EP0611234A1 - Baby carrier - Google Patents

Abstract

The baby carrier is noteworthy in that it comprises a monobloc shaped framework (2) having various successive zones capable of forming a back part (A), a part (B) forming a seat, a part (C) forming a ventral support extending from a first folding line (L.1) via an articulated flap (H) in order to make it easy to fit the baby in, the said flap being arranged with shapes defined by complementary folding lines (L.2-L.3), one of the shapes of which constitutes a cap (D), the said framework also comprising a part forming a lateral band (E) which can be adjusted in order to adapt to the morphology of the baby and to ensure it is held, and surrounding the part forming a central support (C), fastening and linking straps (F) being arranged with respect to certain zones in order to enable the baby carrier to be worn on the front of the body, the said framework being thus arranged in order to enable the baby to be carried in various positions with respect to the wearer (carrier). <IMAGE>

Description

The invention relates to the technical sectors of equipment allowing a person to transport a young baby in ventral or dorsal support.

There are already many baby carriers on the market, but there are very often significant difficulties encountered by people for on the one hand, putting the baby carrier on oneself and especially the difficulty to insert the baby into it. Indeed, existing baby carriers are difficult to access and introduce and very often young mothers are forced to bend forward after placing their child on a bed or the like and then, in an impractical operation , bring them to them gradually, to introduce them into baby carriers. They must then get up and given the weight of babies, which is far from negligible, even a few months, the different movements are painful and impractical.

In addition, another drawback lies in the fact that the existing baby carriers are hardly suitable for allowing multiple positions of the baby relative to the carrier, and in any case with all the necessary conditions of comfort and security.

Another disadvantage lies in the fact that baby carriers are made from a very loose textile frame which tends to sag naturally when not in use. This causes, due to the textile texture, a virtual absence of impact protection means.

Another drawback lies in the fact that existing baby carriers are not, to the knowledge of the applicant, adaptable to take account of changes in the morphology of the baby, when the latter can begin to be worn at the age of two or three months up to an age of eight to nine months.

The aim sought after according to the invention was to design a new baby carrier which overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks, which is perfectly capable of allowing the introduction of the baby or its removal, able to ensure his comfort whatever the positions he can with regard to the wearer in ventral support, able to be adapted according to the age of the child, able to provide him with all safety and protection from external shocks.

According to a first characteristic of the invention, the baby carrier is characterized in that it comprises a monobloc shaped framework having different successive zones, capable of constituting a backrest part, a part forming a seat, a part forming a ventral support extending to starting from a first fold line by an articulated flap to allow easy engagement of the baby, said flap being arranged with shapes defined by complementary fold lines, one of the shapes of which constitutes a headrest, said framework comprising in in addition to a part forming an adjustable lateral belt to adapt to the morphology of the baby and ensuring its maintenance, and by surrounding the part forming a central support, straps for attachment and connection being arranged relative to certain zones to allow the ventral port of the baby carrier, said frame being thus arranged to authorize the carrying of the baby in different positions by bearer report.

According to another characteristic, the baby carrier is characterized in that said frame comprises, on the various aforementioned areas, an insert or frame made of a semi-rigid plastic material, disposed between layers of fabric, having on the edges, giving the peripheral configuration of the frame, a finishing and protection bead.

These characteristics and others will become apparent from the following description.

• la figure 1 est une vue d'un porte-bébé représenté en position développée à plat, avant montage de ses différents éléments constitutifs,
• la figure 2 est une vue en coupe longitudinale selon la ligne A.A. de la figure 1,
• la figure 3 est une vue en coupe transversale selon la ligne B.B. de la figure 1,
• la figure 4 est une vue en coupe transversale selon la ligne C.C. de la figure 1,
• la figure 5 est une vue illustrant le porte-bébé présenté sur une personne, en appui frontal,
• la figure 6 est une vue illustrant la fixation arrière du porte-bébé,
• la figure 7 est une vue en coupe transversale selon la ligne D.D. de la figure 5,
• la figure 8 est une vue en coupe selon la ligne E.E. de la figure 5,
• la figure 9 est une vue en coupe selon la ligne F.F. de la figure 5,
• les figures 10 à 12 illustrent la mise en place du porte-bébé sur le porteur,
• les figures 13, 14 et 15 illustrent le positionnement du bébé face au porteur,
• les figures 16 et 17 illustrent le positionnement du bébé dos au porteur.

