U.S. patent application number 14/123404 was filed with the patent office on 2014-10-02 for exercise apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to SMILING SLING PTY LIMITED. The applicant listed for this patent is Blaze Krstanoski-Blazeski. Invention is credited to Blaze Krstanoski-Blazeski.
Application Number | 20140296045 14/123404 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47258177 |
Filed Date | 2014-10-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140296045 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Krstanoski-Blazeski; Blaze |
October 2, 2014 |
EXERCISE APPARATUS
Abstract
An exercise apparatus for exercising with an infant, the
exercise apparatus including: an infant retaining portion for
retaining the infant; and a linking portion extending from the
infant retaining portion, the linking portion configured to link
the infant retaining portion to a user, wherein the linking portion
permits the user, when linked, to hold the weight of the retained
infant with their hands at a distance away from the users body, the
distance being such that the arms of the user are substantially
extended.
Inventors: |
Krstanoski-Blazeski; Blaze;
(Sydney, AU) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Krstanoski-Blazeski; Blaze |
Sydney |
|
AU |
|
|
Assignee: |
SMILING SLING PTY LIMITED
Sydney, New South Wales
AU
|
Family ID: |
47258177 |
Appl. No.: |
14/123404 |
Filed: |
June 1, 2012 |
PCT Filed: |
June 1, 2012 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/AU2012/000629 |
371 Date: |
January 22, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/139 ;
224/158 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47D 13/025 20130101;
A47D 13/02 20130101; A63B 21/4007 20151001 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/139 ;
224/158 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/00 20060101
A63B021/00; A47D 13/02 20060101 A47D013/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 2, 2011 |
AU |
2011902172 |
Claims
1-15. (canceled)
16. An exercise apparatus for exercising with an infant on an
exercise surface, the exercise apparatus including: an infant
retaining portion for retaining an infant; and a linking portion
extending from the infant retaining portion, the linking portion
configured to engage the torso of a user such that the infant
retaining portion is linked, hands free, to the user, wherein the
linking portion is adjustable to a length which allows the infant
retaining portion to be moved by the user, with their hands,
between a retracted position, close to the body of the user, and an
extended position, away from the body of the user, wherein, in the
extended position, the arms of the user are substantially extended,
the user thereby permitted to exercise by moving a retained infant
between the retracted and extended positions safely, as, in the
case of accidental release of the retained infant from the hands of
the user, the linking portion is functional to suspend the retained
infant from the body of the user, safely above the exercise
surface.
17. The exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 16, wherein the
linking portion includes an elastic portion to increase the
resistance associated with movement of the infant retaining portion
between the retracted and extended positions.
18. The exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 16, wherein the
linking portion is formed of strapping, the strapping being
arrangeable about the torso of the user.
19. The exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 16, wherein the
linking portion is formed of two elongate straps, to be looped
about the torso of the user.
20. The exercise portion as claimed in claim 19, wherein the
elongate straps each include an elastic portion arranged adjacent
to a non elastic portion, the non-elastic portion being adjustable
to limit the extension of the elastic portion.
21. An exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 16, wherein the
linking portion is reducible in length such that the infant
retaining portion is held near to the body of the user.
22. An exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 16, wherein the
apparatus is useable as an infant carrier.
23. An exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 16, wherein the
apparatus is adjustable such that the infant retaining portion is
positionable on the user's back, chest or in a breastfeeding
position.
24. A method for safely exercising with an infant, the method
including the steps of: placing the infant within in the infant
retaining portion of an exercise apparatus defined by any one of
the preceding claims; fitting the linking portion to the torso of a
user; and moving the retained infant.
25. Use of an exercise apparatus according to claim 16, for
exercising with an infant.
26. An infant carrier that is adjustable between an infant carrying
configuration and a breastfeeding configuration.
27. An infant carrier as claimed in claim 26, wherein the carrier
is adjustable between the infant carrying position and the
breastfeeding position whilst an infant is held therein.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for
exercising with an infant.
BACKGROUND
[0002] For many women, having a baby is the most notable
life-changing event they will ever experience. Adjusting to this
major life change, as well as coping with the day-to-day stress of
a new baby, can make some women more likely to experience
depression at this time. Postnatal depression is depression that a
woman experiences in the months after the birth of her baby and it
affects almost 16 percent of women giving birth in Australia.
