CROSS-REFERENCES TO OTHER APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No.

62/073416, for "A WALKING AIDE FOR BABIES AND TODDLERS" filed on October 31, 2014 which is hereby incorporated by reference in entirety for all purposes.

FIELD

[0002] The described embodiments relate generally to a balancing aid for a human. In one embodiment the balancing aid is configured to be held by an adult such that a toddler can grasp a pair of arms of the walking aid and be stabilized while learning to walk.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Currently there are a wide variety of walking aids for toddlers that use wheels and help support the toddler's weight while they learn to walk. However, such devices do little to help the toddler to develop the necessary coordination required to walk and they typically do not work well on a variety of surfaces.

[0004] New walking aids for toddlers may require new features or new designs to help the toddler develop the necessary coordination to walk while supporting at least a portion of the toddler's weight. SUMMARY

[0005] In some embodiments a balancing aid for a human comprises a generally U-shaped structure comprising a center portion having a first grip region positioned in an approximate center of the center portion and a first arm rigidly attached to and extending from a first side of the center portion to a first distal end and oriented at an angle between 30 to 120 degrees from a longitudinal centerline of the center portion. A second arm is rigidly attached to and extends from a second side of the center portion to a second distal end and is oriented at an angle between 30 to 120 degrees from the longitudinal centerline of the center portion. A second grip region having a cross-sectional area between 0.05 and 2.0 square inches is located on the first arm proximate the first distal end, and a third grip region having a cross-sectional area between 0.05 and 2.0 square inches is located on the second arm proximate the second distal end. The second grip region and the third grip region are separated by a distance between 5 to 15 inches; and the first grip region is separated from the second and the third grip regions by a distance between 5 to 24 inches.

[0006] In some embodiments the center portion and the first and the second rods are made from a material having a modulus of elasticity of greater than 100,000 pounds per square inch. In various embodiments the first grip region has a larger cross-sectional area than the second or the third grip region. In some embodiments the second grip region and the third grip regions each have a grip retention feature configured to improve the ability of a human to maintain a grip on the second and the third grip regions. In various embodiments the grip retention feature comprises an enlarged cross-section at the first and the second distal ends.

[0007] In some embodiments the grip retention feature comprises a flexible strap. In various embodiments the grip retention feature comprises a ring disposed at each of the first and the second distal ends. In some embodiments the center portion and the first arm and the second arm form a continuous monolithic structure. In various embodiments the first arm and the second arm are arranged symmetrically about a transverse centerline of the center portion.

[0008] In some embodiments a balancing aid for a human comprises a generally U-shaped structure comprising a center portion having a first grip region and a first arm attached to and extending from a first side of the center portion to a first distal end and oriented at an angle between 80 to 140 degrees from a longitudinal centerline of the center portion. A a second arm is attached to and extends from a second side of the center portion to a second distal end and is oriented at an angle between 80 to 140 degrees from the longitudinal centerline of the center portion. A second grip region is located on the first arm proximate the first distal end and a third grip region is located on the second arm proximate the second distal end. The first arm and the second arm are attached to the center portion in a symmetrical arrangement about a transverse centerline of the center portion.

[0009] In various embodiments the center portion is made from a material having a modulus of elasticity of greater than 100,000 pounds per square inch. In some embodiments the second grip region and the third grip region each have a grip retention feature configured to improve the ability of a human to maintain a grip on the second and the third grip regions. In various embodiments the grip retention feature comprises an enlarged cross-section at the first and the second distal ends.

[0010] In some embodiments the grip retention feature comprises a flexible strap. In various embodiments the grip retention feature comprises a ring disposed at each of the first and the second distal ends. In some embodiments a durometer of the center portion is between 20 and 100 on the Shore 00 scale. In various embodiments the second grip region and the third grip region are separated by a distance between 5 to 15 inches.

[0011] In some embodiments a balancing aid for a human comprises a handle having a first grip region and a first arm rigidly attached to and extending away from the handle to a first distal end and oriented at an angle between 30 to 120 degrees from a centerline of the handle. A second arm is rigidly attached to and extends away from the handle to a second distal end and is oriented at an angle between 30 to 120 degrees from the centerline of the handle. A second grip region is located on the first arm proximate the first distal end, and a third grip region is located on the second arm proximate the second distal end;. The handle is approximately centered between the second grip region and the third grip region and the first arm and the second arm are attached to the handle in a symmetrical arrangement about the centerline of the handle. The second grip region and the third grip region are separated by a distance between 5 inches and 15 inches. [0012] In some embodiments the center portion, the first arm and the second arm are made from a material having a modulus of elasticity of greater than 100,000 pounds per square inch. In various embodiments the center portion, the first arm and the second arm are a monolithic structure.

