US20070136931A1

US20070136931A1 - Walking training apparatus

Info

Publication number: US20070136931A1
Application number: US11/582,677
Authority: US
Inventors: Teresa Woodman; Lisa Raper
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-12-21
Filing date: 2006-10-18
Publication date: 2007-06-21
Also published as: US20070142185A1; WO2007073444A1

Abstract

A walking training apparatus having a support vest adapted to be fitted around the torso of an infant, the support vest having a left and right attachment projections with buckles. Left and right straps, each having buckles on one end and forming a loop handle on the opposite end, attach to the projection buckles. Both straps have clasps connected to the buckle end and slidably attached to the strap, allowing strap length to be adjusted. The left and right projection buckles are detachably connectable to one another when the straps are removed from the vest, preventing the projection buckles from distracting the infant or snagging on other objects. The vest is fitted using hook and loop fasteners and vest straps. All seams are double bar tacked for durability.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION DATA

The present application is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/314,317, also entitled “Walking Training Apparatus,” filed Dec. 21, 2005, which is herein incorporated by reference as if fully set forth in its entirety for its pertinent and supportive teachings.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
The present embodiment of the invention relates to a walking training apparatus for use in connection with devices used to train infants to walk. The walking training apparatus has particular utility in connection with a walking training apparatus having adjustable detachable handles and a bell shaped attachment projection.
Currently, training an infant to walk requires an attendant to hover in a stooped position over the infant to ensure that no injury occurs during the inevitable falls that will occur during learning to walk. The pain associated with learning to walk increases the frustration level for the infant and hampers the training. Additionally, the leaning over of the infant to prevent injuries can harm the back of the attendant. Current solutions to this problem restrict the shoulder movement of the infant and have a single point of contact from the handle to the harness thus increasing the snap back that the infant feels when kept from falling which poses a safety hazard. Additionally, current solutions have a non-removable handle that the child drags with him when crawling off on his own to play.
Therefore, what is needed is a walking training apparatus that distributes the restraining force over a wide area thus restricting snap back, which has a removable handle that can be adjusted for length.
2. Description of Prior Art
Walking training apparatus are desirable training an infant to walk with reduced chance of injury for the infant and reduced chance of back injury for the attendant.
The use of devices used to train infants to walk is known in the prior art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 1,749,999 to Crocker discloses a manually held supporting device for assisting children in learning to walk that as a torso harness, set of non-adjustable handle straps having single attachment points and shoulder straps. However, the Crocker '999 patent does not have a bell shaped set of handle strap attachments, does not have a removable handle, and does not have an adjustable handle strap.
Similarly, United States Document No. 2003/0207737 to Sherman et al. discloses a walking training apparatus that has a body portion having a closed side with leg openings, shoulder straps and a single handle. However, the Sherman et al '737 document does not have bell shaped handle strap attachment and does not have an adjustable handle strap. The Sherman et al '737 document teaches a single attachment point that is circular and which could catch on objects when the infant is away from the attendant, additionally the document teaches shoulder straps and does not use under arm support to restrain the infant from falling.
Likewise, U.S. Pat. No. 5,388,551 to Martusciello discloses a convertible harness system having a waist encircling band and shoulder straps. However, the Martusciello '551 patent does not have bell shaped handle strap attachments and does not have an adjustable handle strap.
Correspondingly, U.S. Pat. No. 149,692 to Tardy discloses a baby exercising corset that has a corset having two long cords connected to the corset. However, the Tardy '692 patent does not have bell shaped handle strap attachments and does not have an adjustable handle strap and does not have a detachable handle.
Further, U.S. Pat. No. 6,910,993 to Baran discloses a device for use in teaching infants to walk that has a support pant having support straps connected to the pant. However, the Baran '993 patent does not have bell shaped handle strap attachments and does not have a detachable handle.
Lastly, United States Document Number 200/0207736 to Mungia discloses an infant walker trainer that has a lateral support bar adapted to be secured around the stomach and chest area of the infant and a handle at the upper end of the support bar to guide the trainer. However, the Mungia '736 document does not does not have bell shaped handle strap attachments and does not have a detachable handle.
While the above-described devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives and requirements, the aforementioned patents do not describe a walking training apparatus that allows walking training apparatus having adjustable detachable handles, bell shaped attachments for the handle strap, a provision to prevent the handle attachment points from loosely moving and distracting the child when the handles are removed. The Crocker '999, Sherman et al '737, Martusciello '551, Tardy '692, Baran '993 and Mungia '736 patents make no provision for bell shaped handle strap attachments.
Therefore, a need exists for a new and improved walking training apparatus having adjustable detachable handles which can be used for assisting an infant learning to walk. In this regard, the present embodiment of the invention substantially fulfills this need. In this respect, the walking training apparatus according to the present embodiment of the invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in doing so provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of walking training apparatus having adjustable detachable handles and bell shaped attachments for the handle strap.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The walking training apparatus of the present invention has a torso harness which covers the torso of the infant and distributes the restraining force over the body mass of the infant and supports the infant underneath the arms as would occur when an attendant is catching a falling infant from behind. The walking training apparatus has unrestricted shoulder area and strictly uses a torso harness to allow the child to play without shoulder restrictions. The handle straps are adjustable in length allowing their use for different size attendants and also for use with both crawling and walking training, additionally modifying the length allows varying the amount of support offered to the infant. The adjustable handle straps adjust to the parent's height to reduce back pain because the parent will not have to bend over and will be able to adjust the straps to their height. The handles of the present invention also removable which allows the infant to play with reduced probability of catching the restraint on an object. Additionally, in order to further reduce the probability of catching the restraint on an object or of distracting the infant, the buckles to which the straps attach may be connected to one another when the straps are removed. The benefit of the comfort cushion is to provide a cushion for the baby's comfort at the baby's armpits. If the comfort cushion does not exist, the baby's underarms/armpits would become sore when using the invention. The removable handle straps also make the strap connection points shorter which is safer for the baby and minimizes entanglement risks. Another benefit of the present invention is that without a shoulder harness or other restraints the baby is allowed to balance naturally when learning to walk which is a benefit that has been noted by pediatricians.