To fix the subject of the invention illustrated in a nonlimiting manner in the figures of the drawings where:

• FIG. 1 is a view of a baby carrier shown in the developed flat position, before mounting of its various constituent elements,
• FIG. 2 is a view in longitudinal section along the line AA in FIG. 1,
• FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view along the line BB in FIG. 1,
• FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view along the line CC of FIG. 1,
• FIG. 5 is a view illustrating the baby carrier presented on a person, in frontal support,
• FIG. 6 is a view illustrating the rear attachment of the baby carrier,
• FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view along the line DD of FIG. 5,
• FIG. 8 is a sectional view along the line EE in FIG. 5,
• FIG. 9 is a sectional view along the line FF of FIG. 5,
• FIGS. 10 to 12 illustrate the positioning of the baby carrier on the carrier,
• Figures 13, 14 and 15 illustrate the positioning of the baby facing the carrier,
• Figures 16 and 17 illustrate the positioning of the baby back to the carrier.

In order to make the object of the invention more concrete, it is now described in a nonlimiting manner illustrated in the figures of the drawings.

The baby carrier is referenced as a whole by (1). It comprises a frame (2) formed as a single piece having different successive zones capable of constituting a backrest part (A), a seat part (B), a part forming a ventral support (C), a part forming a headrest (D), and a part forming a lateral belt (E), attachment and connection straps generally referenced by (F), being arranged with respect to certain zones for allow the baby carrier to carry on the front.

This frame comprises, on the various aforementioned areas, an insert or frame (3) shaped and shaped to closely match the shapes of the frame, this insert being advantageously made of a semi-rigid plastic. This insert is placed between two layers (4 - 5) of fabric, presenting on the edges giving the peripheral configuration of the frame, a bead (6) for finishing and protection.

As it appears in the figures of the drawings, said framework is shaped to allow, after the lifting and the positioning of its different parts, the introduction, for wearing, of a baby, thereby authorizing a part, its introduction and its seat by defining openings (G) for the passage of the legs.

It is therefore necessary to specify the characteristics of each of the aforementioned areas.

The backrest part (A), which is intended to come to the ventral support of the wearer, is extended at its upper part by two end tabs (A.1) capable of constituting areas of attachment and fixing with the two strands (F.1a) of the rear strap (F.1). This is itself attached to a loop (F.1b) allowing the passage of a strap (F.2) capable of surrounding the size of the wearer, said strap (F.2) being capable of s '' engage in a passer-by (A.2) formed and arranged on the front of the backsplash part.

The backrest part (A) is extended downwards by a part (B) forming a seat, of narrower width, to correspond to the crotch of the baby, while ensuring a good seat, defining with the lateral belt area (E) openings (G) for the passage of the legs. Said belt area (E) in fact comprises two arms (E.1 - E.2), shaped and arranged on either side of the backsplash part, said arms being capable of folding up and being fixed one to the other by any appropriate means, in order to constitute a means of keeping the baby firm. Advantageously, the fastening means (E.3) are of the Velcro type, such as those known in the trade under the registered trademarks VELCRO or CRIC-CRAC, and provision is made to have on the inner face of the arm (E. 1) a fixing strip (E.3a), male or female, and on the upper face of the arm (E.2), a fixing strip (E.3b) female or male. Any other equivalent connecting and fixing means can be provided.