[0013] To better understand the nature and advantages of the present invention, reference should be made to the following description and the accompanying figures. It is to be understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the scope of the present invention. Also, as a general rule, and unless it is evident to the contrary from the description, where elements in different figures use identical reference numbers, the elements are generally either identical or at least similar in function or purpose.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] FIG. 1 is a front view of a walking aid being used by an adult and a child according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0015] FIG. 2 is a front view of the walking aid shown in FIG. 1;

[0016] FIG. 3 is a front view of a walking aid according to an embodiment of the invention; and

[0017] FIG. 4 is a front view of a walking aid according to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Some embodiments of the present invention relate to walking aids for children that may be held by an adult and configured to support at least a portion of the child's weight and assist the child in maintaining balance while learning to walk. Some embodiments are generally U- shaped, having a center portion that may be grasped by the adult that is coupled to a pair of arms extending downward for the child to grasp.

[0019] In order to better appreciate the features and aspects of toddler walking aids according to the present invention, further context for the invention is provided in the following section by discussing one particular implementation of a toddler walking aid according to embodiments of the present invention. These embodiments are for example only and other embodiments may have different configurations, geometries and materials.

[0020] FIG. 1 depicts an illustrative rendering of a walking aid 100 for a child 105. In some embodiments a center portion 110 of walking aid 100 may be configured to be held by an adult 115 while child 105 holds onto a first arm 120 and a second arm 125. In various embodiments, walking aid 100 may be configured to support at least a portion of child's 105 weight while in some embodiments walking aid 100 may also be configured to provide stability for the child's balance, as discussed in more detail below.

[0021] Adult 115 may adjust a height at which they hold walking aid 100 such that child's 105 arms are comfortably extended and the child receives the appropriate amount of support and balance for their experience level. As the child's experience level increases, adult 115 may provide less support for the weight of child 105 and/or less stability to supplement the child's balance. Since adult 115 provides the only support for walking aid 100, child 105 can learn to walk across myriad surfaces including those that are flat, uneven, rocky, sandy, soft and various others.

[0022] Now referring to FIG. 2, one embodiment of walking aid 100 is illustrated in greater detail. In some embodiments walking aid 100 may be generally U-shaped having center portion 110 with first arm 120 and second arm 125 attached to the center portion. Center portion 110 may have a first grip region 205 positioned in an approximate center of the center portion. A transverse center line 210 may be used to define the approximate center of center portion 110.

[0023] In some embodiments first arm 120 may be rigidly attached to and extend from a first side 215 of center portion 110 to a first distal end 220. As used herein, rigidly attached shall mean that there is little or no relative movement between the structures that are rigidly attached to one another (e.g., there is no rotation, no extension, etc. between the center portion and the arm). Other embodiments may not have a rigid attachment, as discussed in more detail below.

[0024] First arm 120 may be oriented at an angle 225 that is between 30 to 120 degrees from a longitudinal center line 230 of center portion 110. More specifically, longitudinal center line 230 may be disposed through a center of a cross-section of center portion 110. A second arm 125 may be rigidly attached to and extend from a second side 235 of center portion 110 to a second distal end 240. Second arm 125 may also be oriented at an angle 243 between 30 to 120 degrees from longitudinal centerline 230 of center portion 110. In further embodiments first and second arms 120, 125, respectively may be arranged symmetrically about transverse centerline 210 of center portion 110. First side 215 and second side 235 of center portion 110 describe two regions of the center portion. In some embodiments center portion 110 and first and second arms 120, 125, respectively may be a monolithic structure while in other embodiments the center portion may be a separate and/or separable structure from the first and second arms, as described in more detail below.

[0025] In some embodiments first arm 120 may have a second grip region 245 located proximate first distal end 220 and second arm 125 may have a third grip region 250 located proximate second distal end 240.

[0026] In some embodiments second grip region 245 and third grip region 250 may have a cross-sectional area that is comfortable for a child to grasp. In one embodiment second and third grip regions 245, 250, respectively, may each have cross-sectional areas between 0.05 and 2.0 square inches. In further embodiments second and third grip regions 245, 250, respectively, may each have a cross-sectional area between 0.1 and 1.0 square inches and in further embodiments between 0.2 and 0.5 square inches while in one embodiment they may each have a cross- sectional area of approximately 0.3 square inches. [0027] In some embodiments first grip region 205 may have a cross-sectional area that is comfortable for an adult to grasp. In some embodiments the cross-sectional area of first grip region may be between 0.19 and 3.0 square inches while in other embodiments it may be between 0.75 and 2 square inches and in one embodiment may be approximately 1.25 square inches. In further embodiments first grip region 205 may have a larger cross-sectional area than second or the third grip region 245, 250, respectively. In one embodiment first grip region may have a cross-sectional areal that is between 2 times to 6 times the cross-sectional area of second and third grip regions 245, 250, respectively, while in another embodiment it may be between 3 times to 5 times the cross-sectional area and in one embodiment may be approximately 4 times the cross-sectional area.

