USE

FIELD OF USE

[0001] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to child carrying devices, and in particular to a new child shoulder carrier device that provides a safe, effective, and lightweight means for securing a child being carried on the shoulders of an adult. Aspects of the present disclosure further relate to methods of using the child shoulder carrier device to secure a child being carried on the shoulders of an adult. Aspects of the present disclosure further relate to a new dual layer buckle that may be advantageously incorporated as a component of the child shoulder carrier device to safely and adjustably secure multiple straps to a single buckle.

BACKGROUND

[0002] This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art. The discussion of any activity, prior work, or publication herein is not an admission that such activity, work, or publication existed or was known in any particular jurisdiction on a particular date.

[0003] It is relatively common that an adult may choose to hold a young child in a variety of manners, one of which is specifically to place the child in a sitting position on an adult’s shoulders, while the child’s legs straddle the adult’s neck. To support and keep the young child from falling from their position on the adult’s shoulders, the adult will commonly hold on to either the feet, ankles, or legs of the child, or at times the upper legs or waist of the child, or a combination of the above in order to stabilize the child’s position on the adult’s shoulders. Additionally, it is generally safer for the child to hold onto the adult's head to stabilize their position on the adult’s shoulders in addition to the adult stabilizing the child’s limbs.

[0004] However, it is notable that having a child riding on an adult’s shoulders normally requires the adult to keep their hands free to stabilize the child’s balance and position. With both adult hands securing the child’s limbs, it can be difficult for the adult to free up their hands for any other use, including further stabilizing the child, or during walking, running, standing, cooking, or similar activities. Worse, one lapse of attention or fatigue may result in the removal of the hands from the child’s limbs, potentially resulting in a tragic fall. [0005] Accordingly, there is a need for improved methods and devices for assisting adults to carry children on shoulders.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0006] This section provides a general summary of the disclosure and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.

[0007] A child shoulder carrier device may be described herein. In some examples, the device may include an anchor strap. The anchor strap any be configured to anchor to a first body of a person. In some examples, the anchor strap may have adjustable length.

[0008] In some examples, the anchor strap may also include at least one stabilization strap having adjustable length. In some examples, the at least one stabilization strap may be fastenable to the anchor strap. In some examples, the at least one stabilization strap may also be configured to fasten to at least one ankle of a second body of a person. In some examples, the second body of the person may belong to a child.

[0009] In some examples, the at least one stabilization strap may be configured for slack removal when fastened to anchor strap and fastened to the at least one ankle, when the second body rests on shoulders of the first body. In some device examples, the anchor strap may be attachable to at least one of a waist of the first body and a torso of the first body.

[0010] In some examples, the at least one stabilization strap may include a first stabilization strap for securing to a first ankle of the at least one ankle. In some examples, the at least one stabilization strap may also include a second stabilization strap for securing to a second ankle of the at least one ankle.

[0011] In some device examples, the at least one stabilization strap may include a lower end and a higher end, and the anchor strap may include at least one stabilization strap receiver for fastenably receiving the lower end of the stabilization strap. In some device examples, the at least one stabilization strap may include at the higher end an ankle strap for securely fastening to the at least one ankle. In some device examples, the anchor strap may include a right portion and a left portion.

[0012] In some device examples, the at least one stabilization strap may include a left stabilization strap and a right stabilization strap. In some such examples, the at least one stabilization strap receiver may include a left stabilization strap receiver for releasably securing the left stabilization strap to the left portion of the anchor strap, and a right stabilization strap receiver for releasably securing the right stabilization strap to the right portion of the anchor strap. [0013] In some examples, the left stabilization strap receiver may include a first female portion and a first male portion. In some such examples, the right stabilization strap receiver may include a second female portion and a second male portion.

[0014] In some examples, the left stabilization strap receiver and the right stabilization strap receiver may be respectively configured for releasably securing the left stabilization strap and the right stabilization strap at a back side of the first body. In some examples, the left stabilization strap receiver and the right stabilization strap receiver may be respectively configured for releasably securing the left stabilization strap and the right stabilization strap at a front side of the first body.

[0015] In some examples, the at least one stabilization strap receiver may be configured to fastenably receive the lower end of the at least one stabilization strap at a back side of the first body. In some such examples, the at least one stabilization strap may include a first stabilization strap and a second stabilization strap. In some such examples, the first stabilization strap may include a first lower end and the second stabilization strap comprises a second lower end. In some such examples, the at least one stabilization strap receiver may include a first stabilization strap receiver for fastenably receiving both the first lower end of the first stabilization strap and the second lower end of the second stabilization strap.

[0016] In some device examples, the at least one stabilization strap receiver may be configured to fastenably receive the lower end of the at least one stabilization strap at a front side of the first body. In some such examples, the at least one stabilization strap may include a first stabilization strap and a second stabilization strap. In some examples, the first stabilization strap may include a first lower end and the second stabilization strap comprises a second lower end. In some such examples, the at least one stabilization strap receiver may include a first stabilization strap receiver for fastenably receiving both the first lower end of the first stabilization strap and the second lower end of the second stabilization strap.

[0017] In some device examples, the anchor strap may include a loop. In some such examples, the anchor strap comprises a belt.

[0018] A method for shoulder carrying is also described herein. In some examples, the method may include the step of releasably securing at least one ankle to at least one ankle strap. In some examples, the at least one ankle strap may be attachable to an anchor strap, and the at least one ankle may belong to a first body of a person.

[0019] Some method examples may also include the step of releasably securing the at least one anchor strap to a second body. Some method examples may further include the step of adjusting the anchor strap to remove slack while the at least one anchor strap is releasably secured to the at least one ankle.

[0020] In addition, some method examples may include the step of adjusting the ankle strap to remove slack while the body is placed on shoulders of the second person.

[0021] In some method examples, the step of releasably securing the at least one anchor strap to the second body may further include the step of releasably securing the at least one anchor strap to the waist of the second body. In some method examples, the step of releasably securing the at least one anchor strap to the waist of the second body may further include the step of releasably securing the at least one anchor strap to a back side of the waist of the second body.

[0022] A child shoulder carrier stabilization article is also described herein. In some examples, the article may include at least one stabilization strap. In some article examples, the at least one stabilization strap may have adjustable length. In some article examples, at least one stabilization strap may be fastenable to a waist anchor strap.

[0023] In some article examples, at least one stabilization strap may be configured to fasten to at least one ankle. In some such examples, the stabilization strap may be configured for slack removal. In some such examples, the stabilization strap may be configured for slack removal when fastened to the anchor strap and fastened to the at least one ankle. The at least one ankle may be associated with a body balanced on shoulders of a wearer of the waist anchor strap.

[0024] In some examples of the child shoulder carrier stabilization article, the at least one stabilization strap may further include a lower end and a higher end. In some such examples, the lower end of the at least one stabilization strap may include at least one waist anchor strap receiver for fastenably securing to the waist anchor strap.

