BABY CARRIER

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a carrier for carrying babies.

[0002] In the following description and claims, "baby" means an individual aged between about 0 and 3 years and weighing less than about 15 kg. By "newborn baby", on the other hand, it is meant an individual aged between 0 and 6 months and weighing less than 5 kg.

[0003] Carriers suitable for carrying babies are known in the art and typically comprise a central bag portion for holding the baby, whereto a belt is attached that is fixed to a user's side. Moreover, a pair of braces wrapped around the user's shoulders and knotted to each other support the central bag portion and allow carrying the baby at the level of the user's abdomen or back. See document DE-A-10 2007 022443.

[0004] While they are functional and ergonomic, the carriers described above are, however, limited to carrying the baby in predetermined positions only. One of these is, for example, the position where the baby is carried face to face with the user: the central carrier portion forms the seat as well as the support for the baby's back while legs are spread hanging close to the body of the person carrying the baby. In such carrying configuration, the baby rests on the user's chest and with the face facing the user's body.

[0005] A further position is obtained using the carrier as a backpack: the bag is arranged at the level of the user's back, allowing carrying the baby with the face facing the user's back. In this case, the newborn baby is held in a sitting position similar to that described in the previous carrying configuration.

[0006] The prior art carriers are therefore limited to predetermined carrying configurations that require placing the baby in a substantially standing position.

[0007] In the light of the above, there is the need of having a carrier that allows carrying a baby also in other positions besides the standing one, ensuring comfort to both the baby and the user and that, at the same time, ensures a safe carrying of the baby.

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide a carrier having such functional features as to meet the above needs while solving the disadvantages mentioned above with reference to the prior art.

[0009] Such object is achieved with a carrier for carrying babies according to claim 1.

[0010] Further features and advantages of the carrier according to the present invention will appear more clearly from the following description of a preferred embodiment thereof, given by way of a non-limiting example with reference to the annexed figures, wherein:

• figure 1 shows a perspective view of the carrier according to the present invention;
• figure 2 shows a perspective view of a baby in a "frog-like" carrying position in the carrier of figure 1;
• figure 3 shows a perspective view of a newborn baby in a "cradle-like" carrying position in the carrier of figure 1;
• figure 4 shows a perspective view of a baby in a "backpack-like" carrying position in the carrier of figure 1. ,

[0011] With reference to the annexed figures, reference numeral 100 globally designates a carrier for carrying a baby according to the present invention.

[0012] Carrier 100 comprises a central portion 1 which extends between a top end 1 a and a bottom end 1b along a predetermined longitudinal direction Y-Y and relative whereto opposite sides 1c, I d are determined.

[0013] It is worth noting that the central portion 1 may be formed starting from a single fabric portion that is shaped in order to impart a substantially rectangular shape to such central portion 1. It should be noted, however, that according to possible alternative embodiments, the central portion 1 may be formed by the combination of different panels of same or different materials.

[0014] Preferably, the central portion 1 extends between the top end 1a and the bottom end 1 b by a length comprised between 45 cm and 75 cm.

[0015] Preferably, the central portion 1 exhibits a width comprised between 32 cm and 45 cm.

[0016] Carrier 100 is provided with a belt 10 attached in substantial matching with the bottom end 1b of the central portion 1. The attachment between the belt 10 and the central portion 1 may be obtained by stitching or, for example, by connecting means like buttons, or clips, Velcro and/or equivalent connecting means.

[0017] Preferably, belt 10 exhibits a length comprised between 110 cm and 130 cm.

[0018] In an embodiment, belt 10 comprises two band portions 11, 12 projecting laterally from sides 1c, 1d of the central portion 1 according to an orthogonal direction X-X substantially perpendicular to the above longitudinal direction Y-Y. In the example, the band portions 11, 12 are positioned at the bottom end 1b of the central portion 1 and are attached to such portion, for example by stitching. At the free ends 11a, 11b of the two band portion 11, 12 there are provided Velcro closing means 15 capable of ensuring a suitable removable connection between the free ends 11a, 11b of the two band portions 11, 12 in order to surround a user's side. In an alternative embodiment, the closing means 15 may be of a different type suitable in any case for the purpose of removably attaching the band portions 11, 12 to one another.

