GB2206031A

GB2206031A - Rucksack/cradle combination

Info

Publication number: GB2206031A
Application number: GB08714610A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Rachel Alison Forster
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1987-06-23
Filing date: 1987-06-23
Publication date: 1988-12-29
Also published as: GB8714610D0

Abstract

A rucksack comprises a cradle (1) for carrying a child, and a carrier (10) for equipment, in which one of the cradle and the carrier is also adapted to be secured to an adult's torso, and is releasably secured to the other so that, in use, the carrier and the cradle lie against the front and back of the adult's torso. <IMAGE>

Description

RUCKSACK This invention relates to rucksacks.

According to the present invention, there is provided a rucksack comprising a cradle for carrying a child, and a carrier for equipment, in which one of the cradle and the carrier is also adapted to be secured to an adult's torso, and is releasably secured to the other so that, in use, the carrier and the cradle lie against the front and back of the adult's torso.

Preferably, the cradle, rather than the carrier, is adapted to be secured to the adult's torso, for example by means of shoulder straps.

The carrier may be of any convenient shape. Preferably the carrier is suitable for carrying equipment required for feeding and changing the clothing of the child to be carried in the cradle. For example, the carrier may be provided with a series of pockets for items such as bottles, and may contain a removable changing mat.

A preferred rucksack in accordance with the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a side view of the rucksack; Figure 2 is a view of the front of the rucksack of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a rear view of the rucksack of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a view of a carrier part of the rucksack of Figure 1, unfolded; Figure 5 is a view of the carrier of Figure 4, folded; and Figure 6 is a side view of a cover for a cradle part of the rucksack of Figure 1.

Referring to the drawings, a rucksack comprises a cradle 1 having a U-shaped seat section 2 one limb 2a of which is sewn to the centre section of a waist band 3. One end of the the waist band 3 is sewn to the other limb 2b of the seat section 2, and carries two buckles which engage straps sewn to the other end of the waist band, to secure a child in the seat section, as illustrated in Figure 1. The upper part of the other limb 2b of the seat section forms a head-rest, which is preferably detachable.

The cradle is secured to the front of an adult's torso by means of two shoulder straps 5,6. Each shoulder strap 5,6 is secured by stitching to one side of the seat section 2 above the waist band 3, passes over one of the adult's shoulders, crosses with the other shoulder strap 5,6 in the centre of the adult's back, and is releasably connected to the seat section 2 below the waist band by means of buckles 7.

The rucksack also includes a carrier 10, for carrying equipment. The carrier 10 comprises two leaves 11,12, which fold along a common edge 14, as illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, and are joined by a zip fastener 16,16 sewn to the other peripheral edges of the leaves.

Each leaf 11, 12 of the carrier 10 is provided on its inner surface with pockets for holding equipment used in feeding and otherwise ministering to the needs of a child. One leaf 11 includes an array of seven pockets of different sizes, whilst he other leaf 12 includes a single large pocket . A changing mat 17 of waterproof material is also contained in the carrier.

Handles 18,19 are fixed to the outside edges of the two leaves of the carrier 10 permitting the carrier to be hand-carried separately from the cradle, if so desired.

Alternatively, the carrier 10 may be fastened to the cradle by means of straps 20,21, which engage in buckles 22,23 on the shoulder straps of the cradle, and by loops 24,25 adjacent the folding edge of the carrier, through which the shoulder straps are threaded. In this configuration, the rucksack is worn with the cradle lying against the adult's front, and the carrier against the adult's back, leaving both the adults arms free.

A protective cover 25 (Figure 6) may be secured over the cradle 1 in order to protect the child from rain or cold winds. The cover is secured to the shoulder straps 5,6 by press-fasteners on its upper edge, and is provided with a slot 28 in one side through which the buckles 7 for the shoulder straps 5,6 project.

The rucksack may be made from any material of sufficient strength, softness to meet the requirements of durability and comfort required of the rucksack, for example, double thickness quilted cotton fabric.

Claims

1. A rucksack comprising a cradle for carrying a child, and a carrier for equipment, in which one of the cradle and the carrier is also adapted to be secured to an adult's torso, and is releasably secured to the other so that, in use, the carrier and the cradle lie against the front and back of the adult's torso.

2. A rucksack according to Claim 1 in which the cradle is adapted to be secured to the adult's torso.

3. A rucksack according to Claim 2 wherein the carrier includes a handle by means of which the carrier may be carried separately from the cradle.

4. A rucksack according to any one of Claims 1 to 3 wherein the carrier comprises two leaves which fold along a common edge and means for securing the leaves together in when folded.

5. A rucksack according to Claim 4 wherein the inner surface of at least one leaf of the carrier is provided with pockets for holding equipment.

6. A rucksack according to any one of Claims 1 to 5 wherein the carrier contains a removable changing mat for an infant.

7 A rucksack according to any one of Claims 1 to 6 wherein the cradle is adapted to be secured to the adult's torso by means of straps, and the carrier is releasably secured to the straps.

8. A rucksack substantially as hereinbefore described and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.