EP1491104A1

EP1491104A1 - Adult garment, chile garment, and parent-child garment

Info

Publication number: EP1491104A1
Application number: EP03745407A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Kenzou Kassai; Ichiro APRICA KASSAI KABUSHIKIKAISHA ONISHI
Original assignee: Aprica Kassai KK
Current assignee: Aprica Ikuj ikenkyukai Aprica Kassai KK
Priority date: 2002-04-01
Filing date: 2003-03-06
Publication date: 2004-12-29
Also published as: US20040244097A1; CN1592587A; KR20040070209A; EP1491104A4; WO2003082034A1; TW200304780A; JPWO2003082034A1

Abstract

In a state where a parent (1) wears an adult garment (100) and carries a baby (2) in a laid-down manner with a child carrier (200), female buckles (104b, 106b) of upper connection tools provided on the adult garment (100) are connected to male buckles (209, 225) of the child carrier (200), and a ring-shaped buckle (107b) of a lower connection tool provided on the adult garment (100) engages with a clip (230) of the child carrier (200). With this configuration, it is possible to provide an adult garment, a child garment, and parent and child clothing which are almost the same in appearance with regular clothing when worn, have a function as a baby carrier and a harness therefor, are fashionable and casual, and can be used by a man without uncomfortable feeling.

Description

Technical Field

The present invention relates to structures of an adult garment, a child garment, and parent and child clothing for use in child rearing.

Background Art

A baby carrier with a harness worn by a parent has conventionally been used in child rearing. The harness in appearance has a pair of shoulder belts, to which the baby carrier for holding a baby is detachably fitted for use.
The harness when worn, however, is clearly visible from a third person. The state where only the harness is worn by a parent with the baby carrier unattached thereto may be uncomfortable for both the wearer and the third person nearby. Further, in recent years, participation of not only a mother but also a father in child rearing has been advocated. There are not a few fathers who are hesitant to wear the harness for the baby carrier of the current style, due to the appearance when worn.

