US20170196374A1

US20170196374A1 - Baby sling with two shoulder straps

Info

Publication number: US20170196374A1
Application number: US14/992,170
Authority: US
Inventors: Pei-Yu Chen
Original assignee: NAFORYE INTERNATIONAL CO Ltd
Current assignee: NAFORYE INTERNATIONAL CO Ltd
Priority date: 2016-01-11
Filing date: 2016-01-11
Publication date: 2017-07-13

Abstract

A baby sling with two shoulder straps includes a flexible body, two shoulder straps, waist belt and two adjustment flaps. The waist belt is coupled to the bottom edge of the flexible body. First couplers are disposed at the waist belt and positioned proximate to the left and right ends of the bottom edge of the flexible body, respectively. The two adjustment flaps flank the flexible body, are positioned proximate to the waist belt, and each include a second coupler coupled to a corresponding one of the first couplers. The second couplers of the adjustment flaps are coupled to the first couplers of the waist belt, respectively. The coverage of the baby's thighs is adjusted according to the baby's body size to maximize the support the baby's body receives.

Description

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

The present invention relates to baby slings for supporting a newborn, infant or toddler (hereinafter generally referred to as a “baby”) from a wearer's body and more particularly to a baby sling with two shoulder straps.

BACKGROUND

The posture of a newborn, infant or toddler (hereinafter generally referred to as the “baby”) carried in a baby sling may affect the growth of the baby's hip joints. Hence, the baby's thighs and knee joints had better be supported by the baby sling, and the baby should straddle the baby sling, so as to reduce the burden imposed by the weight of the baby's lower limb on the baby's hip joints.
A conventional baby sling comprises a main support plate, two shoulder straps and a waist strap. The two shoulder straps are each connected to the main support plate in a manner to be in the shape of a loop. The waist strap is coupled to the bottom edge of the main support plate to define a coupling segment. As soon as a wearer wears the two shoulder straps on his or her shoulders and winds the waist strap around his or her waist, a receiving space is formed between the main support plate and the wearer, and the coupling segment fits the wearer waist; hence, the baby's body is received in the receiving space between the main support plate and the wearer and thus covered with the main support plate, whereas the baby's lower limbs stick out beside the coupling segment, respectively.
The longer the coupling segment of the baby sling, the larger the surface area of the baby's lower limbs in terms of the support received (i.e., coverage), and the less the burden imposed on the baby's hip joints. Conversely, the shorter the coupling segment of the baby sling, the smaller the surface area of the baby's lower limbs in terms of the support received (i.e., coverage), and in consequence the baby's lower limbs sag rather than stretch to the detriment of the growth of the hip joints.
Therefore, it is advisable to suit the size of a baby sling and the width of its coupling segment to the baby's body size and the coverage of the baby's thighs (that is, the parts of the body from the hip joints to the knee joints). Nonetheless, conventional baby slings seldom come in different sizes or equipped with an adjustable coupling segment; as a result, the baby inevitably outgrows its baby sling and thus needs a larger baby sling at the expense of its parents.

