US20120152987A1

US20120152987A1 - Baby carrier

Info

Publication number: US20120152987A1
Application number: US13/387,861
Authority: US
Inventors: Alessandra Beltrame; Licia Negri
Original assignee: Mhug Sas Di Alessandra Beltrame & C
Current assignee: Mhug Sas Di Alessandra Beltrame & C
Priority date: 2009-07-30
Filing date: 2010-07-09
Publication date: 2012-06-21
Also published as: EP2459032A1; JP2013500107A; EP2459032B1; ITMI20090254U1; WO2011012943A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a carrier for carrying babies comprising a central portion (1) extended along a predetermined longitudinal direction (Y-Y) between a top end (1 a) and a bottom end (1 b) and provided with opposite sides (1 c, 1 d). The carrier (100) is further provided with a belt (10) attached in substantial matching with the bottom end (1 b) of the central portion (1) and projecting laterally from the sides (1 c, 1 d) of the central portion (1) for surrounding a user's side, A first brace (21) and a second brace (22) are attached to the central portion (1) in a substantially intermediate position between the top end (1 a) and the bottom end (1 b) of the central portion (1). The braces (21, 22) project laterally from the sides (1 c, 1 d) of the central portion (1) and exhibit a sufficient length for wrapping around the user's shoulders, crossing “X-wise” at the user's back and surrounding the central portion (1) at the bottom end (1 b). Moreover, the free ends of the braces (21, 22) are suitable for removably constraining at the user's abdomen in superimposition to the belt (10). The carrier (100) further comprises a first buttonhole (41) and a second buttonhole (42) respectively connected to each of the sides (1 c, 1 d) of the central portion (1) and positioned between the braces (21, 22) and the belt (10). The first (41) and the second buttonhole (42) also determine respective loops for the second (22) and the first brace (21) in order to obtain a steady coupling between the sides (1 c, 1 d) of the central portion (1) and of the braces (21, 22).

Description

In the light of the above, there is the need of having a carrier that allows carrying a baby also in other positions besides the standing one, ensuring comfort to both the baby and the user and that, at the same time, ensures a safe carrying of the baby.
The object of the present invention is to provide a carrier having such functional features as to meet the above needs while solving the disadvantages mentioned above with reference to the prior art.
Such object is achieved with a carrier for carrying babies according to claim 1.

Further features and advantages of the carrier according to the present invention will appear more clearly from the following description of a preferred embodiment thereof, given by way of a non-limiting example with reference to the annexed figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the carrier according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a baby in a “frog-like” carrying position in the carrier of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a newborn baby in a “cradle-like” carrying position in the carrier of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a baby in a “backpack-like” carrying position in the carrier of FIG. 1.