Disclosure of the Invention

An object of the present invention is to provide an adult garment, a child garment, and parent and child clothing which are almost the same in appearance with regular clothing when worn, yet have a function as a baby carrier and a harness therefor, are fashionable and casual, and can be worn by a man without uncomfortable feeling.
An adult garment according to an aspect of the present invention allows a user to hold a child using a child carrier. The adult garment includes a front body and a back body provided to form a pair of arm holes, a pair of looped shoulder belt members provided to the front body and the back body and passing upper sides of the arm holes, a looped waist belt member provided in the vicinity of lower ends of the front body and the back body, the shoulder belt members each having both lower ends connected to the waist belt member, and first child carrier connection tools connected to the shoulder belt members for connection of the child carrier.
This adult garment, having the front and back bodies, can be identified in appearance with a regular garment, maintaining fashionability and casualness in itself. As a result, even a man can wear the adult garment without hesitation, which encourages participation of men in child rearing.
Further, when the child carrier is connected to hold the child, the child's load is distributed to the pair of looped shoulder belt members and to the looped waist belt member to which both lower ends of the respective shoulder belt members are connected. Thus, it is possible to hold the child safely in a state where the front and back bodies are free from the child's load and thus suffering no wrinkles.
Still further, since the pair of shoulder belt members are provided on the front and back bodies, it is possible to stabilize the loop positions of the shoulder belt members and to prevent the shoulder belt members from slipping from the parent's shoulders. Further, since the waist belt member is provided and the lower ends of the shoulder belt members are connected to the waist belt member, the shoulder belt members are prevented from moving away from the parent's body, so that the child's load is reliably supported by the waist belt member.
Preferably, in the adult garment, the shoulder belt members are provided on inner surface sides of the front body and the back body, and the first child carrier connection tools are provided on outer surface sides of the front body and the back body. With this configuration, the shoulder belt members are invisible from the outside, so that the design, fashionability and casualness of the adult garment are not impaired. On the other hand, the first child carrier connection tools are provided on the outer surface side, so that ease of connection with the child carrier can be maintained.
Still preferably, the adult garment further includes second child carrier connection tools connected to the waist belt member for connection of the child carrier. With this configuration, it is possible to directly connect the child carrier to the second child carrier connection tools. Thus, the child's load can reliably be imposed on the waist belt member.
Still preferably, in the adult garment, the child carrier has an end connected to the waist belt member and another end provided with connection tools to be connected to the first child carrier connection tools, and is accommodated in the adult garment in a foldable manner.
With this configuration, the child carrier, when not in use, can be folded and accommodated in the adult garment. This eliminates the need to carry the child carrier separately when going out, while it is possible to use the child carrier at once any time as needed.
Still preferably, the adult garment includes a child hip support having an end connected to the waist belt member and another end provided with connection tools to be connected to the first child carrier connection tools, and accommodated in the adult garment in a foldable manner.
With this configuration, the child hip support is sufficient to safely support a baby of an age of seven or eight months or older having an entire body stable. Further, the child carrier is reduced in size, and thus, the fashionability and casualness of the adult garment when the child carrier is not in use can further be improved.
A child garment according to the present invention is connectable to and held by a harness of an adult garment worn by a user. The child garment includes connection tools detachably connected to the harness, and a crotch receiving portion supporting a crotch of a child.
With this configuration, the child's load is reliably supported by the crotch receiving portion, and the child garment can be connected to and held by the harness of the adult garment safely.
Preferably, the child garment further includes a band-shaped member attached to a surface of the child garment to extend in a longitudinal direction. The connection tools are connected to the band-shaped member. With this configuration, the child's load can be supported effectively by the band-shaped member through the connection tools.
Still preferably, in the child garment, the band-shaped member includes a pair of longitudinal bands extending in a longitudinal direction. With this configuration, provision of the band-shaped member along the direction in which the child's load is imposed makes it possible to support the child's load by the band-shaped member more effectively.
Still preferably, the child garment further includes a lateral band extending across the crotch receiving portion and connecting the longitudinal bands. With this configuration, the lateral band is provided at the crotch receiving portion where the load is most concentrated. This causes the child's load to be distributed from the lateral band over the longitudinal bands, and thus, the child's load can be supported by the band-shaped member still more effectively.
Preferably, in the child garment, the band-shaped member is provided on a back surface side of the child garment. With this configuration, when load is imposed on the band-shaped member, a force pressing the child from its back toward the parent is exerted. This prevents the child from moving away from the parent, and gives the sense of security to the child.
Still preferably, the child garment further includes a pocket for storing the connection tools. When the child garment is to be used not as a carrier but as a regular garment, the connection tools can be stored in the pocket. Thus, the connection tools do not become obstacles nor impair fashionability or casualness of the child garment.
Parent and child clothing according to the present invention includes a parent-side garment worn by a parent, a child-side garment worn by a child, and connection means for holding the child-side garment by the parent-side garment. With this configuration, the parent and the child can both wear the garments as though they were regular garments, and can enjoy fashionability and casualness independently, while they can still be used as the baby carrier and the harness therefor as necessary. As a result, even a man can wear the parent-side garment for the parent and child clothing without hesitation. This encourages participation of men in child raring.
Preferably, in the parent and child clothing, the parent-side garment includes a front body and a back body provided to form a pair of arm holes, a pair of looped shoulder belt members provided to the front body and the back body and passing upper sides of the arm holes, a looped waist belt member provided in the vicinity of lower ends of the front body and the back body, the shoulder belt members each having both lower ends connected to the waist belt member, and child carrier connection tools connected to the shoulder belt members for connection of the child-side garment.
With this configuration, the parent-side garment has the front and back bodies, so that it can be identified in appearance with a regular garment, maintaining fashionability and casualness in itself. Further, when the child-side garment is connected to hold the child, the child's load is distributed to the pair of looped shoulder belt members and the waist belt member to which the lower ends of the shoulder belt members are connected. Thus, it is possible to hold the child stably, while the front and back bodies are free from the child's load and thus suffering no wrinkles.
Still further, provision of the pair of shoulder belt members on the front and back bodies makes it possible to stabilize the loop positions of the shoulder belt members and to prevent the shoulder belt members from slipping from the parent's shoulders. Further, since the waist belt member is provided and the lower ends of the shoulder belt members are connected to the waist belt member, the shoulder belt members are prevented from moving away from the parent's body, and thus, the child's load is reliably supported by the waist belt member.
Preferably, in the parent and child clothing, the child-side garment includes connection tools detachably connected to the parent-side garment, and a crotch receiving portion supporting a crotch of a child. With this configuration, the child-side garment can reliably support the child's load by the crotch receiving portion, and can be connected to and held by the harness of the parent-side garment stably.
Still preferably, in the parent and child clothing, the child-side garment is completely removable from the parent-side garment. This makes it possible to use the parent-side garment and the child-side garment independently, which improves usefulness of the parent and child clothing.
In the parent and child clothing, the child-side garment may be removable from the parent-side garment except for at least the crotch receiving portion. With this configuration, the child-side garment is always kept around the parent-side garment. Thus, the parent and child clothing can exert the function as the baby carrier and the harness therefor whenever there is a need to hold the baby.
Still preferably, in the parent and child clothing, the parent-side garment and the child-side garment are made of same fabric. As such, the parent-side garment and the child-side garment can be coordinated with each other in exterior design, giving the impression of uniformity to the viewers, so that the fashionability and casualness are improved.
An adult garment according to another aspect of the present invention is worn when carrying a baby using a user wear member, which has user-side connection tools and is worn by a user, and a baby holding member, which has baby-side connection tools provided detachably with respect to the user-side connection tools and is for holding the baby together with the user wear member. The adult garment includes first openings for passing the user-side connection tools therethrough in an outward direction to make the user-side connection tools connectable with the baby-side connection tools.
With this configuration, when a parent wears the adult garment over the user wear member, the user-side connection tools for connecting to the baby-side connection tools of the baby holding member can be passed through the first openings in an outward direction. Thus, it is possible to use the baby holding member to hold the baby while wearing the adult garment which in appearance is similar to a regular adult garment.
Further, since the adult garment can be identified in appearance with a regular garment, it can maintain its fashionability and casualness. As a result, even a man can wear the adult garment without hesitation, which encourages participation of men in child rearing. The adult garment can further be worn as a regular blouson or the like.
Preferably, in the adult garment, the first openings can be opened and closed in accordance with a situation.
Still preferably, in the adult garment, the user wear member includes a waist belt member worn around a waist of the user and having belt ends detachable from each other on a front side of the user. The adult garment includes second openings for passing the belt ends therethrough in an outward direction to allow the belt ends to be fastened and unfastened on an outer side of the adult garment. With this configuration, portions of the waist belt member can also be arranged on the outer side of the adult garment at the waist portion. Thus, the waist belt member can be used to secure the baby holding member.
Still preferably, in the adult garment, covering members are detachably provided on the outer side of the adult garment, and the second openings are provided in regions covered by the covering members. The covering members are preferably pockets each having an upper end fixed to a front body of the adult garment. With this configuration, most parts of the waist belt member are covered by the pockets. Thus, the fashionability and casualness of the adult garment can be maintained, without impairment of the appearance.
Still preferably, the adult garment has connecting means for detachably connecting the user wear member to an inner surface side of the adult garment. With this configuration, it is possible to connect the user wear member to the adult garment in advance, so that the adult garment and the user wear member can be worn at the same time. Further, the adult garment can be worn alone, with the user wear member removed therefrom.
An adult garment according to yet another aspect of the present invention is worn by an adult, and includes a pair of first slits provided in upper left and right regions of a front body and penetrating from a front surface to a back surface. Preferably, the first slits are each arranged in a lateral direction. Still preferably, a plurality of such first slits are provided in a longitudinal direction.
With this configuration, when a user wears the user wear member with the user-side connection tools inside the adult garment when holding a baby, for example, the user-side connection tools can be passed through the first slits in an outward direction. As a result, it is possible to hold the baby using the baby holding member while wearing the adult garment.
Since the adult garment can be identified in appearance with a regular garment, it can maintain its fashionability and casualness. As a result, even a man can wear the adult garment without hesitation, which encourages participation of men in child rearing. The adult garment can also be worn as a regular blouson or the like.
Preferably, the adult garment includes a pair of second slits provided in lower left and right regions of the front body and penetrating from the front surface to the back surface. Still preferably, the second slits are each arranged in a longitudinal direction. With this configuration, portions of the waist belt member can also be arranged on the outer side of the adult garment at the waist portion. Thus, the waist belt member can be used to secure the baby holding member.
Still preferably, the first and second slits can be opened and closed in accordance with a situation.
Preferably, in the adult garment, covering members are detachably provided on an outer surface of the adult garment, and the second slits are provided in regions covered by the covering members. Still preferably, the covering members are pockets each having an upper end fixed to the front body. With this configuration, most parts of the waist belt member are covered by the pocket. Thus, the adult garment can maintain its fashionability and casualness, with its appearance unimpaired.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Fig. 1 is a front view of an adult garment according to a first embodiment of the present invention in a worn state.
Fig. 2 is a front view of the adult garment of the first embodiment.
Fig. 3 shows an inner side of the adult garment of the first embodiment.
Fig. 4 shows a child carrier according to the first embodiment in a state where it is fitted to the adult garment.
Fig. 5 is a developed view showing a structure of a child carrier according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 6 is a longitudinal section of the child carrier of the second embodiment in a folded state.
Fig. 7 shows the adult garment and the child carrier of the second embodiment in a state of use.
Fig. 8 is a developed view showing a structure of a child carrier according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 9 is a longitudinal section of the child carrier of the third embodiment in a folded state.
Fig. 10 is a perspective view showing an entire structure of a child-side garment according to the third embodiment.
Fig. 11 is a developed view showing the structure of the child-side garment of the third embodiment.
Fig. 12 shows the parent-side garment and the child carrier of the third embodiment in a state of use.
Fig. 13 is a front view of an adult garment according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention in a worn state.
Fig. 14 shows the adult garment of the fourth embodiment in an open state, together with a user wear member worn inside the adult garment also in an open state.
Fig. 15 shows only the adult garment of the fourth embodiment in an open state.
Fig. 16 shows only the adult garment 200 of the fourth embodiment in a closed state.
Fig. 17 is an enlarged view of a front surface side of a front body of the adult garment according to the fourth embodiment.
Fig. 18 is a front view showing a structure of the user wear member.
Fig. 19 is a back view showing the structure of the user wear member.
Fig. 20 shows a fastened state of a belt provided to the user wear member.
Fig. 21 is a front view showing a parent wearing only the adult garment of the fourth embodiment.
Fig. 22 shows a child carrier according to a fifth embodiment of the present embodiment fitted to an adult garment according to the fifth embodiment.
Fig. 23 is a first front view of the adult garment of the fifth embodiment.
Fig. 24 is a second back view of the adult garment of the fifth embodiment.
Fig. 25 is a second front view of the adult garment of the fifth embodiment.
Fig. 26 is a second back view of the adult garment of the fifth embodiment.
Fig. 27 is a first front view of the child carrier of the fifth embodiment.
Fig. 28 is a second front view of the child carrier of the fifth embodiment.
Fig. 29 is a back view of the child carrier of the fifth embodiment.
Fig. 30 is a first cross section taken along the XXX-XXX line in Fig. 28 as seen in a direction of arrows.
Fig. 31 is a second cross section taken along the XXX-XXX line in Fig. 28 as seen in the arrow direction.

