U.S. patent application number 11/807866 was filed with the patent office on 2008-12-04 for harness attachment for a jogging stroller.
Invention is credited to Michelle A. Berlin, Daniel L. Pelch.
Application Number | 20080296326 11/807866 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40086968 |
Filed Date | 2008-12-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080296326 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Berlin; Michelle A. ; et
al. |
December 4, 2008 |
Harness attachment for a jogging stroller
Abstract
A removable harness for interconnecting an operator with a
stroller, which utilizes springs to transfer the impetus from the
operator to the stroller, without the use of the operator's hands
Preferably a pair of springs run substantially parallel to one
another along a substantially horizontal plane, to link the user's
waist to the control handle of the stroller. Two semi rigid
sleeves, with a lesser overall length than the springs, and a
greater inner diameter than the spring's outer diameter, are
preferably positioned over the mid-section of the springs to
eliminate deflection. The harness is wrapped in a sturdy fabric
material protecting and covering the components of the harness.
Several straps, or alternatively a flap, connect the stroller to
the harness A removable pouch may attach to cover between the
springs. The harness can be unbuckled at the user's waist, allowing
the harness to remain attached to the stroller for future use.
Inventors: |
Berlin; Michelle A.;
(Portland, OR) ; Pelch; Daniel L.; (Marietta,
GA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DANIEL LUCAS PELCH
5031 MEADOW LN.
MARIETTA
GA
30068
US
|
Family ID: |
40086968 |
Appl. No.: |
11/807866 |
Filed: |
May 31, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
224/184 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45F 3/005 20130101;
A45F 2200/0566 20130101; A45F 5/02 20130101; B62B 5/068 20130101;
A45F 3/14 20130101; B62B 9/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
224/184 |
International
Class: |
A45F 3/14 20060101
A45F003/14 |
Claims
1. A harness attachment comprising: a belt positionable around a
waist of a user; a plurality of springs, each having a first spring
end and a second spring end, the first spring end abutted to the
belt, the second spring end abutted to a handle bar; and a cover
for encasing the plurality of springs, the cover attached to the
belt and attached to the handle bar, to provide a hands free
control of the handle bar by the user
Description
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a harness attachment for a
jogging stroller, which allows the jogging type of stroller to be
propelled forward, hands free, while walking or jogging.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The conventional jogging stroller was designed to give the
user the ability to exercise while caring for a child. Typically,
the stroller is propelled by using two hands on the handle bar, or
by using one hand at a time switching hands back and forth in order
to obtain a balanced workout A more beneficial workout would be
obtained if the user had the ability to occasionally remove both
hands from the push bar of the stroller and take on a more free
moving swing of the arms. The present invention provides an
improved harness attachment for a jogging type of stroller, without
the disadvantages of previously known harness devices.
SUMMARY
[0003] The present invention provides a harness that connects a
jogger to a stroller. The harness includes a belt positioned around
the waist a user or jogger, preferably attached with the aid of the
strong, easy release buckle Also preferably attached to the belt is
a semi-rigid strip of plastic, which conforms to the shape the belt
takes around the user's waist. One end of two lengths of springs
each lay up against the plastic belt strip, held in place with a
series of strong seams sewn into the fabric cover, the two springs
have a section of semi rigid material wrapped around the center of
the spring, or a section of pipe to prevent the springs from bowing
in the center, the springs are placed in a open "V" position. The
top ends of the springs are in the wider portion of the V, and
pressed against the semi rigid plastic strip attached to the waist
belt The bottom ends of the springs, which are in the smaller
portion of the open V, abut proximate to the bottom length of the
semi rigid plastic strip The two spring elements are incased in a
strong fabric covering utilizing a series of sewn in channels and
seams that keep all of these materials rigid and in place. A length
of a non-slip foam type material is attached to the bottom portion
of the device along the piece of semi rigid plastic, which is
encased in the fabric cover. This foam is placed along the push bar
where a flap of the fabric casing material is wrapped up and around
the non slip foam pad and the strollers handle bar, secured to
itself by a wide strip of Velcro.RTM., a series of strong thin
straps, which are securely sewn along the entire length of the
device encircles the fabric flap, the non slip foam pad and the
stroller handle. The straps are then secured together by strong
buckles In use, the jogger propels the stroller, hands free, by
applying forward pressure along the rigid metal springs encased in
the fabric cover while maintaining a normal walking or jogging
stride.