[0028] In some embodiments a separation between an approximate center of second grip region 245 and an approximate center of third grip region 250 may be a comfortable distance for the child that is approximately shoulder width apart. For different ages and sizes of children this distance may vary. In some embodiments an approximate center of second grip region 245 and an approximate center of third grip region 250 may be separated by a distance between 5 to 15 inches while in other embodiments they may be separated by a distance between 7 to 11 inches and in one embodiment may be separated by approximately 9.25 inches.

[0029] In some embodiments a height 290 between first grip region 205 and second and third grip regions 245, 250 may be based upon the size of the adult and the size of the child, as discussed in more detail below. In one embodiment an approximate center of first grip region 205 may be vertically separated from an approximate center of second and third grip regions 245, 250, respectively by a distance between 5 to 24 inches while in other embodiments they may be separated by a distance between 6 inches to 12 inches and in a further embodiment may be separated by approximately 9.25 inches. In some embodiments there may be different sizes of walking aids 100 to fit the particular requirements of individuals.

[0030] In some embodiments the material that is used for center portion 110 and first and second arms, 120, 125, may have an appropriate modulus of elasticity such that the adult can provide the necessary support and balance to the child to assist them in learning to walk. In some embodiments the modulus of elasticity may be selected to provide mechanical coupling between the adult and the child so the adult can help the child balance. In further embodiments the modulus of elasticity may be selected to be relatively low so that the child receives little balance assistance from the adult and walking aid 100 mostly supports a portion of the weight of the child. A moderate modulus of elasticity may be selected so the structure is still somewhat flexible allowing the child to bend it for comfort and allowing the device to bend so it is can be easily stored. In some embodiments center portion 110 and first and second arms, 120, 125, respectively may be made from a material having a modulus of elasticity of greater than lxl 0 ⁵ pounds per square inch. In other embodiments the material may have a modulus of elasticity between lxl 0 ⁵ and lxl 0 ⁷ pounds per square inch while in another embodiment the modulus of elasticity may be between 3xl0 ⁵ to 6xl0 ⁵ pounds per square inch.

[0031] In some embodiments the material that is used for center portion 110 and first and second arms, 120, 125, may have a durometer low enough so it is soft enough to not be a danger to the child and can be chewed on and treated as a toy for the child. In further embodiments center portion 110 and first and second arms, 120, 125, respectively may be made from a material having a durometer that is on a Shore 00 scale between 20 and 100, while in another embodiment it may have a durometer beween 30 and 90 and may be between 50 and 80 in one embodiment.

[0032] In some embodiments the material that is used for center portion 110 and first and second rods, 120, 125, may have a density low enough so it is not a danger to the child and it can be held easily without fatigue. In further embodiments center portion 110 and first and second arms, 120, 125, respectively may be made from a material having a density that is between 0.002 to 0.1 pounds per cubic inch , while in another embodiment it may have a density beween 0.0025 and 0.01 and may be between 0.03 and 0.09 in one embodiment.

[0033] In some embodiments the material that is used for center portion 110 and first and second arms, 120, 125, may be a closed cell polyolefm foam while in other embodiments it may be a different material such as an ethylene -vinyl acetate (EVA), also known as polyethylene- vinyl acetate) (PEVA) foam, a polyurethane foam, a silicone, a rubber or a plastic material. Other embodiments may use, but shall not be limited to, wood, cork, composite, metal such as aluminum, rope, reinforced rope or other material.

[0034] In some embodiments second and third grip regions 245, 250, respectively may each have a grip retention feature configured 255, 260, respectively to improve the ability of child 105 (see FIG.l) to maintain a grip on the second and the third grip regions. More specifically, in one embodiment second and third grip regions 245, 250, respectively may have an enlarged cross- section disposed proximate first and second distal ends 220, 240 respectively. This enlarged cross-section may make it easier for child 105 (see FIG. 1) to maintain their grasp on second and third grip regions 245, 250, respectively by making it more difficult for the child's hand to slip off. In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the enlarged area may be tapered from second and third grip regions 245, 250, respectively, while in other embodiments it may have a more abrupt change in cross-section, as discussed in more detail below.

