GB2516428A

GB2516428A - A baby carrier

Info

Publication number: GB2516428A
Application number: GB1312896.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Sarah Atherton
Original assignee: POPETO BABY CO Ltd
Current assignee: POPETO BABY CO Ltd
Priority date: 2013-07-18
Filing date: 2013-07-18
Publication date: 2015-01-28
Anticipated expiration: 2033-07-18
Also published as: GB2516428B; GB201312896D0

Abstract

A combination baby carrier and chair harness 10 comprises a baby seating region 60, a shoulder carrying means 40 and a chair attachment means 70. The shoulder carrying means may be used as the shoulder attachment means. In one embodiment the carrier has an additional padded part 20 which can be used to protect the baby seating region when the carrier is being carried on a users shoulders and can be used to support the baby seating region of the carrier when it is attached to a chair.

Description

A BABY CARRTER

The invention relates to a combination baby carrier and chair harness.

An aim of the present invention is to provide an improved baby carrier, or at least an alternative baby carrier.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a combination baby carrier and chair harness in accordance with C'aim I. According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a combination baby carrier and chair harness in accordance with Claim 7, According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a method of using a combination baby carrier and chair harness in accordance with Claim 15.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a method of using a combination baby carrier and chair harness in accordance with Claim 19.

Other optional and preferred features of the invention are set out in the dependent claims, and the description, below. The features of one independent claim can be combined in any complimentary manner. with one or more features of another independent daim, and/or the dependent claims, andlor with one or more features of the description, where such a combination of features would provide a working embodiment of the invention.

Two combination baby carrier and chair harnesses in accordance with the invention, and a method of using a combination baby carrier and chair harness, will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which, Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a first combination baby carrier and chair harness, viewed from in front of the adult person to which the combination baby carrier and chair harness is fitted in use, in the baby calTier (BC) configuration, Figure 2 is another schematic perspective view of the combination baby carrier and chair harness, viewed from the adult person to which the combination baby carrier and chair harness is fitted in use in the baby carrier (BC) configuration, and showing a baby carrier seating region, amongst other features, Figure 3 is a schematic side view of the combination baby carrier and chair harness, showing the baby carrier seating region, Figure 4 is another schematic perspective view of a combination baby calTier and chair harness, viewed from in front of the adult person to which the combination baby carrier and chair harness is fitted in use, in the chair harness (CH) configuration.

Figure 5 is another schematic side view of the combination baby carrier and chair harness, fitted to a chair in the chair harness (Cl-I) configuration.

Figure 6 is a schematic side view of a second combination baby carrier and chair harness, Figure 7 is a further view of the second combination baby carrier and chair harness, the direction of the view corresponding to Figure 2, Figure 8 is a further view of the second combination baby carrier and chair harness, the direction of the view corresponding to Figure 4, and Figure 9 is a further side view of the second combination baby calTier and chair harness, showing how the second combination baby carrier and chair harness is packed away.

Referring to Figures 1 to 5, a combination baby carrier and chair harness (CBCCH) 10 comprises, amongst other things, a padded front part 20, a support part 30, carrying means, for example in the form of a shoulder strap arrangement 40, a seating region 60, a chair attachment means 70, and a waist band 90.

The abbreviation "CBCCH" or "CBCACH" means combination baby carrier and chair harness.

Referring to Figures 1 and 3, the padded part 20 is filled with foam, and has part of a zip arrangement about its (oval) periphery 22. The zip can be conventional and is not shown for conciseness. Other fastening means could be used.

Referring to Figures 1 and 3, the padded part 20 comprises a fold 24, about which the padded front part can be folded into two parts. The fold 24 is on the side of the padded part 20 adjacent the support 30. In the embodiment shown, the fold 24 is centrally positioned and divides the area defined by the periphery into two approximately equally sized parts. The fold 24 is parallel to a tangent line through a lower part of the (oval) periphery 22 (both lie horizontally in Figure 1 of the drawings).

Referring to Figures 2 to 4, the support part 30 comprises a (oval) periphery 32 which corresponds hi shape and size to the periphery 22 of the padded front part 20, and has a part of a zip arrangement about its periphery 32. The zip arrangement is conventiona' and is not shown for conciseness. Other fastening means could be used.

Referring to Figure 1. 2 and 4, the zip arrangement about the periphery 22 of the padded part 20 and the zip arrangement about the periphery 32 of the support part 30 do not extend completely about the peripheries 22, 32. The padded part 20 and the support part 30 therefore remain attached towards the central lower part of the peripheries 22, 32.