[0004] An advantage of the present invention is that the user's
hands are not required to propel the stroller forward. Therefore,
the user may freely swing their arms in a more natural stride,
which is especially advantageous in a "workout," or fitness
regimen. Another advantage of this invention is that it is easily
attached to the stroller as well as the user and can be left on the
stroller when not in use by simply releasing the waist belt on the
user, and finally it is an attractive and more user friendly
alternative to previously known devices.
[0005] A better understanding of the invention's features will be
had upon reference to the following detailed description, when read
in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of
the present invention, interconnecting a jogger to a stroller;
[0007] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of
the present invention, interconnecting a jogger to a stroller;
[0008] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of
the present invention;
[0009] FIG. 3B is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of
the present invention;
[0010] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of
the present invention;
[0011] FIG. 4B is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of
the present invention;
[0012] FIG. 5A is a perspective detail of a preferred embodiment of
the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 5B is a perspective detail of a preferred embodiment of
the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 6A is a perspective detail of a preferred accessory of
the present invention; and
[0015] FIG. 6B is a perspective detail of a preferred accessory of
the present invention
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0016] Preferred embodiments of the present invention includes a
harness 10, which connects a jogger 28 to a stroller 29, shown in
FIGS. 1 through 5B. The harness includes a belt end 10a and
stroller end 10b. The harness includes a belt 11, preferably
attached to the harness at the belt end The belt secures around the
waist 28a of the jogger, who may be alternatively defined as an
"operator" or a "user," preferably with the aid of a waist buckle
14. The waist buckle is most preferably a conventional, quick
release type of buckle that is strong and easily engaged and
disengaged. The waist buckle can be used to adjust the overall
length of the belt, ensuring a secure fit of the belt around the
waist of the jogger
[0017] As shown in FIG. 5A, a preferred embodiment of the harness
10 includes two springs 13, most preferably formed of a rigid metal
material. The two springs each include a sheath 16. The sheath is
preferably a thin tube of semi flexible material, which encases
each of the two springs, to prevent the two springs from bowing
during a pushing motion. "Bowing" is a term used herein to describe
bending along the length of the spring, which defeats the more
desired compression action of the spring. As an alternative to, or
in addition to the sheaths, a stiffener core 24 may be inserted
internal to each of the two springs. The stiffener core is
preferably a plastic or alternatively a rubber material in the form
of a rod, of approximately the same length as each of the
sheaths.
[0018] The two springs 13 are each preferably encased in spring
channels 19, sewn into a cover 20 As shown in FIG. 5A, the cover is
most preferably made of a strong, rip resistant fabric material,
such as a nylon or canvas. The cover attaches to the belt 11, and
is secured around the waist 28a of the user 28 with the strong,
preferably easy-release type of waist buckle 14, as discussed
above
[0019] As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3A, the two springs 13 employed
with the present invention preferably further comprises a first
spring 13a and a second spring 13b. The two springs are most
preferably secured proximate to the waist belt 11 at the belt end
10a of the cover 20, as shown in FIG. 5A. The two springs extend
from the belt, toward the stroller end 10b of the harness 10, in
generally a horizontal orientation, as shown in FIG. 2
[0020] More than two springs could be employed for the purposes of
the present invention. For example, as an alternative to the
preferred use of only two springs, the first spring 13a and the
second spring 13b, could each include a pair of springs acting in
parallel, or bundled with a multiple of springs
[0021] The cover 20 interconnects the waist belt 11 to the handle
bar 17 of the stroller 29 Securing the cover at the belt end 10a of
the harness 10, to the waist belt preferably consists of a belt
strip 12, which is preferably a semi-ridged strip, formed of a
resilient plastic or flexible metal material, positioned along the
waist belt as shown in FIG. 5A, to distribute the forces resulting
from the actions of the two springs 13 and the sheaths 16 along the
waist 28a of the user 28 Preferably, the belt strip 12 is securely
sewn into the fabric of the cover of the harness.
[0022] The belt strip 12 acts as a base for the two springs 13, to
distribute the torque and compression forces of the springs, along
the waist belt 11 Compression of the two springs, between the belt
strip and the handle strip 15, reduces the impact of impulse forces
created during propulsion of the stroller 29. Likewise, extension
of the two springs, reduces the impact of brake forces created
during slowing of the stroller 29 The deflection of the two
springs, beyond either end of the sheath 16, allows the user 28 and
the stroller to articulate freely vertically, while applying a
downward force that stabilizes the stroller, especially important
and useful during propulsion over an uneven terrain.