[0003] In some instances, new mothers have trouble finding and
creating a comfortable, lively relationship with their new-born.
Having a child can be very daunting for many new mothers and leads
them to create secluded, nervous, intimidating relationships and
connections with their children.
[0004] It is thought that close connection in the early stages of
life stimulates the infants' feelings and trust towards their
mother. This enables the infant to evolve and grow stronger,
happier, healthier, more confident and more intellectually aware of
their surroundings. The special connections that children
experience early in life are also thought to help them to absorb
emotions and develop positive perceptions of their physical,
emotional and social surroundings.
[0005] The foundation of healthy and positive relationships between
a mother and their child is built and fortified during the early
stages of motherhood. A crucial concept in the creation of these
strong relationships is the bonding experience between mother and
child. In today's high paced society, mothers can be time poor and
the building of spirited, beneficial relationships between the
mother and child can be a difficult goal to achieve.
[0006] Exercise and physical activity is an important concept in
achieving great health, positivity, building relationships and an
overall good body and figure. New mothers like to train and get fit
after having a child. Being a mum is a huge challenge and being a
genuinely happy, composed mother is not easy either. Getting fit is
extremely beneficial to keeping healthy and happy during these
major changes.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In one broad form the present invention provides an exercise
apparatus for exercising with an infant, the exercise apparatus
including:
[0008] an infant retaining portion for retaining the infant;
and
[0009] a linking portion extending from the infant retaining
portion, the linking portion configured to link the infant
retaining portion to a user,
[0010] wherein the linking portion permits the user, when linked,
to hold the weight of the retained infant with their hands at a
distance away from the users body, the distance being such that the
arms of the user are substantially extended.
[0011] In one preferred form, if the infant is released from the
hands of the user, the linking portion, at maximum extension,
suspends the retained infant from the body of the user safely above
an exercise surface.
[0012] In a further preferred form, the maximum extension of the
linking portion is adjustable.
[0013] Preferably, the exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 1
wherein the linking portion allows the infant retaining portion to
be moved from a retracted position, close to the body of the user,
to an extended position, away from the body of the user.
[0014] Also preferably, the linking portion includes an elastic
portion to increase the resistance associated with movement of the
infant retaining portion.
[0015] In a further preferred form, the linking portion is formed
of strapping, the strapping being arrangeable about the torso of
the user.
[0016] Preferably, the linking portion is formed of two elongate
straps.
[0017] Also preferably, the elongate straps include an elastic
portion arranged adjacent to a non elastic portion, the non-elastic
portion being adjustable to limit the extension of the elastic
portion.
[0018] In a further broad form the present invention provides a
method for safely exercising with an infant, the method including
the steps of:
[0019] placing the infant within in the infant retaining portion of
an exercise apparatus defined by any one of the preceding
claims,
[0020] fastening the linking portion to a user,
[0021] moving the retained infant with hands of the user.
[0022] In a further broad form the present invention provides use
of an exercise apparatus according to any one on the preceding
claims for exercising with an infant.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] Examples of the present invention will now be described with
reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0024] FIG. 1 is an exercise apparatus in disassembled form
according to one example;
[0025] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 in
assembled form;
[0026] FIGS. 3 is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 in
assembled form with strap loops tightened; and
[0027] FIG. 4 shows an example of the exercise apparatus in use by
mother and infant;
[0028] FIG. 5 shows a further embodiment of the exercise
apparatus;
[0029] FIG. 6 shows an example of how the apparatus may be used as
an infant carrier wherein the infant is held on the chest of the
user;
[0030] FIG. 7 shows an example of how the apparatus can be adjusted
into an infant carrier that retains the infant in a breastfeeding
position; and
[0031] FIG. 8 shows how the apparatus may be used as a back
carrier.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0032] Embodiments of the present invention provide an exercise
apparatus for exercising with an infant. The exercise apparatus
includes an infant retaining portion for retaining the infant and a
linking portion extending from the infant retaining portion, the
linking portion configured to link the infant retaining portion to
a user. The linking portion permits the user, when linked, to hold
the weight of the retained infant with their hands at a distance
away from the user's body, the distance being such that the arms of
the user are substantially extended.
[0033] FIGS. 1 to 3 illustrate one embodiment of an exercise
apparatus (1) according to the invention.
