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(11) | EP 3 216 372 A1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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| (54) | BABY CARRIER |
| (57) The present invention relates to a baby carrier (1) comprising two shoulder straps,
which are crossed and attached together at respective intermediate portions (2c, 3c),
a load-bearing body (4) made of a textile material and quick connect/disconnect members
(5, 6, 7, 8) for removably fastening the shoulder straps (2, 3) and the loadbearing
body (4) together.
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FIELD OF THE INVENTION
Discussion of the related art
[0003] A known baby carrier has a pair of shoulder straps that allow an adult to wear the baby carrier on his/her shoulders like a backpack. The baby carrier comprises a load-bearing body, which is designed to be attached to the shoulder straps and is adapted to support the body of a baby. The load-bearing body of the baby carrier is connected to the shoulder straps in such a manner as to define a bag having two openings for the legs in the seat portion, and one or more openings in the upper portion, from which the heads and arms of the baby extend.
[0004] The upper portion of the load-bearing body may be disconnected from the shoulder straps such that the load-bearing body may be opened for the baby to be introduced into the baby carrier or removed therefrom.
Prior art problem
[0005] In the prior art, the user is required to connect the shoulder straps to the load-bearing body to wear the baby carrier, e.g. with the shoulder straps on his/her shoulders and back and the load-bearing body on his/her belly. Likewise, when the baby carrier has to be removed, the user has to disconnect the previously connected parts. Therefore, prior art baby carriers are poorly convenient and practical to wear and remove for those who use them.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a baby carrier that can obviate the drawbacks of the prior art.
[0007] A further object of the invention is to provide a baby carrier that can be more easily and practically used.
[0008] The aforementioned technical purpose and objects are substantially fulfilled by a baby carrier that comprises the technical features as disclosed in one or more of the accompanying claims.
Advantages of the invention
[0010] One embodiment can provide a baby carrier that can increase comfort for both the adult wearer and the baby.
[0011] One embodiment can provide a baby carrier that affords easier introduction and removal of the baby into and from the load-bearing body.
[0012] One embodiment can provide a baby carrier that can increase baby safety both when the baby is introduced into the load-bearing body of the baby carrier and when he/she is removed from the load-bearing body.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The characteristics and advantages of the present disclosure will appear from the following detailed description of a possible practical embodiment, illustrated as a nonlimiting example in the set of drawings, in which:
- Figure 1 shows a baby carrier of the present invention in an operating configuration;
- Figure 2 shows the baby carrier of Figure 1 in a different operating configuration.
[0014] The baby carrier as shown in the accompanying figures shall be deemed to be schematically illustrated, not necessarily drawn to scale, and not necessarily representing the actual proportions of its parts.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] Even when this is not expressly stated, the individual features as described with reference to the particular embodiments shall be intended as auxiliary to and/or interchangeable with other features described with reference to other exemplary embodiments.
[0016] The present invention relates to a baby carrier 1. The baby carrier 1 comprises a first shoulder strap 2 that longitudinally extends between a first end 2a and a second end 2b. The baby carrier 1 also comprises a second shoulder strap 3 that longitudinally extends between a first end 3a and a second end 3b. The first shoulder strap 2 comprises an intermediate portion 2c between the first end 2a and the second end 2b. Likewise, the second shoulder strap 3 comprises an intermediate portion 3c between the first end 3a and the second end 3b.
[0017] Preferably, the first shoulder strap 2 and the second shoulder strap 3 are made of a textile material, of natural or synthetic origin. The first shoulder strap 2 and the second shoulder strap 3 are crossed and attached together at respective intermediate portions 2c, 3c between the first ends 2a, 3a and the second ends 2b, 3b. Preferably, the first 2 and second 3 shoulder straps overlap, and are attached together and crossed at their respective intermediate portions 2c, 2c.