[0035] Now referring to FIG. 3 another embodiment of a walking aid 300 is illustrated.

Walking aid 300 may have a similar generally arcuate U- shape as walking aid 100 however it may have one or more various additional features as discussed below. The various features may be applied to any geometry or embodiment of walking aid disclosed herein.

[0036] In some embodiments walking aid 300 may have a center portion 310 with a first arm 320 and a second arm 325 attached to a first side and second side 315, 335, respectively of the center portion. Center portion 310 may have a first grip region 305 positioned in an approximate center of the center portion.

[0037] Similar to walking aid 100 in FIG. 1, first and second arms 320, 325, respectively may be oriented at angles that are between 30 to 120 degrees from a longitudinal center line of center portion 310. In further embodiments first and second arms 320, 325, respectively may be arranged symmetrically about a transverse centerline of center portion 310.

[0038] In some embodiments center portion 310 and first and second arms 320, 325, respectively may be a monolithic structure while in other embodiments the center portion may be a separate structure from the arms. In one embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, walking aid 300 may have detachable arms 320, 325. In such embodiments, first and second arms 320, 325, respectively may each have a latching mechanism 327 that secures the arms to center portion 310. In one embodiment latching mechanism 327 may be a transverse pin through the arm that may be fitted within a slot within center portion 310, however, any other latching mechanism may be used and is within the scope of this disclosure. [0039] Some embodiments may have an adjustable height 337 such that one may configure walking aid 300 to be more comfortable. For example, a relatively tall adult who is 6'5" teaching a child who is 24" tall may want a walking aid that is higher so the adult does not have to bend down as far. Walking aid 300 may have a height that is adjustable in myriad ways to accommodate this. In one embodiment a longer set of detachable arms 320, 325 may be mounted to center portion 310 while in another embodiment the arms may be telescoping and may adjust similar to a camera tripod. In another embodiment a sleeve or extension may be added to arms 320, 325. Myriad methods may be used to extend arms 320, 325 and are within the scope of this disclosure. In further embodiments there may be multiple models of monolithic walking aids each having different heights where a user may simply purchase the walking aid with the appropriate height for their specific needs.

[0040] In some embodiments one or more of first, second and third grip regions, 305, 345, and 350 respectively may have one or more ergonomic features such as, but not limited, to a contoured grip formed to one's hand and/or a rubber, foam or memory foam grip that can conform to an individual's unique shape. More specifically, in one embodiment a contoured grip may have one or more raised areas and one or more depressions that match a contour of one's hand such that the grip fits the natural form of a semi-closed hand, offering added comfort and improved friction (i.e., grip) between the grip region and a person's hand.

[0041] In further embodiments first and second arms 320, 325, respectively may have one or more grip retention features 355, 360 designed to assist child 105 (see FIG. 1) to maintain a grasp on second and third grip regions 345, 350, respectively. In some embodiments an enlarged arm cross-section having an abrupt increase in cross-sectional area may be located at distal ends 321, 340. In further embodiments a strap or tie 341, 342 may be used to tie the child's hands to second and third grips 345, 350, respectively. In some embodiments retention features 355, 360 may be a ring that the child can grasp, as discussed in more detail below. In further embodiments first and second arms 320, 325 may not be rigidly attached to center portion and may be flexible such that the child may supply the majority of the balance required to walk and walking aid may predominantly support a portion of the child's weight.

[0042] In further embodiments first and second arms 320, 325 may be equipped with one or more lights 353, 354 that may illuminate distal ends 321, 340 for use, for example, during reading or nursing at night. However, other embodiments may have one or more lights that light up to entertain the child and may respond to sounds, motion or tactile inputs such as from a button 365 or a tactile movement such as a squeeze or touch. In one embodiment first and second arms 321, 325, respectively may illuminate along its length and/or at distal ends 321, 340.

[0043] In yet further embodiments walking aid 300 may have a processor (not shown in FIG. 3) that may be capable of displaying information on a screen 360, responding to inputs from one or more buttons 365, playing music or sounds through one or more speakers 370 and/or interacting with a wireless device, as discussed in more detail below.

