assembly (1) to allow one or more handles (3) for the trailer supervisors to be attached.

[0052] In a second embodiment of the invention, as illustrated by

FIG. 7, two center support lines are connected to one leader extension assembly (2). Each center support line is made of multiple primary strap assemblies (1) joint one after the other, allowing a larger number of handle assemblies (3) to be attached. Additional, a trailer extension assembly (12) can be attached to the "D" ring (4) of the rear primary strap assembly (1) to allow for a trailer supervisor handle (3) to be attached.

[0053] In a third embodiment of the invention, as illustrated by FIG.

8, one center support line is made of multiple primary strap assemblies (1) joint one after the other. Handle assemblies (3) are attached alternatively on the right side and on the left side of the center support line to allow more space to the persons attached by the handle. [0054] One leader strap assembly (2) is joined at the front of the center support line to allow one handle assembly (3) for the leader to be attached. A handle (3) for the supervisor can also be attached to the rear of the center support line. This embodiment can be especially used by a group of skiers to be led by one instructor attached to the front, while a second instructor or supervisor can be attached to the handle assembly (3) at the end of the center support line.

[0055] FIG. 9 shows a fourth embodiment of the invention. This embodiment is used to restrain multiple pets by connecting one trailer extension strap assembly (12) connected to a handle assembly (3) and to multiple pet adjustable strap assemblies (14). This picture clearly demonstrates the flexibility and modularity of the invention designed to adapt to the user's needs, when a variable number of pets can be attached and walked at the same time.

[0056] FIG. 10 shows a fifth embodiment of the invention. This embodiment is used to restrain multiple pets by connecting multiple pet adjustable strap assemblies (14) to a center line which comprises multiple primary strap assemblies (1), one leader extension strap assembly (2), one trailer extension strap assembly (12) and two handle assembles for two leaders. The other end of the pet adjustable strap assemblies (14) are connected to the pet collars or harnesses by clipping the swivel hook assemblies (6).

[0057] While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to the five preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various other changes in the form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0058] While the invention has been explained by a detailed description of certain specific embodiments, it is understood that various modifications and substitutions can be made in any of them within the scope of the appended claims which are intended also to include equivalents of such embodiments.

The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat I claim is:

1. A modular device for safely organizing and guiding a group of children, said device comprising:

(a) one or multiple center support lines; and optionally

(b) one or multiple leader extensions (2) attached to the said center support line; and optionally

(c) one or multiple trailer extensions (12) attached to the said center support line; and

(d) a variable number of grasping means for children and supervising adults attached to the said center support line and to the said leader extensions (2) and to the said trailer extensions (12),

2. A device for safely organizing and guiding a group of children according to claim 1 wherein said center support line comprises a variable number of primary strap assemblies (1) attached to one another to form a line.

3. A device for safely organizing and guiding a group of children according to claim 2 wherein the said primary strap assembly (1) comprises a primary strap (5) connected to a "D" ring (4) on one short side and connected to a swivel clip assembly (6) on the opposite short side.

4. A device for safely organizing and guiding a group of children according to claim 2 wherein each said primary strap assembly (1) is attached to another said primary strap assembly (1) by clipping the said swivel clip (6) to the said "D" ring (4) of another said primary strap assembly (1).

5. A device for safely organizing and guiding a group of children according to claim 1 wherein said grasping means for children and supervising adults are handle assemblies (3) attached to either the said "D" rings (4) of each primary strap assembly (1) or to said "D" ring (4) of the said leader extension assembly (2) or to the said "D" rings (4) of the said trailer extension assembly (12) by clipping the swivel clip (6) to the said "D ring (4).

6. A device for safely organizing and guiding a group of children according to claim 5 wherein the handle assembly (3) comprises: a handle strap (8) attached to a swivel clip assembly (6) and passing through the hole of the handle grip (9).

7. A device for safely organizing and guiding a group of children or according to claim 1 wherein the said optional leader extension (2) comprises a leader extension strap (7) connected on its short sides to two "D" rings (4).

8. A device for safely organizing and guiding a group of children according to claim 1 wherein the said optional trailer extension (12) comprises a trailer extension strap (13) connected on one of its short sides to a "D" ring (4) and connected to the other short side to a swivel clip assembly (6).

9. A device for safely organizing and guiding a group of children according to claim 1 wherein said optional leader extensions (2) are attached to the said center support line by clipping the swivel clip (6) of the said primary strap assembly (1) to the said "D" ring (4) of the said leader extension (2).

10. A device for safely organizing and guiding a group of children according to claim 1 wherein said optional trailer extensions (12) are attached to the said center support line by clipping the swivel clip (6) of the primary strap assembly (1) to the "D" ring (4) of the said leader extension strap assembly (2).

11. A modular device for restraining one or multiple pets, said device comprising:

(a) one or multiple trailer extension (12); and optionally

(b) one or multiple leader extension (2); and optionally

(c) one or multiple center support lines; and (d) one or multiple pet adjustable strap assemblies (14) attached to said trailer extension (12) or attached to said leader extension strap assembly (2) or attached to said center support lines; and

(e) one or multiple grasping means for one or multiple leaders attached to said trailer extension (12) or to said central support line.

12. A modular device for restraining one or multiple pets according to claim 11 wherein said center support line comprises a variable number of primary strap assemblies (1) attached to one another to form a line.

13. A modular device for restraining one or multiple pets according to claim 11 wherein said adjustable pet strap assemblies (14) can be connected to said center support line (1) or to the said trailer extension (12) to restrain one or multiple pets.

14. A modular device for restraining one or multiple pets according to claim 11 wherein said strap assembly (14) comprises:

(a) a pet adjustable strap (17); and optionally

(b) two reflective bands attached to both sides of said pet adjustable strap (17); and

(c) two swivel clip assemblies (6) connected to the short sides of the said pet adjustable strap (17); and

(d) a three bar slide (15) to allow adjustment of the distance between said swivel clip assemblies (6); and

(e) a loop (16)