Baby carrier

Abstract

The invention relates to a baby sling device for babies or toddlers, comprising a sling section (1) with an inner and an outer surface, wherein the inner surface can be brought into contact with the back or abdomen of a carried baby or toddler; a waist belt (7) which is attached to the sling section (1) at least at a central area of ​​an edge of the sling section (1) defined as the lower edge (13), and which is designed to be guided around the abdomen and back of the wearer with its inner surface in a waist or hip area; two shoulder straps (3, 5) which are each attached at one end to an edge of the sling section (1) defined as the upper edge, wherein an anchor point (4) of a second end of each shoulder strap (3, 5) is designed to be attachable to the waist belt (7) or to an edge of the sling section (1) defined as a side edge (17a, 17b).and the position of the anchor point (4) on the waist belt (7) or the side edge (17a, 17b) of the sling section is infinitely adjustable.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a sling device for babies or toddlers according to claim 1.

[0002] Such sling devices are already known from the prior art. These sling variants known from the prior art are characterized primarily by the fact that they often offer a multitude of adjustment options to optimally adapt the sling to the baby or toddler being carried (hereinafter referred to simply as the child). However, these sling devices lack the options for adjusting the sling device sufficiently precisely to the body of the wearer, as they only provide a few fixed adjustment options. This often leads to pain and possibly even orthopedic problems when worn for extended periods. In particular, people with special physical requirements are often prevented from using such a sling device due to the lack of adjustment options.

[0003] EP 3 552 523 A1 discloses a sling device for babies or toddlers. This sling device has a back fabric into which the child is placed before the sling device is applied. A belly belt is provided on a lower edge of the back fabric, which is to be guided around the stomach and back of the person wearing the sling in the waist or hip area. Shoulder straps are attached to an upper edge of the back fabric. To increase the comfort of the person using the sling, pillows can be inserted into a pocket provided in the shoulder straps.

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide an improved baby sling device that is suitable for a wide variety of sizes, weights and body shapes of a carrying person and also for carrying persons with special physical requirements.

[0005] The object of the invention is achieved by a sling device according to claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0006] A sling device according to the invention for babies or toddlers (referred to simply as child or children in the following description) is provided with a sling part with an inner side and an outer side. The inner side can be brought into contact with the back or stomach of a carried baby or toddler. A belly belt is attached to the sling part at least at a central region of an edge of the sling part defined as the lower edge and is intended to be guided around the stomach and back of a carrying person with an inner side in a waist or hip area. Two shoulder straps are each attached to the sling part with one end at an edge of the sling part defined as the upper edge. An anchor point of a second end of each shoulder strap is designed to be attachable to the belly belt or to an edge of the sling part defined as the side edge of the sling part.The position of the anchor point on the belly strap or the side edge of the sling part is continuously adjustable or changeable.

[0007] Since the shoulder straps can be attached to the waist belt or to the side edge of the sling, and their exact anchor point position is continuously adjustable, the sling device according to the invention offers a multitude of adjustment options that significantly improve the comfort and ergonomics of the wearer. This makes it possible to continuously adjust the shoulder straps, particularly with regard to their guide angle. This prevents the shoulder straps from cutting into the wearer's neck. A further improvement in ergonomics is the option of switching the anchor points from the waist belt to the side edge of the sling, or vice versa.

[0008] Preferably, the anchor point can be designed in the form of a flat Velcro patch which is provided on at least one side with a Velcro section made of hook-and-loop or fleece Velcro.

[0009] A hook-and-loop patch according to the invention is a piece of flat fabric of any shape, provided with a hook-and-loop section on at least one side. The hook-and-loop section is either a hook-and-loop fastener or a loop-and-loop fastener. Particularly advantageously, one side of the hook-and-loop patch is provided with a hook-and-loop fastener and the other side with a loop-and-loop fastener.

[0010] The belly belt can be provided with a flap on an edge facing away from the bottom edge of the sling, which can be folded over to the inside of the belly belt. The flap can be provided with a hook-and-loop or loop-and-loop fastener section on a side that can be brought into contact with the inside of the belly belt. Alternatively or additionally, the belly belt can be provided with a hook-and-loop or loop-and-loop fastener section in an area that can be covered by the folded flap.