SUMMARY

It is an objective of the present invention to provide a baby sling with two shoulder straps. The baby sling is adapted for use in carrying a newborn, infant or toddler (hereinafter generally referred to as the “baby”) and characterized in that the surface area (i.e., coverage) of the baby's thighs (from the hip joints to the knee joints) supported by the baby sling is adjustable, and thus the length of a coupling segment corresponding in position to the baby's thighs can be adjusted according to the baby's body size.
In order to achieve the above and other objectives, the present invention provides a baby sling with two shoulder straps, comprising a flexible body, two shoulder straps, a waist belt and two adjustment flaps. The flexible body comprises a first side and a second side opposing the first side. The two shoulder straps are each connected to the flexible body in a manner to be in the shape of a loop. The waist belt is coupled to the bottom edge of the flexible body. The waist belt comprises first couplers. The first couplers are disposed at the waist belt and positioned proximate to the left and right ends of the bottom edge of the flexible body, respectively. The two adjustment flaps flank the flexible body, are positioned proximate to the waist belt, and each include a second coupler coupled to a corresponding one of the first couplers.
Regarding the baby sling with two shoulder straps, at least two first couplers are disposed at the waist belt and positioned proximate to the left and right ends of the bottom edge of the flexible body, respectively.
Regarding the baby sling with two shoulder straps further comprises a cushion unit. The cushion unit is unfastenably coupled to the first side of the flexible body and disposed between the two adjustment flaps. The cushion unit comprises a support plate and a cushion. The cushion is coupled to the support plate. The flexible body, the two adjustment flaps and the cushion unit together define a seat zone. A leg outlet is defined by and between each of the left and right ends of the cushion unit and the adjustment flaps.
Regarding the baby sling with two shoulder straps, a first engaging portion is disposed at each of two lateral edges of the support plate, and a second engaging portion is disposed at each of two lateral ends of the cushion, wherein a first fastening portion and a second fastening portion are disposed on the second side of the flexible body and correspond in position to the first engaging portions and the second engaging portions, respectively.
Regarding the baby sling with two shoulder straps further comprises a pouch. The pouch comprises a first zipper portion and a second zipper portion is disposed on the second side of the flexible body and corresponds in position to the first zipper portion.
Regarding the baby sling with two shoulder straps further comprises a cap. The cap has a third engaging portion and a third fastening portion is disposed on the second side of the flexible body and corresponds in position to the third engaging portion.
Regarding the baby sling with two shoulder straps, a pocket is disposed on top of the flexible body, and the third fastening portion is disposed inside the pocket.
Regarding the baby sling with two shoulder straps further comprises a cloak. The cloak has a fourth engaging portion and a fourth fastening portion is disposed on the second side of the flexible body and corresponds in position to the fourth engaging portion.
Regarding the baby sling with two shoulder straps, a pocket is disposed on top of the flexible body, and the fourth fastening portion is disposed inside the pocket.
Therefore, the baby sling with two shoulder straps is characterized in that: a seat zone defined together by the flexible body, the two adjustment flaps and the cushion unit allows the baby to assume a sitting posture, for example, flexing the knees naturally while relaxing the lower limbs, and the baby's hips are underpinned by the cushion to thereby rest thereon comfortably. The second couplers of the adjustment flaps are coupled to the first couplers of the waist belt, respectively. The coverage of the baby's thighs is adjusted according to the baby's body size to maximize the support the baby's body receives.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Objectives, features, and advantages of the present invention are hereunder illustrated with specific embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a baby sling with two shoulder straps according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of an aspect of the operation of the baby sling with two shoulder straps according to the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of another aspect of the operation of the baby sling with two shoulder straps according to the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the baby sling with two shoulder straps and a cushion unit according to the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a partial exploded view of the baby sling with two shoulder straps shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of another aspect of the baby sling with two shoulder straps according to the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of the baby sling with two shoulder straps worn on a wearer's body according to the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of an aspect of the operation of the baby sling with two shoulder straps according to the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a schematic view of another aspect of the operation of the baby sling with two shoulder straps according to the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a schematic view of the baby sling with two shoulder straps, a bag and a cap according to the embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 11 is a schematic view of the baby sling with two shoulder straps and a cloak according to the embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a schematic view of a baby sling 1 with two shoulder straps according to an embodiment of the present invention.