[0023] As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, securing the stroller end 10b
of the harness 10 to the handle bar 17 of the stroller 29,
preferably consists of a handle pad 36, which is most preferably a
length of non-slip foam material, mounted to the cover 20 as shown
in FIGS. 5A and 5B. Preferably, the handle pad is securely sewn
onto the fabric of the cover 20, with a handle strip 15, preferably
sewn into the cover The handle strip is preferably a sent-ridged
strip, similar to the belt strip 12 A most preferred embodiment of
the harness, as shown in FIGS. 3A, 4A and 5A, includes a handle
flap 30, at the stroller end of the harness. The handle flap wraps
around a handle bar, or "push-bar," of the stroller. Refining to
FIG. 3A, the cover 20 extends from the waist belt 11 to a handle
bar 17 of the stroller 29 Preferably, the cover includes enough
fabric to create the handle flap, which preferably encircles the
handle bar and a handle pad 36
[0024] As an alternative to the above discussed preferred
embodiment, the handle flap 30 can be an additional piece of fabric
material attached to the cover 20 at the stroller end 10b of the
harness 10. The handle pad 36 is most preferably non-slip and made
of a durable foam material The handle strip 15 is preferably
attached against the handle pad as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, laying
flat against the handle bar, and abutted to the two springs 13
firmly sewn into the fabric cover. The handle pad and handle flap
are preferably secured together with a handle flap attachment 31,
to hold the handle bar. This flap attachment is preferably a wide
strip of Velcro.RTM., or some similarly functioning fastener
Alternatively, the handle pad and the handle flap may be sewn,
glued or snapped together The cover surrounds the stroller's handle
bar, and so secures the harness to the stroller.
[0025] The handle flap 30 is most preferably formed of the same
fabric casing material of the cover 20, and is wrapped around the
handle pad 36, and the handle bar 17, or "push bar" of the stroller
29, and attached to the stroller end 10b of the harness 10 with the
handle flap attachment 31, which is preferably a wide strip of
Velcro.RTM., or some similarly functioning fastener.
[0026] In an alternative embodiment of the harness 10, as shown in
FIGS. 3B, 4B and 5B, a multiple of straps 27 attach to the cover
20. Each of the multiple of straps includes a buckle 18 that clips
around both the handle strip 15, and the non slip foam handle pad
36. The multiple of straps traverse the length of the cover, from
the belt end 10a to the stroller end 10b of the harness, connecting
the handle flap, which surrounds the handle bar 17, to the waist
belt 11, thereby connecting the jogger 28 to the stroller 29. Each
of the multiple of straps are preferably long and thin, and each
fitted with a strap buckle 18. Preferably, the waist belt is
securely sewn into the fabric of the cover 20, with the semi-ridged
belt strip 12 attached against the belt, and the two springs 13
firmly sewn into the fabric cover, against the belt strip.
[0027] Alternatively, the multiple of straps 27 can also wrap
around the handle bar 17, combined with the handle flap 30 Again,
the multiple of straps are most preferably a series of thin, strong
straps, each sewn along the stroller end of the harness at the
springs terminus, continuing along the entire width of the fabric
cover, leaving enough strap material at the stroller end 10b, in
which to attach the small secure buckles 18 that encircle the
fabric handle flap, the non slip foam handle pad, and the handle
bar of the stroller
[0028] Again, with reference to FIGS. 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B, 5A and 5B,
the waist belt 11, as preferably secured by a strong, easy release
waist buckle 14, is enclosed within, and most preferably sewn into
the cover 20 Preferably, the two springs 13 are also enclosed with
the cover, most preferably sewn within channels 19 that are tightly
seamed within the cover, and extend from the belt end 10a to the
stroller end 10b of the harness, generally horizontally along the
length of the harness 10, from the belt 11 to the handlebar 17, as
shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. As discussed above, the fabric cover
extends past the stroller end of the harness, creating the handle
flap 30, which wraps up and around the handle pad 36 and the handle
bar of the stroller 29 The fabric handle flap is most preferably
secured together by wide strips of Velcro.RTM., as the handle flap
attachment 31. The multiple straps 27 sewn into the cover 20 along
the entire length of the harness, with buckles 18 secured to the
ends of each strap. Each of the multiple of straps preferably wrap,
with the handle flap, around the handle bar of the stroller, thus
securely pressing the handle flap and the non-slip foam material of
the handle pad firmly to the handle bar
[0029] Again referring to FIGS. 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B, 5A and 5B, the
cover 20 with its multiple of straps 27 each with their attached
buckles 18, also wrap around the waist belt 11 in such a way as to
secure the waist belt to the cover 20. Additionally, the cover is
preferably secured to its internal contents with a series of
strongly sewn seams
[0030] As shown in FIGS. 1, 4A, 4B, and detailed in FIGS. 6A and
6B, the cover 20 may include a small pouch 25. The small pouch is
may be secured to, then removed from the harness 10, with
Velcro.RTM. strips 23, as shown in FIGS. 5A, 5B and 6A. Preferably,
the small pouch is positioned on the cover between the two springs
13. Most preferably, these two springs are secured into the fabric
cover in an open "V" position 37, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, with
the two springs proximate to the belt end 10a of the cover,
separated from each other at a wider distance compared to the
separation of the same two springs proximate to the stroller end
10b of the cover.