[0025] The disclosure and various specific aspects and embodiments will be better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description. It is therefore intended that the disclosure not be limited except as provided in the attached claims and any applicable equivalents. Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the disclosure and together with the general description of the disclosure given above and the detailed description of the drawings given below, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure. In certain instances, details that are not necessary for an understanding of the disclosure or that render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted.

[0027] Figure 1 is a front view of a Child Shoulder Carrier Device according to specific embodiments of the disclosure.

[0028] Figure 2 is a front detail view of a left child ankle strap and a right child ankle strap employed by a Child Shoulder Carrier Device according to specific embodiments of the disclosure. [0029] Figure 3 is a front perspective detail view of a male portion embodiment of a dual layer quick side release buckle embodiment, according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0030] Figure 4A is a front perspective detail view of a female portion embodiment of a dual layer quick side release buckle embodiment, according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0031] Figure 4B is a front perspective view of the dual layer quick side release buckle embodiment in a closed position having the male portion embodiment inserted securely into the female portion embodiment of the dual layer quick side release buckle, according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0032] Figure 5A is a front perspective detail view of another male portion embodiment of a dual layer quick side release buckle embodiment according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0033] Figure 5B is a front perspective view of another dual layer quick side release buckle embodiment in a closed position having the male portion embodiment of FIG. 5 A inserted securely into a female portion embodiment according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0034] Figure 6 is a front perspective view of a child support harness employed in specific embodiments of the disclosure.

[0035] Figure 7 is a diagram of a method of use of the Child Shoulder Carrier Device according to specific embodiments of the disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0036] Before the present systems and methods are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that the systems and methods are not limited to specific methods, specific components, or to particular implementations. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. Various embodiments are described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of one or more embodiments. It may be evident, however, that the various embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to facilitate describing these embodiments. [0037] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art that these specific details need not be employed and should not be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In the development of any actual implementation, numerous implementationspecific decisions must be made to achieve specific goals, such as business-related and safety- related constraints. Such a development effort might be complex and time consuming, but is nevertheless a routine undertaking of design, fabrication and manufacture for those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0038] Preliminarily, it should be noted that in the accompanying drawings, various figures include the brand ezBaby™. The ezBaby™ brand is a pending Federal Trademark Application (Serial No. 97162943) that is owned by the inventor of the present patent application and is used with explicit permission of the inventor. The ezBaby™ brand in the accompanying drawings does not serve a functional purpose and is only used to identify the source of the goods described in this patent application.

[0039] Aspects of the present disclosure may relate to a child carrying device that secures a noninfant child that is positioned on an adult’s shoulders, while further providing greater stability to the child using ankle straps and stabilization straps that are attached to the adult via a main waist strap. The child carrying device according to aspects of the present disclosure increases safety for the child while providing the adult with greater freedom of movement while the child is seated on the adult’s shoulders. In embodiments, aspects of the present disclosure relate to methods of using the child shoulder carrier device to secure a child being carried on the shoulders of an adult. These methods may demonstrate how to safely and effectively use the child shoulder carrier device according to the features of the present disclosure. Further, aspects of the present disclosure relate to a new dual layer buckle that is advantageously incorporated as a component of the child shoulder carrier device to safely and adjustably secure multiple straps to a single buckle according to the features of the present disclosure.

[0040] According to specific embodiments, aspects of the present disclosure describe a device that permits an adult to safely and ergonomically secure a child to their body while the child is seated, or perched, on the adult’s shoulders, with the child’s legs straddling the adult’s neck. Aspects of the present disclosure further describe apparatuses, devices, or systems that can be used together or independently to provide a more secure and ergonomic child carrying device, as well as a method of using the child carrying device. Further, aspects of the present disclosure describe a dual layer buckle that is advantageously incorporated as a component of the child shoulder carrier device to safely and adjustably secure multiple straps to a single buckle according to the features of the present disclosure.

[0041] Aspects of the present disclosure set forth embodiments of the child carrying device that make the carrying of a young child on an adult’s shoulders both safer for the child and more ergonomic for the adult. Further, aspects of the present disclosure feature embodiments that provide greater convenience and adjustability in securing the child to their seated position on the adult’s shoulders, while also permitting greater usage of the adult’s upper extremities by the adult, with a dramatically reduced chance that the child will fall from their perch on the adult’s shoulders and sustain injury. The child carrying device and its methods of use according to aspects of the present disclosure are described in more detail hereinbelow.

[0042] In an embodiment, a child’s legs may be secured by two ankle straps that encircle each leg or ankle of the child, the ankle straps having padding to increase comfort for the child. Each of the two ankle straps may further include fastening devices that attach each of the ankle straps to a set of two stabilization straps. The two stabilization straps may be operably attached to a main waist stabilization strap that wraps around the adult’s waist or lower torso. The ankle straps, stabilization straps, and main waist strap are each individually adjustable for length to accommodate varying sizes of the child and the adult. [0043] In various embodiments, several types of straps are described. The straps may be fashioned from materials known in the art that are preferably flexible yet sufficiently strong to secure the portion of the child or adult to which the strap is attached. The material of the straps may include nylon webbing, but may also include one or more of cloth, plastic, denim, rubber, hemp, rope, and the like, and any combination of the foregoing. In various embodiments, portions of the straps may be doubled over and affixed to itself, e.g., by sewing, riveting, or heat sealing, in order to create a connection loop that is used to attach other components of the child carrying device, for example, in order to attach a buckle, clasp, or D-Ring. In various embodiments, the straps may further include padding material affixed to the strap in order to increase the comfort of wearing the straps for the child or adult user. The padding material may include cloth covered foam, cloth covered gel, cotton padding, or other suitable padding materials known in the art.

[0044] In various embodiments, one or more portions of the straps may be attached to a buckle, clasp, D-Ring, hook and loop type fastener, or other fastening mechanism. The buckle, clasp, or D-Ring may be affixed to the strap using various fastening mechanisms, such as by a connection loop that is created by doubling over the strap and affixing it to itself, e.g., by sewing, riveting, or heat sealing. The material of the buckle, clasp, D-Ring, hook and loop type fastener, or other fastening mechanism may include plastic, nylon, metal, rubber, a combination thereof, or other suitable materials known in the art.

[0045] In various embodiments, one or more portions of the straps of the child dairying device may include hook and loop type fastener material that allows the straps to be temporarily secured prior to using a more permanent fastening mechanism such as a buckle. As used herein, “hook and loop type fastener” is used as the generic term for VELCRO® brand hook and loop type fastening material. VELCRO® is a registered trademark of Velcro IP Holdings LLC.

[0046] In various embodiments, one or more portions of the straps have adjustment mechanisms to adjust the length of the strap to accommodate varying sizes of the adult and/or child using the child carrying device. In certain embodiments, the adjustment mechanism may include a quick side release buckle having an adjustable portion that uses the friction of the two sides of the strap with the buckle’s strap connection points to adjustably secure the overall length of the strap. Adjusting the length of the strap further modulates the tension that is applied to the adult and child by the straps, such that the child is secured to the child carrying device without causing discomfort to the adult or child. [0047] Further, aspects of the present disclosure describe a dual layer buckle that is advantageously incorporated as a component of the child shoulder carrier device to safely and adjustably secure multiple straps to a single buckle.