Referring to Figures 1 to 3. the shoulder strap arrangement 40 comprises a first strap 42 and a second strap 44.

Referring to Figure 2, the first strap 42 and the second strap 44 are arranged in a cross like configuration, comprising in clockwise order, a first part 45 of a first strap 42, a first part 46 of a second strap 44, a second part 47 of the first strap 42, and a second part 48 of the second strap 44.

Still referring to Figure 2, a strap guide 49 is used to restrict some rdative motion of the straps 42, 44 whilst allowing relative motion of the straps in other respects.

The fir st part 45 of the first strap 42 is permanently attached to the support 30. The point of attachment corresponds to a position of between about 10 AM and about 11 AM on a clock face.

S The first part 46 of the second strap 44 is permanently attached to the support 30. The point of attachment corresponds to a position of between about I PM and about 2 PM on a clock face.

The second part 47 of the first strap 42 is temporarily attached to the support 30. The point of attachment corresponds to a position between about 4 PM and about 5 PM on a clock face.

The second part 48 of the second strap 44 is temporarily attached to the support 30. The point of attachment corresponds to a position between about 7 PM and about 8 PM on a clock face.

The positions of these points of attachment are preferred but not essential.

The second part 47 of the first strap 42, and the second part 48 of the second strap 44, are temporarily attached, respectively, by clip fasteners 50 and 52, towards the end of the second part 47 remote from the first part 45, and towards the end of the second part 48 remote from the first part 46.

The clip fasteners 50 and 52 are designed to "snap" into a fastened position.

The effective length of the first strap 42 and the second strap 44 can be adjusted for comfort.

In another embodiment of the invention (not shown for conciseness) the two straps 42, 44 could be replaced by four straps corresponding to, the first part 45 of the first strap 42, the first part 46 of the second strap 44, the second part 47 of the fir st strap 42, and the second part 48 of the second strap 44.

S

Referring to Figures 2 and 3. the seating region 60 comprises a sheet of suitable material 62.

A lower side 64 of the sheet 62 is integrally attached to the support 30. A left side 65 and right side 66 (in Figure 2) of the sheet 62 are attached to the support 30 using appropriate adjustable buckles 67 and 68.

Referring to Figure 4, the chair attachment 70 comprises a sheet of material 72. A top side 74 of sheet 72 is attached to support 30 using appropriate adjustable buckle 73. A left side 75 and right side 76 (in Figure 4) of the sheet 72 are attached to the support 30 using appropriate adjustable buckles 77 and 78. Other fastening means could be used. It will be appreciated the chair attachment means 70 are attached to the support 30 on the opposite side of the support to the strap arrangement 40 (i.e. the carrying means).

Referring to Figure 4, the support 30 and the chair attachment 70 define a recess 80 suitable for receiving a chair back part.

The waist band 90 is attached to the support 30. In particular. the waist band 90 is attached to the lower part of the periphery 32 of the support on the side of the support adjacent the baby.

Alternatively, the ends of the waist band 90 could be attached to the two sides of the support towards the lower part of the support. In Figures 3 and 5 part of the waistband is omitted simply to show the lower part of the baby seating region 60. The waist band 90 has an appropriate adjustable buckle 92. Other fastening means could be used.

In use, in the baby carrier configuration. the straps 42, 44 are arranged over the shoulders and back of an adult person that is carrying the baby.

It will be appreciated that the baby seating region 60 lies adjacent the adult carrier, and the padded part 20 is at the front of the combination baby carrier and chair harness, in other words on the other side of the baby to the adult carrier.

On alTival at say a restaurant a conventional chair 100 comprising a chair back part 102 and a chair base part 104 is provided.

To switch from the baby carrier configuration to the chair harness configuration, the padded part 20 is unzipped from the support 30 about most, but not all of. the peripheries 22, 32. It should be noted the chair attachment means 70 is on a side of the CBCCI-1 remote from the adult carrier.

The padded part 20 is then folded about fold 24. The folded padded part 20 is pivoted about the support part 30 (at the point it is attached towards the central lower part of the peripheries 22, 32) in the direction of the arrow P. The folded padded part 20 can then be arranged on the chair base part 104. The chair back part 102 slides into the recess 80 defined by the support and the chair attachment 70. The clip fasteners 50, 52 on straps 42, 44 are unfastened. The waist band 90 is unfastened. Straps 42, 44 are hung over the chair back part 102, so as not to interfere with the baby.

The baby can remain in the seating region 60 whilst the CBCCH is changed from the baby carrier configuration to the chair harness configuration.