Best Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

Hereinafter, embodiments of an adult garment, a child garment, and parent and child clothing according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(First Embodiment)

Firstly, an adult garment according to the first embodiment of the present invention is described with reference to Figs. 1-4. Fig. 1 is a front view of an adult garment 100 of the present embodiment when worn by a man. Fig. 2 is a front view of adult garment 100. Fig. 3 shows an inner side of adult garment 100. Fig. 4 shows a child carrier 200 in a state where it is fitted to adult garment 100.

(Adult Garment 100)

Referring first to Figs. 1-3, adult garment 100 is similar in shape to white-shirt, jacket, blouson or other regular clothing. It has front bodies 101a, 101b to open in front, a back body 102 which makes armholes 103a, 103a together with front bodies 101a, 101b, and sleeves 103, 103.
Adult garment 100 is provided with upper connection tools 104, 106 and lower connection tools 105, 107 at the chest portion on the outer surfaces of front bodies 101a, 101b, for connection with child carrier 200 (as will be described later).
Upper connection tools 104, 106 have female buckles 104b, 106b, respectively, and belts 104a, 106a for supporting corresponding female buckles 104b, 106b. Lower connection tools 105, 107 have ring-shaped buckles 105a, 107a, respectively, and belts 105a, 107a for supporting corresponding ling-shaped buckles 105a, 107a.
Adult garment 100 is further provided with waist belts 108, 110 at the waist portion on the outer surfaces of front bodies 101a, 101b. Waist belts 108, 110 are detachable from each other by means of a male buckle 109 and a female buckle 111. A child carrier 140 (160) provided with child carrier connection tools is to be fitted to a region of waist belt 108 on the front of the abdomen portion. Detailed structures and functions of child carrier 140 (160) will be described later in the second and third embodiments.
Provided on the inner side of adult garment 100 are, as shown in Fig. 3, a pair of looped shoulder belt members 124, 125 and a looped waist belt formed of waist belt members 121, 122, 123. Shoulder belt members 124, 125 are provided on the inner surfaces of front bodies 10 1a, 101b and back body 102, passing the upper sides of armholes 103a. Waist belt members 121, 122, 123 are provided in the vicinity of lower end portions of front bodies 101a, 101b and back body 102. Shoulder belt members 124, 125 have their lower end portions connected to the waist belt members.
Belts 106a, 107a described above are connected to shoulder belt member 124 in a region X1, and belts 104a, 105a are connected to shoulder belt member 125 in a region X2. Further, waist belt 108 is connected to waist belt member 122 in a region Y1, and waist belt 110 is connected to waist belt member 123 in a region Y2.

(Child Carrier 200)

Referring now to Fig. 4, a child carrier 200 has a back face holding member 201, a crotch portion holding member 210, and an abdomen portion holding member 213, and assumes a longitudinal band shape as a whole. A head protecting pad 227 is provided on the head side of back face holding member 201. Side holding members 220, 221 are provided on respective sides of the upper end portion of back face holding member 201. Side holding members 220, 221 have belt members 222, 223, respectively, and male buckles 209, 225 are connected to respective tip end portions of belt members 222, 223.
Ear-shaped members 219 are provided on respective sides of the lower end portion of back face holding member 201. Each ear-shaped member 119 is provided with a ring member 232 for engagement with a clip 217 that is provided to an abdomen belt 215 extending sideward from abdomen portion holding member 213. Provided on the outer side of crotch portion holding member 210 is a band-shaped member 228 which passes through a ring member 234. A clip 230 is attached to a tip end portion of band-shaped member 228 via a belt.

