The invention is directed to a back support for a child carrying device. More specific, the invention is directed to a child carrying device comprising a shoulder harness system and a back support, wherein the back support is connected to the shoulder harness system and moveable between a raised position and a collapsible position.

BACKGROUND

The carrying of children, especially toddlers, seated astride the adult’s shoulders has been a favorite mode of transport for the carried child throughout history.

For the child, it is a chance to see the world from an entirely different perspective than walking, as well as a chance to rest small legs which must work twice as hard to keep up with walking adults.

For the carrying adult, the weight of the child upon their shoulders, and need to use their hands to control and balance the child, can tend to cause muscle exertion and strain. Additionally, the compressive nature of the weight of the child bearing against the adult’s shoulder and neck muscles and bones, and the continual force of the child pulling on their head or neck to maintain themselves upright, can be a source of pain and discomfort significant enough to cause a discontinuance of the ride.

Conventionally, carrying a child on the shoulders has often required the holding of the child's ankles by the carrier's hands, wherein the child is stabilized and generally prevented from falling backwards. However, a slip of the hands by the adult carrier while the child is leaning backward can have serious results.

This normally requires the adult to provide additional rearward support for the child to prevent it falling, and devices have been proposed to provide such support for a child to be carried in this manner, so that the hands of the adult are left free.

One such device, for example, is shown in the WO 2014/092580 A1 which discloses a child carrier device for carrying a child on the shoulder of an adult. The device comprises a back-support connected to a shoulder harness system, and where the back-support comprises a back-support frame and a seat and back cover arranged to cover the back-support frame for providing a seating section and a back support for the child. The back-support frame constitutes a bar with a curved top section and with two vertical parallel sides (i.e. standing arch or upside-down U-shape) extending on either side towards the lower part of the carrying device. Each of the two parallel vertical bars are divided into two sections connected by a spring loaded spigot joint (not shown). The two sections may be separated such that back-support may be folded together into the shoulder harness system in an assembled position. To separate the two sections, it is required that the pulling force are provided substantially at a center point between the two spring-loaded joints at either side of the back-support frame. A parallel and simultaneous pulling force is thus required to separate the sections. If the pulling force is not provided at a substantially center between parallel bars, the joint can be wedge and becomes difficult to separate.

Therefore, there is an object of the present invention to provide back support for a child carrying device which has simple construction, lightweight and easy to assemble while not in use. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a carrying device for carrying a child on a shoulder of a person.

The term child is referred to a human being between the stages of birth and puberty or between the development period of infancy and puberty. The child may also refer to a minor.

The person carrying the device, may also be referred to as an adult, a person or a carrier. It is obvious that a person carrying the device may be any person capable of carrying a child on the shoulders.

The child carrying device comprises a shoulder harness system for fitting onto the shoulders of the person (carrier), the shoulder harness comprises two shoulder straps arranged on either side of a collar, and a back-support for supporting a back of the child and connected to the shoulder harness system at a distance (d) behind the collar. The distance (d) between the collar and the back-support provides a seating section for the child.

The back-support further comprises a load carrier unit connected to the shoulder harness system at a center between the two shoulder straps, and wherein the load carrier unit is moveable on the shoulder harness system between a raised position and a collapsible position.

In the raised position, the load carrier unit protrudes upwards from the shoulder harness system providing a back rest/support for the child while seated in the carrying device. In the collapsible position, the load carrier unit may be folded or inserted into the shoulder harness system for easy storage and transportation.

The shoulder harness system comprises a front and a back part, wherein the shoulder straps is arranged at the front part and the load carrier unit is connected to the back part.

The center position between the shoulder straps may be along a vertical center plane parallel to the shoulder straps, located behind the collar towards the back part of the carrying device. The distance (d) between the collar along the vertical center plane towards the load carrier unit, defines the size of the seating section for the child.

If the distance (d) increases, the seating section size will be increased accordingly.

The vertical center plane between the shoulder straps may also be referred to as a symmetry plane between the shoulder straps.

The load carrier unit may be one or more elongate element(s) adapted for supporting at least a part of a child’s back. The elongate element may be at least any one of a; plate, flap, bar, tube, element, device, etc. adapted for supporting a weight from the child acting towards the load carrier unit.

The load carrying unit may be a single unit. The load carrier unit may be a molded prefabricated unit. The load carrier unit may be made from molded plastic material.

The load carrier unit may be a single unit shaped to cover the entire back of the child such as a backrest, or the load carrier unit may be a single unit shaped to cover at least the spine of the child.

The back-support may comprise the load carrier unit and a seat and back cover adapted to be pulled over and enclosing the load carrier unit for providing a back rest/support for the child. In the raised position, the load carrier unit provides a support and a frame for the seat and back cover which again provides an additional support for the back of the child.