To switch back from the chair harness configuration to the baby carrier configuration, the clip fasteners 50. 52 on straps 42, 44 are refastened. The chair back part 102 is removed from the recess 80. The CBCCH can be lifted from the chair base part 104, and the straps 42, 44 can be rearranged over the back of the adult person that is carrying the baby. The padded front part 20 can be pivoted away from the chair base part 104, in the opposite direction to alTow P. and unfolded. The peripheries 22, 32 can then be zip fastened.

The baby can remain in the seating region 60 whilst the CBCCH is changed from the chair harness configuration to the baby carrier configuration.

The length of the support 30 is designed so that relative to the length L from the top of a standard chair back to its base, a space S is defined, which approximates to the width of the folded padded support 20.

The combination baby carrier and chair harness can be used instead of a bulky pushchair and fixed to an adult chair where no highchair is available.

The flap of material connecting the padded support 20 and the support 30 can act as a carrying handle, when the device is turned upside down in Figure 1. Alternatively, a carrying handle can be attached the flap.

Referring to Figures 6 to 9, in another embodiment of the invention, a second combination baby carrier and chair harness (CBCCH) 200, comprises amongst other things, a padded front part 220, a support part 230, dual function carrying means (for example in the form of a shoulder strap arrangement) and chair attachment means 240, 270, a seating region 260, and a waist band 290.

The padded front part 220 corresponds to padded front part 20 of first combination baby carrier and chair harness 10. The padded front part 220 can comprise extra foam padding to support a baby's head.

The support part 230 corresponds to support part 30.

The dual function carrying means and chair attachment means 240, 270 corresponds to separate carrying means 40 and chair attachment means 70 of first combination baby carrier and chair harness 10. The dual function carrying means and chair attachment means 240, 270 comprises a bar strap 241, which connects to four strap parts. which in turn connect to the support 230. The straps can comprise suitable elastic or flexible portion(s) to permit it to attach around the chair. The straps can be tightened and loosened to optimise security and comfort.

The seating region 260 corresponds to seating region 60, RefelTing to Figures 6 and 7, the seating region 260 is elongated so that it wifi extend upwards to approximately under the arms of the child, thereby retaining the child's torso. Referring to Figure 7, a clip or fastener 261 is provided on only one side of the seating region 260. The size of the seating region 260 can be varied accordingly.

The waist band 290 corresponds to part 90. The waist band 290 is attached to the side of the oval support part 230 adjacent the baby, at the central lower part of the oval support part 230.

The attachment point(s) 298 of the waist band 290 and the suppoit part 230 will be arranged behind the baby in use. Clips 294, 296 can be provided on both sides of waistband 290. The waistband 290 can tighten around the lower part of the chair back.

In use, the second combination baby carrier and chair harness (CBCCH) 200 is operated in a similar manner to the first combination baby carrier and chair harness 10, with the main difference being that the dual function carrying means and chair attachment means 240, 270 performs a dual function, in that it allows the second combination baby carrier and chair harness (CBCCH) 200 to be caiTied as a baby carrier and attached to a chair as a chair harness. The "shoulder carrying means" and "chair attachment means" in claims can therefore be interpreted as one and the same thing, as well as separate things.

The second combination baby carrier and chair harness (CBCCI-1) 200 comprises a zip arrangement 292 which is offset to the rear from the vertical line of the support 230. In this way, the zip arrangement 292 stays away from the head and hair of the child. The zip arrangement 292 is thick so that the second combination baby carrier and chair harness (CBCCH) 200 can fold in on itself, in the direction of the arrows PD in Figure 9, and the two parts of the zip arrangement 292 can enclose the padded front part 220, the dual function carrying means and chair attachment means 240, 270, the baby seating region 260 and the waist band 290 within. A handle 294 can move in the direction of arrow H so as to act as handle when the second combination baby carrier and chair harness (CBCCH) 200 is folded in on itself, and encloses the padded front part 220, the dual function carrying means and io chair attachment means 240, 270, the baby seating region 260, and the waist band 290, within. ii

