Baby carrier

Description

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

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

[0003] The patent EP 3 552 523 A1 discloses a baby sling device for infants or toddlers. This sling device has a back panel into which the child is placed before the sling is put on. A waist belt is provided at the lower edge of the back panel, which is to be placed around the waist and back of the wearer. Shoulder straps are attached at the upper edge of the back panel. To increase the comfort of the wearer, pillows can be inserted into a pocket provided in the shoulder straps.

[0004] Document US 2022 202 202 A1 is considered the closest prior art. It discloses the features in the preamble of claim 1.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide an improved carrying 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.

[0006] The object of the invention is achieved by a carrying sling device according to claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0007] A baby sling device according to the invention for babies or toddlers (in the following description simply referred to as child or children) is provided with a sling section having an inner and an outer surface. The inner surface can be brought into contact with the back or abdomen of a baby or toddler being carried. A waist belt is attached to the sling section at least at a central area of ​​an edge of the sling section defined as the lower edge and is designed to be guided around the abdomen and back of the wearer with its inner surface in the waist or hip area. Two shoulder straps are each attached at one end to an edge of the sling section defined as the upper edge. An anchor point of the second end of each shoulder strap is designed to be attached to the waist belt or to an edge of the sling section defined as the side edge.The position of the anchor point on the waist belt or the side edge of the sling section is infinitely adjustable or changeable.

[0008] 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. For example, the shoulder straps can be continuously adjusted, particularly with regard to their angle. This prevents the shoulder straps from cutting into the wearer's neck. A further improvement in ergonomics is provided by the option of switching the anchor points from the waist belt to the side edge of the sling, or vice versa.

[0009] 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 loop-and-loop material.

[0010] A hook-and-loop patch according to the invention is a piece of flat fabric of any shape, provided with a hook-and-loop fastener on at least one side. The hook-and-loop fastener is either hook-and-loop or loop-and-loop. It is particularly advantageous for one side of the hook-and-loop patch to be provided with hook-and-loop fastener and the other side with loop-and-loop fastener.

[0011] The waist belt can have a flap on an edge facing away from the bottom edge of the sling section, which can be folded over to the inside of the waist belt. The flap can have a hook-and-loop fastener on the side that can be brought into contact with the inside of the waist belt. Alternatively or additionally, the waist belt can have a hook-and-loop fastener in an area covered by the folded-over flap.

[0012] The advantage here is that the hook-and-loop patch can be attached 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 hook-and-loop patch can also be twisted, meaning the angle at which the shoulder strap connects to the waist belt is adjustable.

[0013] A large number of tabs extending over the entire length of the waist belt may be provided.

[0014] According to this design, the tabs can be folded over to the waist belt without risk of wrinkling, and it is also not necessary to remove a single large tab from the entire length of the waist belt to slightly change the position or orientation of the anchor point (Velcro patch).

[0015] Each side edge of the sling section may have a side edge flap that can be folded over to the inside of the sling section. The side edge flap has a hook-and-loop fastener (either hook-and-loop or loop) on the side that will lie against the inside of the sling section. Alternatively or additionally, the sling section may have a hook-and-loop fastener (either hook-and-loop or loop) along the side edge in an area covered by the folded-over side edge flap.

[0016] In a similar way to the example above using the waist belt, the anchor points can also be infinitely adjustable on the side edge instead of on the waist belt and arranged in any orientation with respect to an angle.

[0017] Side panels may be provided at the lower edge of the sling section, which can be moved independently of the waist belt towards the center of the sling section. These side panels feature a flap extending the side edge, which, in an area overlapping the waist belt, is equipped on at least one side with a hook-and-loop fastener (either hook-and-loop or loop-and-loop).

[0018] This design allows the lower part of the sling to be adjusted to the child's hips. This prevents the child's legs from dangling excessively to the sides, keeping them in an age-appropriate position. Undesirable leg dangles are avoided because the width of the sling in the hip area can be precisely adjusted to the distance between the child's knees. This ensures an ideal M-position (frog-leg position). Although adjusting the sling creates two folds, this does not impair the child's comfort.

[0019] The shoulder straps can be connected to the Velcro patch at their second ends via click fasteners.

[0020] A click fastener is a type of closure consisting of a male and a female part. The male part has two compressible tabs that, when inserted into an opening in the female part, are pressed together. After overcoming a protrusion in the female part, they spread apart and are held in place by the protrusion. By pressing on the tabs through an opening in the female part, they can be compressed, and the male part can be removed from the female part to open the click fastener without damaging it. Other names for a click fastener include quick-release fastener, snap fastener, or snap buckle.