[0018] According to a preferred embodiment, the baby carrier 1 comprises a three-way fastener 9 for holding the first shoulder strap 2 and the second shoulder strap 3 in mutually crossed and attached relationship at their intermediate portions 2c, 3c for the first shoulder strap 2 and the second shoulder strap 3 to be able to slide relative to each other. Preferably, the three-way fastener 9, as shown in the annexed figures, comprises a flat triangular element. More preferably, the three-way fastener 9 is made of plastic or metal. The three guideways are formed at the three sides of the three-way fastener 9, and each comprises a through slot for the shoulder straps 2, 3 to slide in therethrough. The particular configuration of the three-way fastener allows the two shoulder straps 2, 3 to be held in crossed and overlapped relationship, and further allows the fastener to move along the shoulder straps 2, 3. Thus, the two shoulder straps 2, 3 may slide through the three slots to adjust the crossed arrangement of the shoulder straps to fit the body size of the wearer of the baby carrier 1.
[0019] According to a preferred arrangement, the first shoulder strap 2 comprises a first section 21 and a second section 22, which are joined together by a first buckle 13 irremovably attached to the first section 21 of the first shoulder strap 2. The second section 22 of the first shoulder strap 2 is configured to pass through the first buckle 13 to adjust the length of the first shoulder strap 2. Likewise, the second shoulder strap 3 comprises a first section 31 and a second section 32, which are joined together by a second buckle 14 irremovably attached to the first section 31 of the second shoulder strap 3. The second section 32 of the second shoulder strap 3 is configured to pass through the second buckle 14 to adjust the length of the second shoulder strap 3 (Figure 1). It should be noted that the lengths of the first 2 and second 3 shoulder straps are intended as linear lengths as measured along the profile of each shoulder strap 2, 3 between its respective first 2a, 3a and second 2b, 3b ends.
[0020] In particular, the first section 21 of the first shoulder strap 2 and the first section 31 of the second shoulder strap 3 are lower sections, while the second section 22 of the first shoulder strap 2 and the second section 32 of the second shoulder strap 3 are upper sections.
[0021] According to one embodiment, the second section 22 of the first shoulder strap 2 has an end 23 which is provided with a stop 24 for preventing the second section 22 of the first shoulder strap 2 to be slipped out of the first buckle 13. In the same way, the second section 32 of the second shoulder strap 3 has an end 33 which is provided with a stop 34 for preventing the second section 32 of the second shoulder strap 3 to be slipped out of the second buckle 14.
[0022] The baby carrier 1 comprises a load-bearing body 4, preferably made of a textile material, which longitudinally extends in a first direction X-X between a seat portion 4a in which it is connected with the first two ends 2a, 3a and the second two ends 2b, 3b of the first 2 and second 3 shoulder straps, and a head portion 4b that is designed to be fastened to the first 2 and second 3 shoulder straps. The load-bearing body 4 further comprises a central portion 4c for uninterrupted connection of the seat portion 4a to the head portion 4b. Also, the load-bearing body 4 extends transverse to the first direction X-X between a first lateral edge 4d and an opposite second lateral edge 4e. In other words, the load-bearing body 4 is designed as a textile element that extends in a plane X-Y defined by the first axis X-X and the second axis Y-Y, transverse to the first axis X-X. Preferably, the second axis Y-Y is orthogonal to the first axis X-X. The load-bearing body 4 longitudinally extends to define three portions, i.e. the seat portion 4a, the head portion 4b and the central portion 4c. As mentioned above, the load-bearing body 4 has two opposite lateral edges 4d, 4e. The head portion 4a is designed to be connected to the shoulder straps 2, 3 to move the load-bearing body 4 from an open position to a closed position relative to the two shoulder straps 2, 3, thereby defining a seat for containing the body of a baby, preferably allowing the limbs and head of the baby to project at least partially out of the load-bearing body 4.
[0023] Advantageously, the first shoulder strap 2 and the second shoulder strap 3 are a pair of shoulder straps that allow the baby carrier to be worn on the shoulders, preferably with the load-bearing body 4 on the belly-side of the wearer of the baby carrier 1. In addition, the baby carrier 1 may be worn by a person putting on the shoulder straps like a T-shirt. Thus, the baby carrier is stably fixed to the body of the wearer, who can conveniently introduce or remove the baby into or from the baby 1. For example, a parent wearing the baby carrier may introduce or remove the baby into and from the carrier using his/her arms, while comfortably sitting and laying the load-bearing body on his/her legs or a support surface, to easily connect (or disconnect) the load-bearing body to or from the shoulder straps.