[0011] It's advantageous to attach the Velcro patch anywhere on the waist belt, between the inside of the waist belt and the side of the flap facing the inside of the waist belt. The Velcro patch can also be rotated, meaning the angle at which the shoulder strap is positioned relative to the waist belt is adjustable.

[0012] A plurality of tabs extending over the entire length of the waist belt can be provided.

[0013] According to this design, the tabs can be folded over to form the waist belt without the risk of wrinkling, and it is also not necessary to remove a single large tab from the waist belt over the entire length of the belt in order to slightly change the position or orientation of the anchor point (Velcro patch).

[0014] A side edge flap that can be folded over to the inside of the sling can be provided on each side edge of the sling. The side edge flap is provided with a hook-and-loop or loop-and-loop fastener section on a side that can be brought into contact with the inside of the sling. Alternatively or additionally, the sling is provided with a hook-and-loop or loop-and-loop fastener section along the side edge in an area that can be covered by the folded side edge flap.

[0015] In a similar way to the abdominal belt described above, the anchor points can also be continuously adjustable on the side edge instead of on the abdominal belt and arranged in any orientation with regard to an angle.

[0016] The lower edge of the sling can be provided with side sections that can be adjusted toward the center of the sling independently of the waist belt. A flap extending the side edge is provided on the side sections, which is provided with a hook-and-loop fastener or a loop-and-loop fastener in an area overlapping the waist belt on at least one side.

[0017] This design allows the lower section of the sling to be adjusted to the child's hips. This ensures that the child's legs, which hang out to the sides, are not excessively spread, but are held in an age-appropriate manner. Undesirable drooping of the legs is prevented, as the width of the sling in the hip area can be precisely adjusted to the distance from the child's back of the knee to the back of the knee. This ensures an ideal spread-squat position. Although the adjustment creates two folds, the carried child is not affected.

[0018] The shoulder straps can be connected to the Velcro patch at their other ends using click fasteners.

[0019] A snap fastener consists of a male and a female part. The male part has two compressible tabs that are pressed together when inserted into an opening in the female part. Once they have passed a projection in the female part, they spread apart and are held in place by the projection. By pressing on the tabs through an opening in the female part, they can be pressed together, and the male part can be removed from the female part to open the snap fastener without damaging it. Other names for a snap fastener include a quick-release fastener, a push-in fastener, or a push-in buckle.

[0020] The ability to detach and reattach the Velcro patch from the shoulder straps makes it easier to put on the sling attachment after adjusting it by positioning the Velcro patch in the designated spot on the waist belt or the side edge of the sling, and then secure it by closing the click fasteners. Furthermore, when using multiple Velcro patches, the shoulder strap anchor points can be easily swapped between the waist belt and the side edge of the sling. This eliminates the need to remove the sling attachment, as the Velcro patches are already correctly adjusted and in place.

[0021] Markings may be provided on the waist belt and / or side edges.

[0022] Such markings can be used to remember preferred anchor point adjustment positions of different people using the sling device.

[0023] The sling device according to the invention allows for comfortable use without restrictions by any person, even those with special physical requirements, thanks to its almost unlimited adjustment options. This is achieved primarily by the fact that the adjustment of different guide angles for the shoulder straps can change or adjust the tensile forces acting on them. The sling device according to the invention can be worn in many different ways. These include, for example:: The child is placed on the belly of the person carrying the child with the shoulder straps crossed on the back of the person carrying the child and leading to the belly belt; the child is placed on the belly of the person carrying the child with the shoulder straps crossed on the back of the person carrying the child and leading to the side edges of the sling; the child is placed on the back of the person carrying the child with the shoulder straps crossed over the chest of the person carrying the child and leading to the belly belt; or the child is placed on the back of the person carrying the child with the shoulder straps straight along the side of the person carrying the child to the belly belt or under the armpits of the person carrying the child to the side edges of the sling.

[0024] Further advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description with reference to the figures which show a currently preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0025] The figures show: Fig. 1 a view of a sling device looking at its inside, with Velcro patches and headrest / hood, Figs. 2a bis 2c Views to explain an adjustment to the hip of a carried baby or toddler, Fig. 3 a view to explain a first carrying method of the sling device, Figs 4a bis 4c Views to explain adjustment options when using the first carrying method, Fig. 5 a view to explain a second way of carrying the sling device, Figs. 6a bis 6c Views to explain adjustment options when using the second carrying method, Fig. 7 a view to explain a third way of carrying the sling device.