In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of devices used to train infants to walk now present in the prior art, the present embodiment of the invention provides an improved walking training apparatus, and overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and drawbacks of the prior art. As such, the general purpose of the present embodiment of the invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new and improved walking training apparatus and method which has all the advantages of the prior art mentioned heretofore and many novel features that result in a walking training apparatus which is not anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, or even implied by the prior art, either alone or in any combination thereof.
To attain this, the present embodiment of the invention is a walking training apparatus has a support vest adapted to be fitted around the torso of an infant, the support vest having a left bell-shaped attachment projection with a left projection buckle, and a right bell-shaped attachment projection with a right projection buckle. A left strap having a buckle on one end and forming a left loop handle on the opposite end attaches to the left projection buckle. The apparatus also has right strap forming a loop handle on one end and having a right strap buckle on the opposite end that attaches to the right projection buckle. Both straps have clasps connected to the buckle end and slidably attached to the strap, allowing the strap length to be adjusted. The left and right projection buckles are detachably connectable to one another when said left strap and said right strap are removed from the vest, preventing the buckles from distracting the infant or snagging on other objects. The vest is fitted using a hook and loop fasteners and vest straps. All seams are double bar tacked for durability.
There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the embodiment of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated.
The present embodiment of the invention may also include a left handle buckle, a right handle buckle, a left handle, a right handle, a left vest strap, a right vest strap, a support vest buckle, a vest cushion pad, a left handle cushion pad, a right handle cushion pad, a left strap loop and a right strap loop. There are, of course, additional features of the present embodiment of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims attached.
Numerous objects, features and advantages of the present embodiment of the invention will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon a reading of the following detailed description of presently preferred, but nonetheless illustrative, embodiments of the present embodiment of the invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In this respect, before explaining the current embodiment of the embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the embodiment of the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of descriptions and should not be regarded as limiting.
As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present embodiment of the invention.
It is therefore an object of the present embodiment of the invention to provide a new and improved walking training apparatus that has all of the advantages of the prior art devices used to train infants to walk and none of the disadvantages.
It is another object of the present embodiment of the invention to provide a new and improved walking training apparatus that may be easily and efficiently manufactured and marketed, and that has a low cost of manufacture with regard to both materials and labor, and which accordingly is then susceptible of low prices of sale to the consuming public, thereby making such walking training apparatus economically available to the buying public.
Still another object of the present embodiment of the invention is to provide a new walking training apparatus that provides in the apparatuses and methods of the prior art some of the advantages thereof, while simultaneously overcoming some of the disadvantages normally associated therewith.
Even still another object of the present embodiment of the invention is to provide a walking training apparatus for walking training apparatus having adjustable detachable handles.
Still yet another object of the present embodiment of the invention is to provide a walking training apparatus for walking training apparatus having detachable handles.
Further still another object of the present embodiment of the invention is to provide a walking training apparatus for walking training apparatus having no shoulder straps and using torso and under arm support.
Yet further still another object of the present embodiment of the invention is to provide a walking training apparatus for walking training apparatus having adjustable handle straps.
Lastly, an object of the present embodiment of the invention is to provide a walking training apparatus for walking training apparatus having attachment buckles that are secured when the handle straps are removed.
These together with other objects of the embodiment of the invention, along with the various features of novelty that characterize the embodiment of the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the embodiment of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there is illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiment of the invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. FIGS. 1-5 of the parent application and the accompanying detailed descriptions thereof are herein incorporated by reference. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the walking training apparatus constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the walking training apparatus of the present embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the walking training apparatus of the present embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a left side perspective view of the walking training apparatus of the present embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the walking training apparatus of the present embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the walking training apparatus constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of the walking training apparatus of the present embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of the walking training apparatus of the present embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9 is a left side perspective view of the walking training apparatus of the present embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of the walking training apparatus of the present embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view of the walking training apparatus of the present embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 12 is a rear perspective view of the walking training apparatus of the present embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 12 further illustrates exploded view FIG. 12A of the handle fabric and exploded view 12B of the hook and look fastener.

FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of the walking training apparatus of the present embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 14 is a rear perspective view of the walking training apparatus of the present embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 15 is a rear perspective view of the walking training apparatus of the present embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 16 is a left perspective view of the walking training apparatus of the present embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 17 is a rear perspective view of the walking training apparatus of the present embodiment of the invention.

The same reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the various figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to FIGS. 1-17, a preferred embodiment of the walking training apparatus of the present invention is shown and generally designated by the reference numeral 10.
In FIG. 1, a new and improved walking training apparatus 10 of the present invention for walking training apparatus having adjustable detachable handles and bell shaped attachments for the handle strap is illustrated and will be described. More particularly, the walking training apparatus 10 has a support vest 12 having a top end 14, a bottom end 16, a back side 18, a left side 20 and a right side 22. The support vest 12 is adapted to be fitted around the torso of the infant. A left upper strap 24 is connected to the support vest top end left side at a left bell shaped attachment projection 26. A right upper strap 28 is connected to the support vest top end right side at a right bell shaped attachment projection 30. A left handle buckle 32 is connected to the left upper strap 24. A right handle buckle 34 is connected to the right upper strap 28. A left handle 36 is detachably connected to the left handle buckle 32. A right handle 38 is detachably connected to the right handle buckle 34. A vest cushion pad 46 is connected the support vest 12 adjacent to the support vest top end 14. A left handle cushion pad 48 is connected the left handle 36. A right handle cushion pad 50 is connected the right handle 38. A pair of removable shoulder straps 60 are also shown in FIG. 1. The removable shoulder straps 60 are optional, and are removably attached to the support vest 12 by buttons in the current embodiment, but those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that a variety of methods may be employed.
In FIG. 2, the walking training apparatus 10 of the present invention for walking training apparatus is illustrated and will be described. More particularly, the walking training apparatus 10 has the support vest 12 having the top end 14, the bottom end 16, the back side 18, the left side 20 and the right side 22. The support vest 12 is adapted to be fitted around the torso of the infant. The left upper strap 24 is connected to the support vest top end left side at the left bell shaped attachment projection 26. The right upper strap 28 is connected to the support vest top end right side at the right bell shaped attachment projection 30. The left handle buckle 32 is connected to the left upper strap 24. The right handle buckle 34 is connected to the right upper strap 28. The left handle 36 is detachably connected to the left handle buckle 32. The right handle 38 is detachably connected to the right handle buckle 34. A left vest strap 40 is connected to the support vest left side 20. A left belt loop 56 is connected to the left vest strap 40. A right vest strap 42 is connected to the support vest right side 22. A right belt loop 58 is connected to the right vest strap 42. A support vest buckle 44 is connected to the support vest left side 20 and to the vest right side 22. The vest cushion pad 46 is connected the support vest 12 adjacent to the support vest top end 14. The left handle cushion pad 48 is connected the left handle 36. The right handle cushion pad 50 is connected the right handle 38. A left strap loop 52 connected the left upper strap 24. A right strap loop 54 is connected the right upper strap 28.
In FIG. 3, the walking training apparatus 10 of the present invention for walking training apparatus is illustrated and will be described. In this figure the invention is seen in use held by an adult with the support vest 12 on the infant. The adult holding the left handle 36 and the right handle 38.
In FIG. 4, the walking training apparatus 10 of the present invention for walking training apparatus is illustrated and will be described. In this figure the invention is seen in use held by an adult with the support vest 12 on the infant. The adult holding the left handle 36. The left upper strap 24 being connected to a bell shaped connection distributes the force of restraining a falling infant over the entire torso section and not just from one point.