According to the embodiment of the present invention, the baby sling 1 with two shoulder straps comprises a flexible body 10, two shoulder straps 20, a waist belt 30 and two adjustment flaps 40. The flexible body 10 has a first side and a second side opposing the first side. The two shoulder straps 20 are each connected to the flexible body 10 in a manner to be in the shape of a loop. The waist belt 30 are coupled to the bottom edge of the flexible body 10. The waist belt 30 comprises first couplers 31A, 31B, 32A, 32B. The first couplers 31A, 31B, 32A, 32B are disposed at the waist belt 40 and at the left and right ends of the bottom edge of the flexible body 10, respectively. The two adjustment flaps 40 flank the flexible body 10 and are positioned proximate to the waist belt 30. The adjustment flaps 40 each comprise a second coupler 41. The second couplers 41 are coupled to the first couplers 31A, 31B, 32A, 32B, respectively.
In the embodiment, the flexible body 10 is made of fabric or pad which is soft and resilient. In the embodiment, when the baby sling 1 is in use, the first side of the flexible body 10 faces a wearer and a newborn, infant or toddler (hereinafter generally referred to as the “baby”), whereas the second side of the flexible body 10 faces away from the wearer and the baby.
Referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, two first couplers 31A, 31B are disposed at the waist belt 30 and positioned proximate to the right end of the bottom edge of the flexible body 10, whereas two first couplers 32A, 32B are disposed at the waist belt 30 and positioned proximate to the left end of the bottom edge of the flexible body 10. The first couplers 31A, 32A are positioned proximate to the bottom edge of the flexible body 10. The first couplers 31B, 32B are positioned distal to the bottom edge of the flexible body 10. In the embodiment, for illustrative sake, there are two first couplers disposed at the waist belt 30 and positioned proximate to the right end of the bottom edge of the flexible body 10, and there are two first couplers disposed at the waist belt 30 and positioned proximate to the left end of the bottom edge of the flexible body 10, but the present invention is not limited thereto, as there can be more than two first couplers at each end of the bottom edge of the flexible body 10.
The adjustment flaps 40 are coupled to the first couplers 31A, 31B, 32A, 32B of the waist belt 30 by the second couplers 41, respectively, to adjust the surface area of the baby's thighs (from the hip joints to the knee joints) in terms of the support received, that is, the coverage of the baby's thighs, so as to suit the baby's body size and thus maximize the support the baby's body receives.
Referring to FIG. 2, the second couplers 41 of the adjustment flaps 40 are coupled to the first couplers 31A, 32A of the waist belt 30, respectively, with the two adjustment flaps 40 positioned proximate to the left and right ends of the bottom edge of the flexible body 10, respectively. Hence, even a thin and short baby can be carried in the baby sling 1 with two shoulder straps, regardless of whether the baby being carried is facing the wearer or facing away from the wearer.
Referring to FIG. 3, the second couplers 41 of the adjustment flaps 40 are coupled to the first couplers 31B, 32B of the waist belt 30, respectively, with the two adjustment flaps 40 positioned distal to and separated from the left and right ends of the flexible body 10, respectively. Unlike FIG. 2, FIG. 3 shows that the baby sling 1 with two shoulder straps is characterized by a larger coverage of the baby's thighs (from the hip joints to the knee joints) and more suitable for carrying the baby while the baby is facing the wearer.
The baby sling 1 with two shoulder straps further comprises a cushion unit 50. The cushion unit 50 is unfastenably coupled to the first side of the flexible body 10 and disposed between the two adjustment flaps. The cushion unit 50 comprises a support plate 51 and a cushion 52. The cushion 52 is coupled to the support plate 51. The flexible body 10, the two adjustment flaps 40 and the cushion unit 50 together define a seat zone. A leg outlet is defined between each of the left and right ends of the cushion unit and the adjustment flaps 40, respectively.
The two shoulder straps 20 are each connected to the flexible body 10 in a manner to be in the shape of a loop and fit the wearer's shoulders so as for the flexible body 10 to be supported from the wearer's chest or back. Preferably, the two shoulder straps 20 each have a first fastener 21. The two first fasteners 21 can be fastened to each other to thereby hold the two shoulder straps 20 together and thus prevent the two shoulder straps 20 from detaching from the wearer's shoulders.
The waist belt 30 winds around the wearer's waist in a manner to be fixed thereto. A second fastener 33 is disposed at each of the two ends of the waist belt 30. The two second fasteners 33 can be fastened to each other to thereby ensure that the waist belt 30 is in the shape of a loop for winding around the wearer's waist and thus getting fixed thereto.
Referring to FIG. 5, a first engaging portion 53 is disposed at each of the two lateral edges of the support plate 51, whereas a second engaging portion 55 is disposed at each of the two lateral ends of the cushion 52. Referring to FIG. 6, a first fastening portion 11 and a second fastening portion 12 are disposed on the second side of the flexible body 10 and correspond in position to the first engaging portions 53 and the second engaging portions 55, respectively. For instance, the first engaging portions 53 of the support plate 51 is a ring, whereas the first fastening portion 11 disposed on the second side of the flexible body 10 is a button which the ring fits around. The second engaging portions 55 of the cushion 52 are either male or female. The second fastening portions 12 disposed on the second side of the flexible body 10 are either male or female. Each second engaging portion 55 is disposed on an extension band 54. The extension band 54 goes from the first side of the flexible body 10 to the second side of the flexible body 10 such that the second engaging portions 55 are coupled to the second fastening portions 12, respectively.