[0021] The ability to detach and reattach the hook-and-loop patch to the shoulder straps makes it easier to put on the baby carrier after adjusting it by positioning the hook-and-loop patch in the designated spot on the waist belt or the side edge of the carrier fabric, and then securing it by closing the snap fasteners. Furthermore, when using multiple hook-and-loop patches, the anchor points of the shoulder straps can be easily switched between the waist belt and the side edge of the carrier fabric by simply moving them. This eliminates the need to remove the baby carrier, as the hook-and-loop patches are already correctly positioned.

[0022] Markings may be provided on the waist belt and / or the side edges.

[0023] Such markings can be used to remember preferred anchor point positions of different people using the baby carrier.

[0024] The baby sling device according to the invention, thanks to its virtually unlimited adjustment options, can be used comfortably and without restriction by any person, including those with special physical requirements. This is achieved primarily by the fact that the adjustable angles of the shoulder straps allow for a change or adjustment of the tensile forces acting upon them. The baby sling device according to the invention can be worn in many different ways. These include, for example...The child is positioned against the wearer's stomach with the shoulder straps crossed at the wearer's back and leading to the waist belt; the child is positioned against the wearer's stomach with the shoulder straps crossed at the wearer's back and leading to the side edges of the sling; the child is positioned against the wearer's back with the shoulder straps crossed over the wearer's chest and leading to the waist belt; or the child is positioned against the wearer's back with the shoulder straps running straight along the wearer's side to the waist belt or under the wearer's armpits to the side edges of the sling.

[0025] 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.

[0026] The figures show / show: Fig. 1 A view of a baby sling device looking at its inside, with Velcro patches and head support / hood, Figs. 2a bis 2c Views to illustrate an adjustment to the hip of a carried baby or toddler, Fig. 3 a view to illustrate a first way of wearing the baby sling device, Figs 4a bis 4c Views to explain adjustment options when using the first wearing method, Fig. 5 a view to illustrate a second way of wearing the baby sling device, Figs. 6a bis 6c Views to explain adjustment options when using the second wearing method, Fig. 7 A view to illustrate a third way of carrying the baby sling device.

[0027] The figures show a currently preferred embodiment of the invention. It should be noted that, for the sake of clarity, not all reference numerals are shown in every figure, but primarily those of the components relevant to the described figure.

[0028] The Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows a baby carrier according to the embodiment in an unfolded state, with a view of the inside. When worn, the inside faces the baby or toddler (hereinafter also referred to as the child) and the person using the carrier.

[0029] The baby sling device comprises a sling section 1 to which further elements are attached. These are, in particular, shoulder straps 3 and 5, which are attached to an upper edge of the sling section 1. A waist belt 7 is located at a lower edge 13 of the baby sling device. This waist belt is attached to the sling section 1 only at a central area of ​​the lower edge 13, while the lateral areas of the sling section 1 are not connected to the waist belt 7, but merely rest against it.

[0030] The shoulder straps have webbing 31 and 51 with second ends, which are fitted with male elements 32 and 52 of a snap fastener. These male elements 32 and 52 are each designed to engage with female elements 41, 41 of the snap 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 with the webbing 31 and 51 and the hook-and-loop patches 4, 4.

[0031] The hook and loop patch 4 is a flat piece of fabric made of any material, which is provided on one side with a loop material and on the other side with a hook material (hereinafter also referred to as loop or hook) as hook section 42.

[0032] Regarding the hook and loop material, it is defined for the purposes of further description that each pairing of hook and loop material has one part with loop hook and one part with hook hook. Therefore, it is not explicitly defined in the following description whether a single part has loop or hook hook, as a person skilled in the art will assume that the described pairings have both types of hook and loop material.

[0033] A headrest 9 has two buttonholes 93a, 93b on one edge, which allow it to be attached 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. The headrest 9 can also be used as a hood to protect the child in bad weather or strong sunshine.

[0034] The belly strap 7 has a multitude of tabs 72a to 72e on its lower edge, which is the edge pointing away from the lower edge of the sling part 13, which can be folded over to the inside of the belly strap 7.

[0035] For example, from the Fig. 2a As can be seen, the tabs 72a to 72e have hook-and-loop fastener sections 74a to 74e on the side that is to be brought into contact with the inside of the waist belt 7. These sections are brought into contact with a hook-and-loop fastener section 73 on the waist belt 7 by folding the tabs over, thus connecting the tabs 72a to 72e to the waist belt. The tabs 72a to 72e are specifically designed 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.