[0034] FIG. 1 shows the exercise apparatus (1) in disassembled
form. The apparatus includes an infant retaining portion (2) shaped
to fit and retain an infant when assembled. The infant retaining
portion is typically formed of a strong flexible material and
includes a series of fasteners. To retain an infant, the material
portion (3) is wrapped or folded around the infant and the
fasteners are engaged to thereby provide limb receiving openings
(4, 5) as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. By engaging with the limbs of
the, infant, the infant is securely retained with the infant
retaining portion (2). FIG. 4 illustrates an infant retained in the
infant retaining portion.
[0035] To assemble the infant retaining portion, a first set of
male clip parts (11a, 11b) are engaged with a corresponding first
set of female clip parts (12a, 12b) thereby providing limb
receiving openings (4a, 4b) to receive the infant's legs. Arm
receiving openings (5a, 5b) are then provided by the engagement of
a second set of male clip parts (13a, 13b) with a second set of
female clip parts (14a, 14b). With arms and legs in place the
infant should be securely retained in the infant retaining portion
(2).
[0036] Two elongate straps (6, 7) extend from the infant retaining
portion (2) such that the infant retaining portion can be linked to
a user (for example the mother of the infant). A third set of male
clip parts (15a, 15b) are positioned at a distance along each of
the elongate straps (6, 7). Engagement of the third set of male
clip parts (15a, 15b) with a corresponding third set of female clip
parts (16a, 16b) located on the infant retaining portion, is such
that loops are provided by the straps. The loops can be arranged
around the body of a user to link the infant retaining portion (2)
to the user. It should be noted that straps (6, 7) are typically
crossed over and threaded through a cross over member (18), most
clearly seen in FIGS. 2 and 3.
[0037] The embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 utilises fastening
clips that snap engage. It will be appreciated that other
fasteners/methods of fastening may be used to assemble the
apparatus, such as, for example, hook and loop technology. Also,
knots could be tied between relevant material or strapping. It will
be appreciated that in some embodiments, to provide a more secure
fit for the infant, a combination of fasteners/methods could be
used together. For example snap engaging clips could be used in
combination with hook and loop technology.
[0038] Excess strapping beyond the third set of male clip parts
(15a, 15b) may be arranged into an auxiliary loop by engaging
auxiliary male clip part (17a) with auxiliary female clip part
(17b). The auxiliary loop can be positioned around the waist of the
user.
[0039] Once wearing the apparatus (1) and having an infant retained
therein, there is some slack in the straps (6, 7) such that the
infant can be held by the hands of the user at a distance from the
user such that there arms are substantially extended. This permits
the user to utilise the weight of the infant to perform weight
bearing/resistance exercise, similar to the way these exercises are
performed conventionally with free weights (e.g. dumbbells). For
example, the infant may be moved toward and away from the user in a
chest press or shoulder press motion.
[0040] Furthermore, should the infant be dropped by the user, the
maximum extension of the strapping loops is such that the infant
will not hit the ground but rather be suspended from the user above
the ground or exercise surface.
[0041] It will be appreciated that the maximum extension of the
strapping loops may be adjustable, to accommodate a users reach or
height. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 3, this is accomplished by
buckles (8, 9, 10) positioned along the length of the straps and/or
as part of fastening clips. Comparing FIGS. 2 and 3 it can be seen
how the loops are tighter in FIG. 3 and how the strapping may be
adjusted to accommodate a person with shorter reach/height.
[0042] To further increase the resistance of exercises performed by
the user, the straps (6, 7) may include elasticised portions. FIGS.
1 to 3 shows elasticised portion (19a, 19b, 20a, 20b) incorporated
as part of the straps. The elasticised portions may also be
arranged in combination with a non elastic portion of strapping
such that extension of the elasticised portion is restricted. For
example, in FIG. 2 it can be seen that non-extendible strapping
portions (21a, 21b) are adjusted using buckles (8a, 8b) to restrict
extension of elasticised portions (19a, 19b). Conversely, FIG. 3
shows the non-extendible portions (21a, 21b) slackened using
buckles (8a, 8b) to allow some elastic extension of the elasticised
portions. If an infant is dropped by the user, the non-extendible
portions can help to stop the infant bouncing/bungeeing out of
control.