[0019] Preferably, each band portion belt (11, 12) exhibits a length comprised between 40 cm and 50 cm.

[0020] As shown in figure 1, carrier 100 comprises a first brace 21 and a second brace 22 attached to the central portion 1 in a substantially intermediate position between the top end 1 a and the bottom end 1 b of the central portion 1.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the first brace 21 and the second brace 22 are attached to the central portion 1 so as to be closer to the top end 1a and to the bottom end 1b.

[0022] According to an embodiment, braces 21, 22 laterally project from sides 1c, 1d of the central portion 1 according to an orthogonal direction X-X substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction Y-Y. In particular, with reference to an observer's point of view, positioned frontally relative to carrier 100, brace 21 projects laterally from the right side 1 of the central portion 1 whereas brace 22 projects laterally from the left side I d of the central portion 1.

[0023] Advantageously, braces 21, 22 exhibit a sufficient length for wrapping around a user's shoulders, crossing "X-wise" at the user's back and surrounding the central portion 1 at the bottom end 1 b thereof.

[0024] Preferably, each brace 21, 22 exhibits a length comprised between 150 cm and 170 cm.

[0025] Advantageously, the free ends of braces 21, 22 are suitable for removably knotting reciprocally at the user's abdomen. In this way, as shown in the annexed figures, besides evenly distributing the baby's weight on the user's back, braces 21, 22 have a support function for the same baby at the knot made with the free ends of braces 21, 22.

[0026] In the embodiment of figure 2, the free ends of braces 21, 22 are suitable for removably knotting reciprocally at the user's back, preferably right above the user's buttocks.

[0027] According to the preferred embodiment, braces 21, 22 project from sides 1c, 1d of the central portion 1 according to a crosswise direction relative to the orthogonal direction X-X.

[0028] Preferably, each brace 21, 22 extends forming an angle comprised between 30° and 60° relative to the orthogonal direction X-X, more preferably comprised between 40° and 50°. Such crosswise inclination of braces 21, 22 advantageously allows obtaining said "X-wise" crossing at the user's back in a simple and quick manner.

[0029] Carrier 100 comprises a first buttonhole 41 and a second buttonhole 42 positioned in substantial matching with side 1c and respectively, side 1d of the central portion 1. In particular, the first buttonhole 41 is positioned at the left side 1c of the central portion 1 while the second buttonhole 42 is positioned at the right side 1d of the central portion 1.

[0030] As shown in figure 1, each buttonhole 41, 42 is positioned between the respective brace 21, 22 and belt 10.

[0031] In an embodiment, buttonholes 41, 42 are attached to sides 1c, 1d in a closer position to braces 21, 22 relative to the bottom end 1b of the central portion 1.

[0032] Advantageously, the first buttonhole 41 and the second buttonhole 42 determine respective loops for the second brace 22 and the first brace 21. In fact, once braces 21, 22 have been crossed "X-wise" at the user's back in the manner described above, the free ends of the first brace 21 and of the second brace 22 are respectively inserted to the second buttonhole 42 and in the first buttonhole 41, to obtain a steady coupling between the central portion 1 and braces 21, 22. Buttonholes 41, 42 therefore form an important support constraint for sides 1c, 1d of the central portion 1 given by the passage of braces 21, 22 on buttonholes 41, 42 allowing a totally safe carrying of a baby in a so-called "cradle" position (as shown in figure 3), that is, lying crosswise relative to the user's chest, thanks to the reduction of open space naturally present at sides 1c, 1d of the central portion 1. In this way, the baby is prevented from slipping laterally out of the central portion 1.