In FIG. 5, the walking training apparatus 10 of the present invention for walking training apparatus is illustrated and will be described. In this figure the invention is seen in use with the support vest 12 on the infant. The left upper strap 24 and the right upper strap 28 distribute the force of restraining a falling infant over the entire torso section.
In FIG. 6, a new and improved walking training apparatus 10 of the present invention for walking training apparatus having adjustable detachable handles and bell-shaped attachments for the handle strap is illustrated and will be described. More particularly, the walking training apparatus 10 has a support vest 12 having a top end 14, a bottom end 16, a back side 18, a left side 20 and a right side 22. The support vest 12 is adapted to be fitted around the torso of the infant. A left strap 62 is connected to the support vest top end left side at a left bell shaped attachment projection 26. A right strap 64 is connected to the support vest top end right side at a right bell shaped attachment projection 30. A left loop handle 36 is formed by an end of the left strap 62 being double bar tack stitched 66 to the left strap 62. A right loop handle 38 is formed by an end of the right strap 64 being double bar tack stitched 66 to the left strap 64. Double bar tacking allows for greater handle durability and also provides an additional point of attachment should one stitch fail, preventing an infant from falling because of a single stitch failure. Strap clasps 68 are attached at the end of the left and right straps 62 & 64 opposite of the loop handle 36 & 38 ends. The strap clasps 68 are slidably adjustable along the respective left 62 and right straps 64, thereby allowing the length of the straps to be adjusted. The strap clasp ends are passed through buckles 32 and 34 that attach the respective strap to the vest 12. A novel feature of the strap buckles 32 and 34 are that the left buckle 32 is oriented opposite the orientation of the right buckle 34. Although this prevents the left strap 62 from being interchangeable with the right strap 64, it also allows the left projection buckle 70 to interlock with the right projection buckle 72, thereby preventing the buckles from flopping loose when the straps are detached. Interlocking projection buckles have multiple advantages: the buckles do not flop loosely and are less likely to snag and disrupt a crawling or walking infant, and they are also less likely to distract an infant who might place the buckle in his or her mouth. The distance from the projection to the projection buckle, is also minimized in this embodiment in furtherance of these advantages. A vest cushion pad 46 is connected the support vest 12 adjacent to the support vest top end 14. A left handle cushion pad 48 is connected the left handle 36. A right handle cushion pad 50 is connected the right handle 38. A pair of removable shoulder straps 60 are also shown in FIG. 1. The removable shoulder straps 60 are optional, and are removably attached to the support vest 12 by buttons in the current embodiment, but those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that a variety of methods may be employed.
In FIG. 7, the walking training apparatus 10 of the present invention for walking training apparatus is illustrated and will be described. More particularly, the walking training apparatus 10 has the support vest 12 having the top end 14, the bottom end 16, the back side 18, the left side 20 and the right side 22. The support vest 12 is adapted to be fitted around the torso of the infant. The left strap 62 is connected to the support vest top end left side at the left bell shaped attachment projection 26. The right strap 64 is connected to the support vest top end right side at the right bell shaped attachment projection 30. A left vest strap 40 is connected to the support vest left side 20. A left belt loop 56 is connected to the left vest strap 40. A right vest strap 42 is connected to the support vest right side 22. A right belt loop 58 is connected to the right vest strap 42. A support vest buckle 44 is connected to the support vest left side 20 and to the vest right side 22. The vest cushion pad 46 is connected the support vest 12 adjacent to the support vest top end 14. Left 36 and right 38 handles are formed by double bar tacking one end of each strap to its respective strap. The left handle cushion pad 48 is connected the left loop handle 36. The right handle cushion pad 50 is connected the right loop handle 38.
