FR2759964A1 - Infant's pushchair transformable into baby carrier - Google Patents

Abstract

The pushchair comprises a chassis carrying a hammock in which the child can sit or lie. The hammock can be fixed to or removed from the chassis. A harness holds the child in the hammock and also enables supporting the child on an adult's shoulders. In the hammock rear (43) is a baby carrier rigid back (41) connected to two supple lateral walls (44) forming bellows. The distance between the back and the rear is adjustable by a strap (45). A reinforced cloth (46) placed inside the baby carrier plays the role of adjustable trousers. A sheath (47) is formed along the hammock rear open at its upper (48) and lower (49) ends.

Description

 Stroller for children, with hammock convertible into baby carrier, and corresponding hammock.

 The field of the invention is that of strollers for children. More specifically, the invention relates to hammocks fitted to such strollers.

 Conventionally, children's strollers comprise a chassis, for example tubular, mounted on wheels, and on which is fixed a hammock intended for the transport of a child. This hammock is generally in the form of a seat with a seat and a back. It is equipped to ensure the comfort (fleeces, adjustable elements, ...) and safety (harness, side reinforcements, ...) of the child. Its tilt can be adjustable.

 Among the areas of research and development concerning strollers, we can notably retain the following two aspects: the possibility of accessing any type of place, whatever the terrain (while of course maintaining sufficient comfort for the child) , and limiting the overall size of the stroller.

 To allow traffic on all terrains, many solutions have been proposed, such as the use of large diameter wheels, the use of suspensions, etc.

 However, it is clear that, by their nature, conventional strollers will never allow access to all places. For example, it is not possible to pass on coastal or forest trails, as long as their width is less than the stroller tracks. Similarly, the use of the stroller is impossible when there is a staircase to cross.

 The use of the stroller is also impractical indoors, and more generally in all cases where there is a relatively dense crowd and / or where the circulation space is limited.

 In these situations, parents usually decide to carry their child.

For infants (for example, weighing 15 kg or less), baby carriers are often used. lt is generally a bag of strong fabric pierced so as to form a panty, in which the child is seated, and equipped with suspenders allowing the portage against oneself, on the belly or on the back.

 This solution is advantageous in the above situations. It cannot, however, replace a stroller. It is indeed reserved for young children, while a stroller can be used for older children (therefore heavier). Furthermore, it forces the adult carrier to permanently bear the weight of the child on his shoulders.

 We thought of equipping baby carriers with a frame similar to that of backpacks and two wheels. However, this technique remains limited to small children (because of the structure of the baby carrier) and cannot offer all the advantages of a classic stroller (stability, comfort, adjustments, reception of a child over 15 kg, ...). As soon as the child is a little old, it is necessary to replace this device with a stroller.

 The parents, having made this analysis, are finally led to obtain on the one hand a baby carrier, and on the other hand a stroller. This choice is not without drawbacks. First, it is expensive, since it involves the purchase of two separate equipment. It also presents a problem of congestion, in particular in the event of displacements. We know for example that the quantity of material to be placed in an automobile, when taking one or more children, is a crucial problem.

 Furthermore, this choice solves the problems posed only partially.

 It remains indeed necessary, before each departure, to make the choice between the stroller and the baby carrier. Consequently, we are still confronted with the problems discussed above.

 The invention particularly aims to overcome these various drawbacks of the state of the art.

 More specifically, an objective of the invention is to provide a technique for grouping the advantages of strollers and baby carriers, without having the drawbacks discussed above.

 Thus, the invention aims to provide a technique allowing parents to circulate in all types of places, even the most difficult to access, while retaining the advantages associated with the stroller as much as possible.

 Another object of the invention is to provide such a technique, which allows parents to limit the costs incurred, in particular by avoiding the purchase of a specific baby carrier, which will no longer be used as soon as the child will weigh more than 15 kg.

 The invention also aims to provide such a technique, making it possible to limit the overall overall dimensions.

 Yet another objective of the invention is to provide such a technique, which is very simple to implement, while of course retaining the qualities of solidity, reliability, security and comfort in all cases.

These objectives, as well as others which will appear subsequently, are achieved according to the invention using a stroller for children, of the type comprising a frame carrying a hammock intended to receive a child in a sitting position and / or lying down, in a first function, said hammock comprising:
- Removable fixing means to said chassis;
- means for retaining a child in said hammock;
- means of carrying on the shoulders of an adult carrier; and
- means for supporting and maintaining an infant, so as to allow dual use:
- a first use as a stroller, said hammock being fixed
said chassis; and
- a second use as a baby carrier, said hammock, separate
of said chassis, which can be carried on the shoulders using said
means of carrying, an infant being placed in said
support and holding means.