(State of Use)

As shown in Fig. 4, in a state where a parent 1 wears the above-described adult garment 100 and holds a baby 2 in a laid-down manner using child carrier 200, male buckles 209, 225 provided on child carrier 200 are connected to female buckles 104b, 106b of upper connection tools 104, 106 provided on adult garment 100, and clip 230 provided on child carrier 200 engages with ring-shaped buckle 107b of lower connection tool 107 provided on adult garment 100. When baby 2 is to be carried in an opposite direction, clip 230 engages with ring-shaped buckle 105b of lower connection tool 105.

(Functions and Effects)

According to the parent and child clothing of the present embodiment, adult garment 100 has front bodies 101a, 101b and back body 102, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2. Thus, adult garment 100 can be identified with a regular garment in appearance, maintaining its own fashionability and casualness. As a result, even a man can wear this adult garment 100 without hesitation, which encourages men to participate in child rearing.
Since shoulder belt members 124, 125 are arranged on the inside of front bodies 101a, 101b, invisible from the outside, they do not impair the design, fashionability or casualness of the garment. On the other hand, upper connection tools 104, 106 and lower connection tools 105, 107 are provided on the outer surfaces of front bodies 101a, 101b, exposed to the outside, so that ease of connection with the child carrier is maintained.
In addition, arrangement of shoulder belt members 124, 125, waist belt members 121, 122, 123, upper connection tools 104, 106 and lower connection tools 105, 107 makes the child's load distributed to shoulder belt members 124, 125 and the looped waist belt members 121, 122, 123 to which the shoulder belt members 124, 125 are connected. Thus, the child can be held stably in the state where front bodies 101a, 101b and back body 102 are free from the child's load and thus suffering no wrinkles.
Further, provision of a pair of shoulder belt members 124, 125 on front bodies 101a, 101b and back body 102 makes the loop positions of shoulder belt members 124, 125 stable. This prevents shoulder belt members 124, 125 from slipping from the shoulders of the wearer.
Still further, since waist belt members 121, 122, 123 are provided and the lower end portions of shoulder belt members 124, 125 are connected to waist belt members 121, 122, 123, shoulder belt members 124, 125 are prevented from moving away from the wearer's body. This further ensures that the child's load is supported by waist belt members 121, 122, 123.
Although upper connection tools 104, 106 and lower connection tools 105, 107 are exposed to the outside of front bodies 101a, 101b in the present embodiment, storage regions such as pockets may be provided to put them away when not in use.
Alternatively, upper connection tools 104, 106 and lower connection tools 105, 107 may be arranged on the inside of front bodies 101a, 101b, in which case, child carrier 200 may be fitted to the adult garment with front bodies 101a, 101b wide open.
Further, although child carrier 200 is used for carrying a baby in a laid-down manner in the present embodiment, various connection tools may be added to child carrier 200 to allow a baby to be held in an upright posture. In this case, it is also possible to provide upper connection tools 104, 106 and lower connection tools 105, 107 on the back body 102 side of the adult garment to allow a baby to be carried on a back of the wearer.

(Second Embodiment)

Now, referring to Figs. 5-7, parent and child clothing according to the second embodiment of the present invention is described. In the present embodiment, adult garment 100 described above in the first embodiment is used. The present embodiment differs from the first embodiment in structure of a child carrier 140, which is now described. Fig. 5 is a developed view showing the structure of child carrier 140 according to the present embodiment. Fig. 6 is a longitudinal section of child carrier 140 in a folded state. Fig. 7 shows adult garment 100 and child carrier 140 of the present embodiment in a state of use.

(Structure of Child Carrier 140)

Child carrier 140 according to the present embodiment has an abdomen pad 141, a loop member 142, and a cover 143 approximately covering loop member 142, which form a region through which waist belt 108 passes. Connected to abdomen pad 141 inside the cover 143 is a child supporting member 149 having a crotch receiving portion 146 supporting the crotch of a child, a back face support portion 147 supporting the back of the child, and side support portions 148, 148 supporting the sides of the child. Child supporting member 149 may be attached fixedly to abdomen pad 141, or may be made detachable therefrom by means of a connection tool such as a fastener.
Child supporting member 149 is provided with a pair of connection tools 150, 151 on the opposite side from crotch receiving portion 146. Connection tools 150, 151 have belts 150a, 151a, respectively, and male buckles 150b, 151b connected to corresponding belts 150a, 151a.
Child supporting member 149 is further provided with abdomen belts 154, 156 on the same side with crotch receiving portion 146, which are wound around the abdomen of the baby. Abdomen belts 154, 156 are provided with a male buckle 155 and a female buckle 157 on their respective ends to engage with each other. Provided on the outer side (not contacting the baby) of back face support portion 147 are engagement hooks 152, 153 which engage with engagement hooks 144, 145 provided on cover 143.
Child carrier 140 having the structure as described above can be accommodated into a space between loop member 142 and cover 143 by folding child supporting member 149 as shown in Fig. 6 in cross section.

(State of Use)

When child carrier 140 is in use, as shown in Fig. 7, male buckles 150b, 151b provided on child carrier 140 are connected to female buckles 104b, 106b of upper connection tools 104, 106 provided on adult garment 100, so that a baby 2 can be supported by child supporting member 149.

(Functions and Effects)

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the similar functions and effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained. Further, since child carrier 140 is connected to waist belt 108, it is ensured that the load of child 2 is imposed on waist belt members 121, 122, 123.
When child carrier 140 is not in use, it can be folded and held on the waist belt 108 side. This eliminates the bother of separately carrying child carrier 140 when going out, and also makes child carrier 140 available at once any time as needed.

(Third Embodiment)

Referring now to Figs. 8-12, parent and child clothing according to the third embodiment of the present invention is described. In the present embodiment, again, adult garment 100 described in the first embodiment is used as the parent-side garment. The features of the present embodiment reside in a child carrier 160 and a child-side garment 170 as a child garment. Therefore, structures of child carrier 160 and child-side garment 170 are now described.
Fig. 8 is a developed view showing the structure of child carrier 160 according to the present embodiment. Fig. 9 is a longitudinal section of child carrier 160 in a folded state. Fig. 10 is an entire perspective view showing the structure of child-side garment 170 of the present embodiment. Fig. 11 is a developed view showing the structure of child garment 170. Fig. 12 shows parent-side garment 100 and child carrier 140 of the present embodiment in a state of use.