[0024] The baby carrier comprises first quick connect/disconnect members 5 for removably fastening a first portion 2d of the first shoulder strap 2 to the first lateral edge 4d at the head portion 4b of the load-bearing body 4. The first portion 2d of the first shoulder strap 2 is situated between the first end 2a and the intermediate portion 2c of the first shoulder strap 2. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first quick connect/disconnect members 5 comprise a first male element 5a and a first female element 5b which are designed for quick connection/disconnection to/from each other. The first male element 5a is attached to the first lateral edge 4d at the head portion 4b of the load-bearing body 4. The first female element 5b is attached to the first portion 2d of the first shoulder strap 2. Preferably, the first male element 5a is attached to the first lateral edge 4b via a first length-adjustable belt 5c, whereas the first female element 5b is directly attached to the first portion 2d of the first shoulder strap 2.
[0025] The baby carrier comprises second quick connect/disconnect members 6 for removably fastening a first portion 3d of the second shoulder strap 3 to the second lateral edge 4e at the head portion 4b of the load-bearing body 4. The first portion 3 of the second shoulder strap 3 is situated between the first end 3a and the intermediate portion 3 of the second shoulder strap 3. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the second quick connect/disconnect members 6 comprise a second male element 6a and a second female element 6b which are designed for quick connection/disconnection to/from each other. The second male element 6a is attached to the second lateral edge 4e at the head portion 4b of the load-bearing body 4. The second female element 6b is attached to the first portion 3d of the second shoulder strap 3. Preferably, the second male element 6a is attached to the second lateral edge 4e via a second length-adjustable belt 6c, whereas the second female element 6b is directly attached to the first portion 3d of the second shoulder strap 3.
[0026] The baby carrier comprises third quick connect/disconnect members 7 for removably fastening a second portion 2e of the first shoulder strap 2 to the first lateral edge 4d at the central portion 4c of the load-bearing body 4. According to a preferred embodiment, the baby carrier 1 comprises a textile insert 15 which is attached on one side to the first shoulder strap 2 and to the second shoulder strap 3 and on the opposite side to the seat portion 4a of the load-bearing body 4. Preferably, the third male element 7a is attached to the textile insert 15 and the textile insert 15 is attached to the second portion 2e of the first shoulder strap 2, whereby the third male element 7a is attached to the second portion 2e of the first shoulder strap 2. The second portion 2e of the first shoulder strap 2 is situated between the first portion 2d and the first end 2a of the first shoulder strap 2. According to a preferred arrangement, the third quick connect/disconnect members 7 comprise a third male element 7a and a third female element 7b which are designed for quick connection/disconnection to/from each other. The third male element 7a is attached to the second portion 2e of the first shoulder strap 2. The third female element 7b is attached to the first lateral edge 4d at the central portion 4c of the load-bearing body 4. Preferably, the third male element 7a is attached to the second portion 2e of the first shoulder strap 2 via a third length-adjustable belt 7c, whereas the third female element 7b is directly attached to the first lateral edge 4d at the central portion 4c of the load-bearing body 4.
[0027] The baby carrier comprises fourth quick connect/disconnect members 8 for removably fastening a second portion 3e of the second shoulder strap 3 to the second lateral edge 4e at the central portion 4c of the load-bearing body 4. Referring to a preferred embodiment as discussed above, the baby carrier 1 comprises the textile insert 15 attached to the two shoulder straps 2,3 at least at said second portions 2e,3e, and to the load-bearing body 4 at least at the seat portion 4a. Preferably, the fourth male element 8a is attached to the textile insert 15 and the textile insert 15 is attached to the second portion 3e of the second shoulder strap 3, whereby the fourth male element 8a is attached to the second portion 3e of the second shoulder strap 3. The second portion 3e of the second shoulder strap 3 is situated between the first portion 3d and the first end 3a of the second shoulder strap 3. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the fourth quick connect/disconnect members 8 comprise a fourth male element 8a and a fourth female element 8b which are designed for quick connection/disconnection to/from each other. The fourth male element 8a is attached to the second portion 3e of the second shoulder strap 3. The fourth female element 8b is attached to the second lateral edge 4e at the central portion 4c of the load-bearing body 4. Preferably, the fourth male element 8a is attached to the second portion 3e of the second shoulder strap 3 via a fourth length-adjustable belt 8c, whereas the fourth female element 8b is directly attached to the second lateral edge 4e at the central portion 4c of the load-bearing body 4.