[0033] The safe carrying of the baby is further ensured when the same is lying in carrier 100 in the so-called "frog-like" position, resting chest against the user's chest and with the legs huddled up in the central portion 1 (as shown in figure 2).

[0034] Thanks to the support constraint provided by buttonholes 41, 42, in both carrying configurations "cradle-like" and "frog-like", the baby is therefore positioned in a safe and at the same time, comfortable manner.

[0035] As shown in figure 1, carrier 100 comprises a lapel 2 that projects from the top end of the central portion 1. Lapel 2 extends between a top end 2a and a bottom end 2b along a predetermined longitudinal direction Y-Y coincident with the top end 1a of the central portion 1.

[0036] In one embodiment, lapel 2 is a part of the central portion 1. As an alternative, lapel 2 may be a separate portion attached to the central portion 1, for example, by stitching, hooks, buttons, clips, Velcro and/or equivalent connecting means.

[0037] Lapel 2 comprises a first belt and a second belt 32 attached at the top end 2a of lapel 2. Preferably, belts 31, 32 are attached to lapel 2 at the vertices thereof and project from the top end 2a of lapel 2 along the longitudinal direction Y-Y.

[0038] Advantageously, belts 31, 32 comprise coupling means 33 for respectively attaching the first belt 31 to the first brace 21 and the second belt 32 to the second brace 22. In this way it is possible to attach belts 31, 32 to braces 21, 22 so as to keep lapel 2 standing in a suitable position for supporting the baby's head, in particular in the so-called "cradle" position. Lapel 2 further allows protecting the baby's head from cold and/or wind.

[0039] In one version, belts 31, 32 may at least partly be elastic.

[0040] In one version, lapel 2 comprises a pair of at least two belts 31, 32 attached to each vertex of lapel 2. For example, it is possible to provide two belts 31 attached to a free end of lapel 2, and two belts 32 attached to an opposite end relative to the free end of lapel 2. In this way it is possible to attach the pair of belts 31 and the pair of belts 32 respectively to braces 21, 22 knotting each pair of belts 31, 32 to one another.

[0041] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, carrier 100 comprises a first band 51 and a second band 52 connected to belt 10 at sides 1c, 1d of the central portion 1. In particular, the free ends of bands 1, 52 are suitable for knotting to one another for reciprocally constraining in a removable manner.

[0042] Bands 51, 52 are therefore suitable for surrounding belt 10 and knotting thereon. Actually, bands 51, 52 put belt 10 in safety, allowing the bottom end 1b of the central portion 1 to remain next to the user's side, should the knot of the latter accidentally unfasten.

[0043] As it can be understood from the description, carrier 100 according to the present invention allows meeting the needs and overcoming the drawbacks mentioned in the introductory part of the present description with reference to the prior art.

[0044] In particular, carrier 100 allows carrying both a baby and a newborn baby in different positions. Moreover, thanks to the presence of buttonholes 41, 42 the central portion 1 can be used for carrying a newborn baby in the "cradle-like", "frog-like" and "backpack" positions in a totally safe manner.

[0045] Thanks to braces 21, 22 arranged crosswise, carrying the baby is also comfortable to the user because in such configuration, the braces perfectly adhere to the body distributing the weight along all the trunk without weighing on the user's back.

[0046] Of course, a man skilled in the art may make several changes and variations to the carrier according to the invention in order to meet specific and incidental needs, all falling within the scope of protection defined in the following claims.