[0048] This discussion provides specific examples of devices and methods in accordance with the present disclosure. However, the child carrying device, the method of its use, and the dual layer buckle embodiment of the present disclosure may employ a variety of physical features that have applications in a variety of circumstances. Aspects of the present disclosure may also describe devices, articles, and method related to those mentioned above. One such article example may relate to a stabilization strap.

[0049] Now referring to Figure 1, one embodiment of a child shoulder carrier device according to the principles of this disclosure is indicated generally as child shoulder carrier strap system 10. [0050] The child shoulder carrier strap system 10 may include a main adult waist strap or anchor strap 20. In the embodiment shown, the main adult waist strap or anchor strap 20 wraps around an adult’s torso or at waist level, although in some embodiments it is wrapped around at other levels and may also wrap partially around. The components of child shoulder carrier strap system 10 may be either directly or indirectly attached to the main adult waist strap 20.

[0051] In some non- limiting embodiments, the main adult waist strap 20 may be about 55 inches (1.397 meters) in length and about 5.5 inches (13.97 centimeters) in width. In some embodiments, the main adult waist strap 20 is constructed of soft, padded, and/or breathable material to provide grip and comfort while being worn around the adult’s torso. In some embodiments, the main adult waist strap 20 is constructed of nylon, cloth, elastic, plastic, rubber, or metal materials or a combination thereof.

[0052] In some embodiments, the main adult waist strap 20 may further include hook and loop type fastening material affixed to the outside and/or inside of the main adult waist strap 20 as further described in more detail hereinbelow. In some embodiments, the main adult waist strap 20 may further include padding material affixed to the inside of main adult waist strap 20 in order to increase comfort for the adult user. The padding material may include cloth covered foam, cloth covered gel, cotton padding, or other suitable padding materials.

[0053] In some embodiments, the child shoulder carrier strap system 10 may further include left child ankle strap 30 and right child ankle strap 40. Further details of the features of the left child ankle strap 30 and right child ankle strap 40 are discussed hereinbelow with respect to Figure 2. [0054] The child shoulder carrier strap system 10 may further include a left stabilization strap 50 and a right stabilization strap 60. The left stabilization strap 50 may further include a left stabilization strap hook connector 70 attached to the portion of the left stabilization strap 50 closest to the left child ankle strap 30 by means of a fabric loop or similar attachment means such as by riveting, seam sealing, or sewing. Similarly, the right stabilization strap 60 may further include a right stabilization strap hook connector 80 attached to the portion of the right stabilization strap 60 closest to the right child ankle strap 40 by means of a fabric loop or similar attachment means such as by riveting, seam sealing, or sewing. In some embodiments, either or both stabilization straps 50, 60 may have a lower end and an upper end. The upper end may be located near or at the stabilization strap hook connectors 70, 80. The lower end may be located near or at the main adult waist strap 20.

[0055] When the child shoulder carrier strap system 10 is in use, the left stabilization strap hook connector 70 may be attached to the left child ankle strap 30, and the right stabilization strap hook connector 80 may be attached to the right child ankle strap 40, as further discussed hereinbelow with respect to Figure 2. In some non-limiting embodiments, the left stabilization strap 50 and right stabilization strap 60 may be about 40 inches (1.016 meters) in length and about 1 inch (2.54 centimeters) in width. In some embodiments, the left stabilization strap 50 and right stabilization strap 60 may be constructed of nylon material. Although the child ankle straps 30, 40 are described in more detail, similar types of straps are anticipated as also or alternatively securing to other body parts, such as the foot or feet, calf or calves, leg or legs, or waist, or other body parts of the child in accordance with other aspects and principles of this disclosure. In addition, embodiments are contemplated where the stabilization straps 50, 60 resemble suspenders and the ankle straps (described in further detail below) connect to such stabilization straps 50, 60.

[0056] The left stabilization strap 50 may be threaded through a left stabilization strap retention loop 100. In some embodiments the left stabilization strap retention loop 100 may also be referred to as a right stabilization strap receiver 100 (or considered a first part of the right stabilization strap receiver, or alternatively termed an anchor strap receiver, or part thereof if connected to the right stabilization strap 50 rather than to the anchor strap 20, which is not shown). The left stabilization strap retention loop 100 may include a fabric loop, an elastic loop, a plastic D-Ring, a metal D- Ring, or other similar retention devices. In some embodiments, the left stabilization strap retention loop 100 may include more than one fabric loops, elastic loops, plastic D-Rings, or metal D- Rings, as indicated by additional left stabilization strap retention loop 105, in order to increase the strength of the retention of the strap and/or in case a loop happens to fail during use. The purpose of the left stabilization strap retention loop 100, and/or the additional left stabilization strap retention loop 105, is to retain the left stabilization strap 50 in its normal position on the main adult waist strap 20 as shown in Figure 1.

[0057] Similarly, the right stabilization strap 60 may be threaded through a right stabilization strap retention loop 110. In some embodiments, the right stabilization strap retention loop 110 may also be referred to as a right stabilization strap receiver (or considered a first part of the right stabilization strap receiver, or alternatively termed an anchor strap receiver, or part thereof if connected to the right stabilization strap 60 rather than to the anchor strap 20, which is not shown). The right stabilization strap retention loop 110 may include a fabric loop, an elastic loop, a plastic D-Ring, a metal D-Ring, or other similar retention devices. In various embodiments, the right stabilization strap retention loop 110 may include more than one fabric loops, elastic loops, plastic D-Rings, or metal D-Rings, such as an additional right stabilization strap retention loop 115, in order to increase the strength of the retention of the strap and/or in case a loop happens to fail during use. The purpose of the right stabilization strap retention loop 110 and/or the additional right stabilization strap retention loop, is to retain the right stabilization strap 60 in its normal position on the main adult waist strap 20 as shown in Figure 1.

[0058] Returning to the left stabilization strap 50, the portion of the left stabilization strap 50 opposite from the left stabilization strap hook connector 70 is adjustably attached to a male portion of a main quick side release buckle 120. In some embodiments the main quick side release buckle 120 may also be referred to as a left stabilization strap receiver 120 (or considered a second part of the left stabilization strap receiver, or alternatively termed an anchor strap receiver, or part thereof if connected to the left stabilization strap 50 rather than to the anchor strap 20, which is not shown). In some embodiments, this is accomplished by threading the loose end of the left stabilization strap 50 through the female portion of the main quick side release buckle 120. The excess length of the left stabilization strap 50 on the left-hand side, indicated as a loose portion of the left stabilization strap 160, may be pulled by the user to adjust the length of the left stabilization strap 50.

[0059] Returning to the right stabilization strap 60, the portion of the right stabilization strap 60 opposite from the right stabilization strap hook connector 80 is adjustably attached to a female portion of a main quick side release buckle 130. In some embodiments the main quick side release buckle 130 may also be referred to as a right stabilization strap receiver 130 (or considered a second part of the right stabilization strap receiver, or alternatively termed an anchor strap receiver, or part thereof if connected to the right stabilization strap 60 rather than to the anchor strap 20, which is not shown). In some embodiments, this is accomplished by threading the loose end of the right stabilization strap 60 through the male portion of the main quick side release buckle 130. The excess length of the right stabilization strap 60 on the right-hand side, indicated as a loose portion of the right stabilization strap 170, may be pulled by the user to adjust the length of the right stabilization strap 60.

