Baby sling

Abstract

To provide a sling-type baby carrier that can be used as the child grows. [Solution] The sling-type baby carrier (1) comprises a sling body (2) that can be worn across the user's shoulders, and an inner sheet (4) that is detachably attached to the sling body (2) and wraps around and holds the body of an infant. The sling body (2) includes an infant holding section (20) that covers the inner sheet (4) by lifting it from below, a shoulder belt (30) that is connected to the infant holding section (20) and worn across the user's shoulders, and an auxiliary belt (34) that branches off from the shoulder belt (30) and is detachably connected to the inner sheet (4).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sling-type baby carrier, and particularly to a sling-type baby carrier that can be put on the user's shoulder to carry an infant.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, sling-type baby carriers that can be put on the user's shoulder (diagonally hung) to carry an infant are known. Examples of sling-type baby carriers include Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2016-2371 (Patent Document 1), Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2007-111491 (Patent Document 2), and the like.

[0003] In Patent Document 1, a shoulder belt and an auxiliary belt are sewn to a holding member for holding an infant, and a horizontal-carry baby carrier that connects three points, namely, the connection points between the auxiliary member and both ends of the shoulder belt, and the connection points between the auxiliary member and the auxiliary belt, is disclosed.

[0004] In Patent Document 2, a sling-type baby carrier is disclosed in which a child restraint member for restraining the body of an infant is fixed to the inner surface of a cloth sling body that can be hung diagonally.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

[0007] This invention was made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a sling-type baby carrier that can be used in accordance with the child's growth. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] For this purpose, a sling-type baby carrier according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a sling body that can be worn across the user's shoulders, and an inner sheet that is detachably attached to the sling body and wraps around and holds the body of an infant. The sling body includes an infant holding section that covers the inner sheet by lifting it from below, a shoulder belt that extends from the infant holding section and is worn across the user's shoulders, and an auxiliary belt that branches off from the shoulder belt and is detachably connected to the inner sheet.

[0009] Preferably, the inner seat includes an upper region for supporting the upper body of the infant and a lower region for supporting the lower body of the infant, and the auxiliary belt has a belt extending from the shoulder belt and a first connector that is detachably connected to the back surface of the lower region of the inner seat.

[0010] Preferably, the first connector includes a first engaging portion attached to the tip of the band and a first engaged portion attached to the back surface of the inner sheet.

[0011] Preferably, in the state of use, the imaginary line connecting the branching point where the auxiliary belt branches off from the shoulder belt, the connection point of the first connector, and the connection point connecting the upper region of the inner sheet and the sling body forms a roughly triangular shape when viewed from the rear.

[0012] Preferably, the shoulder strap has a first shoulder strap that is placed over the user's shoulder and a second shoulder strap that is connected to the first shoulder strap and passes under the user's armpit, and the inner sheet has a loop-shaped connector in its upper region that connects the sling body located on the first shoulder strap side of the sling body together.

[0013] Preferably, the shoulder strap has a first shoulder strap that is placed over the user's shoulder and a second shoulder strap that is connected to the first shoulder strap and passes under the user's armpit, and the sling-type baby carrier further includes a second connector that connects the upper region of the inner sheet to the side of the sling body away from the user, a third connector that connects the lower region of the inner sheet away from the user to the portion of the sling body located on the second shoulder strap side, and a fourth connector that connects the user side of the lower region of the inner sheet to the portion of the sling body located on the first shoulder strap side.

[0014] Preferably, the sling body is provided in a foldable manner and further includes a first flap portion that, when folded, covers a second connector provided on the infant holding portion, and a second flap portion provided in correspondence with the first flap portion and provided in a foldable manner, covers a third connector and a fourth connector provided on the infant holding portion when folded.

[0015] Preferably, when the sling body and the inner sheet are connected, the imaginary line extending vertically along the inner sheet is inclined with respect to the imaginary line extending linearly along the shoulder strap of the sling body.

[0016] Preferably, the auxiliary belt is formed from a different material than the shoulder belt, and the auxiliary belt is slidably mounted relative to the shoulder belt.

[0017] Another aspect of the present invention is an inner seat used in a childcare device, comprising an upper region for supporting the upper body of an infant, a lower region for supporting the lower body of an infant, and an angle adjustment mechanism that allows the angle of the lower region relative to the upper region to be changed.

[0018] Preferably, the angle adjustment mechanism is provided below the lower region.

[0019] Preferably, the angle adjustment mechanism includes a locking portion and a locked portion provided at a certain interval.

[0020] Preferably, the angle adjustment mechanism is a width adjustment mechanism provided so as to be able to change the width of the lower region.