[0028] According to a preferred embodiment, the first quick connect/disconnect members 5, the second quick connect/disconnect members 6, the third quick connect/disconnect members 7 and the fourth quick connect/disconnect members 8 consist in quick connect/disconnect buckles. Preferably, the first quick connect/disconnect members 5, the second quick connect/disconnect members 6, the third quick connect/disconnect members 7 and the fourth quick connect/disconnect members 8 are clip buckles. More preferably, the first quick connect/disconnect members 5, the second quick connect/disconnect members 6, the third quick connect/disconnect members 7 and the fourth quick connect/disconnect members 8 are made of plastic or metal.
[0029] In short, the first quick connect/disconnect members 5, the second quick connect/disconnect members 6, the third quick connect/disconnect members 7 and the fourth quick connect/disconnect members 8 can connect or disconnect the load-bearing body 4 to/from the shoulder straps 2, 3 to cause the load-bearing body 4 to move from an open position, in which the baby can be introduced/removed, to a closed position, in which the baby is supported by the load-bearing body 4. In the closed position, in which all the male and female elements of the respective quick connect/disconnect members are joined together, the load-bearing body defines a seat for the baby and identifies two openings for the legs, defined by the first lateral edge 4d between the third quick connect/disconnect members 7 and the seat portion 4a, and by the second lateral edge 4e between the fourth quick connect/disconnect members 8 and the seat portion 4a respectively. Likewise, two openings for the arms of the baby are defined by the first lateral edge 4d between the the first 4 and the third 7 quick connect/disconnect members, and by the second lateral edge 4e between the second 6 and the fourth 8 quick connect/disconnect members 8 respectively. Furthermore, an opening for the head of the baby is identified at the head portion 4b between the first 5 and the second 6 quick connect/disconnect members.
[0030] Advantageously, the first quick connect/disconnect members 5, the second quick connect/disconnect members 6, the third quick connect/disconnect members 7 and the fourth quick connect/disconnect members 8 can open and close the load-bearing body 4 relative to the shoulder straps 2, 3 to allow the baby to be introduced/removed, when the baby carrier 1 is being worn. By this arrangement, the baby may be easily and comfortably introduced into the baby carrier 1 or removed therefrom. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the belts associated with the connect/disconnect members may be adjusted to move the load-bearing body 4 toward or away from the shoulder straps 2, 3, so that the size of the seat defined by the load-bearing body 4 may be adapted to the dimensions of the body of the baby.
[0031] According to a preferred embodiment, the baby carrier 1 comprises a drawstring casing 10 formed in the seat portion 4a of the load-bearing body 4 in the second direction Y-Y transverse to the first direction X-X. Preferably, the drawstring casing 10 is formed by a double stitch parallel to the second axis Y-Y in the seat portion 4a, such that a passage is defined inside the seat portion 4a. The drawstring casing 10 comprises at least one hole 10a in its side wall, preferably the drawstring casing 10 comprises two holes 10a. Preferably, the drawstring casing 10 extends between the first lateral edge 4d and the second lateral edge 4e of the seat portion 4a in the second direction Y-Y. The baby carrier 1 also comprises a drawstring 11 that slides within the drawstring casing 10, i.e. in the passage defined by the drawstring casing 10. The drawstring 11 has at least one free end 11c that extends through the at least one hole 10a out of the drawstring casing 10. In other words, only the free end 11c of the drawstring 11 extends out of the drawstring casing 10 through the at least one hole 10a, for access by a user. Preferably, the drawstring 11 extends between a first end 11a in which it is attached to the first lateral edge 4d and a second end 11b in which it is attached to the second lateral edge 4e. The drawstring comprises at least one drawstring lock member 12 that can slide and be fastened on the free portion 11c of the drawstring 11 to adjust the distance between the first lateral edge 4d and the second lateral edge 4e in the second direction Y-Y at the seat portion 4a. Preferably, the drawstring lock member 12 is adapted to slide and be fastened to the free portion 11c of the drawstring 11 to adjust the distance between the first end 11a and the second end 11b of the drawstring 11 along the second direction Y-Y. In other words, the drawstring lock member 12 is a mechanical member comprising a spring that can press the drawstring sliding therethrough to fasten the drawstring lock member 12 to the drawstring 11. Furthermore, the drawstring lock member 12 may be released to be able to slide on the drawstring 11 when it is actuated by a user, e.g. by manually pressing a pushbutton that compresses the spring.