According to a particularly important arrangement, provision is made for having a fastening tab (7) and a link providing additional security, capable of constituting with the arms (E.1 - E.2) and the lower part of the backsplash, adjacent at the seat part, a closed ring avoiding any unexpected opening likely to allow the baby to tilt. This tab (7) is fixed by sewing or otherwise, on the one hand to or near the free end of the arm (E.2) and on the other hand, on the inner face of the arm (E.1), preferably beyond the fixing strip (E.3a). The seat part is intended to be folded up and is extended by a part forming a ventral support (flaring upward), to ensure good support for the baby. On the front face (C.1) of the ventral support (C) is provided at least one pass (C.2), allowing passage, sliding and housing of the ends of the arms (E.1 - E.2 ) in the fixing position allowing, on the one hand, to improve the aesthetics of the baby carrier on its front part, and on the other hand, to hinder, vis-à-vis external elements, any unfortunate gripping of the end of the arms which can lead to their detachment relative to each other.

It should be considered that the fixing bands of the two arms are established over a great length to allow an adjustment at will of the belt ring, according to the morphology of the baby, the tab (7) being, depending cases, in an extended or folded position, depending on the position of the arms between them, corresponding to a maximum or minimum extension of the ring.

The ventral support (C) is extended upwards, by an articulated piece (H) forming a flap and always integrated into the framework (2). This flap is of trapezoidal shape for example, as illustrated in the drawings, and comprises, in a very particular way, from a fold line (L.1) adjacent with the central support (C), a barrel shape, having two lateral bands (H.1) internally defining a crescent moon shape (H.2), separated by a lower fold line (L.2), and by an upper fold line (L.3) extending by a semi-circular shape forming a headrest (D). The ends of the bands (H.1) are extended by flanges (H.3) which are likely to come to couple with the flanges formed on the opposite backsplash part. Passers-by (8) are arranged on each of the flanges associated with the backrest, and constitute means for returning the flanges (H.3) to themselves. For this purpose, the flanges (H.3) and the bands (H.1) have complementary self-gripping means (9) constituted by a band (9.1) of the male or female type placed on the flanges (H.3). , and a complementary band (9.2), of the female or male type, placed on the bands (H.1) thus allowing closure and attachment of the front face of the framework constituted by the ventral support (C) and by the flap relative to the backsplash, any other connection and fixing means that can be used. Incidentally, a flap (I) can be arranged and fixed using snaps (10 - 11) or equivalent, either on the front face of the backsplash, or on the flap (H) and in particular, near the band joining area (H.1) and flanges (H.3).

The headrest part (D) can also be folded down on the crescent moon shape and be fixed by hook-and-loop means or press studs (12).

The baby carrier having thus been described in its constituent elements, reference is now made to its conditions of use, with particular reference to Figures 10 to 17.

Referring to Figures 10 to 12, the carrier first positions the baby carrier on him. After passing the upper backrest straps through the neck, and passing the forearm between one of the straps and the back strap, the wearer can then fasten the transverse belt around with the quick-fastening means of its size.

The wearer adjusts the position of the arms of the belt and support ring, depending on the morphology of the baby to be transported, then reposition the ends of the arms under the loop (C.2) formed on the ventral support. The flap (H) is lowered as far as possible relative to the fold line (L.1) to obtain maximum clearance for the introduction of the baby.

According to Figures 13, 14 and 15, the baby is introduced while facing the carrier. When the baby is properly stabilized on the seat, the carrier raises the flap and comes to pass the straps (H.3) in the loops placed on the straps associated with the backrest, and by folding, the straps (H.3) are fixed on the strips (H.1) of the flap (H). The headrest area then comes to rest against the baby's neck, as shown in Figure 15.

In another situation illustrated in Figures 16 and 17, the baby is presented back to the carrier. In this case, the headrest is folded over the crescent moon shape to release the baby's chin. Incidentally, it can constitute a chin rest.

The advantages emerge clearly from the invention and in particular the originality of this new baby carrier is emphasized, which has many advantages in its simplicity of use, in its adaptability to the morphology of the baby, in its holding by use. a semi-rigid insert. It also allows a reversible position of the child, without there being any risk of discomfort. In addition, the belt ring provides perfect protection, being padded, to any external shock, with adaptability to the morphology of the baby.