(Structure of Child Carrier 160)

Child carrier 160 according to the present embodiment has an abdomen pad 141, a loop member 142, and a cover 143 approximately covering loop member 142, which form a region through which waist belt 108 passes, as in the case of child carrier 140 described above. Connected to abdomen pad 141 inside the cover 143 is a crotch receiving portion 161 of a rectangular shape supporting the crotch of a child. Crotch receiving portion 161 may be attached fixedly to abdomen pad 141, or may be made detachable therefrom by means of a connection tool such as a fastener.
Belts 162, 164 are provided on the other end of crotch receiving portion 161. Male buckles 163, 165 are connected to respective tip ends of belts 162, 164. Belts 162, 164 extend to the abdomen pad 141 side, crossing each other on the outer side (not contacting the baby) of crotch receiving portion 161.
Child carrier 160 having the structure as described above can be accommodated in a space between loop member 142 and cover 143 by folding crotch receiving portion 161, as shown in Fig. 9 in cross section. Further, engagement hooks 144, 145, 152, 153, which can mate with each other, are provided between loop member 142 and cover 143.

(Child-side Garment 170)

The structure of child-side garment 170 of the present embodiment is now described with reference to Figs. 10 and 11. This child-side garment 170 has a front cloth 171, a back cloth 172, a pair of shoulder belts 173, 176 extending from the upper end of back cloth 172 to front cloth 171, hooks 174, 177 provided at tip end portions of shoulder belts 173, 176, and buttons 175, 178 fixed to front cloth 171 to engage with hooks 174, 177. The garment 170 assumes a shape of so-called "overall" as a whole. Longitudinal bands 179, 181 extending in a longitudinal direction are sewn to the inner surface of back cloth 172, and clips 180, 182 are provided at tip end portions of longitudinal bands 179, 181. Longitudinal bands 179, 181 may be sewn to either the inner surface or the outer surface of back cloth 172.
Further, as shown in Fig. 11, front cloth 171 and back cloth 172 are provided with buttons 181a, 181b, respectively, to make the lower body region openable. Lower ends of longitudinal bands 179, 181 extend to the child's crotch region (X region in the drawing) where they are connected by a lateral band 183 extending in a lateral direction. In the present embodiment, longitudinal bands 179, 181 and lateral band 183 are formed of a single band-shaped member.
A pocket 184 is provided on the outer surface side of back cloth 172 for storing longitudinal bands 179, 181 and clips 180, 182 as the connection tools therein.
Still further, in the present embodiment, parent-side garment 100 and child-side garment 170 are coordinated with each other to have the same fabric, color, pattern, design and others.

(State of Use)

When child carrier 160 and child-side garment 170 are in use, as shown in Fig. 12, male buckles 163, 165 provided on child carrier 160 are first connected to female buckles 104b, 106b of upper connection tools 104, 106 provided on parent-side garment 100. With a baby 2 rested on child carrier 160, clips 180, 182 provided on child-side garment 170 are engaged to ring-shaped buckles 105b, 107b of lower connection tools 105, 107 provided on parent-side garment 100. This ensures that baby 2 is supported by child carrier 160 and child-side garment 170.

(Functions and Effects)

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the similar functions and effects as in the first and second embodiments can be obtained. The child's load can reliably be supported by child carrier 160 having the crotch receiving portion, which can be connected to and held by the harness of parent-side garment 100 in a stable manner. Child-side garment 170 is provided with longitudinal bands 179, 181 along a direction where the child's load is imposed. This allows the child's load to be supported by longitudinal bands 179, 181 more effectively. Further, lateral band 183 is arranged at the crotch receiving portion where the load is most concentrated, so that the child's load is distributed from lateral band 183 over longitudinal bands 179, 181. This ensures still more effective supporting of the child's load by the band-shaped members.
Provision of longitudinal bands 179, 181 on the back side of the child-side garment allows that, when the load is imposed on longitudinal bands 179, 181, they exert a force pushing child 2 from the back side toward parent 1. This prevents child 2 from moving away from parent 1, and provides the sense of security to child 2.
If the child-side garment of an overall type is employed, the parent and the child can both wear the garments as though they were regular garments, and can enjoy fashionability and casualness independently, while they can still be used as the baby carrier and the harness therefor as necessary. As a result, even a man can use the parent and child clothing without hesitation, which encourages participation of men in child raring.

(Fourth Embodiment)

An adult garment according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention is now described with reference to Figs. 13-21. Fig. 13 is a front view of the adult garment 200 of the present embodiment when worn by a parent 1. Fig. 14 shows adult garment 200 in an open state, together with a user wear member 400 worn by parent 1 inside adult garment 200 also in an open state. Fig. 15 shows only adult garment 200 in an open state. Fig. 16 shows adult garment 200 in a closed state. Fig. 17 is an enlarged view showing the front surface side of the front body of adult garment 200. Fig. 18 is a front view showing a structure of user wear member 400. Fig. 19 is a back view showing the structure of user wear member 400. Fig. 20 shows a fastened state of a belt provided to user wear member 400. Fig. 21 is a front view showing parent 1 wearing only adult garment 200.