The seat and back cover may be foldable and packed into a pocket provided on the shoulder harness system. The pocket may be arranged behind the collar of the shoulder harness system. The pocket may be arranged at the distance (d) adjacent to the collar. The pocket may be closeable by a zipper or a Velcro zipper closure. In use, the seat and back cover may be folded out from the pocket and pulled over load carrying unit in the raised position, thus providing a seating section and a back rest/support for the child. The seat and back cover may be provided with reinforcements at its perimeter for additional side support for the child. The seat and pack cover may be elastic for easy pulling over the load carrying unit.

The seat and back cover may be made of elastic material such as spandex, neoprene or any rubberized materials.

The load carrier unit may comprises a curved top part for providing a frame to attach a seat and back cover, where the curved top part defines a top perimeter of the back-support.

The collar is provided between the shoulder straps and comprises a curved back portion to fit around the neck of the carrying person. The collar may comprise padding for added comfort around the neck and shoulder of the carrying person. The shoulder straps are adapted for carrying the child carrying device onto the shoulders of a person. The shoulder straps may comprise support bars for supporting the legs of the child while providing additional support for the weight of the carrying device and the child onto the shoulders of the carrying person. The shoulder straps may comprise the support bars covered or enclosed by padding for proving comfort against the shoulders of the carrier. One or more layers of padding and/or fabric may be provided for enclosing the support bars.

The support bars may be rigid and connected to the back part of the shoulder harness system, or to a framework provided at the back part of the shoulder harness system, or it may be pre-shaped in one piece extending from the front part to the back part of the shoulder harness system, or any combinations thereof.

The support bars may be rigid and pre-shaped to fit onto the shoulder of a carrying person. The support bars may comprise a free end and an opposite end connected to the back part of the shoulder harness system. Wherein a thickness of the support bar may be gradually decreasing from the back part towards the free end, at which free end, the support bar may be flexible.

The support bar may be made from any material such as: plastic, polyester, carbon, epoxy, aluminum, steel, carbon fiber, glass fiber, etc. or a combination thereof. The load carrier unit may or may not be connected to the support bars.

The child carrying device may comprise a securing and folding device, adapted for securing the load carrying unit to the shoulder harness system, and for allowing movement of the load carrier unit between the raised and the collapsible position. The securing and folding device is located at a center plane between the shoulder straps at a location behind the collar and towards the back part of the shoulder harness system.

The securing and folding device may comprise at least one of a; hinge, spring loaded joint, bolt, pin, snap lock, click joint, pocket, telescoping means, sliding means, clamping means, friction means, etc.

The securing and folding device may comprise a hinge for securing and revolving the load carrier unit such that it can be folded towards the shoulder harness system in the collapsible position and raised by pivoting around the hinge connection into an upright (raised) position protruding from the top of the shoulder harness system.

The securing and folding device may comprise a support and locking mechanism for supporting and locking the load carrier unit in the raised position. The support and locking mechanism may at least any one of a; pin lock, snap lock, friction lock, click lock, magnetic lock, etc.

The securing and folding device may comprise a casing for receiving at least a section of the load carrier unit in the collapsible position.

The casing may be connected to the back part of the shoulder harness system, or the casing may be connected to the support bars extending to the back of the shoulder harness system.

The load carrier unit may be a longitudinal element adapted to move vertically out or into the casing while moving towards the raised or collapsible position. Thus, the longitudinal element may extract upward upon usage such that it supports the back of the child, and to be retracted inward into the casing in an assembled position while not in use.

The longitudinal element may be a telescopic device. The telescopic device may comprise one or more telescopic sections arranged such that one section may be telescopically inserted into the other. Thus, the telescopic device may comprise retractable or extendable sections.

The telescopic load carrier unit may comprise a straight or preferably a curved top part for providing a frame for attaching the seat and back cover. When the load carrier is extended into the raised position the seat and back cover may be pulled over the curved top part of the load carrying unit, to provide an enlarged back rest/support. The curved top part may comprise a release button for releasing the locking mechanism such that the load carrier unit may be retracted or extended. The locking mechanism may be provided by pins attached to the load carrier unit, penetrating through holes provided on the casing. Thus, upon pressing the release button, the user can either pull the telescopic back support upward to extract it to it maximal length or push it downward to retract it to the collapsible position.

The curved top part may be configured to mate with or fit within corresponding surfaces on the top of the shoulder harness system, behind the collar, such that the telescopic load carrier unit in the collapsible position flush with the top and back exterior surfaces of the shoulder harness system.

DRAWINGS

The description above, as well as further objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more fully appreciated by reference to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment which should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 shows a prior art carrying device comprising a back-support frame which can be folded together. Fig. 2 shows a pair of front support bars connected to a pair of back support bars and a load carrying unit arranged at a center between the respective pair of support bars.