[0032] Advantageously, a baby carrier 1 may be provided in which the seat portion of the load-bearing body has an adjustable width, and the distance between the two leg openings may be adjusted to adapt the carrier to the needs of the baby. For example, a wide seating space may be obtained for the baby to more easily take a position with legs spread wide, as suggested for a forward-facing position (i.e. with the chest of the baby facing the wearer of the baby carrier 1). In addition, a narrower seating space may be obtained for the baby to more easily take a position with feet dangling, as suggested for a backward-facing position (i.e. with the back of the baby facing the wearer of the baby carrier 1). Those skilled in the art will obviously appreciate that a number of changes and variants as described above may be made to fulfill particular requirements, without departure from the scope of the invention, as defined in the following claims.
- a first shoulder strap (2) longitudinally extending between a first end (2a) and a second end (2b), and a second shoulder strap (3) longitudinally extending between a first end (3a) and a second end (3b), said first shoulder strap (2) and said second shoulder strap (3) being crossed and attached together at respective intermediate portions (2c, 3c) between said first ends (2a, 3a) and said second ends (2b, 3b),
- a load-bearing body (4) made of a textile material which longitudinally extends in a first direction (X-X) between a seat portion (4a) in which it is connected with said first ends (2a, 3a) and said second ends (2b, 3b) of said first (2) and second (3) shoulder straps, and a head portion (4b) that is designed to be fastened to said first (2) and second (3) shoulder straps, said load-bearing body (4) comprising a central portion (4c) for uninterrupted connection of said seat portion (4a) to said head portion (4b), said load-bearing body (4) extending transverse to said first direction (X-X) between a first lateral edge (4d) and an opposite second lateral edge (4e),
wherein:- said first shoulder strap (2) comprises a first section (21) and a second section (22), which are joined together by a first buckle (13) irremovably attached to said first section (21) of said first shoulder strap (2), said second section (22) of said first shoulder strap (2) passing through said first buckle (13) to adjust the length of said first shoulder strap (2),
- said second shoulder strap (3) comprises a first section (31) and a second section (32), which are joined together by a second buckle (14) irremovably attached to said first section (31) of said second shoulder strap (3), said second section (32) of said second shoulder strap (3) passing through said second buckle (14) to adjust the length of said second shoulder strap (3),
characterized in that it comprises:- first quick connect/disconnect members (5) for removably fastening a first portion (2d) of said first shoulder strap (2) to said first lateral edge (4d) at said head portion (4b) of said load-bearing body (4), said first portion (2d) of said first shoulder strap (2) being situated between said first end (2a) and said intermediate portion (2c) of said first shoulder strap (2),
- second quick connect/disconnect members (6) for removably fastening a first portion (3d) of said second shoulder strap (3) to said second lateral edge (4e) at said head portion (4b) of said load-bearing body (4), said first portion (3d) of said second shoulder strap (3) being situated between said first end (3a) and said intermediate portion (3c) of said second shoulder strap (3),
- third quick connect/disconnect members (7) for removably fastening a second portion (2e) of said first shoulder strap (2) to said first lateral edge (4d) at said central portion (4c) of said load-bearing body (4), said second portion (2e) of said first shoulder strap (2) being situated between said first portion (2d) and said first end (2a) of said first shoulder strap (2),
- fourth quick connect/disconnect members (8) for removably fastening a second portion (3e) of said second shoulder strap (3) to said second lateral edge (4e) at said central portion (4c) of said load-bearing body (4), said second portion (3e) of said second shoulder strap (3) being situated between said first portion (3d) and said first end (2a) of said second shoulder strap (3).