[0036] 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 fasteners 32, 41 and 52, 41, a reliable connection between the shoulder straps 3, 5 and the waist belt 7 is established. The waist belt 7 itself also has a click fastener 71a, 71b, which is used to close the waist belt 7 around the wearer's waist or hips after the baby sling has been put on.

[0037] Parallel to the side edges 17a, 17b of the sling section 1, there are side edge flaps 14a, 14b, also equipped with hook and loop fasteners 15a, 15b, located at the top. These flaps engage with hook and loop fasteners 16a, 16b on an upper lateral area of ​​the sling section 1 when folded over. The hook and loop patch 4 can also be reliably attached to these side flaps 14a, 14b between the side flaps and the sling section 1.

[0038] Based on Figs. 2a bis 2c A method for adapting the baby carrier to the hip of the child being carried is now described.

[0039] As described above, the waist belt 7 is attached to the sling section 1 only in a central area of ​​its lower edge 13, e.g., sewn to it, while the side sections are loose. In these side sections, the sling section 1 is extended along its side edges 17a, 17b in the form of pointed sections 11a and 11b, which are provided on both sides with hook-and-loop fasteners 12a, 12b. By repositioning the pointed sections 11a, 11b of the sling section that are not attached to the waist belt 7 and fixing the hook-and-loop fasteners 12a, 12b in a suitable position on the hook-and-loop fastener 73 of the waist belt 7, the width of the sling section 1 in the hip area of ​​the child being carried can be adjusted to the child's hip, as shown in Fig. 2b This is illustrated. Thus, excessive or insufficient leg spreading of the child is avoided. An ideal M-position (frog-leg position) can be achieved.

[0040] For reliable fixation, after positioning the pointed sections 11a, 11b, the corresponding tabs 72a to 72e are closed, as shown in the Fig. 2c as is evident.

[0041] A carrying method in front of the chest, which is more suitable for very small children, is described by... Fig. 3 and adjustment options for this wearing method are based on Figs. 4a bis 4c described.

[0042] To comfortably carry very small children, it is optimal if they are positioned higher on the wearer's body. For this purpose, after adjusting the width in the child's hip area as described above, the Velcro patches 4, 4, which serve as anchor points for the shoulder straps 3, 5, are positioned at the preferred position on the waist belt 7 as described above, as shown in the diagram. Fig. 4b This is shown in an example. The waist belt 7, which has been pre-adjusted to the ideal length, is then placed around the body of the person carrying the child and fastened with the click fastener 71a, 71b. Next, the child is lifted, temporarily supported with the chest area, and then the sling section 1 is brought to the child's back.

[0043] Next, the shoulder straps 3, 5 are placed over the shoulders of the wearer, 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 hook-and-loop patches 4, 4. Thus, the Fig. 3 The depicted carrying method was brought about.

[0044] While the child is being carried, 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, tabs 72a to 72e are not accessible from the outside; after being folded over, they are located on the inside of the waist belt 7, facing the wearer.

[0045] Fig. 5 and Figs. 6a bis 6c They show a carrying method in front of the chest for older children and adjustment options for it.

[0046] At the in Fig. 5 In the carrying method shown, the hook and loop patches 4 are attached to the hook and loop sections 16a, 16b in the upper side areas of the sling part, as shown in the Fig. 6b as can be seen, and secured by folding over the side edge tabs 14a, 14b, as shown in the Fig. 6c This is evident. Therefore, with this carrying method, it is possible to guide the shoulder straps 3 and 5 to the side edges 17a and 17b of the sling section and to continuously adjust the height of the anchor points. In addition, as with the carrying method described above, it is possible to adjust the angle of the shoulder straps 3 and 5 by twisting the Velcro patches.

[0047] From the Fig. 7 A carrying position on the back of the wearer is evident. Since the upper side areas of the sling are difficult for the wearer to access in this case, adjusting the anchor points on the waist belt is preferred, as shown in the diagram. Figs. 4a bis 4c was described.

[0048] It should also be noted that the description of the embodiment and the illustration in the figures in no way constitute a limitation of the scope of protection. This is defined by the appended claims.

[0049] Variations of the embodiment 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.

[0050] For multiple users, differently shaped or colored hook-and-loop patches can be used in different positions, eliminating the need to adjust the anchor points before use. Each user can then simply connect the shoulder straps with "their" hook-and-loop patches. Hook-and-loop patches not currently in use by the wearer can be used to temporarily attach other items such as a water bottle, phone holder, pacifier clip, etc.