Fig. 3 shows a securing and folding device comprising a casing for receiving at least a section of the load carrier unit in the collapsible position

Fig. 4 shows a child carrying device comprising a load carrier unit connected to the shoulder harness system at a vertical center plane between the two shoulder straps.

Fig. 5 A-C shows the load carrier unit to be folded into the shoulder harness system in the collapsible position.

Fig. 6 shows the child carrying device fitted onto the shoulders of a carrying person, and wherein the securing and folding device comprises a casing for receiving at least a section of the load carrying unit in the collapsible position. Fig. 7 shows the child carrying device arranged in a backpack.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 shows a prior art carrying device 10 for carrying a child on the shoulder of an adult. The device comprises a back-support connected to a shoulder harness system, and where the back-support and the shoulder harness system forms a seating section for the child. The back-support comprises a back-support frame 2 comprising a bar with a curved top section and with two vertical parallel sides (i.e. standing arch or upside-down U-shape) extending towards the lower part of the carrying device. A seat and back cover is arranged to cover the back-support frame 2. Each of the two parallel vertical bars are divided into two sections and connected by a spring loaded spigot joint (not shown). The two sections may be separated such that back-support may be folded together into the shoulder harness system in an assembled position.

Figure 2 show support bars of a shoulder harness system 3 comprising a pair of front support bars 9 and a pair of back support bars 9' . The support bars 9, 9' are arranged to be fitted onto the shoulder of the carrying person and such that the front support bars 9 are supporting the legs and weight of the child, while the back- support bars 9' are supporting the load carrier unit 5 to the back of the carrying person and simultaneously preventing a backward rotational movement of the load carrying unit 5 when the child is leaning against it.

A load carrier unit 5 is arranged for supporting the back of the child while seated in the carrying device 10. The load carrier unit 5 may be a single longitudinal unit.

The load carrying unit 5 may be connected to the support bars 9,9' at a center between the pair of front support bars 9, and/or at a center between the pair of back support bars 9' . The center may be a vertical center plane between the pair of front support bars 9, and/or at a center between the pair of back support bars 9' . The center plane may be a symmetry plane of the pair of front support bars 9 and/or the pair of back support bars 9' .

Figure 3 shows a pair of front support bars 9 connected to a load carrier unit 5. The load carrier unit is connected to the front support bars 9 at a plane located at a center between the pair of front support bars 9. The front support bars 9 may be provided with a connection arm for connection to the load carrier unit, or the load carrier unit may be provided with a connection arm for connection to the support bars 9. The same applies to the embodiment with back support bars 9' . The front support bars 9 may be a rigid and pre-shaped arch adapted to fit onto the shoulders and the chest of the carrying person. The back support bars 9' may be rigid and pre-shaped arch adapted to fit onto the shoulders and the upper back of the carrying person.

The load carrier unit 5 may be a; plate, flap, bar, tube, element, device, etc., or a combination thereof. The load carrying unit 5 is adapted for supporting a weight from the child while seated in the child carrying device with its back resting towards the load carrier unit 5. The load carrier unit 5 may be a single rigid device and/or the load carrier unit 5 may be a telescopic device.

Figure 4 shows a child carrier device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The device 1 comprises a shoulder harness system 3 comprising a pair of shoulder straps 7, and a load carrier unit 5 connected to the shoulder harness system 3 at a vertical center plane between the two shoulder straps 7, and wherein the load carrier unit 5 is moveable on the shoulder harness system 3 between a raised position and a collapsible position. The load carrier unit 5 in fig. 4 may be pivotably connected, by a securing and folding device 8, to the shoulder harness system 3 such that it may be folded into the shoulder harness system 3 in the collapsible position. The load carrier unit 5 in fig. 4 may also be telescopically inserted into a casing (not shown) provided at the back part of the shoulder harness system 3.

Figure 4 shows the load carrier unit 5 is in the raised position adapted to support the back of the child while seated in the carrying device 1. The load carrier unit 5 may be folded towards the shoulder harness system 3 and/or it may be telescopically inserted in to a casing provided in the shoulder harness system 3.

The shoulder harness system 3 comprises two shoulder straps 7 arranged on either side of a collar 4, as shown in figure 4. The load carrier unit 5 for supporting a back of the child is connected to the shoulder harness system 3 behind the collar 4 such that it provides an area defining the seating section 16 for the child between the collar 4 and the load carrier unit 5. The distance (d) between the collar 4 and the load carrier unit 5 provides the seating section for the child. The seating section may be supported by a seat and back cover 15 (not shown) which is connected to the shoulder harness system 3 and can be pulled over the top of the load carrying unit 5 for providing a seat and additional side support for the child. The seat and back cover 15 may be folded into a pocket 14 provided adjacent to the collar or at a back behind the collar 4. The seat and back cover 15 may also be folded into a pocket provided in the collar 4.