Claims

1. Carrier (100) for carrying babies, comprising:

- a central portion (1) extended along a predetermined longitudinal direction (Y-Y) between a top end (1a) and a bottom end (1b) and provided with opposite sides (1c, 1d),

- a belt (10) attached in substantial matching with the bottom end (1b) of said central portion (1) and projecting laterally from the sides (1c, 1d) of said central portion (1) for surrounding a user's side,

- a first brace (21) and a second brace (22) attached to said central portion (1) in a substantially intermediate position between said top end (1a) and said bottom end (1b) of said central portion (1), said braces (21,22) projecting laterally from the sides (1c, 1d) of said central portion (1) and exhibiting a sufficient length for wrapping around said user's shoulders, crossing "X-wise" at said user's back and surrounding said central portion (1) at said bottom end (1b), the free ends of said braces (21, 22) being suitable for removably constraining at said user's abdomen in superimposition to said belt (10),

- a first buttonhole (41) and a second buttonhole (42) respectively connected to each of said sides (1c, 1d) of the central portion (1) and positioned between said braces (21, 22) and said belt (10), said first (41) and second buttonhole (42) determining respective loops for said second (22) and first brace (21) in order to obtain a steady coupling between the sides (1c, 1d) of said central portion (1) and said braces (21, 22).

2. Carrier (100) according to claim 1, wherein said central body (1) comprises a lapel (2) projecting from the top end (1a) of said central portion (1), said lapel (2) comprising a first belt (31) and a second belt (32) attached to the top end (2a) of said lapel (2) and projecting at the top from said lapel (2), said belts (31, 32) comprising coupling means (33) for connecting said first (31) and second belt (32) respectively to said first (21) and second brace (22).

3. Carrier (100) according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a first band (51) and a second band (52) connected to said belt (10) respectively at the sides (1c, 1d) of said portion (1) for surrounding said belt (10) in superimposition, the free ends of said bands (51, 52) being suitable for being removably connected for steadily constraining to one another.

4. Carrier (100) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the free ends (11a, 11b) of said belt (10) laterally project from said central portion (1) along an orthogonal direction (X-X) substantially perpendicular to said longitudinal direction (Y-Y), said belt (10) having a length comprised between 110 cm and 130 cm.

5. Carrier (100) according to claim 4, wherein at the free ends (11a, 11b) of said belt (10) it comprises Velcro closing means (15).

6. Carrier (100) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein said central portion (1) extends between said top and bottom ends (1a, 1b) by a length comprised between 45 cm and 75 cm and exhibits a width comprised between 32 cm and 45 cm, said central portion (1) exhibiting a substantially rectangular shape.

7. Carrier (100) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein said braces (21, 22) project from the sides (1c, 1d) of said central body (1) along a crosswise direction (X'-X') relative to said orthogonal direction (X-X).

8. Carrier (100) according to claim 7, wherein each of said braces (21, 22) extends forming an angle of about 45° relative to said orthogonal direction (X-X).

9. Carrier (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8. wherein each of said braces (21, 22) exhibits a length comprised between 150 cm and 170 cm.

Ansprüche

1. Tragehilfe (100) zum Tragen von Babys, umfassend:

- einen mittleren Abschnitt (1), der sich entlang einer vorbestimmten Längsrichtung (Y-Y) zwischen einem oberen Ende (1a) und einem unteren Ende (1b) erstreckt und der mit gegenüberliegenden Seiten (1 c, 1 d) versehen ist,

- einen Gurt (10), der so befestigt ist, daß er im wesentlichen mit dem unteren Ende (1b) des mittleren Abschnittes (1) übereinstimmt, und der seitlich von den Seiten (1c, 1d) des mittleren Abschnittes (1) hervorsteht, um eine Seite des Trägers zu umgeben,

- einen ersten Tragriemen (21) und einen zweiten Tragriemen (22), die an dem mittleren Abschnitt (1) an einer im wesentlichen mittleren Position zwischen dem oberen Ende (1a) und dem unteren Ende (1 b) des mittleren Abschnittes (1) befestigt sind, wobei die Tragriemen (21, 22) seitlich von den Seiten (1c, 1d) des mittleren Abschnittes (1) hervorstehen und eine ausreichende Länge zum Herumwickeln um die Schultern des Trägers aufweisen, wobei sie sich "x-artig" am Rücken des Trägers kreuzen und den mittleren Abschnitt (1) an dem unteren Ende (1 b) umgeben, wobei die freien Enden der Tragriemen (21, 22) dazu geeignet sind, am Bauch des Trägers in Überlagerung mit dem Gurt (10) lösbar festgelegt zu werden,

