GB2439910A - A baby sling - Google Patents

Abstract

A baby sling where the edges of the sling can be detachably fastened together, allowing the sling above the baby to partially closed, to keep the baby more secure. The edges of the sling may be fastened together by Velcro (RTM) or any other alternative fastening means. The baby sling may have a liner that may be detachably attached to the baby sling, thereby providing additional warmth in cold weather. The baby sling may have an integral pocket at the shoulder to allow the storage of essential items such as nappies, and ensures the sling lies smoothly on the wearer's back. The baby sling may have more than one pocket integrated into the shoulder of the baby sling. Preferably the pocket may have a releasable fastener opening.

Description

<p>Baby Sling with Unique Features</p>

<p>Background</p>

<p>There are many baby slings made with a long piece of fabric and a curved seam at the bottom to hold the baby in. It is an ancient and simple design which supports the baby in a comfortable position and can be used from birth until approximately 30Th. Slings are sold in a variety of fabrics, sometimes being reversible.</p>

<p>Problem * Baby slings are sometimes thought to be less safe than other baby carriers because the baby sits or lies in the sling rather than being secured in it.</p>

<p>* If the sling is left unseamed at the top it can rest too openly on the shoulder thus reducing the security of the pocket. Bad positioning of the fabric on the shoulder and lack of padding can cause discomfort and a reduction in safety of the sling.</p>

<p>* Slings are less substantial than other baby carriers in that they offer no storage for nappies or essential provisions.</p>

<p>* When a sling is made of warm fabric for cold weather it becomes uncomfortable in warm weather or indoors. Thus a second sling in lighter weight material is required for use in warm weather.</p>

<p>Essential Features of this baby sling: Closing Function & Optional Liner The closing function allows the sling to be lightly and partially closed. This gives an added sense of security. The same closing function also allows for the addition of a fleece liner to make the sling all-season'. This means only one sling is required because it can be modified for summer and winter use, indoor and outdoor use.</p>

<p>Important Feature of this baby sling: Nappy pocket & Shoulder stiffening The nappy pocket is situated in the structure of the sling at the shoulder, It provides additional padding to the wearer's shoulder. It also makes the sling more safe because the sling cannot open by mistake whilst it's being worn. The stiffening within the pocket ensures the sling is easy to put on, sits smoothly on the wearer's back and makes it easier to wear the sling safely and correctly.</p>

<p>An Introduction to the drawings</p>

<p>Figure 1: Overview & position of nappy pocket in sling Figure 2: Sling with closing function Figure 3: Sling with closing function from above Figure 4: Design of optional liner Figure 5: Detail of anchor points in the sling Figure 6: Detail of nappy pocket Figure 7: Detail of velcro closing function, viewed from inside the sling Particular Examples: Information for each figure *3iey indicates outside fabric of sling Figure 1: Overview & Position of nappy pocket in sling (A) Nappy pocket at top of sling (B) Velcro to shut nappy pocket (C) Where the baby sits or lies (D) Curved seam at the bottom of the sling Figure 2: Sling with closing function Velcro is sewn into the underside edges of the sling (positions E & F). The hook side of the velcro is sewn into one side (i.e. side E), the loop side of the velcro into the other side (i.e. Side F). When the hook and loop sides of the velcro meet they create a bond that seals (E) and (F) together. This means the velcro can close the sling (indicated by black lines at the edges of the sling). This seal can be undone by pulling (E) and (F) firmly apart. Many alternative methods could be used to close the sling, for instance zips, poppers, buttons or fasteners.</p>

<p>Figure 3: Sling with closing function, viewed from above The two sides of the closing mechanism (E & F) are linked together to close the sling.</p>

<p>Figure 4: Design of optional liner Velcro is also sewn onto the sides of the fleece liner (G), hook onto one side (i.e. left), loop onto the other (i.e. right) -this velcro attaches into the sling. The liner is also secured into the sling with velcro fasteners at either end (H) - these attach to anchor points inside the sling, situated up near the nappy pocket (see Fig 5:J).</p>

<p>The velcro fastener on the curved seam of the liner (I) is attached to an anchor point on the inside of the curved seam of the sling (see Fig 5:K). Many alternative methods could be used to attach an optional liner, for instance zips, poppers, buttons or fasteners. The liner could be made in a variety of different shapes.</p>

<p>Figure 5: Detail of anchor points in the sling The velcro fasteners at either end (see Fig 4:H) attach to the anchor points positioned inside the sling (J). The velcro fastener at the curved seam (See Fig 4:!) attaches to the anchor point on the inside of the sling on the curved seam (K). The features in Fig 5 would not normally be seen as they are positioned inside the sling. The anchor points are soft and therefore comfortable. When a liner is not used these anchor points can come into contact with the baby. How close the anchor points (J) are to the nappy pocket will vary according to length of the sling. The anchor points could be placed in different positions within the sling to secure the liner.</p>

<p>Figure 6: Detail of nappy pocket The nappy pocket is formed by sewing velcro into both sides of the top of the sling (L). Velcro hook will be sewn to one side, velcro loop is sewn to the other so the sides can be joined to seal the pocket. See Fig 1:A & B for positioning in the sling. The sides are sewn shut which creates a simple nappy pocket (sewing indicated by dotted line (M). Many alternative methods could be used to close the nappy pocket, for instance zips, poppers, buttons or fasteners. The nappy pocket could be positioned closer to the curved seam of the sling, at one side or the other.</p>

<p>More than one nappy pocket could be situated in the shoulder area of the sling.</p>

<p>Figure 7: Detail of velcro closing function, viewed from inside the sling (D) is the curved seam, (0) is the edge of the sling, (P) indicates the fabric under which the velcro is attached. The velcro is attached under the material so it is soft should the baby come into contact with it. (Q) shows the closing mechanism being lifted up to reveal the velcro underneath.</p>

Claims (1)

1. <p>CLAIM</p>

   <p>The unique features of this baby sling are * the ability to close the area where the baby lies * the ability to secure an optional liner * an integral nappy pocket, at the shoulder, stiffens the sling and keeps the fabric flat over the shoulder</p>