Universal Child Travel Sling and Methods of Use

Abstract

A flexible sling device utilizing straps to attach the sling on top of an article of luggage, such as a rolling suitcase. The device attaches to the base of the suitcase handle and the child sits on top of the suitcase with their legs around the handle. The sling wraps around their bottom and back and a strap runs around the back of the sling to the suitcase handle. The tension from the child will help to maintain the sling and the child relative to the top of the suitcase. The straps use buckles with adjustable straps that can be adjusted in length as the child grows. The sling can be transformed into a wearable string by connecting additional straps to form shoulder straps which allow a child to be carried on the front or the back of the caretaker wearing the sling.

1 . A universal child sling system comprising:
 a sling assembly comprising a sling body having a first, upper strap and a second, lower strap;   said first, upper strap comprising a first buckle;   said second, lower strap comprising a second buckle;   wherein said sling assembly is configured to be placed into a first orientation deployed atop a piece of luggage such that said first and second straps are secured about a suitcase handle via said first and second buckles, such that said sling body forms a seat portion and a seat back portion; and   wherein a child can be secured within said sling assembly atop said piece of luggage such that said child can be transported via said piece of luggage.   
     
     
         2 . The universal child sling system of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 said sling body comprising an integrated pocket;   said integrated pocket being capable of receiving said sling body within said integrated pocket such that said entire sling body is converted to a second, stored orientation completely within said integrated pocket; and   wherein said sling body can be transported within said integrated pocket.   
     
     
         3 . The universal child sling system of  claim 2 , wherein said integrated pocket is selectively closeable via a zipper. 
     
     
         4 . The universal child sling system of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one seatbelt loop affixed to said sling body. 
     
     
         5 . The universal child sling system of  claim 1 , further comprising two pairs of infant leg loop closures configured for securing said child's legs therein. 
     
     
         6 . The universal child sling system of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a third strap comprising a third buckle;   a fourth strap comprising a fourth buckle;   said third strap configured to be looped around said first strap and said suitcase handle; and   said fourth strap configured to be looped around said third strap, thereby forming a handle loop.   
     
     
         7 . The universal child sling system of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a third strap comprising a third buckle;   a fourth strap comprising a fourth buckle;   said third and fourth straps configured to be oriented into a crisscross orientation such that said third and fourth buckles are connected to said first and second buckles, thereby transforming said sling assembly into a wearable sling.   
     
     
         8 . The universal child sling system of  claim 7 , wherein said wearable sling comprises a front-worn sling configured for carrying said child. 
     
     
         9 . The universal child sling system of  claim 7 , wherein said wearable sling comprises a rear-worn sling configured for carrying said child. 
     
     
         10 . The universal child sling system of  claim 1 , wherein a bottom edge of said sling body comprises a U-shape configured for fitting around said luggage handle.