The seat and back cover 15 may be made of a fabric material such as polyester, cotton, neoprene, pvc, rubber, or a combination thereof. The material may be elastic or non-elastic material. The seat and back cover 15 may comprise reinforcements arranged at its perimeter for additional support and clearly defining the backrest area. Such reinforcements may be metal wire, plastic band, woven band, rubber material, padding, etc.

The child carrying device 1 may comprise a securing and folding device 8 adapted for securing the load carrier unit 5 to the shoulder harness system 3, and for allowing movement of the load carrier unit 5 between the raised and the collapsible position. The raised position which is the “in use” position is illustrated in figure 4, while the collapsible position (folded position) is illustrated in figures 5A-C.

The load carrier unit 5 may be foldable by means of the securing and folding device 8 arranged to connect the load carrying unit 5 to the shoulder harness system 3 and allowing the load carrying unit 5 to move relative to the shoulder harness system 3.

The load carrier unit 5 may comprise a straight or preferably a curved top part 6 for creating a frame for attaching a seat and back cover 15. The curved top part 6 may comprise a release button 13 for releasing a locking mechanism 12 such that the load carrier unit 5 may be folded.

The securing and folding device 8 may comprise a; hinge, spring loaded joint, bolt, pin, snap lock, click joint, pocket, telescoping means, sliding means, clamping means, friction means, etc., or a combination thereof.

Figures 5A-C illustrates a securing and folding device 8 comprising a hinge 10 connecting the load carrying unit 5 to the top of the shoulder harness system 3. The hinge 10 is located at a center plane between the shoulder straps 7 or symmetry plane of the shoulder straps 7. The hinge 10 allows the load carrying unit 5 to folded towards the front part or the back part of the shoulder harness system 3 in the collapsible position. Figure 5 illustrates that the load carrying unit 5 may be folded towards the front part of the shoulder harness system 5.

The securing and folding device 8 may further comprise a locking mechanism 12 for locking and securing the load carrying unit 5 in the raised position or in the folded position. Figure 5B shows a locking mechanism 12 as a protrusion adapted to cooperate with a recess provided at an underside end of the load carrying unit 5.

The protrusion may be provided with a latch (not shown) for locking the load carrying unit 5 in the raised position.

The locking mechanism 12 may be a socket, a clip, snap lock, a friction means, sliding means, clamping means, etc. or a combination thereof, adapted for holding and retaining the load carrier unit 5 in the raised position. The locking mechanism 12 may comprise a release button (not shown) to release the locking mechanism 12 so that the load carrying device may be folded.

Figure 6 shows a child carrying device 1 fitted onto the shoulders of a carrying person. The load carrying unit 5 is a telescopic unit moveable on the shoulder harness system 3 between a raised position and a collapsible position. In the collapsed position, the telescopic unit 5 is inserted into a casing 11 provided at the back part of the shoulder harness system 3.

The securing and folding device 8 may comprise the casing 11 for receiving at least a section of the load carrier unit (telescopic unit) 5 in the collapsible position.

Thus, load carrier unit 5 may be a telescopic unit configured to be extracted upward upon usage such that it supports the back of the child, and to be retracted inward in the assembled or collapsible position.

The telescopic unit 5 may comprise a straight or preferably a curved top part 6 for creating a frame for attaching a seat and back cover 15. When the telescopic unit 5 is extended into the raised position the seat and back cover 15 may be pulled over the curved top part 6 to provide a seating section and an enlarged back-rest. As described earlier, the seat and back cover 15 may comprise reinforcements provided at its perimeter.

The curved top part 6 may comprise a release button 13 for releasing the locking mechanism 8 such that the telescopic unit 5 may be retracted or extended. The locking mechanism 8 may comprise pins attached to the telescopic unit 5, penetrating through holes provided on the casing 8,11. Thus, upon pressing the release button, the user can either pull the telescopic unit 5 upward to extract it to it maximal length or push it downward to retract it to the collapsible position.

The curved top part 6 may be configured to mate with or fit within corresponding surfaces on the top of the shoulder harness system 3, behind the collar 4, such that the telescopic unit 5 in the collapsible position flush with the top and back exterior surfaces of the shoulder harness system 3.

Figure 7 shows the child carrying device in combination with a backpack. The load carrying device may be telescopically or pivotably folded into/towards the backpack. The seat and back cover 15 may be arranged as a lid for the backpack while the child carrying device 1 is in the collapsible position (not in use) and may be pulled over the load carrying unit 21 while in the raised (in use) position. The seat and back cover 15 may also be a separate device packable into a pocket provided on top of the backpack. The details of the child carrying device described above in this application are also transferable to the backpack such that in use, the backpack may be converted into a child carrier by raising the load carrier device 5 and attaching the seat and back cover 15.