In FIG. 8, the walking training apparatus 10 of the present invention for walking training apparatus is illustrated and will be described. In this figure the invention is seen in use held by an adult with the support vest 12 on the infant. The support vest employs removable shoulder straps 60 in this illustration. The adult holding the left handle 36 and the right handle 38.
In FIG. 9, the walking training apparatus 10 of the present invention for walking training apparatus is illustrated and will be described. In this figure the invention is seen in use held by an adult with the support vest 12 on the infant. The adult can be seen holding the left handle 36. A removable shoulder strap 60 fits around the shoulder of the infant. The left strap 62 being connected to a bell shaped connection distributes the force of restraining a falling infant over the entire torso section and not just from one point.
In FIG. 10, the walking training apparatus 10 of the present invention for walking training apparatus is illustrated and will be described. In this figure the invention is seen in use with the support vest 12 on the infant. The removable shoulder straps 60 prevent the vest from sliding down from the torso towards the waist of the infant. The left strap 62 and the right strap 64 distribute the force of restraining a falling infant over the entire torso section.
In FIG. 11, the walking training apparatus 10 of the present invention for walking training apparatus is illustrated and will be described. In FIG. 11, it can be seen that the left projection buckle 70 can couple with the right projection buckle 72 when the left and right straps are detached from the vest 12. Interlocking projection buckles have multiple advantages: the buckles do not flop loosely and are less likely to snag and disrupt a crawling or walking infant, and they are also less likely to distract an infant who might place the buckle in his or her mouth. The distance from the projection to the projection buckle, is also minimized in this embodiment in furtherance of these advantages.
In FIG. 12, the walking training apparatus 10 of the present invention for walking training apparatus is illustrated and will be described. In FIG. 12, it can be seen that the left strap 62 and the right strap 64 may be detachably removed from the vest 12. An interlocking support vest buckle 44 is connected to the support vest left side 20 and to the vest right side 22. The end of the vest buckle attachment straps are bar tacked to prevent the buckle from sliding off of the adjusting attachment strap and becoming a choking hazard. Additionally, in an exploded view of the handle labeled FIG. 12A, it is illustrated that a double bar stitch 66 is employed to secure an end of a strap to itself to form a handle. A different material is used to form the interior 48 of the handle, resulting in a cushion pad 48. Those skilled in the art will recognize that a contrasting material will provide additional grip without deviating from the spirit and scope of a pad. In an additional exploded view labeled FIG. 12B, the hook and loop fastener 74 used to secure the vest 12 about an infant is detailed. The hook and loop fastener 74 is secured to the vest 12 using a double stitch 76 to increase durability as the vest is repeatedly secured and removed from an infant.
In FIG. 13, a new and improved walking training apparatus 10 of the present invention for walking training apparatus having adjustable detachable handles and bell-shaped attachments for the handle strap is illustrated and will be described. More particularly, the walking training apparatus 10 has a support vest 12 having a top end 14, a bottom end 16, a back side 18, a left side 20 and a right side 22. The support vest 12 is adapted to be fitted around the torso of the infant. A left strap 62 is connected to the support vest top end left side at a left bell shaped attachment projection 26. A right strap 64 is connected to the support vest top end right side at a right bell shaped attachment projection 30. A left loop handle 36 is formed by an end of the left strap 62 being double bar tacked 66 to the left strap 62. A right loop handle 38 is formed by an end of the right strap 64 being double bar tacked 66 to the left strap 64. Double bar tacking allows for greater handle durability and also provides an additional point of attachment should one stitch fail, preventing an infant from falling because of a single stitch failure. Strap clasps 68 are attached at the end of the left and right straps 62 & 64 opposite of the loop handle 36 & 38 ends. The strap clasps 68 are slidably adjustable along the respective left 62 and right straps 64, thereby allowing the length of the straps to be adjusted. The strap clasp ends are passed through buckles 32 and 34 that attach the respective strap to the vest 12. A novel feature of the strap buckles 32 and 34 are that the left buckle 32 is oriented opposite the orientation of the right buckle 34. Although this prevents the left strap 62 from being interchangeable with the right strap 64, it also allows the left projection buckle 70 to interlock with the right projection buckle 72, thereby preventing the buckles from flopping loose when the straps are detached. A vest cushion pad 46 is connected the support vest 12 adjacent to the support vest top end 14. A left handle cushion pad 48 is connected the left handle 36. A right handle cushion pad 50 is connected the right handle 38.