[0043] FIG. 5 shows a further embodiment of the exercise
apparatus/infant carrier. This embodiment includes further non
extendable portions (22a, 22b) to restrict the extension of elastic
portions (20a, 22b). Furthermore an additional strap (23) and
buckle (24) is included for tightening/loosening the crotch region
of the infant retaining portion (2) such that the infant is
securely retained.
[0044] Also shown in FIG. 5 are additional resistance elastics (26)
that may be engaged/disengaged as required to increase/decrease the
difficulty of exercises when using the apparatus. Engagement of the
additional resistance elastics may be by hook and loop fasteners or
other means. The additional resistance elastics (26) may also be
completely removable from the apparatus.
[0045] The cross over member (27) of FIG. 5 includes padding to
increase comfort for the user. Typically, the infant retaining
portion and straps may also include padding to increase comfort for
the user and infant.
[0046] It will also be appreciated the exercise apparatus may be
arranged on the user such that it may be used as an infant carrier.
By appropriate positioning and tightening of the straps, the
apparatus may hold the infant against the user's chest (either
facing inwards or outwards), against the users back (as, a back
carrier) or in a breastfeeding position. Typically, to be used as
an infant carrier, the straps would be adjusted using buckles (8,
9, 10) such that the infant retaining portion is held close to the
body of the user.
[0047] For example, utilising the Example of FIG. 1 or 5. If a user
wanted to have an infant carried against their chest, the user
would take the apparatus in disassembled form and place the
elongate straps (6, 7) over their shoulders. Male clip parts 15a
and 15b would then be clipped to engage with female clip parts 16b
and 16a respectively such that the straps cross over on the users
back, through the crossover member (18, 27). Buckles (8, 9) on the
shoulder straps are then drawn tight such that the infant retaining
portion is retained close to the body of the user. The excess
strapping extending beyond the third set of male clip parts 15a and
15b is pulled around the waist of the user and clip part 17a
engages the clip part 17b. The buckle (10) associated therewith is
drawn tight to secure fastening of the apparatus to the user. To
assemble the infant retaining portion (2) clip parts 11a and 11b
would engage with clip parts 12a and 12b, and clip parts 13a and
13b would engage with corresponding clip parts 14a and 14b. (See
FIGS. 6A to 6D).
[0048] The infant could then be placed in the infant retaining
portion (2) facing inwards, towards, the user, or facing outwards,
away from the user. When the infant faces away from the user, the
user may fold over head support (28) such that the infant can
breathe and see clearly. (See FIG. 6E)
[0049] When the infant is in the inward facing position, the
apparatus may be easily adjusted into a breast feeding position by
unfastening or loosening clip parts 13a or 13b depending on the
preferred side of feeding.
[0050] In an alternate arrangement, the exercise apparatus may be
adjusted into a back carrier. For example, when requiring the
apparatus as a back carrier, the infant retaining portion would
first be constructed by engaging clip parts 11a and 11b with clip
parts 12a and 12b, and engaging clip parts 13a and 13b with clip
parts 14a and 14b. After positioning the infant retaining portion
behind the user, straps 6 and 7 would be pulled over the shoulders
of the user from behind, to the front of the user before clip parts
15a and 15b are engaged with clip parts 16a and 16b (respectively)
at the user's waist. The excess strapping portions beyond clip
parts 15a and 15b could then be brought from behind the user to in
front, and engaged together by securing clip part 17a with clip
part 17b. Buckles (8, 9, 10) could then be tightened to ensure
secure fitting to the user. An infant would then be placed into the
infant retaining portion and held securely on the user's back. (See
FIG. 8).
[0051] In using the exercise apparatus; a mother can incorporate
physical amusement for her child into her exercise routine.
Furthermore psychological moments between herself and her child are
encouraged.
[0052] In addition to toning, strengthening, getting fit, reaching
weight loss goals and maintaining physical health, the apparatus
allows a mother to enjoy special moments with her child. Both the
child and mother will develop a strong relationship and trust
foundation. This is going to help both mother and baby to grow
together emotionally and physically.
[0053] The reference in this specification to any prior publication
(or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known,
is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or admission
or any form of suggestion that the prior publication (or
information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the
common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this
specification relates.
[0054] Throughout this specification and the claims which follow,
unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and
variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood
to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of
integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or
step or group of integers or steps.
[0055] Finally, it is to be understood that various alterations,
modifications and/or additions may be incorporated into the various
constructions and arrangements of parts without departing from the
spirit or ambit of the invention.
* * * * *