(Structure of Adult Garment 200)

Referring first to Fig. 13-17, the adult garment 200 of the present embodiment is of a blouson type having front bodies 302, 303 fastened in front. Front bodies 302 and 303 are provided with longitudinally arranged slits 304, 305 and slits 306, 307, respectively, as openings through which user- side connection tools 404, 405, 406, 407 (see Fig. 18) provided on user wear member 400, described later, are passed in an outward direction. Each slit 304, 305, 306, 307 is arranged to extend approximately in a lateral direction, and is provided with a fastener to open and close the opening. The fastener may be replaced with a button, a magic tape (R) or the like, or the opening may be kept open. Although slits 304, 305, 306, 307 provided in upper and lower rows have been explained, the number of slits is determined in accordance with the design of the child carrier side.
Further, slits 308 and 309, each arranged to extend in a longitudinal direction, are provided at the lower portions of front bodies 302 and 303, respectively, as openings through which belt ends 410, 412 (see Fig. 18) provided to user wear member 400, described later, are passed in an outward direction.
Buttons 311, 312, 313, 314 are provided on the inner side of back body 301, at prescribed upper and lower positions, as connecting means for detachably connecting the adult garment with user wear member 400 as will be described later.
Adult garment 200 is provided with pockets 315, 316 on the front sides of front bodies 302, 303, respectively, as covering members covering corresponding slits 308, 309, as shown in Fig. 16. For each pocket, as shown in Fig. 17, only an upper end portion of pocket 316 is attached to front body 303, and slit 309 is exposed when pocket 316 is flip-opened upward. Buttons 318, 319 are provided at pocket 316 and front body 303, respectively, to detachably secure pocket 316 to front body 303. Buttons 318, 319 may be replaced with fasteners, magic tapes (R) or the like. Although only the front body 303 side has been explained in conjunction with Fig. 17, the same configuration is provided for the front body 302 side.

(Structure of User Wear Member 400)

The structure of user wear member 400 is now described with reference to Figs. 18 and 19. This user wear member 400 is to be worn by a parent 1 as a user. User wear member 400 includes a user back pad member 401, and a pair of shoulder belts 402, 403 provided to extend upward from the upper end portion of user back pad member 401. A waist belt is provided at the lower end region of user wear member 400, which is to be wound around the waist of parent 1.
Provided on the outer surface of shoulder belt 402 are a female buckle 404, which is a user-side connection tool, and a loop 405 provided beneath female buckle 404, which also is a user-side connection tool. Similarly, on the outer surface of shoulder belt 403, a female buckle 406 is provided as a user-side connection tool, and a loop 407 is provided beneath female buckle 406 also as a user-side connection tool.
The waist belt has waist pads 408, 409 arranged annularly from the lower end portions of user back pad member 401, and belt ends 410, 412 arranged on the outer sides of waist pads 408, 409 and detachable from each other on the front side of the user. A female buckle 411 is provided at the tip end portion of belt end 410, and a male buckle 413 is provided at the tip end portion of belt end 412. Although the pair of buckles has been used to make belt ends 410, 412 detachable from each other, other detachable connection tools may be employed instead.
Provided on the outer side of user back pad member 401 are, as shown in Fig. 19, buttons 414, 415, 416, 417 which engage with buttons 311, 312, 313, 314 provided on the inner side of back body 301 so that user wear member 400 is detachably fitted to the inner side of back body 301 of adult garment 200. Buttons 311-314 and 414-417 may be replaced with, e.g., magic tapes (R), fasteners or other tools which can make user wear member 400 detachably fitted to the inner side of adult garment 200.

(Worn State of Adult Garment 200)

The worn state of adult garment 200 when parent 1 wears user wear member 400 is described with reference to Figs. 13-20. Firstly, as shown in Fig. 13, female buckle 404 and loop 405 are pulled out through slits 304 and 305, respectively, provided on the adult garment 200 side. Similarly, female buckle 406 and loop 407 are pulled out through slits 306 and 307, respectively.
As to the waist belt, waist pad 408 and belt end 410 are pulled out through slit 308 covered by pocket 315, and waist pad 409 and belt end 412 are pulled out through slit 308 covered by pocket 316. Female buckle 411 provided at the tip end of belt end 410 and male buckle 413 provided at the tip end of belt end 412 are detachably connected to each other at the outer side of adult garment 200. As such, the baby holding member can be secured using the waist belt member.

(Functions and Effects)

When user wear member 400 is fitted to the inside of adult garment 200 as described above, again, the baby can be held in a laid-down manner as described in conjunction with Figs. 4, 7 and 12.
Further, adult garment 200 can be identified in appearance with a regular garment, maintaining fashionability and casualness in itself. As a result, even a man can wear the adult garment without hesitation, which encourages participation of men in child rearing. Adult garment 200 can also be worn as a regular blouson or the like, as shown in Fig. 21.
Still further, even in the case where user wear member 400 is worn, most parts of the waist belt member are covered by pockets 315, 316. This makes it possible to maintain fashionability and casualness of adult garment 200, without impairment of the appearance.

(Fifth Embodiment)

Parent and child clothing according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention is now described with reference to Figs. 22-31. Fig. 22 shows a state where a man wears an adult garment 600 of the present embodiment, and a child carrier 700 of the present embodiment is fitted thereto. Figs. 23-26 illustrate the structure of adult garment 600, and Figs. 27-31 illustrate the structure of child carrier 700.

(Adult Garment 600)

Referring first to Figs. 23-26, adult garment 600 is of a sleeveless vest type, different from the blouson type described above. It has front bodies 60 1a, 601b to open in front, and a back body 602 which, together with front bodies 601a, 601b, forms arm holes 603a, 603a. With this adult garment 600, as seen in Fig. 26, front bodies 601a, 601b and back body 602 have their lower ends separate from each other, although they may be attached to each other.
Shoulder belt members 624, 625 are provided from the front sides of respective front bodies 601a, 601b over back body 602. At the waist position, a waist belt member 621 is provided to be wound around the lower ends of front bodies 601a, 601b and back body 602. At the lower end of back body 602, shoulder belt members 624, 625 are sewn to waist belt member 621 at regions X1, X2.
Shoulder belt members 624, 625 are provided with female buckles 604, 606 and ring-shaped buckles 605, 607, respectively, at about the chest portions on the front sides thereof, for connection with child carrier 700 (as will be described later). Loop regions S1, S2 are provided at lower ends of front bodies 601a, 601b, respectively, and waist belt member 621 is arranged to pass through loop regions S1, S2. Additional belts 608, 610 forming loop regions S3, S4 are provided on the outer sides of shoulder belt members 624, 625, respectively, at the lower ends of front bodies 601a, 601b. Waist belt member 621 is arranged also to pass through loop regions S3, S4.
A male buckle 609 and a female buckle 611 are provided at respective ends of waist belt member 621, enabling fastening/unfastening of the belt in front of the body. A connection tool 650 having a function as a child carrier connecting tool is provided at a region of waist belt member 621 located on the front side of the abdomen. Detailed structures and functions of connection tool 650 are similar to those described in the second and third embodiments, and thus, description thereof is not repeated here.
Adult garment 600 is further provided with a hood 630 which is detachable from front bodies 601a, 601b and back body 602 by snap buttons 640. Snap buttons 640a on one side are provided at the upper ends of front bodies 601a, 601b and back body 602, and snap buttons 640b on the other side are provided correspondingly at the lower end of hood 630.