 Thus, the system of the invention proposes on the one hand a stroller, which can integrate all the characteristics and all the advantages of a conventional stroller.

She adds to this the advantages of a baby carrier.

 The transition from use as a stroller to use as a baby carrier can be almost instantaneous and very simple, as we will see later.

 Furthermore, the invention makes it possible to limit the overall size, and to simultaneously transport the stroller and the baby carrier, the latter being incorporated into the stroller.

 Advantageously, said support and holding means are produced on the rear part of said hammock, opposite the front part forming the seat and back in said first use.

 In other words, the back of the hammock, in the stroller position, becomes the part in contact with the back of the wearer in use as a baby carrier.

 According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, at least part of said carrying means also form, in said first use, at least part of a harness for retaining the child to said hammock.

 There is thus obtained, of course, a simplification of the assembly, and therefore a reduced cost. It should however be noted that in this case, the elements of the harness must be studied so as to be compatible with the two uses, and to remain easy to handle.

 In particular, said retaining means may comprise two shoulder straps corresponding to carrying straps of said carrying means, and a lateral strap corresponding to means for connecting said carrying straps.

 Preferably, said retaining harness is a harness with 5 anchoring points.

 According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, said baby carrier is a back baby carrier.

 In this case, a lower part of said hammock is advantageously foldable so as to form a back reinforcement for the adult carrier in said second use.

 Furthermore, said support and holding means advantageously have two side walls forming bellows, and means for adjusting the maximum opening of said bellows.

 Said support and holding means may also comprise a bottom element forming a panty, and means for adjusting the depth of said panty.

 According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the stroller comprises at least one element for stiffening the back of said hammock, integral with said chassis and on which said hammock is held, in said first use.

 In this case, said hammock advantageously comprises a sheath open at its two ends, in which said stiffening element can be engaged.

 As will be seen later, the assembly and disassembly operations of the hammock are then very simple.

 One can in particular provide that said fixing means comprise at least one means for hooking to an element of said chassis, formed at the free end, penetrating into said sheath, of said stiffening element.

The invention also relates to a hammock as such, capable of being used on a stroller as described below. Such a hammock includes in particular:
- removable means of attachment to the chassis of a stroller,
- means for retaining a child in said hammock;
- means of carrying on the shoulders of an adult, and
- means of support and support for a young child.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, given by way of simple illustrative and nonlimiting example, and of the appended drawings, among which :
- Figure 1 illustrates, in 3/4 view, the stroller according to the invention
equipped with his hammock;
- Figure 2 illustrates the stroller of Figure 1 in rear 3/4 view,
allowing you to see the elements of the baby carrier;
- Figure 3 shows the hammock of the stroller of Figures I and 2;
- Figure 4 illustrates the hammock of Figure 3, the baby carrier attached to
the rear of it being deployed;
- Figures 5 and 6 show the procedure to follow for
detach the hammock from the stroller frame of Figures 1 and 2;
- Figure 7 shows the hammock of Figure 3 ready for use in
as a baby carrier, seen from the front;
- Figure 8 illustrates the use of the hammock of Figure 7 as
baby carrier;
- Figures 9 to 11 illustrate the procedure for reassembling the
hammock on the stroller frame.

 The present invention can be adapted to many types of strollers for children. The embodiment described below by way of example is a stroller suitable for use on all terrains. Before describing the invention precisely, we quickly specify some characteristics of this stroller. It is clear that these characteristics are not compulsory for the implementation of the invention.

 Figures 1 and 2 illustrate this stroller, respectively for 3/4 front and 3/4 rear (during unfolding).

 The stroller has a chassis 11, for example tubular, mounted on wheels 12 of large diameter (for example 200 mm). Two wheels are provided at the rear, and four at the front, mounted in pairs. The front wheels can either be fixed or swivel. Preferably, suspensions are provided on all the wheels. At least some of these suspensions are adjustable depending on the nature of the terrain and the weight of the child being transported.

 A hammock 13 is mounted on the frame 11. It is a padded hammock, incorporating an enveloping lateral protection of the child's body. It is equipped with a harness 14, preferably of the type with 5 anchor points. Thus, in combination with large diameter wheels and suspensions, the stroller is suitable for all situations, such as tarmac in town, sand by the sea, mountains, forests, ...