- said first section (21) of said first shoulder strap (2) and said first section (31) of said second shoulder strap (3) are lower sections,
- said second section (22) of said first shoulder strap (2) and said second section (32) of said second shoulder strap (3) are upper sections.
- the second section (22) of the first shoulder strap (2) has an end (23) which is provided with a stop (24) for preventing the second section (22) of the first shoulder strap (2) to be slipped out of said first buckle (13),
- the second section (32) of the second shoulder strap (3) has an end (33) which is provided with a stop (34) for preventing the second section (32) of the second shoulder strap (3) to be slipped out of said second buckle (14).
- said first quick connect/disconnect members (5) comprise a first male element (5a) and a first female element (5b) which are designed for quick connection/disconnection to/from each other, said first male element (5a) being attached to said first lateral edge (4d) at said head portion (4b) of said load-bearing body (4), said first female element (5b) being attached to said first portion (2d) of said first shoulder strap (2),
- said second quick connect/disconnect members (6) comprise a second male element (6a) and a second female element (6b) which are designed for quick connection/disconnection to/from each other, said second male element (6a) being attached to said second lateral edge (4e) at said head portion (4b) of said load-bearing body (4), said second female element (6b) being attached to said first portion (3d) of said second shoulder strap (3),
- said third quick connect/disconnect members (7) comprise a third male element (7a) and a third female element (7b) which are designed for quick connection/disconnection to/from each other, said third male element (7a) being attached to said second portion (2e) of said first shoulder strap (2), said third female element (7b) being attached to said first lateral edge (4d) at said central portion (4c) of said load-bearing body (4),
- said fourth quick connect/disconnect members (8) comprise a fourth male element (8a) and a fourth female element (8b) which are designed for quick connection/disconnection to/from each other, said fourth male element (8a) being attached to said second portion (3e) of said second shoulder strap (3), said fourth female element (8b) being attached to said second lateral edge (4e) at said central portion (4c) of said load-bearing body (4).
- the third male element (7a) is attached to the textile insert (15) and the textile insert (15) is attached to the second portion (2e) of the first shoulder strap (2), whereby the third male element (7a) is attached to the second portion (2e) of the first shoulder strap (2),
- the fourth male element (8a) is attached to the textile insert (15) and the textile insert (15) is attached to the second portion (3e) of the second shoulder strap (3), whereby the fourth male element (8a) is attached to the second portion (3e) of the second shoulder strap (3).
- said first male element (5a) is attached to said first lateral edge (4d) via a first length-adjustable belt, said second male element (6a) is attached to said second lateral edge (4e) via a second length-adjustable belt, and/or
- said third male element (7a) is attached to said second portion (2e) of said shoulder strap (2) via a third length-adjustable belt, said fourth male element (8a) is attached to said second portion (3e) of said second shoulder strap (3) via a fourth length-adjustable belt,
- a three-way fastener (9) for holding said first shoulder strap (2) and said second shoulder strap (3) in mutually crossed and attached relationship at said intermediate portions (2c, 3c) for said first shoulder strap (2) and said second shoulder strap (3) to be able to slide relative to each other.
- a drawstring casing (10) formed in said seat portion (4a) of said load-bearing body (4) in a second direction (Y-Y) transverse to said first direction (X-X), said drawstring casing (10) comprising at least one hole (10a),
- a drawstring (11) sliding inside said drawstring casing (10) and having at least one free end (11c) that extends through said at least one hole (10a) out of said drawstring casing (10),
- at least one drawstring lock member (12) that can slide and be fastened on said free portion (11c) of said drawstring (11) to adjust the distance between said first lateral edge (4d) and said second lateral edge (4e) in said second direction (Y-Y at said seat portion (4a).
- said drawstring casing (10) extends between said first lateral edge (4d) and said second lateral edge (4e) of said seat portion (4a) in said second direction (Y-Y),
- said drawstring (11) extends between a first end (11a) in which it is attached to said first lateral edge (4d) and a second end (11b) in which it is attached to said second lateral edge (4e),
- said drawstring lock member (12) is adapted to slide and be fastened to said free portion (11c) of said drawstring (11) to adjust the distance between said first end (11a) and said second end (11b) of said drawstring (11) along said second direction (Y-Y).