In FIG. 14, a new and improved walking training apparatus 10 of the present invention for walking training apparatus having adjustable detachable handles and bell-shaped attachments for the handle strap is illustrated and will be described. More particularly, the walking training apparatus 10 has a support vest 12 having a top end 14, a bottom end 16, a back side 18, a left side 20 and a right side 22. The support vest 12 is adapted to be fitted around the torso of the infant. A left strap 62 is connected to the support vest top end left side at a left bell shaped attachment projection 26. A right strap 64 is connected to the support vest top end right side at a right bell shaped attachment projection 30. A left loop handle 36 is formed by an end of the left strap 62 being double bar tacked 66 to the left strap 62. A right loop handle 38 is formed by an end of the right strap 64 being double bar tacked 66 to the left strap 64. Double bar tacking allows for greater handle durability and also provides an additional point of attachment should one stitch fail, preventing an infant from falling because of a single stitch failure. Strap clasps 68 are attached at the end of the left and right straps 62 & 64 opposite of the loop handle 36 & 38 ends. The strap clasps 68 are slidably adjustable along the respective left 62 and right straps 64, thereby forming left 52 and right 54 adjustment loops that allow the length of the straps to be adjusted. Note that this is an improvement from the previous embodiment in that attaching the clasps 68 to the end of the loops prevents dangling strap ends. The strap clasp ends are passed through buckles 32 and 34 that attach the respective strap to the vest 12. The right strap 64 is connected to the support vest top end right side at the right bell-shaped attachment projection 30. A left vest strap 40 is connected to the support vest left side 20 at the left bell-shaped attachment projection 26. A left belt loop 56 is connected to the left vest strap 40. A right vest strap 42 is connected to the support vest right side 22. A right belt loop 58 is connected to the right vest strap 42. A support vest buckle 44 is connected to the support vest left side 20 and to the vest right side 22. The vest cushion pad 46 is connected the support vest 12 adjacent to the support vest top end 14. Left 36 and right 38 handles are formed by double bar tacking one end of each strap to its respective strap. The left handle cushion pad 48 is connected the left loop handle 36. The right handle cushion pad 50 is connected the right loop handle 38.
In FIG. 15, the walking training apparatus 10 of the present invention for walking training apparatus is illustrated and will be described. In this figure the invention is seen in use held by an adult with the support vest 12 on the infant. The adult holding the left handle 36 and the right handle 38.
In FIG. 16, the walking training apparatus 10 of the present invention for walking training apparatus is illustrated and will be described. In this figure the invention is seen in use held by an adult with the support vest 12 on the infant. The adult can be seen holding the left handle 36. A removable shoulder strap 60 fits around the shoulder of the infant. The left strap 62 being connected to a bell shaped connection distributes the force of restraining a falling infant over the entire torso section and not just from one point.
In FIG. 17, the walking training apparatus 10 of the present invention for walking training apparatus is illustrated and will be described. In this figure the invention is seen in use with the support vest 12 on the infant. The removable shoulder straps 60 prevent the vest from sliding down from the torso towards the waist of the infant. The left strap 62 and the right strap 64 distribute the force of restraining a falling infant over the entire torso section.
Size and Age Requirements
Minimum: 19″ Chest Circumference (6 months)
Maximum: 26″ Chest Circumference (2 years)
Key Benefits of the Walking Training Apparatus