[0021] Preferably, the inner seat includes an inner seat body including an upper region and a lower region, and holds the thighs of an infant. The lower end portion thereof is fixed at a position separated from the lower end edge of the inner seat body, and both end portions thereof are at the boundary between the upper region and the lower region and are detachably connected to both end portions of the inner seat body and include thigh pads.

[0022] Preferably, the lower region has a lower thigh pad region located below the fixing portion of the thigh pad. The lower thigh pad region can take a first form extending parallel to the upper region and a second form protruding more than the upper region by engaging an engaging portion.

[0023] An inner seat according to still another aspect of the present invention is an inner seat used for a child-rearing device, and includes an upper region that supports the upper body of an infant, a lower region that supports the lower body of the infant, and a width adjustment mechanism provided so as to be able to change the width of the lower region.

Advantages of the Invention

[0024] According to the sling-type baby carrier of the present invention, it can be used according to the growth of a child.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025] [Figure 1] It is an external view seen from the front side in a state where the sling-type baby carrier according to the embodiment of the present invention is used in a horizontal holding form. [Figure 2]This is an external view from the rear of a sling-type baby carrier according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which it is used in a side-carrying position. [Figure 3] This is an external view from the front of the sling body according to an embodiment of the present invention, in a state where it is being used in a waist-carrying position. [Figure 4] These are external views of the sling body; (A) is a view from the front, and (B) is a view from the back. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view taken from the VV line indicated by arrow in Figure 4(A). [Figure 6] This is an external view of the sling body, showing it from the front with the flap folded. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VII-VII indicated by arrow VII-VII in Figure 6. [Figure 8] These are external views of the inner seat, with (A) showing the view from the front and (B) showing the view from the back. [Figure 9] This is an enlarged view showing the locking and locked parts of the angle adjustment mechanism connected together. [Figure 10] This is a perspective view showing an infant lying on the inner seat, with (A) showing the first form of the lower crotch area and (B) showing the second form. [Figure 11] This is a side view corresponding to Figure 10, where (A) shows the first form of the lower region of the crotch area, and (B) shows the second form of the crotch area. [Figure 12] This diagram conceptually shows the connection point between the sling body and the inner sheet. [Figure 13] This diagram shows the sling with the inner sheet placed on top of the main body. [Figure 14] This diagram shows the procedure for attaching the loop-shaped connector. (A) shows the inner sheet placed on the sling body, and (B) shows the sling body and inner sheet connected by the loop-shaped connector. [Figure 15] This is an external view from the rear of a baby carrier using a sling-type baby carrier. [Figure 16] This is a diagram showing an enlarged view of the first connecting section. [Figure 17] This is a view of the sling body according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, as seen from the front. [Figure 18] This is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XVIII-XVIII indicated by arrow XVIII in Figure 17. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0026] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0027] <About sling-style baby carriers> A sling-type baby carrier 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to Figures 1 to 3. The user is the person wearing the sling-type baby carrier, specifically the person carrying the infant, such as a parent.

[0028] Figures 1 and 2 show the sling-type baby carrier 1 in a horizontal carrying position. Figure 1 is a view from the front (the side where the user's face is visible), and Figure 2 is a view from the back (the side where the user's head is visible). The horizontal carrying position means that the infant's body is lying almost horizontally, with the infant's head and feet positioned to the left and right of the user, and supported adjacent to the wearer's abdomen. The horizontal carrying position can be used for newborns before they can hold their heads up, up to about 1.5 years old.

[0029] The sling-type baby carrier 1 generally comprises a sling body 2 and an inner seat 4, and in the side-carrying configuration, the sling body 2 and the inner seat 4 are used. The sling body 2 and the inner seat 4 are detachably attached and detachably using an auxiliary belt 34 (Figure 2), which will be described later, and a number of connecting devices (not shown).

[0030] Figure 3 shows the sling body 2 being used in a hip-carry position. The hip-carry position means the infant's body is upright, with the infant's head and torso extended vertically along the user, seated on the sling body 2. The usage configuration shown in Figure 3 can be used, for example, for infants from about 1.5 years old to about 3 years old.

[0031] As described above, the sling-type baby carrier 1 comprises a sling body 2 and an inner seat 4. However, when using it in a hip-carry position, the inner seat 4 can be removed, and only the sling body 2 is used. Thus, the sling-type baby carrier 1 can be used in multiple (at least two) ways for carrying an infant, and the inner seat 4 can also be used on its own. The sling body 2 and inner seat 4 that make up the sling-type baby carrier 1 will be described in detail below.

