Abstract:
A system for aiding the crawling mobility of children or young adults is disclosed. The system consists of central hub supported by four legs. The patient is enclosed in a harness which is coupled to a support cord extending through the central hub. A lifting force partially offsetting the patient&#39;s weight is supplied by tension on the support cord, which is locked relative to the central hub via a locking device. Coupling between the support cord and harness is provided by carabineers which are clipped to “D” rings on the harness. The balance point can be adjusted by moving the attachment point to various “D” ring locations.

Description:
REFERENCES TO PRIOR APPLICATIONS 
     This application is related to provisional application, reference no. 62/123,615 filed Nov. 21, 2014, entitled INFANT MOBILITY DEVICE, and claims benefit thereof. Provisional application no. 62/123,615 is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates to the design and structure mobility aid devices. More specifically, the invention relates to devices to aid infants and young children develop crawling motor skills and strength. 
     Some infants and young children are born with, or have obtained though disease or injury, disabilities which have slowed their early crawling or mobility skills. These patients may require support devices to aid in teaching and developing the motor skills needed for crawling. 
     The prior art discloses many devices suitable for the support of the human body for various activities, from lifting during rescue operations by firefighters to support for exercise and physical rehabilitation. None of these devices, however, are suitable for use with infants where the primary goal is to teach crawling skills. For this application, the device must be light weight, support the body weight of the infant in the correct manner, and be mobile with respect to the support surfaces to allow motion from one location to another. Further, it would be advantageous for the device to be easily disassembled or broken down for shipping or transport, and be easily adjusted to fit children or young adults of varying body types and sizes. 
     Such devices, although primarily designed for human occupation, may also be applied to use by animals, particularly those who have lost limbs or whose limbs are damaged. The device may be used on a temporary basis to aid healing and develop strength in damaged limbs, or on a more permanent basis for animals who have lost use of one or more limbs. 
     These and other limitations of the prior art will become apparent to those of skill in the art upon a reading of the following descriptions and a study of the several figures of the drawing. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide a system for aiding the crawling mobility of a human or animal occupant by providing a lifting force for the occupant while the occupant is crawling over a surface, containing a first support leg having a first end and a second end, the second end having a first caster attached thereto; a second support leg having a first end and a second end, the second end having a second caster attached thereto; a third support leg having a first end and a second end, the second end having a third caster attached thereto; a fourth support leg having a first end and a second end, the second end having a fourth caster attached thereto; a hub having a first cavity, a second cavity, a third cavity, and a fourth cavity fashioned therein, the first end of the first support leg being inserted within the first cavity of the hub, the first end of the second support leg being inserted within the second cavity of the hub, the first end of the third support leg being inserted within the third cavity of the hub, the first end of the fourth support leg being inserted within the fourth cavity of the hub, the first through the fourth support legs being oriented with respect to the hub in a manner such that the first through the fourth casters are in contact with the surface; a support cable extending through a center of the hub having an attachment end portion situated below the hub; a harness device extending around at least a portion of the occupant having a plurality of attachment devices mounted thereto, the plurality of attachment devices aligned in a linear array along a spine of the occupant; a coupling device operative to connect the attachment end portion of the support cable to one or more of the attachment devices mounted on the harness device; wherein a point of attachment of the coupling device to one or more plurality of attachment devices within the linear array along the spine of the occupant alters a balance point of the lifting force, while the support cable is under tension and while the support cable is free of tension. 