- ein erstes Knopfloch (41) und ein zweites Knopfloch (42), die jeweils mit der Seite (1c, 1d) des mittleren Abschnittes (1) verbunden sind und die zwischen den Tragriemen (21, 22) und dem Gurt (10) angeordnet sind, wobei das erste (41) und das zweite Knopfloch (42) entsprechende Schlaufen für die zweiten (22) und ersten Tragriemen (21) festlegen, um eine zuverlässige Kopplung zwischen den Seiten (1c, 1d) des mittleren Abschnittes (1) und den Tragriemen (21, 22) zu erreichen.

2. Tragehilfe (100) nach Anspruch 1, wobei der mittlere Körper (1) einen Aufschlag (2) umfaßt, der von dem oberen Ende (1a) des mittleren Abschnittes (1) hervorsteht, wobei der Aufschlag (2) einen ersten Gurt (31) und einen zweiten Gurt (32) umfaßt, die an dem oberen Ende (2a) des Aufschlages (2) befestigt sind und die an dem oberen Ende von dem Aufschlag (2) hervorstehen, wobei die Gurte (31, 32) Kopplungsmittel (33) zum Verbinden des ersten (31) und des zweiten Gurtes (32) mit dem ersten (21) bzw. dem zweiten Tragriemen (22) umfassen.

3. Tragehilfe (100) nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, umfassend ein erstes Band (51) und ein zweites Band (52), die mit dem Gurt (10) jeweils an den Seiten (1c, 1d) des Abschnittes (1) zum Umgeben des Gurtes (10) in Überlagerung verbunden sind, wobei die freien Enden der Bänder (51, 52) dazu geeignet sind, lösbar miteinander verbunden zu sein, um sich zuverlässig gegenseitig festzulegen.

4. Tragehilfe (100) nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die freien Enden (11a, 11 b) des Gurtes (10) seitlich von dem mittleren Abschnitt (1) entlang einer orthogonalen Richtung (X-X) hervorstehen, die im wesentlichen senkrecht zu der Längsrichtung (Y-Y) ist, wobei der Gurt (10) eine Länge aufweist, die zwischen 110 cm und 130 cm beträgt.

5. Tragehilfe (100) nach Anspruch 4, wobei sie an den freien Enden (11a, 11 b) des Gurtes (10) Klettverschlußmittel (15) umfaßt.

6. Tragehilfe (100) nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei sich der mittlere Abschnitt (1) zwischen den oberen und unteren Enden (1a, 1 b) um eine Länge erstreckt, die zwischen 45 cm und 75 cm beträgt und eine Breite aufweist, die zwischen 32 cm und 45 cm beträgt, wobei der mittlere Abschnitt (1) eine im wesentlichen rechteckige Form aufweist.

7. Tragehilfe (100) nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Tragriemen (21, 22) von den Seiten (1c, 1d) des mittleren Körpers (1) entlang einer Querrichtung (X'-X') bezüglich der orthogonalen Richtung (X-X) hervorstehen.

8. Tragehilfe (100) nach Anspruch 7, wobei jeder der Tragriemen (21, 22) sich so erstreckt, daß er einen Winkel von ungefähr 45° bezüglich der orthogonalen Richtung (X-X) bildet.

9. Tragehilfe (100) nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 8, wobei jeder der Tragriemen (21, 22) eine Länge aufweist, die zwischen 150 cm und 170 cm beträgt.