[0026] The figures show a currently preferred embodiment of the invention. It should be noted that, for reasons of clarity, not all reference symbols are shown in each figure, but rather the reference symbols of the components relevant to the figure described.

[0027] The Fig. 1 showed a baby sling device according to the embodiment in a deployed state, looking toward an inner side. When worn, the inner side is directed toward the baby or toddler (hereinafter also referred to as the child) and the person using the baby sling device.

[0028] The sling device comprises a sling part 1 to which further elements are attached. In particular, these are shoulder straps 3 and 5, which are attached to an upper edge of the sling part 1. A waist belt 7 is located on a lower edge 13 of the sling device. This is attached to the sling part 1 only at a central region of the lower edge 13, while lateral regions of the sling part 1 are not connected to the waist belt 7, but merely rest against it.

[0029] The shoulder straps have straps 31 and 51 with second ends provided with male elements 32 and 52 of a click fastener. These male elements 32 and 52 are each designed to engage with female elements 41, 41 of the click fastener in a known manner. The female elements 41, 41 are each attached to a hook-and-loop patch 4. This creates a detachable connection between the shoulder straps 3 and 5, the straps 31 and 51, and the hook-and-loop patches 4, 4.

[0030] The Velcro patch 4 is a flat fabric part made of any material, which is provided on one side with a fleece Velcro material and on the other side with a hook Velcro material (hereinafter also referred to as fleece Velcro or hook Velcro) as a Velcro section 42.

[0031] With regard to the hook-and-loop material, it is defined for the purposes of the following description that each pairing of hook-and-loop material has a part with loop and hook fasteners. Therefore, the following description does not clearly define whether a loop or hook fastener is provided on an individual part, as a person skilled in the art will assume that the described pairings comprise both types of hook-and-loop material.

[0032] A headrest 9 has two buttonholes 93a, 93b on one edge, with which it can be connected to the sling part 1 via buttons provided on the upper edge of the sling part 1. The headrest 9 is removable, as it is no longer needed for older children. Furthermore, the headrest 9 can be used as a hood to protect the child in bad weather or even in strong sunlight.

[0033] The abdominal belt 7 has on its lower edge, that is the edge pointing away from the lower edge of the sling part 13, a plurality of tabs 72a to 72e which can be folded over towards the inside of the abdominal belt 7.

[0034] For example, from the Fig. 2a As can be seen, the tabs 72a to 72e have, on their side intended to engage the inside of the waist belt 7, hook-and-loop sections 74a to 74e, which, when the tabs are folded over, engage with a hook-and-loop section 73 on the waist belt 7 and connect the tabs 72a to 72e to the waist belt. The tabs 72a to 72e are intended, in particular, to accommodate the two hook-and-loop patches 4, 4, which are to be connected to the shoulder straps 3 and 5 via the click fasteners described above.

[0035] The hook-and-loop sections 42, 42 of the hook-and-loop patches 4, 4 engage on one side with the respective hook-and-loop sections 74a to 74e of the tabs 72a to 72e. On the other side, the hook-and-loop sections 42, 42 of the hook-and-loop patches engage with the hook-and-loop section 73 of the waist belt. Thus, after closing the click fastener 32, 41 and 52, 41, a reliable connection of the shoulder straps 3, 5 to the waist belt 7 is provided. The waist belt 7 itself also has a click fastener 71a, 71b, with which the waist belt 7 is closed after the sling device has been put on by guiding the waist belt 7 around the body of the wearer in the area of ​​the waist or hips.

[0036] At an upper area, parallel to side edges 17a, 17b of the sling part 1, there are side edge flaps 14a, 14b, also provided with hook-and-loop sections 15a, 15b, which, when folded over, engage with hook-and-loop sections 16a, 16b on an upper lateral area of ​​the sling part 1. These side flaps 14a, 14b also provide the option of reliably securing the hook-and-loop patch 4 between the side flaps and the sling part 1.

[0037] Based on Figs. 2a bis 2c A possibility is now described for adapting the sling device to one hip of the child being carried.