 This hammock 13 can be tilted, so as to take several positions.

Advantageously, it is mounted on a stiffening element made of plastic material (which appears in particular in FIG. 9).

 A support arch 15 and a footrest 16 can be provided, to improve the comfort and safety of the child.

 A step 17 can be provided at the rear of the stroller, to allow the transport of a second child in a standing position.

 Conventionally, the stroller is foldable, so as to allow its storage in a reduced location. FIG. 2 illustrates (arrows 21 and 22) the principle of the unfolding of the stroller, by action on the step board 17 and the handlebar 18.

 According to the invention, the hammock 13 is separable from the stroller. The corresponding operating mode is described below. This hammock 13 is more precisely illustrated in FIG. 3. It conventionally comprises a seat 31, a backrest 32 and lateral elements 33, which make it possible to maintain and comfort the child.

 The harness includes two straps 34 and 35, which hold the child's shoulders. A side strap 36 makes it possible to connect the shoulder straps 34 and 35, so that the child cannot get out of it. The straps 34 and 35 and the strap 36 are of course adjustable, so as to be adapted to the size and build of the child on the one hand, and to the portage by an adult on the other hand, in use as a baby carrier, according to the invention.

It should be noted that the straps 34 and 35 are not simple straps of a conventional harness. They have the double function of:
- shoulder straps, when used as a stroller, and they
keep the child in the hammock;
- carrying straps, in use as a baby carrier.

 They are therefore, in particular, appreciably wider, so as to allow new use as a baby carrier.

Likewise, the lateral strap 36 performs a double function.
- restraint of the child in the hammock, in use as
stroller;
- connecting strap of the two carrying straps, ensuring safety
carrying by preventing any slipping of the straps.

 A last strap 37, fixed in the middle of the joint between the seat and the backrest, ends at its free end with a ring in which the strap 36 can be passed. Thus, the harness is a 5-point harness, offering good safety.

 According to the invention, means allowing the use of this hammock in baby carrier are provided, as illustrated in FIG. 4.

 At the rear 43 of the hammock, when we consider the latter in its usual use, we therefore fixed an element 41 forming the back of the baby carrier. I1 is made of a relatively rigid material, covered with a fleece on its face in contact with the child, then with a fabric (preferably the same as that used for the hammock, or a fabric matching it). The lower part 42 of the baby carrier is flexible, so as to allow the folding of the baby carrier against the rear 43 of the hammock.

 Two flexible lateral elements 44 connect the backrest 41 to the rear 43 of the hammock. The distance between the back 41 and the back 43 of the hammock is adjustable, using straps 45. Thus, the opening of the baby carrier can be adapted to the child, and completely closed during use as a stroller. The side elements fold and unfold like bellows, depending on the setting.

 A reinforced piece of fabric 46 is placed inside the baby carrier. A strap (not shown) makes it possible to adjust its depth, so that this piece 46 plays the role of adjustable pants, adaptable to the child.

 A sheath 47 is formed along the rear 43 of the hammock. It is in the form of a piece of fabric forming a sheath open at its upper 48 and lower 49 ends (see FIG. 10), the role of which is specified below.

 We now present more precisely the procedure for switching from use as a stroller to use as a baby carrier.

 In use as a stroller, the backrest 41 of the baby carrier is placed behind the hammock, using means such as a Velcro strip (registered trademark).

Advantageously, an element of the hammock, in fabric, covers the whole.

 The operation of separating the hammock therefore begins, as illustrated in FIG. 5, by the release of this covering element 51 and the release of the Velcro strip. We then have access to the upper end 52 of the stiffening means of the hammock.

 These stiffening means appear more clearly in FIG. 9. They are in the form of a part in two parts 91 and 92 corresponding respectively to the backrest and to the seat of the hammock. It is made of plastic.

 Its lower end 93 is integral with the chassis II, and pivotally mounted thereon. The upper part 94 is removably fixed to an element 95 of the chassis. The junction 96 between the two parts 91 and 92 forms a hinge, so that the angle between these two parts can vary.

 With reference to FIG. 5, the separation first of all comprises a detachment of the upper part 94 of the stiffening means, which are fixed to the chassis element 95 by means of two hooks (111, FIG. 11). A handle is provided for gripping the stiffening means, so that it suffices to pull upwards (arrow 53) to unhook these stiffening means.

