Child's toy rodeo simulation device

Abstract

The present invention features a child's toy rodeo simulation device comprising means for removably engaging the torso of a user (or animal) intending to provide simulated rodeo play to a child mounted on the back of the user; and grasping means securely attached to the means for engaging, wherein the grasping means is attached at a substantially central dorsal position along the back of the user, and wherein the grasping means gives the child something to grasp and hold onto for support and stability during the simulated rodeo activities. In one exemplary embodiment, means for removably engaging comprises an adjustable torso strap that engages the torso of the user and grasping means comprises a handle having passive, non-restraining characteristics. The present invention further features a method for allowing a user to participate in more comfortable and natural simulated rodeo play with a child.

What is claimed and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:  
     
         1 . A child's toy rodeo simulation device comprising: 
 means for removably engaging the torso of a user intending to provide simulated rodeo play to a child mounted on the back of said user; and    grasping means securely attached to said means for engaging at a substantially central dorsal position along the back of said user, said grasping means providing means for support and stability to a child during simulated rodeo play.    
     
     
         2 . The child's toy rodeo simulation device of  claim 1 , wherein said means for removably engaging comprises: 
 an adjustable torso strap that engages said torso, said torso strap having an elongated primary segment and first and second ends extending in opposing directions from said elongated primary segment that wrap around said torso; and    means for attaching said first and second ends of said torso strap together.    
     
     
         3 . The child's toy rodeo simulation device of  claim 2 , wherein said means for attaching is selected from the group consisting of a buckle, buckle means, a hook and loop fastening system, dual locking slide release, ring fasteners, snaps, and any others capable of securing said first and second ends of said torso strap together.  
     
     
         4 . The child's toy rodeo simulation device of  claim 1 , further comprising first and second shoulder straps for engaging a first and second shoulder of said user, respectively, and for providing added support for said device, said first and second shoulder straps coupled to said means for engaging.  
     
     
         5 . The child's toy rodeo simulation device of  claim 4 , wherein said first and second shoulder straps are removably coupled to said means for engaging.  
     
     
         6 . The child's toy rodeo simulation device of  claim 1 , wherein said means for engaging comprises padding for added comfort.  
     
     
         7 . The child's toy rodeo simulation device of  claim 1 , wherein said grasping means is passive and non-restraining when grasped by said child, thus allowing said child to let go of and be easily released from said grasping means.  
     
     
         8 . The child's toy rodeo simulation device of  claim 1 , wherein said grasping means is a handle having first and second ends attached to said means for engaging, said handle attached in a dorsal position along said means for engaging.  
     
     
         9 . The child's toy rodeo simulation device of  claim 8 , wherein said handle attaches at a first and second end to said means for engaging, said handle comprising a raised portion that provides quick and easy grasping and releasing by a child.  
     
     
         10 . The child's toy rodeo simulation device of  claim 1 , wherein said grasping means is a saddle horn securely attached to said means for engaging.  
     
     
         11 . The child's toy rodeo simulation device of  claim 1 , wherein said grasping means is slidably attached to said means for engaging to allow said handle to be adjustable and positioned as needed.  
     
     
         12 . The child's toy rodeo simulation device of  claim 1 , wherein said grasping means is comprised of first and second grasping means, each positioned at an equidistant from a central dorsal point along said means for engaging.  
     
     
         13 . The child's toy rodeo simulation device of  claim 1 , wherein said means for engaging comprises a saddle-type device having a primary support body, a seat, and at least one torso strap for strapping said saddle-type device to the back of said user.  
     
     
         14 . A child's toy rodeo simulation device comprising: 
 an adjustable torso strap having a primary elongated segment and first and second ends extending in opposing directions from said elongated segment;    means for fastening first and second ends together and for attaching said torso strap to the torso of a user;    a handle securely attached to said primary elongated segment of said torso strap at a central dorsal position.    
     
     
         15 . The child's toy rodeo simulation device of  claim 14 , further comprising first and second shoulder straps removably attached to said torso strap, said first and second shoulder straps engaging first and second shoulders of a user, respectively.  
     
     
         16 . A method for providing rodeo play for a child, said method comprising the steps of: 
 obtaining a child's toy rodeo simulation device having grasping means attached thereto;    fastening, in a removably secure manner, said child's toy rodeo simulation device to the torso of a user intending to provide simulated rodeo play for a child;    positioning said grasping means in a central dorsal position along said user;    causing said user to assume a position on both hands and knees;    allowing a child to mount the back of said user;    grasping, by said child, said grasping means; and    simulating moves similar to those found in a rodeo while said child sits atop the back of said user and holds on to said grasping means.    
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , further comprising the step of removably coupling first and second shoulder straps to said child's toy rodeo simulation device to engage first and second shoulders of said user, respectively.  
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein said child's toy rodeo simulation device comprises: 
 an adjustable torso strap that engages said torso, said torso strap having an elongated primary segment and first and second ends extending in opposing directions from said elongated primary segment that wrap around said torso; and    means for attaching said first and second ends of said torso strap together.    
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein said child's toy rodeo simulation device further comprises first and second shoulder straps for engaging first and second shoulders of said user, respectively.  
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein said steps are repeated if said child is incidentally dismounted from said back of said user.