[0038] As described above, the abdominal belt 7 is attached to the sling part 1 only in a central region of the lower edge 13, e.g., sewn thereto, while the side regions are loose. In these side regions, the sling part 1 is extended along its side edges 17a, 17b in the form of tip sections 11a and 11b, which are provided on both sides with hook-and-loop sections 12a, 12b. By displacing the tip sections 11a, 11b of the sling part that are not attached to the abdominal belt 7 and fixing the hook-and-loop sections 12a, 12b in a suitable position on the hook-and-loop section 73 of the abdominal belt 7, the width of the sling part 1 in the hip area of ​​the carried child can be adjusted to the hips of the child, as shown in Fig. 2b This prevents excessive or insufficient spreading of the child's legs. An ideal spread-squat position can be achieved.

[0039] For reliable fixation, after positioning the tip sections 11a, 11b, the corresponding tabs 72a to 72e are closed, as shown in the Fig. 2c is evident.

[0040] A more suitable carrying method for very small children in front of the chest is determined by Fig. 3 and adjustment options for this carrying method are shown on the basis of Figs. 4a bis 4c described.

[0041] To carry very small children comfortably, it is optimal if they are positioned higher on the body of the person carrying them. To do this, after adjusting the width in the child's hip area as described above, the Velcro patches 4, 4 serving as anchor points for the shoulder straps 3, 5 are positioned in the preferred position of the waist belt 7 as described above, as shown in Fig. 4b This can be seen by way of example. The abdominal belt 7, previously adjusted to the ideal length, is then guided around the carrying person's body and fastened with the click fastener 71a, 71b. Next, the child is lifted, temporarily supported with the chest area, and then the sling part 1 is guided to the child's back.

[0042] Then the shoulder straps 3, 5 are placed over the shoulders of the person wearing them, crossed at the back and the male elements 32, 52 of the shoulder straps 3, 5 are inserted into the corresponding female elements 41, 41 of the Velcro patches 4, 4. Thus, the Fig. 3 shown carrying method.

[0043] While carrying the child, it is impossible for the Velcro fasteners to be accidentally opened, as they are secured by the corresponding folded-over tabs 72a to 72e. Furthermore, the tabs 72a to 72e are not accessible from the outside, but are located on the inside of the waist belt 7, facing the person carrying the child.

[0044] Fig. 5 and Figs. 6a bis 6c show a carrying style in front of the chest for older children and adjustment options for this.

[0045] At the Fig. 5 In the carrying method shown, the Velcro patches 4 are attached to the Velcro sections 16a, 16b in the upper lateral areas of the sling part, as can be seen from the Fig. 6b can be seen, and secured by folding the side edge flaps 14a, 14b, as can be seen from the Fig. 6c This carrying method allows the shoulder straps 3, 5 to be guided to the side edges 17a, 17b of the sling section and the height of the anchor points to be continuously adjusted. Furthermore, as with the previously described carrying method, it is possible to adjust the angle of the shoulder straps 3, 5 by twisting the Velcro patches.

[0046] From the Fig. 7 A carrying position on the back of the wearer is evident. Since in this case the upper side areas of the sling are difficult for the wearer to access, an adjustment of the anchor points on the abdominal belt is preferred for this carrying position, as shown in the Figs. 4a bis 4c was described.

[0047] It should be noted that the description of the embodiment and the illustration in the figures in no way represent a limitation of the scope of protection. This is defined by the appended claims.

[0048] Variations of the design are possible. For example, in the figures, the hook-and-loop patches 4 are shown as essentially rectangular. However, any shape, such as circles, hearts, stars, or animal figures, can be chosen, as long as the load-bearing capacity of the hook-and-loop connection is guaranteed.

[0049] For multiple users, differently shaped or colored Velcro patches can be used in different positions, eliminating the need to adjust the anchor points prior to use. Each individual user can then simply connect the shoulder straps with their own Velcro patches. Velcro patches not currently in use by the wearer can be used to temporarily attach other items such as a water bottle, cell phone holder, pacifier clip, etc.

[0050] Position markers can also be provided, allowing the user to quickly find a previously determined, comfortable position for the anchor points. These markers can be permanently attached to the sling or can be self-applied as small Velcro patches.

[0051] Instead of click fasteners, other types of fasteners such as belt buckles with a pin, magnetic fasteners, or form-fitting fasteners can be used.