(Child Carrier 700)

Referring now to Figs. 27-29, the child carrier 700 includes a back face holding member 701, a crotch portion holding member 710, an abdomen portion holding member 713, and a back portion holding member 718, and assumes a longitudinal shape as a whole.
Side holding members 702, 703 are provided on respective sides of back face holding member 701. Extension portions 704, 705 are provided at upper ends of respective side holding members 702, 703. Belt members 706, 707 are provided at extension portions 704, 705 to extend upward. Male buckles 708, 709 are provided at tip ends of belt members 706, 707, respectively, which can adjust lengths of corresponding belt members 706, 707.
Provided on the outer surface of back face holding member 701 is a sack member 701a having its upper portion open. A band-shaped supporting member 728, described later, can be accommodated in a space formed between back face holding member 701 and sack member 701a (see Figs. 22, 33). Ring-shaped members 731, 732 are provided on respective sides of the outer surface of sack member 701a.
Crotch portion holding member 710 has curved regions 711a, 711b which are cut inward to be fitted to the shape of the crotch of a baby. Belt members 706, 707 are firmly secured to extension portions 704, 705 at regions X5, X6, respectively, and extend along the outer sides of side holding members 702, 703. Belt members 706, 707 are arranged to cross each other approximately at a center of crotch portion holding member 710, and further extend to an end portion of abdomen portion holding member 713. A loop 735 is provided on the outer surface of crotch portion holding member 710 to form a passing region between itself and crotch portion holding member 710.
Provided at the end portion of abdomen portion holding member 713 is a through path 714 extending in a lateral direction. A belt 715 is arranged inside through path 714. Hook members 716, 717 capable of adjusting length of belt 715 are provided at respective tip ends of belt 715. Belt 715 is firmly sewn at a region X9 in the middle of through path 714.
A fastener rail 733 is provided on the outer side at a boundary region between crotch portion holding member 710 and abdomen portion holding member 713. A fastener 733A is provided on fastener rail 733, and an engagement hook 734 is provided in the vicinity of fastener rail 733.
Back portion holding member 718 has extension portions 521, 522 extending leftward and rightward, respectively, on the upper side portions. Loop members 522, 523 are firmly sewn to extension portions 720, 721 at regions X7, X8, respectively. As shown in Figs. 28 and 29, belt members 706, 707 extending from extension portions 704, 705 are arranged to pass through loop members 522, 523, respectively. This causes extension portions 720, 721 provided with loop members 522, 523 to stand erect with respect to back portion holding member 718, to thereby protect the sides of the baby.
A hood 740 is provided at an upper end of back portion holding member 718. Hood 740 has a design similar to that of hood 630 provided to adult garment 600.
Further, referring to Figs. 28 and 30, back portion holding member 718 has an upper pad member 718b and a lower pad member 718c as core materials. Lower pad member 718c is attached to upper pad member 718b such that it bends inward (opposite to the side on which a band-shaped supporting member 728, described later, is provided). Upper and lower pad members 718b, 718c have their surfaces covered with breathable cushion members.
Upper and lower pad members 718b, 718c are arranged such that lower pad member 718c can be accommodated in a space provided between back face holding member 701 and sack member 701a. A hook-and-loop fastener 701b is provided between back face holding member 701 and lower pad member 718c to make lower pad member 718c detachable from back face holding member 701.
Provided on the outer side of back portion holding member 718 is band-shaped supporting member 728 which extends from an upper end of back portion holding member 718 over crotch portion holding member 710. Band-shaped supporting member 728 is fixed to back portion holding member 718 only at its upper end portion. In a region located outside the upper pad member 718b, band-shaped supporting member 728 is attached to back portion holding member 718 such that a space 728a is formed to make a father as the user can insert his hand therein (see Fig. 22).
A belt 729 is attached to a lower end portion of band-shaped supporting member 728. A hook member 730B is provided at a tip end portion of belt 729, which is capable of adjusting length of belt 729.
When band-shaped supporting member 728 is not in use, it can be accommodated into a space provided between back face holding member 701 and sack member 701a, as shown in Fig. 31.
Hood 740 provided at the upper end of back portion holding member 718 is formed of a soft cushion member for protecting the head region of the baby. Hood 740 can selectively be set in an inward-looking position as shown in Fig. 30 or an outward-looking position as shown in Fig. 31.

(State of Use)

For example, when father 1 wears the above-described adult garment 600 and holds baby 2 face-to-face in an upright posture using child carrier 700 as shown in Fig. 22, female buckles 604, 606 provided at adult garment 600 are fastened to male buckles 708, 709 of child carrier 700. Further, connection tool 650 provided at adult garment 600 engages with fastener rail 733, and engagement hook 734 is fastened.

(Functions and Effects)

With the parent and child clothing according to the present embodiment, adult garment 600 has a shape of vest type. It however has front bodies 601a, 601b and back body 602, as shown in Fig. 22, so that it can be identified in appearance with a regular vest, maintaining fashionability and casualness in itself. Further, hood 630 provided to adult garment 600 and hood 740 provided to child carrier 700 can be coordinated with each other in design, which renders uniformity as the parent and child clothing, thereby improving the fashionability and casualness. As a result, even a man can wear adult garment 600 as the parent clothing without hesitation, which encourages participation of men in child rearing.
Further, arrangement of shoulder belt members 624, 625, waist belt member 621, female buckles 604, 606 and ring-shaped buckles 605, 607 as described above makes the child's load distributed to shoulder belt members 624, 625 and looped waist belt member 621 to which shoulder belt members 624, 625 are connected. Accordingly, it is possible to hold a child in a stable manner.
The connection of shoulder belt members 624, 625 to waist belt member 621 prevents shoulder belt members 624, 625 from moving away from the parent's body, ensuring that waist belt member 621 supports the child's load.
Although the case where the baby is held in an upright posture by child carrier 700 has been described in the present embodiment, it is also possible to hold the baby in a laid-down manner, as shown in Fig. 4. Further, it is possible to combine an adult garment and a child carrier described in any of the embodiments as appropriate.
In each of the embodiments above, adult garment (parent-side garment) 100, 200, 600 has been described to have front bodies fastened in front. However, the present invention is also applicable to pullovers such as sweatshirts and sweaters not open in front.
Accordingly, it should be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative and non-restrictive in every respect. The scope of the present invention is not interpreted by only the embodiments but rather defined by the terms of the claims, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

Industrial Applicability

As described above, the adult garment, child garment, and parent and child clothing of the present invention can be identified in appearance with regular clothing, maintaining fashionability and casualness in themselves. As a result, even a man can use the adult garment, child garment, and parent and child clothing without uncomfortable feeling, which encourages participation of men in child rearing.