[0060] In some examples, the left and right stabilization straps 50, 60 may connect to the main adult waist strap 20 at the back of the waist. In some examples, the left and right stabilization straps 50, 60 may connect to the main adult waist strap 20 at the front of the waist; and in some such embodiments, the left and right stabilization straps 50, 60 may connect to the main adult waist strap 20 at the front of the waist directly under the feet of the child.

[0061] Returning to the child shoulder carrier strap system 10, in some embodiments, the main adult waist strap 20 is secured around the adult’s waist by at least one means of attachment during use, for example, by a quick side release buckle. In some embodiments, the main adult waist strap 20 may further include hook and loop type fasteners as a second means of attachment during use, which is described in more detail hereinbelow. Embodiments of a quick side release buckle according to aspects of the present disclosure are discussed in more detail hereinbelow with reference to Figure 3, Figure 4, and Figure 5.

[0062] The main adult waist strap 20 is adjustably connected to the female portion of the main quick side release buckle, indicated as element 120. In some embodiments, this is accomplished by threading a first loose end of the main adult waist strap 20 through the female portion of the main quick side release buckle 120. The excess length of the main adult waist strap 20 on the lefthand side, indicated as a first loose portion of the main adult waist strap 140, may be pulled by the user to adjust the tightness of the main adult waist strap 20 around the adult user’s waist or lower torso.

[0063] In some embodiments, the first loose portion of the main adult waist strap 140 is threaded through a main adult waist strap excess length retention loop 180. The purpose of the main adult waist strap excess length retention loop 180 is to retain the first loose portion of the main adult waist strap 140 as indicated in Figure 1, such that the excess length of this strap does not inconvenience the adult user during use of the child shoulder carrier strap system 10. The main adult waist strap excess length retention loop 180 may include a fabric loop, an elastic loop, a plastic D-Ring, a metal D-Ring, or other similar retention devices. The main adult waist strap excess length retention loop 180 is attached to the main adult waist strap 20 by attachment means such as riveting, seam sealing, or sewing. In alternate embodiments, the main adult waist strap excess length retention loop 180 may be attached to the main adult waist strap 20 by hook and loop type fastening material such that the adult user may adjust the position of the main adult waist strap excess length retention loop 180 on the main adult waist strap 20 to accommodate different lengths of the main strap based on how the adult user has adjusted the strap lengths.

[0064] Similarly, the main adult waist strap 20 may also be adjustably connected to the male portion of the main quick side release buckle, indicated as element 130. In some embodiments, this is accomplished by threading a second loose end of the main adult waist strap 20 through the female portion of the main quick side release buckle 130. The excess length of the main adult waist strap 20 on the right-hand side, indicated as a second loose portion of the main adult waist strap 150, may be pulled by the user to adjust the tightness of the main adult waist strap 20 around the adult user’s waist or lower torso.

[0065] In some embodiments, the second loose portion of the main adult waist strap 150 is threaded through a main adult waist strap excess length retention loop 190. The purpose of the main adult waist strap excess length retention loop 190 is to retain the second loose portion of the main adult waist strap 150 as indicated in Figure 1, such that the excess length of this strap does not inconvenience the adult user during use of the child shoulder carrier strap system 10. The main adult waist strap excess length retention loop 190 may include a fabric loop, an elastic loop, a plastic D-Ring, a metal D-Ring, or other similar retention devices. The main adult waist strap excess length retention loop 190 is attached to the main adult waist strap 20 by attachment means such as riveting, seam sealing, or sewing. In alternate embodiments, the main adult waist strap excess length retention loop 190 may be attached to the main adult waist strap 20 by hook and loop type fastening material such that the adult user may adjust the position of the main adult waist strap excess length retention loop 190 on the main adult waist strap 20 to accommodate different lengths of the main strap based on how the adult user has adjusted the strap lengths. [0066] Returning to general design considerations of the child shoulder carrier strap system 10, in some embodiments, the main adult waist strap 20 is secured around the adult’s waist by two means of attachment for enhanced safety and convenience during use, for example, firstly by the quick side release buckle previously discussed and generally indicated as elements 120 and 130, and secondly by hook and loop type fasteners attached to the main adult waist strap 20.

[0067] More specifically, a left portion of the main adult waist strap 20 having hook and loop type fasteners attached to the outside of the main adult waist strap 20 is indicated as element 200. A right portion of the main adult waist strap having hook and loop type fasteners attached to the inside of the main adult waist strap 20 is indicated as element 210. Bringing the female and male portions of the quick side release buckle together around the user’s waist allows the hook and loop type fasteners to attach securely, which provides additional safety and convenience by holding the waist strap in place while the user inserts the male portion of the main quick side release buckle 130 into the female portion of the main quick side release buckle 120.

[0068] In some embodiments, a separate article from the anchor strap may include one or more stabilization straps. In some embodiments, such an article may include a first stabilization strap and a second stabilization strap. In such embodiments, the first stabilization strap may include a first lower end and the second stabilization strap may include a second lower end. In such examples, the at least one stabilization strap receiver may include a first stabilization strap receiver for fastenably receiving both the first lower end of the first stabilization strap and the second lower end of the second stabilization strap. In some such examples, the stabilization straps may connect, via the receiver, with an anchor strap that may not be specifically designed to connect with the stabilization straps. For instance, in some examples, the stabilization straps, via the receiver(s), may connect with a belt looping around the waist and secured to the waist via belt buckles.

[0069] Now referring to Figure 2, an embodiment of the left child ankle strap 30 and the right child ankle strap 40 of the child shoulder carrier strap system 10 according to the principles of this disclosure is shown in greater detail than Figure 1. In some non-limiting embodiments, the left child ankle strap 30 and the right child ankle strap 40 may be about 9 inches (22.86 centimeters) in length and about 2 inches (5.08 centimeters) in width. In some embodiments, the left child ankle strap 30 and the right child ankle strap 40 may be constructed of soft, padded, and/or breathable material to provide grip and comfort when being worn around the child’s ankles. In some embodiments, the left child ankle strap 30 and the right child ankle strap 40 are constructed of nylon, cloth, elastic, plastic, rubber, or metal materials or a combination thereof.

[0070] In some embodiments, the left child ankle strap 30 and the right child ankle strap 40 may further include hook and loop type fastening material affixed to the outside and/or inside of the left child ankle strap 30 and the right child ankle strap 40 as further described in more detail hereinbelow. In some embodiments, the left child ankle strap 30 and the right child ankle strap 40 may further include padding material affixed to the inside of the ankle straps in order to increase comfort for the child while wearing the ankle straps. The padding material may include cloth covered foam, cloth covered gel, cotton padding, or other suitable padding materials.