Baby's:	Parent's and Caregiver's:

Develop a sense of independence	Worry less - baby experiences fewer
Gain self-confidence while	falls
learning to walk	Avoid the back pain associated with
Experience fewer falls and recover	teaching a baby to walk
from falls more easily	Easy to use and take anywhere
Balance more naturally with two	Small and portable product
hands free	Delight in watching your baby take
	their first steps with confidence

In use it can now be seen that, to use the walking training apparatus adjust both handle straps to a comfortable length. With the infant seated, securely fasten the support vest around the upper part of the infant's chest just below the armpits with both the hook and loop and safety buckle. The vest buckle and hook and loop attachments should be positioned at the back with the straps on the top. At the back of the support vest, tighten the adjustable left vest strap and right vest strap to securely fit the infant. Ensure that the support vest fits snuggly, but comfortably around the infant's chest and does not slide more than one quarter inch in any direction. Make any further adjustments to the handle straps to comfortably meet your height. After securely fastening the walking training apparatus on the infant, hold the straps straight above the infant's shoulders. This will support the infant in an upright standing position while taking their first unsteady steps.
While a preferred embodiment of the walking training apparatus has been described in detail, it should be apparent that modifications and variations thereto are possible, all of which fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present embodiment of the invention. For example, any suitable material may be used instead of the washable material described.
Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the embodiment of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the embodiment of the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the embodiment of the invention.

Claims

1. A walking training apparatus comprising:

a support vest, the support vest having a top end, the support vest having a bottom end, the support vest having a back side, the support vest having a left side, the support vest having a right side, the support vest is adapted to be fitted around the torso of an infant, the support vest having a left attachment projection having a left projection buckle attached thereto, the support vest having a right attachment projection with a right projection buckle attached thereto;

a left strap having opposite ends, with a left strap buckle on one said end, said left strap buckle detachably connectable to said left projection buckle; and

a right strap having opposite ends, with a right strap buckle on one said end, said right strap buckle detachably connectable to said right projection buckle.