Claims

CLAIMS1. A combination baby carrier and chair harness comprising a baby seating region, shoulder carrying means for carrying the baby seating region, and a chair attachment means for attaching the baby seating region to a chair.
2. A combination baby carrier and chair harness according to claim 1, wherein the shoulder carrying means functions as the chair attachment means.
3. A combination baby carrier and chair harness according to any preceding claim, wherein the combination baby carrier and chair harness comprises a support attached to the baby seating region.
4. A combination baby carrier and chair harness according to claim 3, wherein the carrying means are attached to the support.
5. A combination baby carrier and chair harness according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the chair attachment means are attached to the support.
6. A combination baby carrier and chair harness according to any one or more preceding claim, wherein the combination baby carrier and chair harness comprises a padded part to protect baby seating region in baby carrier configuration and support baby seating region in chair harness configuration.
7. A combination baby carrier and chair harness comprising a baby seating region, shoulder carrying means for carryrng the baby seating region, and a chair attachment means for attaching the baby seating region to a chair, wherein the combination baby carrier and chair harness comprises a padded part to protect baby seating region in baby carrier configuration and support baby seating region in chair harness configuration.
8. A combination baby carrier and chair harness according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the padded support is foldable.
9. A combination baby carrier and chair harness according to claim 8, wherein the foldable padded support comprises a predetermined fold line, preferably in a position so as to divide its area into two parts of the same or roughly equal area.
10. A combination baby carrier and chair harness according to claim 6 or 7, or any claim depending on claim 6 or 7, wherein the combination baby carrier and chair harness comprises a support attached to the baby seating region. and the padded support is pivotable about the support.
11. A combination baby carrier and chair harness according to claim 1 0, wherein the padded support is pivotable about a lower part of the support.
12. A combination baby carrier and chair harness according to claim 6 or 7, or any claim depending on claim 6 or 7, wherein the padded support is designed to be alTanged in a space below the lower end of the support and a chair base when a combination baby carrier and chair harness is attached to a chair back.
13. A combination baby carrier and chair harness according to any one or more preceding claim, wherein the carrying means comprises a strap arrangement designed to be placed over the chair back.
14. A combination baby carrier and chair harness (CBCCH) substantially as described herein andlor with reference to one or more of the drawings.
15. A method of using a combination baby carrier and chair harness (CBCCH), comprising providing a combination baby carrier and chair harness comprising a baby seating region, shoulder carrying means for carrying the baby seating region, and a chair attachment means for attaching the baby seating region to a chair, and switching it from the baby carrier configuration to the chair harness configuration, comprising the steps of. in any sequence.detaching the shoulder carrying means from the adult carrying the baby, attaching the attachment part of the combination baby carrier and chair harness to a chair back part.16. A method of using a combination baby carrier and chair harness according to Claim 15, wherein the step of detaching the shoulder carrying means from the adult carrying the baby, comprises providing straps which are unfastened.15. A method of using a combination baby carrier and chair harness according to Claim 14, wherein the straps are hung over the chair back part. so as not to interfere with the baby.
16. A method of using a combination baby carrier and chair harness according to any one or more of Claims 13 to 15, wherein the method comprises the step of providing a waist band for securing the baby seating region against an adult crier, which is unfastened.
17. A method of using a combination baby carrier and chair harness according to any one or more of Claims 13 to 16, wherein the step of attaching the attachment part of the combination baby calTier and chair harness to a chair back part, comprises sliding a chair back part into a recess defined by an attachment part of the carrier.
18. A method of using a combination baby carrier and chair harness according to any one or more of Claims 13 to 17, wherein the method comprises providing a combination baby carrier and chair harness comprising a padded part which protects baby seating region in baby carrier configuration and arranging padded part so that it supports baby seating region in chair harness configuration.
19. A method of using a combination baby carrier and chair harness (CBCCI-1), comprising providing a combination baby calTier and chair harness comprising a baby seating region, shoulder carrying means for carrying the baby seating region, and a chair attachment means for attaching the baby seating region to a chair. and switching it from the baby carrier configuration to the chair harness configuration, comprising the steps of, providing a combination baby carrier and chair harness comprising a padded part which protects baby seating region in baby carrier configuration and arranging padded part so that it supports baby seating region in chair harness configuration.
20. A method of using a combination baby carrier and chair harness (CBCCH) according to claim 19 or 20, wherein the method comprises the step of partially detaching the padded front part from a support attached to the baby seating region.
21. A method of using a combination baby carrier and chair harness according to claim 19 or 20, or any claim dependent on claim 19 or 20, wherein the method comprises the step of folding the padded part.
22. A method of using a combination baby carrier and chair harness according to claim 19 or 20, or any claim dependent on claim 19 or 20, wherein the method comprises the steps of, providing a support and attaching the shoulder canying means, the chair attachment means, and the baby seating region to the support, pivoting the padded front part with respect to the support. so that the padded front part, the shoulder carrying means, chair attachment means, and the baby seating region come into contact with each other, and attaching the periphery of the support to the periphery of the padded front part, so as to enclose the padded front part, the shoulder carrying means, chair attachment means, and the baby seating region within.