[0031] With reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B, the waist belt 11 is
shown with the belt strip 12, which is the semi-rigid plastic strip
positioned in the font portion of the waist belt Preferably, the
end of each of the two springs 13 at the belt end 10a of the
harness 10, are firmly placed against the belt strip, with the aid
of the channels 19 sewn into the fabric of the cover 20 Again, the
two springs are secured into the fabric cover in the "V" position
37, with the first spring 13a and the second spring 13b each
enclosed in a sheath 16 of semi rigid material. The two springs may
be secured within the sheaths in any conventional means.
Preferably, the strong fabric of the cover wraps around the
entirety of the two springs and sheaths, secured by the channels
and their series of strong seams Alternatively, additional springs
may be used with the two springs preferred for use with the present
invention, to provide additional cushioning between the user 28 and
the stroller 29.
[0032] In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 4A, the handle
flap 30, which is most preferably a section of the fabric cover 20
extending past the handle bar 17 proximate to the stroller end 10b
of the harness 10, encircles the handle pad 36 and the handle strip
15. As discussed above, the handle strip, like the belt strip 12 is
preferably a semi-rigid plastic material The handle strip is
secured proximate to the stroller end 10b of the harness 10 Most
preferably, the end of each of the two springs 13 at the stroller
end of the harness, are firmly placed against the handle strip,
again with the aid of the channels 19 sewn into the fabric of the
cover As shown in FIG. 1, with each the two springs firmly abutted
against the belt strip at the waist belt 11 and firmly abutted
against the handle strip at the handle bar, and securely held
within the cover, the two springs act to cushion, guide and
maintain the stroller 29 forward, to the front of the jogger 28,
and also providing the jogger with hands-free control of the
stroller
[0033] The use of the harness 10 of the present invention includes
the steps of placing the belt 11 around the waist 28a of the user
28 or jogger, preferably with the aid of the strong, easy release
buckle 14. With the belt strip 12 attached to the belt, which
conforms to the shape the belt takes around the waist of the
jogger, the two springs of the harness support the handle bar 17 of
the stroller 29 The two springs 13, which are preferably, as
discussed above, two lengths of coiled metal, each abutted against
the belt strip and are held in place with a set of strong seam
channels 19 sewn into the cover 20. Again, the two springs
preferably each have a section of semi rigid sheath 14, wrapped
around the middle portion of the spring. The sheath may be a short
section of pipe, which acts to prevent the springs from bowing
along their length. The springs are placed in the open "V" position
37, the ends of the springs proximate the belt end 10a are in the
wider portion of the V, pressed against the semi rigid plastic
strip attached to the waist belt, the ends of the springs proximate
to the stroller end 10b form the smaller portion of the open V,
touching the bottom length of the semi rigid plastic handle strip
15 All of these above described elements, preferably incased in the
strong fabric covering, utilizing the series of sewn in channels
and seams, keep all of these elements rigid and in place. The
multiple of straps 27, which are securely sewn along the entire
length of the harness encircles the handle flap 30, the non slip
foam handle pad 36 and the stroller's handle bar. The multiple
strong thin straps are then secured together by the strong strap
buckles 18
[0034] An advantage of the harness 10 of the present invention is
that the hands of the user 18 are not required to push the stroller
29 in a forward or a rearward direction with the aid of arm
strength. This feature provides the user with the ability to walk,
jog or run with a natural stride or gait. By bodily applying
forward pressure along the two springs 13 of rigid metal, encased
in the cover 10, the user or jogger propels the stroller
"hands-free," while maintaining a normal walking or jogging stride.
Another advantage of the invention is that it is easily attached to
the stroller and the user, and can be left on the stroller when not
in use by simply and quickly releasing the belt 11 from around the
waist 18a of the user. Additionally, the harness is an attractive
and more user friendly alternative to previously known devices
[0035] Having now described my invention, to those skilled in the
art to which it pertains, it may become apparent that the need to
make modifications without deviating from the intention of the
invention.
* * * * *