Revendications

1. Aide au portage (100) pour porter les bébés, comprenant:

- une portion centrale (1) qui s'étend suivant une direction longitudinale (Y-Y) prédéterminée entre une extrémité supérieure (1a) et une extrémité inférieure (1 b) et qui est pourvue de côtés opposés (1 c, 1 d),

- une sangle (10) qui est attachée de manière à s'ajuster pour l'essentiel sur l'extrémité inférieure (1 b) de ladite portion centrale (1) et qui fait saillie latéralement des côtés (1c, 1d) de la portion centrale (1) afin d'entourer un côté du porteur,

- une première bretelle (21) et une deuxième bretelle (22) qui sont attachées à ladite portion centrale (1) en une position pour l'essentiel intermédiaire entre ladite extrémité supérieure (1a) et ladite extrémité inférieure (1 b) de la portion centrale (1), lesdites bretelles (21, 22) faisant saillie latéralement des côtés (1 c, 1 d) de ladite portion centrale (1) et présentant une longueur suffisante pour passer autour des épaules du porteur, se croisant "à la manière d'un X" sur le dos du porteur et entourant la portion centrale (1) à l'extrémité inférieure (1 b), les extrémités libres des bretelles (21, 22) étant aptes à être immobilisées d'une manière amovible sur l'abdomen du porteur en superposition à ladite sangle (10),

- une première boutonnière (41) et une deuxième boutonnière (42) qui sont reliées respectivement au côté (1c, 1d) de ladite portion centrale (1) et qui sont positionnées entre lesdites bretelles (21, 22) et ladite sangle (10), lesdites première (41) et deuxième (42) boutonnières déterminant des boucles respectives pour lesdites deuxième (22) et première (21) bretelles afin d'obtenir un couplage fiable entre les côtés (1c, 1 d) de la portion centrale (1) et lesdites bretelles (21, 22).

2. Aide au portage (100) selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle le corps central (1) comprend un revers (2) qui fait saillie de ladite extrémité supérieure (1a) de la portion centrale (1), ledit revers (2) comprenant une première sangle (31) et une deuxième sangle (32) qui sont attachées à l'extrémité supérieure (2a) du revers (2) et qui font saillie à l'extrémité supérieure à partir dudit revers (2), lesdites sangles (31, 32) comprenant des moyens de couplage (33) pour relier lesdites première (31) et deuxième (32) sangles à la première bretelle (21) et à la deuxième bretelle (22) respectivement.

3. Aide au portage (100) selon la revendication 1 ou 2, comprenant une première bande (51) et une deuxième bande (52) qui sont reliées à ladite sangle (10) respectivement sur les côtés (1c, 1d) de ladite portion (1) pour entourer la sangle (10) en superposition, les extrémités libres desdites bandes (51, 52) étant aptes à être reliées entre elles de manière amovible pour être immobilisées réciproquement d'une manière fiable.

4. Aide au portage (100) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle les extrémités libres (11a, 11 b) de la sangle (10) font saillie latéralement de ladite portion centrale (1) suivant une direction orthogonale (X-X) qui est pour l'essentiel perpendiculaire à la direction longitudinale (Y-Y), ladite sangle (10) présentant une longueur comprise entre 110 cm et 130 cm.

5. Aide au portage (100) selon la revendication 4, comprenant des moyens de fermeture Velcro (15) aux extrémités libres (11 a, 11b) de la sangle (10).

6. Aide au portage (100) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle ladite portion centrale (1) s'étend entre les extrémités supérieure et inférieure (1a, 1 b) sur une longueur comprise entre 45 cm et 75 cm et présente une largeur comprise entre 32 cm et 45 cm, ladite portion centrale (1) ayant une forme pour l'essentiel rectangulaire.

7. Aide au portage (100) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle lesdites bretelles (21, 22) font saillie des côtés (1 c, 1d) du corps central (1) suivant une direction transversale (X'-X') par rapport à la direction orthogonale (X-X).

8. Aide au portage (100) selon la revendication 7, dans laquelle chacune des bretelles (21, 22) s'étend de manière à former un angle de 45° à peu près par rapport à la direction orthogonale (X-X).

9. Aide au portage (100) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 8, dans laquelle chacune des bretelles (21, 22) présente une longueur comprise entre 150 cm et 170 cm.

Drawing