[0044] In various embodiments walking aid 300 may have a wireless transceiver (e.g., Bluetooth, zigbee, WiFi, etc.) that may exchange data with an electronic device such as, for example, a smart phone or any type of computing device. In some embodiments walking aid 300 may have an accelerometer, GPS or Bluetooth capability to record a distance child has walked and/or the number of steps. In further embodiments, an application that may be associated with the electronic device may be configured to analyze data generated by the electronic device such that a parent can chart child's walking progress and/or share data with others such as friends and family or a user group on a social media site. A microphone 375 may be used to receive audio sounds that may be analyzed by the internal processor to respond in one or more ways. In one embodiment sounds from the child may make walking aid 300 light up and/or vibrate while in another embodiment microphone 375 may be used as a sleeping monitor that can wirelessly communicate with an electronic device to alert an adult that the child is awake or of other conditions.

[0045] Walking aid 300 may also have a memory card slot (not shown in FIG. 3) an earphone jack 380, and/or a loop 385 for hanging the walking aid on a hook. In one embodiment walking aid 300 may be made of a material having a specific gravity of less than one such that it can float and be used as a swimming aid or flotation device for the child. In further embodiments one or more components of walking aid 300 may be made from a glow in the dark material and/or an antibacterial/antimicrobial material.

[0046] Other walking aids may have different geometries from walking aids 100 and 300. Instead of having a generally arcuate U-shape, the walking aid may have more of a square U- shape having a generally straight center section with two arms that are approximately perpendicular to the center section. In further embodiments the walking aid may have, but shall not be limited to, an S-shape, a W-shape or a triangular shape such as illustrated in FIG. 4.

[0047] Now referring to FIG. 4 another embodiment of a walking aid 400 for a child may comprise a handle 410 having a first grip region 405 with a first arm 420 and a second arm 425 rigidly attached to and extending away from the handle to a first distal end 421 and a second distal end 440. First arm and second arm 420, 425, respectively may each be oriented at an angle between 30 to 120 degrees from a longitudinal centerline 403 of handle.

[0048] In some embodiments a second grip region 345 may be located on first arm 320 proximate first distal end 421 and a third grip region 350 may be located on second arm 425 proximate second distal end 440. In further embodiments handle 410 may be approximately centered between second grip region 345 and third grip region 350. First arm 420 and second arm 425 may be attached to handle 410 in a symmetrical arrangement about longitudinal centerline 403 of handle 410. Second grip region 345 and third grip region 350 may be separated by a distance as discussed above with regard to FIG. 2. First grip region 405 may be separated from second and third grip regions 345, 350, respectively as also discussed above with regard to FIG. 2. Further, the cross-sectional areas and relative sizes of first, second and third grip regions, 405, 345, 350, respectively may also be similar to those discussed above in FIG. 2. Although walking aid 400 is illustrated with rings as grip aids 345, 350, other grip aids as discussed herein may also be used.

[0049] Although various embodiments of walking aids are described and illustrated herein as being particularly useful as walking aids for toddlers, other uses for such walking aids are within the scope of this disclosure. For example, embodiments of the invention are suitable for use as a balancing aid for humans of all ages and genders for a plurality of uses, such as, but not limited to: a skateboard training aid, a skating training aid, a snow skiing training aid and/or a swimming training aid, among others. More specifically, any activity that humans participate in that may benefit from balance assistance from another human and where one or more of the participants hands are free to hold on to the balancing aid may benefit from the use of such a balancing aid.

[0050] As used herein, an electronic device and a computing device include any device with at least one electronic component that may be used to present human-perceivable media. Such devices may include, for example, portable music players (e.g., MP3 devices and Apple's iPod devices), portable video players (e.g., portable DVD players), cellular telephones (e.g., smart telephones such as Apple's iPhone devices), video cameras, digital still cameras, projection systems (e.g., holographic projection systems), gaming systems, PDAs, as well as tablet (e.g., Apple's iPad devices), laptop or desktop computers. Some of these devices may be configured to provide audio, video or other data or sensory output.

[0051] For simplicity, various internal components in embodiments that have electronic circuitry, such as the control circuitry, graphics circuitry, bus, memory, battery, storage device and other components are not shown in the figures.

[0052] In the foregoing specification, embodiments of the invention have been described with reference to numerous specific details that may vary from implementation to implementation. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. The sole and exclusive indicator of the scope of the invention, and what is intended by the applicants to be the scope of the invention, is the literal and equivalent scope of the set of claims that issue from this application, in the specific form in which such claims issue, including any subsequent correction. The specific details of particular embodiments may be combined in any suitable manner without departing from the spirit and scope of embodiments of the invention.

[0053] Additionally, spatially relative terms, such as "bottom", "top" or "height" and the like may be used to describe an element and/or feature's relationship to another element(s) and/or feature(s) as, for example, illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use and/or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as a "bottom" surface may then be oriented "above" other elements or features. The device may be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.