2. The walking training apparatus of claim 1 wherein said left projection buckle and said right projection buckle are detachably connectable when said left strap and said right strap are removed from said vest.

3. The walking training apparatus of claim 1 further wherein said left strap comprises a left loop handle.

4. The walking training apparatus of claim 3 comprising a left strap loop end opposite said left strap buckle end, said left strap loop end double bar tacked to said left strap to comprise said left loop handle.

5. The walking training apparatus of claim 3 further comprising:

a left handle cushion pad connected the left handle loop.

6. The walking training apparatus of claim 1 wherein said left strap buckle end connects to said left strap buckle and comprises a left strap clasp slidably adjustable on said left strap.

7. The walking training apparatus of claim 1 further wherein said right strap comprises a right loop handle.

8. The walking training apparatus of claim 7 comprising a right strap loop end opposite said right strap buckle end, said right strap loop end double bar tacked to said right strap to comprise said right loop handle.

9. The walking training apparatus of claim 7 further comprising:

a right handle cushion pad connected said right loop handle.

10. The walking training apparatus of claim 1 wherein said right strap buckle end connects to said right strap buckle and comprises a right strap clasp slidably adjustable on said right strap.

11. The walking training apparatus of claim 1 further comprising:

a hook and loop fastener connected to said left vest side and said right vest side to adjustably fit said vest around the torso of an infant.

12. The walking training apparatus of claim 111 wherein said hook and loop fastener is double row stitched to said vest.

13. The walking training apparatus of claim 1 further comprising:

a left vest strap connected to the support vest left side; and

a right vest strap connected to the support vest right side;

wherein said left and right vest straps are adjustably connectable.

14. A walking training apparatus comprising:

a left strap having opposite ends, a left strap buckle and a left strap clasp, said left strap comprising a left loop handle on one said end, said opposite left strap end connected to said left strap buckle and said left strap clasp, said left strap clasp slidably adjustable on said left strap, said left strap buckle detachably connectable to said left projection buckle; and

a right strap having opposite ends, a right strap buckle and a right strap clasp, said left strap comprising a right loop handle on one said end, said opposite right strap end connected to said right strap buckle and said right strap clasp, said right strap clasp slidably adjustable on said right strap, said right strap buckle detachably connectable to said left projection buckle.

15. The walking training apparatus of claim 1 wherein said left projection buckle and said right projection buckle are detachably connectable when said left strap and said right strap are removed from said vest.

16. The walking training apparatus of claim 15 wherein said left and right loop handles are defined by double bar tacking an end of said left and right straps to its respective strap.

17. The walking training apparatus of claim 15 further comprising:

a hook and loop fastener connected to said left vest side and to said right vest side to adjustably fit said vest around the torso of an infant.

18. The walking training apparatus of claim 17 further comprising:

a left vest strap connected to the support vest left side; and

a right vest strap connected to the support vest right side;

wherein said left and right vest straps are adjustably connectable.

19. The walking training apparatus of claim 18 further comprising a pair of shoulder straps connected to said top end of said vest.

20. A walking training apparatus comprising:

a right strap having opposite ends, a right strap buckle and a right strap clasp, said right strap comprising a right loop handle on one said end, said opposite right strap end connected to said right strap buckle and said right strap clasp, said right strap clasp slidably adjustable on said right strap, said right strap buckle detachably connectable to said left projection buckle; and

a hook and loop fastener connected to said left vest side and said right vest side to adjustably fit said vest around the torso of an infant;

a left vest strap connected to the support vest left side, and a right vest strap connected to the support vest right side; wherein said left and right vest straps are adjustably connectable.

wherein said left projection buckle and said right projection buckle are detachably connectable when said left strap and said right strap are removed from said vest.