[0052] A textile biological material is preferably selected as the material for the sling device, but other materials such as fabrics made of synthetic fibers or films can also be used.

[0053] In addition to the Fig. 7 In the carrying variant shown, the shoulder straps 3, 5 can also be led straight down to the waist belt without being crossed.

[0054] While especially very small children are carried with their backs to the sling part 1, the sling device according to the invention also makes it possible for a child carried in front of the chest to be carried with its stomach to the sling part 1, ie to be able to look in the same direction as the person carrying it.

Claims

1. A sling device for babies or toddlers, comprising a sling part (1) with an inner side and an outer side, wherein the inner side can be brought into contact with the back or stomach of a carried baby or toddler, a belly belt (7) which is attached to the sling part (1) at least at a central region of an edge of the sling part (1) defined as the lower edge (13), and which is intended to be guided with an inner side in a waist or hip area of a carrying person around their stomach and back, two shoulder straps (3, 5), each of which is attached to the sling part (1) with one end at an edge of the sling part (1) defined as the upper edge, wherein an anchor point (4) of a second end of each shoulder strap (3, 5) is designed to be attachable to the belly belt (7) or to an edge of the sling part (1) defined as the side edge (17a, 17b),and the position of the anchor point (4) on the abdominal belt (7) or the side edge (17a, 17b) of the sling part is continuously adjustable., 2. A sling device according to claim 1, wherein the anchor point (4) is in the form of a flat Velcro patch which is provided on at least one side with a Velcro section (42) made of hook-and-loop or fleece Velcro.

3. A sling device according to claim 2, wherein the abdominal belt (7) is provided on an edge directed away from the lower edge (13) of the sling part with a flap (72a, 72b, 72c, 72d, 72e) which can be folded over to the inside of the abdominal belt (7), wherein the flap (72a, 72b, 72c, 72d, 72e) is provided on a side that can be brought into contact with the inside of the abdominal belt (7) with a hook-and-loop fastener section (74a, 74b, 74c, 74d, 74e) made of hook-and-loop fastener or fleece-and-loop fastener, and / or the abdominal belt (7) is provided with a hook-and-loop fastener section (73) made of hook-and-loop fastener or fleece-and-loop fastener in an area that can be covered by the folded flap (72a, 72b, 72c, 72d, 72e). is.

4. A sling device according to claim 3, wherein a plurality of tabs (72a, 72b, 72c, 72d, 72e) extending over the entire length of the abdominal belt (7) are provided.

5. A sling device according to one of claims 2 to 5, wherein on each side edge (17a, 17b) of the sling part (1) there is provided a side edge flap (14a, 14b) which can be folded over towards the inside of the sling part (1), wherein the side edge flap (14a, 14b) is provided with a hook-and-loop or fleece-type hook-and-loop section (15a, 15b) on a side which can be brought into contact with the inside of the sling part (1), and / or the sling part (1) is provided with a hook-and-loop section (15a, 15b) made of hook-and-loop or fleece-type hook-and-loop in an area along the side edge (17a, 17b) which can be covered by the folded side edge flap (14a, 14b).

6. A sling device according to one of claims 3 to 5, wherein side regions are provided on the lower edge (13) of the sling part (1) which can be folded over independently of the abdominal belt (7) in the direction of the center of the sling part, on which side regions a tip (11a, 11b) extending the side edge (17a, 17b) is provided, which is provided in an area overlapping the abdominal belt (7) on at least one side with a hook-and-loop section (12a, 12b) made of a hook-and-loop fastener or a fleece-and-loop fastener.

7. A sling device according to one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the shoulder straps (3, 5) are designed to be connectable to the Velcro patch at their second ends via click fasteners (32, 52; 41, 41).

8. A sling device according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein markings are provided on the abdominal belt (7) and / or the side edges (17a, 17b).

9. A sling device according to claim 8, wherein each of the markers is provided with a hook and loop fastener section made of hook and loop fastener or fleece-type hook and loop fastener and can be attached at any position on the hook and loop fastener section (73) of the abdominal belt (7) or the hook and loop fastener section (16a, 16b) of the sling part.

10. A sling device according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the markings are provided in pairs, and each pair of markings is assigned a color in which at least one area pointing away from the sling part (1) is colored.

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