[0071] In some embodiments, the left child ankle strap 30 may further include a left child ankle strap stabilization hook retention loop 310. The left child ankle strap stabilization hook retention loop 310 may include a fabric loop, an elastic loop, a plastic D-Ring, a metal D-Ring, or other similar retention devices. The left child ankle strap stabilization hook retention loop 310 is shown attached to the left child ankle strap 30. The attachment may be by means of sewing a loop that encircles the left child ankle strap stabilization hook retention loop 310 into the left child ankle strap 30. Further, in some embodiments, the left child ankle strap stabilization hook retention loop 310 is adapted to be attached to the left stabilization strap hook connector 70.

[0072] In some embodiments, the left child ankle strap 30 further may include a quick side release buckle, the quick side release buckle having a male portion of the quick side release buckle of the left child ankle strap 320 and a female portion of the quick side release buckle of the left child ankle strap 330. The quick side release buckle may be designed to fasten the left child ankle strap 30 around the child’s ankle, and preferably includes an adjustment mechanism to tighten or loosen the left child ankle strap 30 when it is attached to the child’s ankle.

[0073] Similar to the discussion above regarding the main adult waist strap 20, in some embodiments, the left child ankle strap 30 may be secured around the child’s ankle by two means of attachment for enhanced safety and convenience during use, for example, firstly by the quick side release buckle previously discussed and generally indicated as elements 320 and 330, and secondly by hook and loop type fasteners attached to the left child ankle strap 30. More specifically, a left portion of the left child ankle strap 30 having hook and loop type fasteners attached to the outside of the left child ankle strap 30 is indicated as element 340. A right portion of the left child ankle strap 30 having hook and loop type fasteners attached to the inside of the left child ankle strap 30 is indicated as element 350.

[0074] Bringing the female and male portions of the quick side release buckle together around the child’s ankle allows the hook and loop type fasteners to attach securely, which provides additional safety and convenience by holding the ankle strap in place on the child’s ankle while the adult user inserts the male portion of the quick side release buckle 320 into the female portion of the quick side release buckle 330 to fully secure the left child ankle strap 30 to the child’s ankle. In various embodiments, the left child ankle strap 30 further include an additional male portion of a quick side release buckle indicated as element 360, which is designed to connect to a female portion of a quick side release buckle attached to the child support harness 600 of Figure 6, as described in more detail hereinbelow.

[0075] Returning to the right child ankle strap 40, the right child ankle strap 40 may be constructed similarly to the left child ankle strap 30 as discussed hereinabove. In some embodiments, the right child ankle strap 40 may further include a right child ankle strap stabilization hook retention loop 410. The right child ankle strap stabilization hook retention loop 410 may include a fabric loop, an elastic loop, a plastic D-Ring, a metal D-Ring, or other similar retention devices. The right child ankle strap stabilization hook retention loop 410 may be attached to the right child ankle strap 40. The attachment may be by means of sewing a loop that encircles the right child ankle strap stabilization hook retention loop 410 into the right child ankle strap 40. Further, in some embodiments, the right child ankle strap stabilization hook retention loop 410 may be adapted to be attached to the right stabilization strap hook connector 80.

[0076] In some embodiments, the right child ankle strap 40 further may include a quick side release buckle, the quick side release buckle having a male portion of the quick side release buckle of the right child ankle strap 420 and a female portion of the quick side release buckle of the left child ankle strap 430. The quick side release buckle is designed to fasten the right child ankle strap 40 around the child’s ankle, and preferably includes an adjustment mechanism to tighten or loosen the right child ankle strap 40 when it is attached to the child’s ankle.

[0077] Similar to the discussion above regarding the main adult waist strap 20, in some embodiments, the right child ankle strap 40 is secured around the child’s ankle by two means of attachment for enhanced safety and convenience during use, for example, first by the quick side release buckle previously discussed and generally indicated as elements 420 and 430, and second by hook and loop type fasteners attached to the right child ankle strap 40.

[0078] More specifically, a left portion of the right child ankle strap 40 having hook and loop type fasteners attached to the outside of the right child ankle strap 40 is indicated as element 440. A right portion of the right child ankle strap 40 having hook and loop type fasteners attached to the inside of the right child ankle strap 40 is indicated as element 450. Bringing the female and male portions of the quick side release buckle together around the child’s ankle allows the hook and loop type fasteners to attach securely, which provides additional safety and convenience by holding the ankle strap in place on the child’s ankle while the adult user inserts the male portion of the quick side release buckle 420 into the female portion of the quick side release buckle 430 to fully secure the right child ankle strap 40 to the child’s ankle. In various embodiments, the right child ankle strap 40 may further include an additional male portion of a quick side release buckle indicated as element 460, which is designed to connect to a female portion of a quick side release buckle attached to the child support harness 600 of Figure 6, as described in more detail hereinbelow.

[0079] Now referring to Figure 3, an embodiment of the male portion of the main quick side release buckle (or stabilization strap receiver or the waist anchor strap receiver) 130 of the child shoulder carrier strap system 10 according to the principles of this disclosure is shown in greater detail than Figure 1. In this embodiment, the male portion of the main quick side release buckle 120 has two strap attachment points, creating what is termed herein as a dual layer main quick side release buckle. A dual layer attachment point of the male portion of the main quick side release buckle having a larger width for the main adult waist strap 20 is shown as element 510. A dual layer attachment point of the male portion of the main quick side release buckle having a smaller width for a stabilization strap, such as left stabilization strap 50 or right stabilization strap 60, is shown as element 520.

[0080] Now referring to Figure 4A, an embodiment of the female portion of the main quick side release buckle (or stabilization strap receiver or the waist anchor strap receiver) 130 of the child shoulder carrier strap system 10 according to the principles of this disclosure is shown in greater detail than Figure 1. hi this embodiment, the female portion of the main quick side release buckle 130 has two strap attachment points, creating what is termed herein as a dual layer main quick side release buckle. A dual layer attachment point of the female portion of the main quick side release buckle having a larger width for the main adult waist strap 20 is shown as element 530. A dual layer attachment point of the male portion of the main quick side release buckle having a smaller width for a stabilization strap, such as left stabilization strap 50 or right stabilization strap 60, is shown as element 540. In some examples, the distance between the dual layer attachment point of the female portion of the main quick side release buckle having a larger width 530 and the dual layer attachment point of the male portion of the main quick side release buckle having a smaller width 540 may be separated by a predetermined distance so that when larger and smaller widths (of the slots) 530, 540 are respectively occupied by waist strap 20 and a stabilization strap 50, 60, friction may be avoided between the straps 20, 50, 60.

[0081] Now referring to Figure 4B, an embodiment of a dual layer quick side release buckle in a closed position having the male portion 120 inserted securely into the female portion 130 of the dual layer quick side release buckle is shown as element (or stabilization strap receiver/s or the waist anchor strap receiver/s) 550. This dual layer quick side release buckle in a closed position 550 is the result of the adult user securing the main adult waist strap 20 around the adult user’s torso or waist, which is described in more detail with reference to Figure 1 hereinabove, as well as Figure 7 hereinbelow.