 Then, just grab the hammock 13, as illustrated (arrow 61) in Figure 6. The stiffening means then slide in the sleeve 47 into which they were introduced, and release the hammock, in the position illustrated in Figure 3.

 Then replace the hooks of the stiffening means and, if necessary, fold the stroller.

 The transformation of the hammock into a baby carrier and very simple. The seat 31 is folded up (arrow 38, FIG. 3), to form a back reinforcement 71, as illustrated in FIG. 7. The straps 34 and 35 are lengthened to the appropriate size, and ventral fastening means 72 are cleared.

 Figure 8 shows the baby carrier in use, on the back of an adult carrier. We note in particular the reuse of the straps 34 and 35 and the strap 36. The width and / or the shape of the straps are suitable for this dual use.

 It is just as simple to switch from use as a baby carrier to use as a stroller, as illustrated by FIGS. 9 to 11.

 We take down the stiffening means (arrow 97), then we engage these in the sheath 47. For this, we pass the arm 101 in the sheath 47 to catch the upper part 94 of the stiffening means, and let the hammock slide ( arrow 102).

 The latter is automatically put in place along the stiffening means, and all that remains is to put the hooks 111 in place (FIG. 11).

Claims (14)

1. Stroller for children, of the type comprising a frame (11) carrying a hammock (13) intended to receive a child in a sitting and / or lying position, in a first function, characterized in that said hammock (13) comprises:  - Removable fixing means (111) to said chassis;  - means (14; 34, 35, 36, 37) for retaining a child in said  hammock;  - means (14; 34, 35, 36) for carrying on the shoulders of an adult  carrier ; and  - Means (41, 43, 46) for supporting and maintaining a child in  young age, so as to allow a double use:  - A first use as a stroller, said hammock (13) being  attached to said chassis (11); and  - a second use as a baby carrier, said hammock (13),  separate from said frame (II), which can be carried on the shoulders using  said means (14; 34, 35, 36) for carrying a young child  being placed in said means (41, 43, 46) for supporting and  maintenance. 2. Stroller according to claim 1, characterized in that said means (41, 43, 46) for support and holding are produced on the rear part (43) of said hammock (13), opposite the front part forming seat and back in said first use. 3. Stroller according to claim 2, characterized in that at least part of said means (14; 34, 35, 36) for carrying corresponds to at least part of said means (14; 34, 35, 36, 37) of detention. 4. Stroller according to claim 3, characterized in that said retaining means comprise two shoulder straps (34, 35) corresponding to carrying straps of said carrying means. 5. Stroller according to claim 4, characterized in that said retaining means comprise a lateral strap (36) corresponding to means for connecting said carrying straps. 6. Stroller according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that said retaining means (14; 34, 35, 36, 37) comprise a harness with 5 anchoring points. 7. Stroller according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said baby carrier is a back baby carrier. 8. Stroller according to claim 7, characterized in that a lower part (71) of said hammock (13) is foldable so as to form a back reinforcement for the adult carrier. 9. Stroller according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that said support and holding means have two side walls (44) forming bellows, and means (45) for adjusting the maximum opening of said bellows .  10. Stroller according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that said support and holding means comprise a bottom element (46) forming pants, and means for adjusting the depth of said pants. 11. A stroller according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that it comprises at least one element (91, 92) for stiffening the back of said hammock, integral with said frame (11) and on which said hammock (13 ) is maintained in said first use. 12. Stroller according to claim 11, characterized in that said hammock (13) comprises a sheath (47) open at its two ends, in which said stiffening element (91) can be engaged.  13. Stroller according to claim 12, characterized in that said fixing means comprise at least one attachment means (111) to an element (95) of said chassis, formed at the free end (94), penetrating into said sheath (47), of said stiffening element (91).  maintenance.  being placed in said means (41, 43, 46) for supporting and  said means (14; 34, 35, 36) for carrying a young child  separate from said frame (11), can be carried on the shoulders using  - a second use as a baby carrier, said hammock (13),  attached to said chassis (11); and  - A first use as a stroller, said hammock (13) being  young age, so as to allow a double use:  - Means (41, 43, 46) for supporting and maintaining a child in  carrier ; and  - means (14; 34, 35, 36) for carrying on the shoulders of an adult  hammock;  - means (14; 34, 35, 36, 37) for retaining a child in said  - Removable fixing means (111) to said chassis;  14. Hammock for stroller, characterized in that it comprises