With reference to the annexed figures, reference numeral 100 globally designates a carrier for carrying a baby according to the present invention.
Carrier 100 comprises a central portion 1 which extends between a top end 1 a and a bottom end 1 b along a predetermined longitudinal direction Y-Y and relative whereto opposite sides 1 c, 1 d are determined.
It is worth noting that the central portion 1 may be formed starting from a single fabric portion that is shaped in order to impart a substantially rectangular shape to such central portion 1. It should be noted, however, that according to possible alternative embodiments, the central portion 1 may be formed by the combination of different panels of same or different materials.
Preferably, the central portion 1 extends between the top end 1 a and the bottom end 1 b by a length comprised between 45 cm and 75 cm.
Preferably, the central portion 1 exhibits a width comprised between 32 cm and 45 cm.
Carrier 100 is provided with a belt 10 attached in substantial matching with the bottom end 1 b of the central portion 1. The attachment between the belt 10 and the central portion 1 may be obtained by stitching or, for example, by connecting means like buttons, or clips, Velcro and/or equivalent connecting means.
Preferably, belt 10 exhibits a length comprised between 110 cm and 130 cm.
In an embodiment, belt 10 comprises two band portions 11, 12 projecting laterally from sides 1 c, 1 d of the central portion 1 according to an orthogonal direction X-X substantially perpendicular to the above longitudinal direction Y-Y. In the example, the band portions 11, 12 are positioned at the bottom end 1 b of the central portion 1 and are attached, to such portion, for example by stitching. At the free ends 11 a, 11 b of the two band portion 11, 12 there are provided Velcro closing means 15 capable of ensuring a suitable removable connection between the free ends 11 a, 11 b of the two band portions 11, 12 in order to surround a user's side. In an alternative embodiment, the closing means 15 may be of a different type suitable in any case for the purpose of removably attaching the band portions 11, 12 to one another.
Preferably, each band portion belt (11, 12) exhibits a length comprised between 40 cm and 50 cm.
As shown in FIG. 1, carrier 100 comprises a first brace 21 and a second brace 22 attached to the central portion 1 in a substantially intermediate position between the top end 1 a and the bottom end 1 b of the central portion 1.
In a preferred embodiment, the first brace 21 and the second brace 22 are attached to the central portion 1 so as to be closer to the top end 1 a and to the bottom end 1 b.
According to an embodiment, braces 21, 22 laterally project from sides 1 c, 1 d of the central portion 1 according to an orthogonal direction X-X substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction Y-Y. In particular, with reference to an observer's point of view, positioned frontally relative to carrier 100, brace 21 projects laterally from the right side 1 c of the central portion 1 whereas brace 22 projects laterally from the left side 1 d of the central portion 1.
Advantageously, braces 21, 22 exhibit a sufficient length for wrapping around a user's shoulders, crossing “X-wise” at the user's back and surrounding the central portion 1 at the bottom end 1 b thereof.
Preferably, each brace 21, 22 exhibits a length comprised between 150 cm and 170 cm.
Advantageously, the free ends of braces 21, 22 are suitable for removably knotting reciprocally at the user's abdomen. In this way, as shown in the annexed figures, besides evenly distributing the baby's weight on the user's back, braces 21, 22 have a support function for the same baby at the knot made with the free ends of braces 21, 22.
In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the free ends of braces 21, 22 are suitable for removably knotting reciprocally at the user's back, preferably right above the user's buttocks.
According to the preferred embodiment, braces 21, 22 project from sides 1 c, 1 d of the central portion 1 according to a crosswise direction relative to the orthogonal direction X-X.
Preferably, each brace 21, 22 extends forming an angle comprised between 30° and 60° relative to the orthogonal direction X-X, more preferably comprised between 40° and 50°. Such crosswise inclination of braces 21, 22 advantageously allows obtaining said “X-wise” crossing at the user's back in a simple and quick manner.
Carrier 100 comprises a first buttonhole 41 and a second buttonhole 42 positioned in substantial matching with side 1 c and respectively, side 1 d of the central portion 1. In particular, the first buttonhole 41 is positioned at the left side 1 c of the central portion 1 while the second buttonhole 42 is positioned at the right side 1 d of the central portion 1.
As shown in FIG. 1, each buttonhole 41, 42 is positioned between the respective brace 21, 22 and belt 10.
In an embodiment, buttonholes 41, 42 are attached to sides 1 c, 1 d in a closer position to braces 21, 22 relative to the bottom end 1 b of the central portion 1. Advantageously, the first buttonhole 41 and the second buttonhole 42 determine respective loops for the second brace 22 and the first brace 21. In fact, once braces 21, 22 have been crossed “X-wise” at the user's back in the manner described above, the free ends of the first brace 21 and of the second brace 22 are respectively inserted to the second buttonhole 42 and in the first buttonhole 41, to obtain a steady coupling between the central portion 1 and braces 21, 22. Buttonholes 41, 42 therefore form an important support constraint for sides 1 c, 1 d of the central portion 1 given by the passage of braces 21, 22 on buttonholes 41, 42 allowing a totally safe carrying of a baby in a so-called “cradle” position (as shown in FIG. 3), that is, lying crosswise relative to the user's chest, thanks to the reduction of open space naturally present at sides 1 c, 1 d of the central portion 1. In this way, the baby is prevented from slipping laterally out of the central portion 1.
The safe carrying of the baby is further ensured when the same is lying in carrier 100 in the so-called “frog-like” position, resting chest against the user's chest and with the legs huddled up in the central portion 1 (as shown in FIG. 2).
Thanks to the support constraint provided by buttonholes 41, 42, in both carrying configurations “cradle-like” and “frog-like”, the baby is therefore positioned in a safe and at the same time, comfortable manner.
As shown in FIG. 1, carrier 100 comprises a lapel 2 that projects from the top end of the central portion 1. Lapel 2 extends between a top end 2 a and a bottom end 2 b along a predetermined longitudinal direction Y-Y coincident with the top end 1 a of the central portion 1.
In one embodiment, lapel 2 is a part of the central portion 1. As an alternative, lapel 2 may be a separate portion attached to the central portion 1, for example, by stitching, hooks, buttons, clips, Velcro and/or equivalent connecting means.
Lapel 2 comprises a first belt and a second belt 32 attached at the top end 2 a of lapel 2. Preferably, belts 31, 32 are attached to lapel 2 at the vertices thereof and project from the top end 2 a of lapel 2 along the longitudinal direction Y-Y.
Advantageously, belts 31, 32 comprise coupling means 33 for respectively attaching the first belt 31 to the first brace 21 and the second belt 32 to the second brace 22. In this way it is possible to attach belts 31, 32 to braces 21, 22 so as to keep lapel 2 standing in a suitable position for supporting the baby's head, in particular in the so-called “cradle” position. Lapel 2 further allows protecting the baby's head from cold and/or wind.
In one version, belts 31, 32 may at least partly be elastic.
In one version, lapel 2 comprises a pair of at least two belts 31, 32 attached to each vertex of lapel 2. For example, it is possible to provide two belts 31 attached to a free end of lapel 2, and two belts 32 attached to an opposite end relative to the free end of lapel 2. In this way it is possible to attach the pair of belts 31 and the pair of belts 32 respectively to braces 21, 22 knotting each pair of belts 31, 32 to one another.
According to a further embodiment of the present invention, carrier 100 comprises a first band 51 and a second band 52 connected to belt 10 at sides 1 c, 1 d of the central portion 1. In particular, the free ends of bands 51, 52 are suitable for knotting to one another for reciprocally constraining in a removable manner.
Bands 51, 52 are therefore suitable for surrounding belt 10 and knotting thereon. Actually, bands 51, 52 put belt 10 in safety, allowing the bottom end 1 b of the central portion 1 to remain next to the user's side, should the knot of the latter accidentally unfasten.
As it can be understood from the description, carrier 100 according to the present invention allows meeting the needs and overcoming the drawbacks mentioned in the introductory part of the present description with reference to the prior art.
In particular, carrier 100 allows carrying both a baby and a newborn baby in different positions. Moreover, thanks to the presence of buttonholes 41, 42 the central portion 1 can be used for carrying a newborn baby in the “cradle-like”, “frog-like” and “backpack” positions in a totally safe manner.
Thanks to braces 21, 22 arranged crosswise, carrying the baby is also comfortable to the user because in such configuration, the braces perfectly adhere to the body distributing the weight along all the trunk without weighing on the user's back.
Of course, a man skilled in the art may make several changes and variations to the carrier according to the invention in order to meet specific and incidental needs, all falling within the scope of protection defined in the following claims.