[0051] Position markers can also be provided, allowing the user to quickly locate previously determined, comfortable anchor point positions. These markers can be permanently attached to the sling device or be small, attachable Velcro patches.

[0052] Instead of click fasteners, other types of fasteners such as belt buckles with prongs, magnetic fasteners, or fasteners that hold by interlocking action can also be used.

[0053] A textile biological material is preferably selected as the material for the baby carrier device, but other materials such as fabrics made of synthetic fibers or films can also be used.

[0054] Besides the one in 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.

[0055] While very small children are primarily 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 their stomach to the sling part 1, i.e., to look in the same direction as the person carrying them.

Claims

1. A wraparound carrier device for babies or toddlers comprising a wraparound carrier part (1) having an inner side and an outer side, wherein the inner side can be brought into contact with a back or stomach of a baby or toddler being carried, a waist belt (7), which is attached to the wraparound carrier part (1) at least at a central region of an edge of the wraparound carrier part (1) defined as a lower edge (13), and which is provided to be guided with an inner side in a waist or hip region of a carrying person around their stomach and back, two shoulder straps (3, 5) attached to the wraparound carrier part (1), 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 wraparound carrier part (1) defined as a side edge (17a, 17b) on the wraparound carrier part (1), and the position of the anchor point (4) on the waist belt (7) or the side edge (17a, 17b) of the wraparound carrier part is infinitely adjustable; characterized in that the shoulder straps (3, 5) are each attached with one end to the wraparound carrier part (1) at an edge of the wraparound carrier part (1) defined as the upper edge, and the anchor point (4) is in the form of a flat hook-and-loop fastener patch, which is provided on at least one side with a hook-and-loop fastener portion (42) of hooks or loops.

2. The wraparound carrier device according to claim 1, wherein the waist belt (7) is provided with a flap (72a, 72b, 72c, 72d, 72e), which is foldable towards the inner side of the waist belt (7), on an edge directed away from the lower edge (13) of the wraparound carrier part, wherein the flap (72a, 72b, 72c, 72d, 72e) is equipped with a hook-and-loop fastener portion (74a, 74b, 74c, 74d, 74e) of hooks or loops on a side which can be brought into contact with the inner side of the waist belt (7), and / or the waist belt (7) is provided with a hook-and-loop fastener portion (73) of hooks or loops in a region that can be covered by the folded flap (72a, 72b, 72c, 72d, 72e).

3. The wraparound carrier device according to claim 2, wherein a plurality of flaps (72a, 72b, 72c, 72d, 72e) extending over the entire length of the waist belt (7) are provided.

4. The wraparound carrier device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a side edge flap (14a, 14b), which can be folded towards the inner side of the wraparound carrier part (1), is provided on each side edge (17a, 17b) of the wraparound carrier part (1), wherein the side edge flap (14a, 14b) is equipped with a hook-and-loop fastener portion (15a, 15b) of hooks or loops on a side which can be brought into contact with the inner side of the wraparound carrier part (1), and / or the wraparound carrier part (1) is equipped with a hook-and-loop fastener portion (15a, 15b) of hooks or loops along the side edge (17a, 17b) in a region that can be covered by the folded side edge flap (14a, 14b).

5. The wraparound carrier device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein on the lower edge (13) of the wraparound carrier part (1), side regions are provided which can be folded independently of the waist belt (7) in the direction of the center of the wraparound carrier part, on which a tail (11a, 11b) extending the side edge (17a, 17b) is provided, which is equipped on at least one side with a hook-and-loop fastener portion (12a, 12b) of hooks or loops in a region overlapping the waist belt (7).

6. The wraparound carrier device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the shoulder straps (3, 5) are designed to be connected to the hook-and-loop fastener patch at their second ends via click fasteners (32, 52; 41, 41).

7. The wraparound carrier device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein markings are provided on the waist belt (7) and / or the side edges (17a, 17b).

8. The wraparound carrier device according to claim 7, wherein each of the markings is equipped with a hook-and-loop fastener portion of hooks or loops and is attachable to the hook-and-loop fastener portion (73) of the waist belt (7) or the hook-and-loop fastener portion (16a, 16b) of the wraparound carrier part at any position.

9. The wraparound carrier device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the markings are provided in pairs, and a color is assigned to each pair of the markings, in which at least one region pointing away from the wraparound carrier part (1) is colored.