     These and other embodiments, features and advantages will become apparent to those of skill in the art upon a reading of the following descriptions and a study of the several figures of the drawing. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Several example embodiments will now be described with reference to the drawings, wherein like components are provided with like reference numerals. The example embodiments are intended to illustrate, but not to limit, the invention. The drawings include the following figures: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a mobility device, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a mobility device with a human occupant, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3 a    is a side view of a mobility device, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3 b    is a partial cross section view through section A-A of  FIG. 3 a   , in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3 c    is a magnified view of detail B of  FIG. 3 b   , in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a partial cross section view through section C-C of  FIG. 3 c   , in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5 a    is a perspective view of hub  102 , in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5 b    is a side view of hub  102 , in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5 c    is a cross section view through section D-D of  FIG. 5 b   , in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5 d    is a magnified view of detail  505  of  FIG. 5 c   , in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6 a    is a top view of cable locking device  302 , in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6 b    is a perspective view of cable locking device  302 , in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6 c    is a cross section view of cable locking device  302 , in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of harness  114 , in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8 a    is a perspective view of an upper portion of harness  114 , in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8 b    is a perspective view of a lower portion of harness  114 , in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9 a    is a perspective view of mobility device  100 , in accordance with another example embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9 b    is a partial side view of the harness support for the mobility device illustrated in  FIG. 9 a   , in accordance with another example embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9 c    is a partial end view of the harness support for the mobility device illustrated in  FIG. 9 a   , in accordance with another example embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIGS. 9 d - g    are partial side views illustrating a method of shifting the balance point under tension using two carabineers and the “D” rings on the harness, in accordance with another example embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The present invention discloses devices for aiding the crawling mobility of young children or infants. Optionally, the devices heretofore described may also be applied to adult humans as well as animals. In the following descriptions of the example embodiments of the present invention, the word “patient” is used to describe an occupant supported by the device, and is not meant to limit the device application to only human beings, or specifically human children or infants. 
     In one example embodiment, the devices comprise a central hub, support legs attached to the hub, casters or rollers attached to the support legs, a support cable extending through the central hub, a harness to support the body of the patient in a horizontal position attached to the support cable, and a locking device to fix the position (or adjust the tension) of the support cable relative to the hub. The support legs are inserted into cavities within the hub and are held in place with retaining springs. The support legs are easily removed from the hub for shipping or storage. Optionally, the support legs can be adjusted for length to change the relative position of the hub above the support surface. The support device of the present invention can apply a varying supporting force by adjusting the tension or length of the support cable. Varying the support force is often required to adjust mobility parameters or encourage muscle development in the patient. 
     In the afore referenced example embodiment, the harness comprises two main sections, an upper section and a lower section. The upper section surrounds and supports the upper body (chest and shoulders) and extends down to the waist. The upper section has straps that extend over the shoulders and “D” rings mounted in bosses that extend down the back or spine of the patient mounted in the harness. The lower section extends around the waist and attaches to both the shoulder straps and the waist portions of the upper section. The lower section contains a crotch strap that couples with a D ring on the lower spine section of the upper harness. The upper and lower harness sections are coupled together at the waist with hook and loop fasteners. 
     In the afore referenced example embodiment, once mounted within the harness, the patient is supported under the mobility device by a cable that extends through the hub and attaches to the “D” rings mounted on the back or spine portion of the harness. The height of the patient above the crawling surface can be adjusted by the length of cable between the harness “D” rings and the hub. The cable is adjusted by releasing the locking device through which the cable extends. Engaging the locking device fixes the cable length relative to the hub. There are a plurality of “D” rings mounted in various positions (in the upper harness) along the spine of the patient. These serve to shift the support point or balance point along the patient&#39;s back, in order to shift weight from the arms/hands to the feet/legs or vise versa. Discreet “D” rings are used to avoid any shift in the balance point while the patient is crawling. 
     A carabineer or similar device is used to couple the end of the support cable to “D” rings on the harness. In one variation of the example embodiment, a single carabineer is used. In a second variation of the example embodiment, two carabineers are utilized. Two carabineers allow the balance point to be changed while the support cable is under tension from the weight of the patient. 