In the embodiment, the seat zone defined together by the flexible body 10, the two adjustment flaps 40 and the cushion unit 50 allows the baby to assume a sitting posture, for example, flexing the knees naturally while relaxing the lower limbs, and the baby's hips are underpinned by the cushion 52 to thereby rest thereon comfortably. The cushion unit 50 raises the baby's body a little bit; hence, a short baby can have its head and neck appropriately positioned while the short baby is being carried in the baby sling 1 with two shoulder straps, for example, having its head exposed from the flexible body 10 from above and its neck supported by the flexible body 10 while being carried in the baby sling 1 with two shoulder straps.
Referring to FIG. 7, in the embodiment, the baby sling 1 with two shoulder straps is worn on the body of a wearer 100, such as a mother or babysitter, and the baby is carried in the baby sling 1 with two shoulder straps, thereby dispensing the hassles of carrying the baby by hand.
The adjustment flaps 40 are coupled to the first couplers 31A, 31B, 32A, 32B of the waist belt 30 by the second couplers 41 to adjust the size of the leg outlets. Referring to FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, the first couplers 31A, 31B are disposed at the right end of the bottom edge of the flexible body 10, whereas the first couplers 32A, 32B are disposed at the left end of the bottom edge of the flexible body 10. The first couplers 31A, 32A are positioned proximate to the bottom edge of the flexible body 10. The first couplers 31B, 32B are positioned distal to the bottom edge of the flexible body 10. Referring to FIG. 8, the second couplers 41 of the adjustment flaps 40 are coupled to the first couplers 31A, 32A on the waist belt 30, whereas the two adjustment flaps 40 are positioned proximate to and enclose the left and right ends of the cushion unit 50, thereby forming relatively small leg outlet. Referring to FIG. 9, the second couplers 41 of the adjustment flaps 40 are coupled to the first couplers 31B, 32B of the waist belt 30, respectively, with the two adjustment flaps 40 positioned distal to and separated from the left and right ends of the cushion unit 50, respectively, thereby forming relatively large leg outlets. Therefore, in the embodiment, the baby sling 1 with two shoulder straps is characterized in that the size of the leg outlets can be adjusted according to the baby's body size.
Referring to FIG. 10, in the embodiment, the baby sling 1 with two shoulder straps comprises a pouch 60. The pouch 60 holds things, such as the wearer's belongings. The pouch 60 comprises a first zipper portion 61. A second zipper portion 13 is disposed on the second side of the flexible body 10 and corresponds in position to the first zipper portion 61. The pouch 60 is coupled to the second zipper portion 13 of the flexible body 10 by the first zipper portion 61 and thus fixed to the flexible body 10. Hence, the pouch 60 is removably coupled to the flexible body 10, and thus the pouch 60 can be taken out by the wearer and used by the wearer independently.
The baby sling 1 with two shoulder straps comprises a cap 70. The cap 70 is worn on the baby's head to block sunlight and ward off winds. The cap 70 has a third engaging portion 71. A third fastening portion 14 is disposed on the second side of the flexible body 10 and corresponds in position to the third engaging portion 71. For example, the third engaging portion 71 and the third fastening portion 14 are male and female, respectively. The cap 70 is coupled to the third fastening portion 14 of the flexible body 10 by the third engaging portion 71 and thus fixed to the flexible body 10 or taken out by the wearer and used by the wearer independently. A pocket 15 is disposed on top of the flexible body 10. The third fastening portion 14 is disposed inside the pocket 15. When the cap 70 is not in use, the wearer puts the cap 70 in the pocket 15. To access the cap 70, the wear takes the cap 70 out of the pocket 15.
Referring to FIG. 11, the baby sling 1 with two shoulder straps comprises a cloak 80. The cloak 80 is intended to cover the baby's body or cover the second side of the flexible body 10 to keep the baby warm, fend off raindrops and ward off winds. The cloak 80 has a fourth engaging portion 81. A fourth fastening portion 16 is disposed on the second side of the flexible body 10 and corresponds in position to the fourth engaging portion 81. The fourth engaging portion 81 and the fourth fastening portion 16 are male and female, respectively. The cloak 80 is coupled to the fourth fastening portion 16 of the flexible body 10 by the fourth engaging portion 81 and thus fixed to the flexible body 10 or taken out and used independently. The fourth fastening portion 16 is disposed inside the pocket 15. When the cloak 80 is not in use, the wearer puts the cloak 80 in the pocket 15. To access the cloak 80, the wear takes the cloak 80 out of the pocket 15.
The baby sling with two shoulder straps is characterized in that: the second couplers of the adjustment flaps are coupled to the first couplers of the waist belt, respectively; and the coverage of the baby's thighs is adjusted according to the baby's body size to maximize the support the baby's body receives. The baby sling with two shoulder straps further comprises a cushion unit. The flexible body, the two adjustment flaps and the cushion unit together define a seat zone. The baby's hips are underpinned by the cushion to thereby rest thereon comfortably. The cushion unit raises the baby's body a little bit; hence, a short baby can have its head and neck appropriately positioned while the short baby is being carried in the baby sling with two shoulder straps.
The present invention is disclosed above by preferred embodiments. However, persons skilled in the art should understand that the preferred embodiments are illustrative of the present invention only, but should not be interpreted as restrictive of the scope of the present invention. Hence, all equivalent modifications and replacements made to the aforesaid embodiments should fall within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the legal protection for the present invention should be defined by the appended claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A baby sling with two shoulder straps, comprising:

a flexible body having a first side and a second side opposing the first side;

two shoulder straps connected to the flexible body in a manner to be in shape of a loop;

a waist belt coupled to a bottom edge of the flexible body and comprising first couplers disposed on the waist belt and at left and right ends of the bottom edge of the flexible body, respectively; and

two adjustment flaps flanking the flexible body, positioned proximate to the waist belt, and each comprising a second coupler coupled to a corresponding one of the first couplers.

2. The baby sling with two shoulder straps according to claim 1, wherein at least two first couplers are disposed at the waist belt and positioned proximate to the left and right ends of the bottom edge of the flexible body, respectively.

3. The baby sling with two shoulder straps according to claim 1, further comprising a cushion unit unfastenably coupled to the first side of the flexible body, disposed between the two adjustment flaps, and including a support plate and a cushion, with the cushion coupled to the support plate, wherein the flexible body, the two adjustment flaps and the cushion unit together define a seat zone, and a leg outlet is defined by and between each of the left and right ends of the cushion unit and the adjustment flaps.

4. The baby sling with two shoulder straps according to claim 3, wherein a first engaging portion is disposed at each of two lateral edges of the support plate, and a second engaging portion is disposed at each of two lateral ends of the cushion, wherein a first fastening portion and a second fastening portion are disposed on the second side of the flexible body and correspond in position to the first engaging portions and the second engaging portions, respectively.

5. The baby sling with two shoulder straps according to claim 1, further comprising a pouch including a first zipper portion, and a second zipper portion is disposed on the second side of the flexible body and corresponds in position to the first zipper portion.

6. The baby sling with two shoulder straps according to claim 1, further comprising a cap having a third engaging portion, and a third fastening portion is disposed on the second side of the flexible body and corresponds in position to the third engaging portion.

7. The baby sling with two shoulder straps according to claim 6, wherein a pocket is disposed on top of the flexible body, and the third fastening portion is disposed inside the pocket.

8. The baby sling with two shoulder straps according to claim 1, further comprising a cloak having a fourth engaging portion, and a fourth fastening portion is disposed on the second side of the flexible body and corresponds in position to the fourth engaging portion.

9. The baby sling with two shoulder straps according to claim 8, wherein a pocket is disposed on top of the flexible body, and the fourth fastening portion is disposed inside the pocket.