[0082] As shown in Figures 5A and 5B, other dual layer quick side release buckle embodiments are also contemplated. For example, Figure 5 shows an embodiment of a male portion 560 of a dual layer quick side release buckle embodiment according to aspects of this disclosure. Figure 5B shows that dual layer quick side release buckle embodiment in a closed position having the male portion embodiment 560 inserted securely into a similar female portion embodiment according to aspects of the disclosure. Rather than having parallel attachment points stacked on top of one another, as shown above with regard to Figures 3, 4A, and 4B, embodiment 570 may have attachment points alongside one another (e.g., in series), which may prevent a main adult waist strap 20 or a stabilization strap 50, 60, from creating friction and potentially interfering with one another.

[0083] Now referring to Figure 6, the child support harness 600 of Figure 6 is described in more detail hereinbelow. The child support harness 600 is designed to be worn by the child, with the left support loop 610 encircling the child’s left arm, and the right support loop 620 encircling the child’s right arm, such that the mid-back pad 630 is placed in the middle of the child’s back. The left support loop 610 may further include a strap adjustment slider 615 in order to allow the adult user to adjust the diameter of the left support loop 610 to better fit the child’s size. Similarly, the right support loop 620 may further include a strap adjustment slider 625 in order to allow the adult user to adjust the diameter of the right support loop 620 to better fit the child’s size. The child support harness 600 may further include a left support strap 640 that terminates in a female portion of a quick side release buckle, indicated as element 680. Similarly, the child support harness 600 may further include a right support strap 650 that terminates in a female portion of a quick side release buckle, indicated as element 690. The left support strap 640 may further include a strap adjustment slider 645 in order to allow the adult user to adjust the length of the left support strap 640 to better fit the child’s size. Similarly, the right support strap 650 may further include a strap adjustment slider 655 in order to allow the adult user to adjust the length of the right support strap 650 to better fit the child’s size. When the child is placed in child support harness 600, the left support strap 640 and the right support strap 650 extend down the child’s front torso. Further, the female portion of a quick side release buckle 680 of the left support strap 640 may be designed to be buckled into the additional male portion of a quick side release buckle indicated as element 360 of Figure 2. Similarly, the female portion of a quick side release buckle 690 of the right support strap 650 may be designed to be buckled into the additional male portion of a quick side release buckle indicated as element 460 of Figure 2. The child support harness 600, when in use, assists the child with supporting their weight and provides additional security in keeping the child in position on the adult’s shoulders as further described herein.

[0084] Now referring to Figure 7, an embodiment of a method of use of the child shoulder carrier strap system is shown according to specific embodiments of the present disclosure. Steps 1-9 of Figure 7 are described in more detail hereinbelow.

[0085] With regard to Step 1 of Figure 7, in an embodiment, the adult user places the left child ankle strap on the child’s left ankle, and the adult user places the right child ankle strap on the child’s right ankle. Further regarding Step 1, the procedure to secure the ankle straps to the child’s ankles is the same for the left and right side. The adult user first brings the two portions of the child ankle strap having hook and loop type fasteners together, thereby temporarily securing the ankle strap to the child’s ankle. The adult user then inserts the male portion of the quick side release buckle of the child ankle strap into the female portion of the quick side release buckle of the child ankle strap. This secures the quick side release buckle of the child ankle strap, thereby fully securing the child ankle strap to the child’s ankle. [0086] With further regard to Step 1 of Figure 7, in an optional embodiment, the adult user may wait to secure the ankle straps to the child’s ankles until after the child is placed on the adult’s shoulders and after the child shoulder carrier strap system is fully secured to the adult’s body.

[0087] With regard to Step 2 of Figure 7, in an embodiment, the adult user first places the main adult waist strap around the adult’s waist. The adult user then brings the two portions of the main adult waist strap having hook and loop type fasteners together, thereby temporarily securing the main adult waist strap around the adult’s waist.

[0088] With regard to Step 3 of Figure 7, in an embodiment, the adult user then inserts the male portion of the main quick side release buckle into the female portion of the main quick side release buckle, thereby fully securing the main adult waist strap around the adult’s waist.

[0089] With regard to Step 4 of Figure 7, in an embodiment, the adult user then tightens, or adjusts to fit, the main adult waist strap around the adult’s waist. In more detail, the adult user pulls on the loose portions of the main adult waist strap that are looped through the main quick side release buckle in order to adjustably tighten the main adult waist strap around the adult’s waist.

[0090] With regard to Step 5 of Figure 7, in an embodiment, the adult user then tightens, or adjusts to fit, the left stabilization strap and the right stabilization strap. In more detail, the adult user adjusts the stabilization straps to the appropriate length for attachment to child’s ankle straps, near to the adult’s shoulders and just below the adult’s armpits. Then, the adult user pulls on the loose portions of the stabilization straps that are looped through the mid-back adult waist strap pad in order to adjustably tighten the stabilization straps to appropriate length.

[0091] With regard to Step 6 of Figure 7, in an embodiment, the adult user then picks up the child and places the child on the adult’s shoulders, with the child facing in the same direction as the adult, and the child’s legs straddling the adult’s neck and extending to approximately just above the adult’s arm pits. At this step, the child is not yet secured to the main adult waist strap so the adult must take care to maintain the child’s balance and position.

[0092] Further with regard to Step 6 of Figure 7, in the optional embodiment discussed further above with regard to Step 1, the adult user then secures the left and right child ankle straps to the left and right ankles of the child in the same manner as described with regard to Step 1.

[0093] With regard to Step 7 of Figure 7, in an embodiment, the left and right child ankle straps are attached to the left and right stabilization straps by clipping the hook connectors of the stabilization straps into the stabilization strap hook retention loop on each of the child ankle straps. In this Step 7, it may be further be necessary for the adult to make adjustments to the length of the left and right stabilization straps so that loops on the child ankle straps are connected to the hook connectors of the stabilization straps.

[0094] With regard to Step 8 of Figure 7, in an embodiment, now that the left and right child’s ankle straps are secured to the left and right stabilization straps, it is advisable to tighten, or adjust, the tension on the stabilization straps such that the ankle cuffs are held close to the adult’s chest. In more detail, similarly to Step 5 above, the adult user pulls on the loose portions of the stabilization straps that are looped through the mid-back adult waist strap pad in order to adjustably tighten the stabilization straps to the appropriate length.

[0095] With regard to Step 9 of Figure 7, in an embodiment, the adult user then makes final adjustments to the main adult waist strap by pulling on the loose portions of the main adult waist strap that are looped through the main quick side release buckle in order to adjustably tighten the main adult waist strap around the adult’s waist. Further, the adult user then makes final adjustments to the left and right stabilization straps by pulling on the loose portions of the stabilization straps that are looped through the mid-back adult waist strap pad in order to adjustably tighten the stabilization straps to the appropriate length. Once the adjustments are complete, there will be sufficient tension on the child’s ankle straps to comfortably hold the child in place on the adult’s shoulders while using the child shoulder carrier strap system according to the present disclosure.