Claims

An adult garment (100, 600) allowing a user (1) to hold a child using a child carrier (200, 700), comprising:
a front body (101a, 101b) and a back body (102) provided to form a pair of arm holes;

a pair of looped shoulder belt members (124, 125) provided to said front body (101a, 101b) and said back body (102) and passing upper sides of said arm holes;

a looped waist belt member (121, 122, 123) provided in the vicinity of lower ends of said front body (101a, 101b) and said back body (102), to which both lower ends of respective said shoulder belt members (124, 125) are connected; and

first child carrier connection tools connected to said shoulder belt members (124,125) for connection of said child carrier (200, 700):
The adult garment according to claim 1, wherein said shoulder belt members (124, 125) are provided on inner surface sides of said front body (101a, 101b) and said back body (102), and said first child carrier connection tools are provided on outer surface sides of said front body (101a, 101b) and said back body (102).
The adult garment according to claim 1, further comprising second child carrier connection tools connected to said waist belt member (121, 122, 123) for connection of said child carrier (200, 700).
The adult garment according to claim 1, wherein said child carrier (200, 700) has an end connected to said waist belt member (121, 122, 123) and another end provided with connection tools to be connected to said first child carrier connection tools, and is accommodated in the adult garment (100, 600) in a foldable manner.
The adult garment according to claim 1, including a child hip support having an end connected to said Waist belt member (121, 122, 123) and another end provided with connection tools to be connected to said first child carrier connection tools, and accommodated in the adult garment (100, 600) in a foldable manner.
A child garment connectable to and held by a harness of an adult garment (100, 600) worn by a user (1), comprising:
connection tools detachably connected to said harness; and

a crotch receiving portion (146) supporting a crotch of a child.
The child garment according to claim 6, further comprising a band-shaped member attached to a surface of the child garment to extend in a longitudinal direction, wherein
said connection tools are connected to said band-shaped member.
The child garment according to claim 7, wherein said band-shaped member includes a pair of longitudinal bands extending in a longitudinal direction.
The child garment according to claim 8, further comprising a lateral band extending across said crotch receiving portion and connecting the longitudinal bands.
The child garment according to claim 7, wherein said band-shaped member is provided on a back surface side of the child garment.
The child garment according to claim 6, further comprising a pocket for storing said connection tools.
Parent and child clothing, comprising:
a parent-side garment worn by a parent;

a child-side garment worn by a child; and

connection means for holding said child-side garment by said parent-side garment.
The parent and child clothing according to claim 12, wherein said parent-side garment includes
a front body (101a, 101b) and a back body (102) provided to form a pair of arm holes,
a pair of looped shoulder belt members (124, 125) provided to said front body (101a, 101b) and said back body (102) and passing upper sides of said arm holes,
a looped waist belt member (121, 122, 123) provided in the vicinity of lower ends of said front body (101a, 101b) and said back body (102), to which both lower ends of respective said shoulder belt members (124, 125) are connected, and
child carrier connection tools connected to said shoulder belt members (124,125) for connection of said child-side garment.
The parent and child clothing according to claim 12, wherein said child-side garment includes
connection tools detachably connected to said parent-side garment, and
a crotch receiving portion supporting a crotch of a child.
The parent and child clothing according to claim 12, wherein said child-side garment is completely removable from said parent-side garment.
The parent and child clothing according to claim 12, wherein said child-side garment is removable from said parent-side garment except for at least the crotch receiving portion.
The parent and child clothing according to claim 12, wherein said parent-side garment and said child-side garment are made of same fabric.
An adult garment, worn when carrying a baby using both a user wear member, having user-side connection tools and worn by a user (1), and a baby holding member, having baby-side connection tools provided detachably with respect to said user-side connection tools and configured to hold the baby together with said user wear member, comprising:
first openings for passing said user-side connection tools therethrough in an outward direction to make said user-side connection tools connectable with said baby-side connection tools.
The adult garment according to claim 18, wherein said first openings can be opened and closed.
The adult garment according to claim 18, wherein
said user wear member includes a waist belt member (621) worn around a waist of the user (1) and having belt ends detachable from each other on a front side of the user (1), and
the adult garment (100, 600) includes second openings for passing said belt ends therethrough in an outward direction to allow said belt ends to be fastened and unfastened on an outer side of the adult garment (100, 600).
The adult garment according to claim 20, wherein covering members are detachably provided on the outer side of the adult garment (100, 600), and said second openings are provided in regions covered by said covering members.
The adult garment according to claim 21, wherein said covering members are pockets each having an upper end fixed to a front body (101a, 101b) of the adult garment.
The adult garment according to claim 18, wherein the adult garment (100, 600) has connecting means for detachably connecting said user wear member to an inner surface side of the adult garment.
An adult garment (100, 600) worn by an adult, comprising a pair of first slits provided in upper left and right regions of a front body (101a, 101b) and penetrating from a front surface to a back surface.
The adult garment according to claim 24, wherein said first slits are each arranged in a lateral direction.
The adult garment according to claim 25, wherein a plurality of said first slits are provided in a longitudinal direction.
The adult garment according to claim 24, comprising a pair of second slits provided in lower left and right regions of said front body (101a, 101b) and penetrating from the front surface to the back surface.
The adult garment according to claim 24, wherein said second slits are each arranged in a longitudinal direction.
The adult garment according to claim 24, wherein said first and second slits can be opened and closed.
The adult garment according to claim 27, wherein covering members are detachably provided on an outer surface of the adult garment (100, 600), and said second slits are provided in regions covered by said covering members.
The adult garment according to claim 30, wherein said covering members are pockets each having an upper end fixed to said front body (101a, 101b).