Claims (10)

- 1 - Baby carrier characterized in that it comprises a frame (2) formed in one piece having different successive zones, capable of constituting a backrest part (A), a part forming a seat (B), a part forming a ventral support (C ) extending from a first fold line (L.1) by an articulated flap (H) to allow easy engagement of the baby, said flap being arranged with shapes defined by complementary fold lines (L. 2 -L.3), one of the forms of which constitutes a headrest (D), said framework further comprising a part forming a lateral belt (E) adjustable to adapt to the morphology of the baby and ensure its maintenance, and in surrounding the central support part (C), attachment and connection straps (F) being arranged relative to certain zones to allow the ventral port of the baby carrier, said frame being thus arranged to allow the port of the baby in different positions by r contribution to the bearer,
and in that the belt area (E) comprises two arms (E.1 - E.2) shaped and arranged on either side of the backrest, said arms being capable of being folded up to surround the part forming central support, and to attach to each other by any appropriate means, ensuring an adjustment of the opening of the belt area according to the baby's morphology,
and in that a fastening and connecting tab (7), ensuring a safety function, is fixed to said arms (E.1 - E.2) of the belt area, so that the arms (E. 1 - E.2), the lower part of the backsplash adjacent to the seat part, form a closed ring, whatever the attachment positions of the arms relative to each other. - 2 - Baby carrier according to claim 1, characterized in that said framework comprises, on the various aforementioned areas (A - B - C - D - E - H), an insert or frame made of a semi-rigid plastic, disposed between layers of fabric (4 - 5), having on the edges, giving the peripheral configuration of the frame, a bead (6) for finishing and protection. - 3 - Baby carrier according to any one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the backrest part (A) coming into ventral support on the carrier is extended in its upper part by two end tabs (A.1 ) constituting areas of attachment and fixing with the strands (F.1a) of a rear strap (F.1), associated with a strap (F.2) surrounding the waist of the wearer, said backrest part (A) extending in its lower part by a part (B) forming a seat of reduced width corresponding to the crotch of the baby by defining, with the lateral belt area (E) openings (G) for the passage of the legs. - 4 - Baby carrier according to claim 1, characterized in that said arms (E.1 - E.2) receive connecting means of complementary Velcro type. - 5 - Baby carrier according to claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the seat part (B) of the frame is extended by a part forming a ventral support (C), said part (C) having, on its face in front (C.1), at least one pass (C.2) authorizing passage, sliding, and housing of the ends of the arms (E.1 - E.2), fixing position. - 6 - Baby carrier according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the ventral support area (C) is extended by an articulated piece (H) forming a flap, the latter comprising, from '' a first fold line (L.1) adjacent to the central support (C), a barrel shape having two lateral bands (H.1) defining a crescent moon shape (H.2) with a line of lower fold (L.2) and an upper fold line (L.3) extending by a semi-circular shape forming a headrest (D). - 7 - Baby carrier according to claim 6, characterized in that the ends of the bands (H.1) are extended by flanges (H.3) mating with the flanges formed on the backsplash part of the frame, passers-by (8) being arranged on each of the flanges forming a backsplash and constituting means for returning the flanges (H.3) to themselves to ensure the connection and closing of these by means of hook-and-loop means ( 9) arranged on the flanges (H.3). - 8 - Baby carrier according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that a flap (1) is arranged and fixed, either on the front face of the backsplash, or on the flap (H), near of the joint zone of the bands (H.1) and the flanges (H.3). - 9 - Baby carrier according to claim 6, characterized in that the headrest is folded over the crescent moon shape by being fixed by any connecting means (12), depending on the position of the baby back to the carrier. - 10 - Baby carrier according to claim 3, characterized in that the rear strap (F.1) is attached to a loop (F.1b) allowing the passage of a strap (F.2) surrounding the size of the carrier , said strap (F.2) being capable of engaging in a passer-by (A.2) formed and arranged on the front of the backrest part.

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