[0096] In should be noted that aspects of the above-described method, articles, devices, etc., may be used together or combined, and that features may be interchanged or be referred to by different names where aspects of the features are substantially similar. Such features, such as those that follow may also correspond to similarly described features referred to in the drawings, even if not explicitly described in connection with the drawings.

[0097] In one example of one article, an anchor strap may be a main adult waist strap. In some examples, the length of the main adult waist strap may be adjusted by the user by adjusting loose portions of the main adult waist strap that are threaded through the main strap attachment point of the first female portion of the main buckle and the main strap attachment point of the second male portion of the main buckle. In some examples, the stabilization strap lower end receiver, the length of the main adult waist strap may be adjusted by the user by adjusting the loose portions of the main adult waist strap that are threaded through the main strap attachment point of the first female portion of the main buckle and the main strap attachment point of the second male portion of the main buckle. In some embodiments, the main adult waist strap (as well as the stabilization straps) may be adjusted so as to remove slack from the strap.

[0098] In some examples, the main adult waist strap may include a left stabilization strap retention loop attached to the main adult waist strap. In such an embodiment, the main adult waist strap may also include a right stabilization strap retention loop attached to the main adult waist strap.

[0099] In some examples, a left stabilization strap may be threaded through the left stabilization strap retention loop. In some such examples, the left stabilization strap further may include a left stabilization strap hook connector attached to the portion of the left stabilization strap closest to the adult user’s shoulders. In some examples, the left stabilization strap may further be adjustably connected to the first female portion of the main buckle.

[00100] Some examples of the article may also include a right stabilization strap. In some examples, the right stabilization strap may be threaded through the right stabilization strap retention loop. In some examples, the right stabilization strap may further include a right stabilization strap hook connector attached to the portion of right stabilization strap closest to the adult user’s shoulders. In some examples, the right stabilization strap may further be adjustably connected to the second male portion of the main buckle.

[00101] Some examples of the article may also include a left child ankle strap. In some examples, the left ankle strap may have padding material on the inside of the left child ankle strap. In some examples, the left child ankle strap may further include a left child ankle strap stabilization hook retention loop attached to the left child ankle strap.

[00102] In some examples, a first male portion of a left child ankle strap buckle may be attached to a left portion of the left child ankle strap. In some examples a second female portion of a left child ankle strap buckle may be attached to a right portion of the left child ankle strap. In some examples, a right child ankle strap may have padding material on the inside of the right child ankle strap. In some such examples the right child ankle strap may further include a right child ankle strap stabilization hook retention loop attached to the right child ankle strap.

[00103] In some examples, a first male portion of a right child ankle strap buckle may be attached to a right portion of the right child ankle strap. In some examples, a second female portion of a right child ankle strap buckle may be attached to a left portion of the left child ankle strap. [00104] In some examples, an adult user may secure the left child ankle strap buckle by inserting the first male portion of the left child ankle strap buckle into the second female portion of the left child ankle strap buckle. In some examples, an adult user may secure the right child ankle strap buckle by inserting the first male portion of the right child ankle strap buckle into the second female portion of the right child ankle strap buckle. In some examples, an adult user may secure the left child ankle strap to the child shoulder carrier device by clipping the left stabilization strap hook connector of the left stabilization strap into the left child ankle strap stabilization hook retention loop.

[00105] In some examples, an adult user may secure the right child ankle strap to the child shoulder carrier device by clipping the right stabilization strap hook connector of the right stabilization strap into the right child ankle strap stabilization hook retention loop. In some examples, an adult user may secure the main buckle by inserting the second male portion of the main buckle into the first female portion of the main buckle, such that the child shoulder carrier device is secured around the adult user’s torso and is ready for use.

[00106] In some examples, the left portion of the main adult waist strap may further include hook and loop type fasteners attached to the outside of the main adult waist strap. In some examples, the right portion of the main adult waist strap may further include hook and loop type fasteners attached to the inside of the main adult waist strap.

[00107] In some examples, when the hook and loop type fasteners are attached to the outside of the main adult waist strap are brought together with the hook and loop type fasteners attached to the inside of the main adult waist strap, the main adult waist strap is temporarily secured around the torso of the adult user.

[00108] In some examples, the left portion of the left child ankle strap may further include hook and loop type fasteners attached to the outside of the left child ankle strap. In some examples, the right portion of the left child ankle strap may further include hook and loop type fasteners attached to the inside of the left child ankle strap. In some examples, the left portion of the right child ankle strap may further include hook and loop type fasteners attached to the outside of right child ankle strap. In some examples, the right portion of the right child ankle strap further may include hook and loop type fasteners attached to the inside of the right child ankle strap.

[00109] In some examples, when the hook and loop type fasteners are attached to the outside of the left child ankle strap are brought together with the hook and loop type fasteners attached to the inside of the left child ankle strap, the left child ankle strap may be temporarily secured around the left ankle of the child. In some examples, when the hook and loop type fasteners are attached to the outside of the right child ankle strap are brought together with the hook and loop type fasteners attached to the inside of the right child ankle strap, the right child ankle strap may be temporarily secured around the right ankle of the child.

[00110] A stabilization strap may be in some embodiments be or include a main buckle attached to the main adult waist strap. In some such examples, the main buckle may include a first female portion of the main buckle and a second male portion of the main buckle. In some examples, the first female portion of the main buckle may be attached to a left portion of the main adult waist strap. In some examples, the second male portion of the main buckle may be attached to a right portion of the main adult waist strap.

[00111] In some examples, the main buckle maybe or include a quick side release buckle. In some examples, the child ankle strap buckle may include a quick side release buckle. In some examples, the main quick side release buckle may include a dual layer attachment point.

[00112] In some examples, the main quick side release buckle may have a dual layer attachment point. In some examples, the dual layer attachment point of the female portion of the main quick side release buckle may have a larger width for the right portion of the main adult waist strap. In some examples, a dual layer attachment point of the female portion of the main quick side release buckle may have a smaller width for the right stabilization strap.

[00113] In some examples, a dual layer attachment point of the male portion of the main quick side release buckle having a larger width for the left portion of the main adult waist strap. In some examples, a dual layer attachment point of the male portion of the main quick side release buckle may have a smaller width for the left stabilization strap.

[00114] In some examples, the main adult waist strap having adjustable length may include a left loose portion of the main adult waist strap and a right loose portion of the main adult waist strap. Some the main adult waist strap embodiments may also include a left main adult waist strap excess length retention loop attached to the main adult waist strap, and a right main adult waist strap excess length retention loop attached to the main adult waist strap.

[00115] In some examples of the main adult waist strap, the length of the main adult waist strap may be adjusted by the user by adjusting the left loose portion of the main adult waist strap that is threaded through the left main adult waist strap excess length retention loop, the left portion of the main adult waist strap being further threaded through the main strap attachment point of the first female portion of the main buckle. In some such examples, the length of the main adult waist strap may be adjusted by the user by adjusting the right loose portion of the main adult waist strap that is threaded through the right main adult waist strap excess length retention loop, the right portion of the main adult waist strap further being threaded through the main strap attachment point of the second male portion of the main buckle.

