Child carrier

Abstract

Embodiments of a child carrier for carrying a child in a standing position on the back of the wearer are disclosed. According to various embodiments, the child carrier can comprise a rigid or substantially rigid frame, and a rigid or substantially rigid platform, configured for a person to stand upon, extending outwardly from a lower region of the frame.

1 . A child carrier, wearable on a user's back, comprising:
 an elongate substantially rigid frame, including first and second lateral sides, an upper region, and a lower region;   first and second shoulder straps extending from said frame;   a waist belt extending from said frame adapted for dispersing weight about a user; and,   a generally planar, substantially rigid platform, configured for a child to stand upon, extending outwardly from said lower region of said frame; and,   wherein, upon moving the child carrier toward the ground, said platform can be positioned generally parallel and juxtaposed thereto such that a child can readily step upon or off of it.   
     
     
         2 . The carrier of  claim 1 , wherein said frame and said platform, together, generally form an “L” shape. 
     
     
         3 . The carrier of  claim 1 , wherein said platform is rigidly attached at said lower region of said frame. 
     
     
         4 . The carrier of  claim 1 , wherein said platform is pivotally attached at said lower region of said frame. 
     
     
         5 . The carrier of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one strap configured to extend across and retain a child while standing on the platform. 
     
     
         6 . The carrier of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one hand hold along said upper region of said frame. 
     
     
         7 . The carrier of  claim 1 , wherein said frame is, at least in part, tubular. 
     
     
         8 . The carrier of  claim 1 , wherein said first and second shoulder straps are connected at said first and second lateral sides of said frame, respectively. 
     
     
         9 . The carrier of  claim 1 , wherein said platform comprises a slip-resistant upper surface. 
     
     
         10 . A kit for converting a substantially rigid, external-frame backpack into a child carrier, comprising:
 a platform;   one or more pieces of mounting hardware; and   instructions for mounting the platform to a shelf portion of the external-frame backpack.   
     
     
         11 . The kit of  claim 10 , wherein said platform comprises one or more holes pre-formed therein to receive said one or more pieces of mounting hardware. 
     
     
         12 . The kit of  claim 10 , further comprising one or more tools configured for manipulating said one or more pieces of mounting hardware. 
     
     
         13 . The kit of  claim 10 , further comprising a spacer member for adjusting the height of the platform. 
     
     
         14 . The kit of  claim 10 , further comprising anti-slip means for the platform. 
     
     
         15 . The kit of  claim 10 , further comprising a belt or harness assembly for retaining a child when standing on the platform. 
     
     
         16 . A method for carrying a small person, comprising:
 providing a carrier comprising a substantially rigid frame, and a substantially rigid platform configured for a person to stand upon extending outwardly from a lower region of said frame;   strapping the carrier onto one's back;   moving the carrier toward the ground, such that said platform becomes positioned generally parallel and juxtaposed thereto;   permitting said person to step onto said platform, while juxtaposed to the ground, and to stand upon it;   moving the carrier away from the ground, with said person standing on said platform; and,   walking, with said person standing on said platform.   
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein, while walking, an uppermost region of the frame is lower than a user's eye level. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 16 , further comprising pivoting the platform from a folded position to a position generally normal to the frame. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein said step of moving the carrier toward the ground comprises kneeling or squatting. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein said step of moving the carrier away from the ground comprises standing up.