Claims

1. Carrier (100) for carrying babies, comprising:

a central portion (1) extended along a predetermined longitudinal direction (Y-Y) between a top end (1 a) and a bottom end (1 b) and provided with opposite sides (1 c, 1 d),

a belt (10) attached in substantial matching with the bottom end (1 b) of said central portion (1) and projecting laterally from the sides (1 c, 1 d) of said central portion (1) for surrounding a user's side,

a first brace (21) and a second brace (22) attached to said central portion (1) in a substantially intermediate position between said top end (1 a) and said bottom end (1 b) of said central portion (1), said braces (21,22) projecting laterally from the sides (1 c, 1 d) of said central portion (1) and exhibiting a sufficient length for wrapping around said user's shoulders, crossing “X-wise” at said user's back and surrounding said central portion (1) at said bottom end (1 b), the free ends of said braces (21, 22) being suitable for removably constraining at said user's abdomen in superimposition to said belt (10),

a first buttonhole (41) and a second buttonhole (42) respectively connected to each of said sides (1 c, 1 d) of the central portion (1) and positioned between said braces (21, 22) and said belt (10), said first (41) and second buttonhole (42) determining respective loops for said second (22) and first brace (21) in order to obtain a steady coupling between the sides (1 c, 1 d) of said central portion (1) and said braces (21, 22).

2. Carrier (100) according to claim 1, wherein said central body (1) comprises a lapel (2) projecting from the top end (1 a) of said central portion (1), said lapel (2) comprising a first belt (31) and a second belt (32) attached to the top end (2 a) of said lapel (2) and projecting at the top from said lapel (2), said belts (31, 32) comprising coupling means (33) for connecting said first (31) and second belt (32) respectively to said first (21) and second brace (22).

3. Carrier (100) according to claim 1, comprising a first band (51) and a second band (52) connected to said belt (10) respectively at the sides (1 c, 1 d) of said portion (1) for surrounding said belt (10) in superimposition, the free ends of said bands (51, 52) being suitable for being removably connected for steadily constraining to one another.

4. Carrier (100) according to claim 1, wherein the free ends (11 a, 11 b) of said belt (10) laterally project from said central portion (1) along an orthogonal, direction (X-X) substantially perpendicular to said longitudinal direction (Y-Y), said belt (10) having a length comprised between 110 cm and 130 cm.

5. Carrier (100) according to claim 4, wherein at the free ends (11 a, 11 b) of said belt (10) it comprises Velcro closing means (15).

6. Carrier (100) according to claim 1, wherein said central portion (1) extends between said top and bottom ends (1 a, 1 b) by a length comprised between 45 cm and 75 cm and exhibits a width comprised between 32 cm and 45 cm, said central portion (1) exhibiting a substantially rectangular shape.

7. Carrier (100) according to claim 1, wherein said braces (21, 22) project from the sides (1 c, 1 d) of said central body (1) along a crosswise direction (X′-X′) relative to said orthogonal direction (X-X).

8. Carrier (100) according to claim 7, wherein each of said braces (21, 22) extends forming an angle of about 45° relative to said orthogonal direction (X-X).

9. Carrier (100) according to claim 1, wherein each of said braces (21, 22) exhibits a length comprised between 150 cm and 170 cm.