[00116] In some examples, the stabilization straps having adjustable length may further include a loose portion of the left stabilization strap, and a loose portion of the right stabilization strap. In some examples, the length of the left stabilization strap may be adjusted by the user by adjusting the loose portion of the left stabilization strap. In some such examples, the left stabilization strap may be threaded through the stabilization strap attachment point of the first female portion of the main buckle. In some such examples, the length of the right stabilization strap may be adjusted by the user by adjusting the loose portion of the right stabilization strap. In some such examples, the right stabilization strap may be threaded through the stabilization strap attachment point of the second male portion of the main buckle.

[00117] In some examples, the child shoulder carrier Device may further include a child support harness. In some examples, the child support harness may further include one or more of: a left support loop having adjustable length; a right support loop having adjustable length; a left support strap having adjustable length; a right support strap having adjustable length; and a mid-back pad to which the left support loop, right support loop, left support strap, and right support strap are attached. In some examples, the left support strap may terminate in a female portion of a quick side release buckle. In some examples, the right support strap may terminate in a female portion of a quick side release buckle.

[00118] In some examples, when a child is placed in the child support harness, one or more or all of: the left support loop may encircle the child’s left ami: the right support loop may encircle the child’s right arm; and the mid-back pad may be positioned in the middle of the child’s back. In some such examples the female portions of the quick side release buckles of the support straps may be designed to be buckled to the male portion of a quick side release buckle attached to each of the left child ankle strap and the right child ankle strap.

[00119] In some examples of a quick side release buckle fastening device having dual layer attachment points, some device embodiments: a male portion of a quick side release buckle; a female portion of the quick side release buckle. Some such device embodiments may further include one or more or all of: a dual layer attachment point of the male portion of the quick side release buckle having a larger width for a primary strap; a dual layer attachment point of the male portion of the quick side release buckle having a smaller width for a secondary strap; a dual layer attachment point of the female portion of the quick side release buckle having a larger width for the primary strap; and a dual layer attachment point of the female portion of the quick side release buckle having a smaller width for the secondary strap. In some such embodiments, inserting the male portion of the quick side release buckle into the female portion of the quick side release buckle may fully secure the components of the quick side release buckle.

[00120] Some examples of a method in accordance with aspects of this disclosure may include a first main step of an adult user placing a left child ankle strap on a child’s left ankle, and the adult user placing aright child ankle strap on the child’s right ankle. Some method examples may further include the adult user bringing two portions of the left child ankle strap having hook and loop type fasteners together to temporarily secure the left ankle strap to the child’s left ankle;

[00121] Some method examples may further include the adult user inserting a male portion of a quick side release buckle of the left child ankle strap into a female portion of the quick side release buckle of the left child ankle strap, thereby fully securing the left child ankle strap to the child’s left ankle. Some method examples may further include the adult user bringing the two portions of the right child ankle strap having hook and loop type fasteners together to temporarily secure the right ankle strap to the child’s right ankle.

[00122] Some method examples may further include the adult user inserting a male portion of a quick side release buckle of the right child ankle strap into a female portion of the quick side release buckle of the right child ankle strap, thereby fully securing the right child ankle strap to the child’s right ankle.

[00123] Some method examples may further include a second main step of the adult user placing a main adult waist strap around the adult’s waist. Some method examples may further include the adult user bringing the two portions of the main adult waist strap having hook and loop type fasteners together, thereby temporarily securing the main adult waist strap around the adult’s waist. [00124] Some method examples may further include a third main step of the adult user inserting a male portion of the main quick side release buckle into a female portion of the main quick side release buckle, thereby fully securing the main adult waist strap around the adult’s waist. In other words, some examples of the method may incorporate two stages of securing strap: a first stage where the hook and loop type fasteners help achieve an initial level of stable tightness; and a second stage where the buckles are secured.

[00125] Some method examples may further include a fourth main step of the adult user adjusting the main adult waist strap to fit around the adult’s waist by pulling on the loose portions of the main adult waist strap that are looped through the main quick side release buckle in order to adjustably tighten the main adult waist strap around the adult’s waist.

[00126] Some method examples may further include a fifth main step of the adult user adjusting the left stabilization strap and the right stabilization strap. Some method examples may further include the adult user adjusting the stabilization straps to the appropriate length for attachment to child’s ankle straps by pulling on the loose portions of the stabilization straps that are looped through a mid-back adult waist strap pad in order to adjustably tighten the stabilization straps to appropriate length.

[00127] Some method examples may further include a sixth main step wherein the adult user picks up the child and places the child on the adult’s shoulders, with the child facing in the same direction as the adult, and the child’s legs straddling the adult’s neck.

[00128] Some method examples may further include a seventh main step wherein the left and right child ankle straps are attached to the left and right stabilization straps by clipping the hook connectors of the stabilization straps into the stabilization strap hook retention loop on each of the child ankle straps.

[00129] Some method examples may further include an eighth main step wherein the adult user adjusts the left and right stabilization straps by pulling on the loose portions of the left and right stabilization straps that are looped through the main quick side release buckle in order to adjustably tighten the stabilization straps to the appropriate length.

[00130] Some method examples may further include a ninth main step wherein the adult user makes final adjustments to the main adult waist strap and left and right stabilization strap. Some method examples may further include the adult user pulling on the loose portions of the main adult waist strap that are looped through the main quick side release buckle in order to adjustably tighten the main adult waist strap around the adult’s waist. Some method examples may further include the adult user pulling on the loose portions of the stabilization straps that are looped through the mid-back adult waist strap pad in order to adjustably tighten the stabilization straps to the appropriate length. In some such examples, once the adjustments are complete, there will be sufficient tension on the child’s ankle straps to comfortably and safely hold the child in place on the adult’s shoulders and to secure the child to the adult’s main waist strap.

[00131] Some method examples may further include the adult user securing the ankle straps to the child’s ankles after the child is placed on the adult’s shoulders and after the child shoulder carrier strap system is fully secured to the adult’s body. In some embodiments, once ankle straps are connected to the stability straps, which are connected to the adult waist strap, then the ankle straps and/or the stability straps may connect to a support harness.

[00132] Terms such as “upper,” “lower,” “inner,” “outer,” “inwardly,” “outwardly,” and the like when used herein refer to positions of the respective elements as they are shown in the accompanying drawings, and the disclosure is not necessarily limited to such positions. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context.

[00133] It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “connected,” “coupled,” “engaged,” or “engageable” to and/or with another element, it can be directly connected, coupled, engaged, engageable to and/or with the other element or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly connected,” “directly coupled,” “directly engaged,” or “directly engageable” to another element, there are no intervening elements present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.).

[00134] When introducing elements or features and the exemplary embodiments, the articles “a,” “an,” “the” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of such elements or features. For example, “a device” should be interpreted as including a single device or a combination of two or more devices. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements or features other than those specifically noted. Unless specifically defined otherwise, terms used herein should be given the meaning that is commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains.

[00135] It is further to be understood that the method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed. [00136] The foregoing description of the embodiments have been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described.