     The flexible cable along with the freely rotating casters mounted in the legs of the mobility device allow complete 360 degree freedom of movement of the patient on the crawling surface. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a mobility device  100 , in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention. The mobility device  100  comprises a hub  102 , support legs  106 , support cable  104 , casters  110 , harness attachment device  112 , and patient support harness  114 . 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view  200  of a mobility device  100  with a human occupant  202 , in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 3 a    is a side view  300  of a mobility device  100  without harness  114 , in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 3 b    is a partial cross section view  301  through section A-A of  FIG. 3 a   .  FIG. 3 c    is a magnified view  303  of detail B of  FIG. 3 b   . The magnified view  303  illustrates detail of locking device  302  which, in concert with spring  304 , serves to lock support cable  104  (not shown) in place relative to hub  102 . When the locking device  302  is pushed in (toward the center of hub  102 ), compressing spring  304 , the tension holding support cable  104  (not shown) is relaxed, allowing support cable  104  free travel through the hub  102 . 
       FIG. 4  is a partial cross section view  400  through section C-C of  FIG. 3 c   , in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention. View  400  illustrates the method by which leg(s)  106  are locked into hub  102 . Leg(s)  106  are inserted into cavities within hub (see  FIG. 5 ). A narrow slot  404  aligns with a similar slot (shown but not referenced) in leg  106 . Locking spring clip  402  engages with slot  404 , through the matching slot in leg  106 , to fix leg  106  to hub  102 . 
       FIG. 5 a    is a perspective view  500  of hub  102 , in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention. Legs  106  (not shown) are inserted into cavities  502 . A port  506  extending from top to bottom of hub  102  is provided for support cable  104  (not shown).  FIG. 5 b    is a side view  501  of hub  102 . Cavity  504  is provided for locking device  302 .  FIG. 5 c    is a cross section view  503  through section D-D of  FIG. 5 b   . This view  503  shows the intersection of cavity  504  with port  506 , which allows support cable  104  (not shown) to pass through a portion of locking device  302  (not shown).  FIG. 5 d    is a magnified view of detail  505  of  FIG. 5 c   , in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention. The view  505   e  shows slot  404  situated within cavity  502 . 
       FIGS. 6 a - c    show various views of cable locking device  302 .  FIG. 6 a    is a top view  600  of cable locking device  302 .  FIG. 6 b    is a perspective view  601  of cable locking device  302 .  FIG. 6 c    is a cross section view  603  of cable locking device  302 , all views in accordance with example embodiments of the present invention. Referring to  FIGS. 6 a  and 6 b   , cable locking device  302  has a port (or cut out)  602  through which cable  104  is drawn. When locking device  302  is mounted within port  504  in hub  102  (see  FIG. 3 c   ), support cable  104  is drawn through cavity  506 , which is aligned with port  602  of the locking device  302 . A device  604  having a plurality of protruding sharp edges, engages with the side of support cable (not shown) as the cable  104  is pinched against the walls of cavity  506  under tension of spring  304  (see  FIG. 3 c   ), holding support cable  104  tightly in place. Spring  304  bears on end surface  608  of locking device  302 . To loosen support cable  104 , pressure is placed on flange  606  of locking device  302 , easing the contact of the sharp edges of device  604  with support cable  104  and allowing the support cable to be freely drawn through the hub  102 . This locking mechanism allows vertical adjustment of support cable  104  under load of the weight of a patient within the harness  114 , as in  FIG. 2 . 
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view  700  of harness  114 , in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention. Harness  114  is comprised of two main sections. An upper section  702  and a lower section  704 . Along the back of the upper section  702  are mounted a plurality of “D” rings, which are used to support the patient via support cable  104  and carabineer  112  (see  FIG. 2 ). 
       FIG. 8 a    is a perspective view of an upper section  702  of harness  114 . Upper section  702  comprises shoulder straps  801   a,b , waist band  804   a,b , chest band  803 , and “D” rings  706   a - c . Shoulder straps  801   a,b  are terminated in loops  802   a,b , which couple with slotted tabs (see  810   a,b    FIG. 8 b   ) on the lower section  704 . Chest band  803  also passes through loops  802   a,b  before being terminated by buckle  805 . A hook and loop fastener  808  is attached to the outer surface of waste bands  804   a,b  for coupling with a mating hook and loop fastener (see  814   FIG. 8 b   ) of the lower section  704 . “D” ring  806  mates with the crotch strap (see  818   FIG. 8 b   ) on the lower section  704  of harness  114 . 
       FIG. 8 b    is a perspective view of a lower section  704  of harness  114 , in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention. Lower section  704  comprises a waist band  812   a,b  and crotch strap  816 . Slotted tabs  810   a,b  engage with loops  802   a,b  on shoulder straps  801   a,b  of the upper section  702 . Crotch strap  816  is terminated with loop  818 , which mates with “D” ring  806  mounted on the upper section  702 . Mating hook and loop fasteners  814  couple with hook and loop fasteners  808  on the waist bands  804   a,b.    
       FIG. 9 a    is a perspective view  900  of mobility device  100 , in accordance with yet another example embodiment of the present invention. In the example embodiments heretofore described, a single carabineer  112  couples the support cable  104  to a single “D” ring  706  on harness  114 . In order to shift the balance point of a patient in these embodiments, the load (i.e. patient&#39;s weight) must be removed (or supported from underneath) as the carabineer is decoupled from one “D” ring and advanced to the next. This can be quite inconvenient for personnel charged with making adjustments. In the example embodiments of  FIGS. 9 a - g   , two carabineer clips  902   a,b  are provided, which allow balance point adjustments while the mobility device is under load. When making the adjustment, one carabineer is always connected to support the weight of the patient, as shall be illustrated below. 
       FIG. 9 b    is a partial side view  901  of the harness support for the mobility device illustrated in  FIG. 9 a   , in accordance with another example embodiment of the present invention. “D” rings  706   a - c  are attached to the upper harness section  702  via bosses  904   a - c . Two carabineer clips  902   a,b  are passed through a loop  107  on the end of support cable  104  which is held in place via ferrule  105 . As can be appreciated by those skilled in the art, there are numerous methods to provide a loop at the end of support cable  104 , the illustrated example being only one of such methods and is not meant to be limiting. The figure illustrates a starting balance point at “D” ring  706   a .  FIG. 9 c    is a partial end view  903  of the harness support for the mobility device illustrated in  FIGS. 9   a,b.    
       FIGS. 9 d - g    are partial side views  905 ,  907 ,  909 ,  911  illustrating a method of shifting the balance point rearward, under tension, using two carabineers and the “D” rings on the harness, in accordance with another example embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 9 b    starts with the balance point over “D” ring  706   a . In  FIG. 9 d    the balance point is shifted to a point between “D” rings  706   a  and  706   b  by unlatching carabineer  902   b  from “D” ring  706   a  and re-attaching it to “D” ring  706   b . Carabineer  902   a  is left coupled to “D” ring  706   a . In  FIG. 9 e    the balance point is shifted further right to a point over “D” ring  706   b  by unlatching carabineer  902   b  from “D” ring  706   a  and re-attaching it to “D” ring  706   b . In  FIG. 9 f    the balance point is shifted to a point between “D” rings  706   b  and  706   c  by unlatching carabineer  902   b  from “D” ring  706   b  and re-attaching it to “D” ring  706   c . In  FIG. 9 g    the balance point is shifted further right to a point over “D” ring  706   c  by unlatching carabineer  902   b  from “D” ring  706   b  and re-attaching it to “D” ring  706   c.    
     Although various embodiments have been described using specific terms and devices, such description is for illustrative purposes only. The words used are words of description rather than of limitation. It is to be understood that changes and variations may be made by those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit or the scope of various inventions supported by the written disclosure and the drawings. In addition, it should be understood that aspects of various other embodiments may be interchanged either in whole or in part. It is therefore intended that the claims be interpreted in accordance with the true spirit and scope of the invention without limitation or estoppel.