[0032] (Regarding the sling itself) Figure 4(A) is an external view of the sling body 2 seen from the front, Figure 4(B) is an external view seen from the back, and Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line of arrow VV in Figure 4(A). Figure 6 is a front view of the sling body 2 with the flap portions 25 and 27 folded, and Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line of arrow VII-VII in Figure 6. The sling body 2 will be explained with further reference to Figures 4 to 7. The front side refers to the surface located inward when worn by the user (the surface that comes into contact with the inner sheet 4), and the back side refers to the surface located on the opposite side from the front side, and the surface located outward when worn by the user (the surface that does not come into contact with the inner sheet 4).

[0033] In Figures 4(A), 4(B), and 6, the direction indicated by arrow A is called the longitudinal direction. In Figures 4 to 6, the direction indicated by arrow B is the user side, and the opposite direction of arrow B is the side away from the user, also called the width direction. Here, the user side is the side that directly contacts the user's body when worn, and the side away from the user is the side that does not directly contact the user's body when worn, but is located on the outside with the infant in between. Also, in the description of the sling body 2, the left-right direction and the up-down direction are based on the left-right direction and up-down direction on the paper, respectively, and differ from the up-down direction when the user is wearing it.

[0034] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the sling body 2 can be worn diagonally across the user's shoulder. The sling body 2 is made of, for example, cloth and can be looped and attached to one of the user's shoulders (the right shoulder in Figures 1 and 2). The sling body 2 can be used together with the inner sheet 4, which will be described later, or it can be used on its own.

[0035] As shown in Figures 4(A) and 4(B), the sling body 2 includes an infant holding section 20 that covers the inner seat 4 by lifting it from below, a shoulder belt 30 that is connected to the infant holding section 20 and worn across the user's shoulders, and an auxiliary belt 34 that branches off from the shoulder belt 30 and is detachably connected to the inner seat 4.

[0036] The infant support section 20 is connected to the shoulder straps 30 at both of its longitudinal ends, and these longitudinal ends are sewn in such a way that they are narrower than the central part. As a result, when worn by a user, the infant support section 20 has a cradle-like shape with an open top and a curved bottom. As shown in Figure 5, the infant support section 20 has a shape in which both of its widthwise ends are folded inward. Specifically, the infant support section 20 has a gusset shape with its upper and lower ends folded in approximately the center, and the folded parts overlap.

[0037] In particular, as shown in Figure 4(A), the infant holding section 20 includes a holding section body 20a, a first edge 20b bordering the upper edge of the holding section body 20a, and a second edge 20c bordering the lower edge of the holding section body 20a. The holding section body 20a is made of, for example, mesh fabric and is breathable. The holding section body 20a is located in the central part between the edges 20b and 20c and occupies most of the infant holding section 20.

[0038] The first edge 20b and the second edge 20c are formed of, for example, cushion fabric, and their front and back surfaces are covered with cloth. As shown in Figure 5, the first edge 20b and the second edge 20c are made of a material that is thicker than the main body 20a of the holding part, and are made of a soft material. Because these edges 20b and 20c are made of cushion fabric, even if the edges of the infant holding part 20 come into contact with the infant or user, they will not dig into the infant or user's body. The edges 20b and 20c are provided across the entire width of the main body 20a of the holding part, but they may also be provided only in part.

[0039] In use, the first edge 20b is on the side away from the user, and the second edge 20c is on the user side and contacts the vicinity of the user's abdomen. Considering that it contacts the vicinity of the user's abdomen, the vertical dimension of the second edge 20c is larger than the vertical dimension of the first edge 20b, but may be approximately the same.

[0040] Referring to Figure 4(A), an expandable member 29a is fixed to the approximate center portion of the first edge 20b. Specifically, the expandable member 29a is a long member extending along the longitudinal direction of the first edge 20b, and is, for example, made of fabric or rubber. The expandable member 29a is positioned between the front and back surfaces formed of fabric and is not exposed. The expandable member 29a is provided between the male hook 26b of the folding state holding member 26 (described later) and the second engaged portion 22b of the second connector 22. As a result, gathers are formed in the fabric of the front and back surfaces in the approximate center portion of the first edge 20b, and its length in the longitudinal direction is shortened by the expansion and contraction force of the expandable member 29a.

[0041] The first edge portion 20b is provided with a first flap portion 25 that extends further upward from its upper edge. The first flap portion 25 is positioned away from the user, rather than towards the user, during use. The first flap portion 25 is provided at approximately the center of the first edge portion 20b and is preferably about half or more of the width dimension of the first edge portion 20b. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the first flap portion 25 can be folded onto the first edge portion 20b. The first flap portion 25 may be formed by extending and folding the first edge portion 20b, or it may be formed by sewing another member to it.

[0042] A stretch-prevention member 29b is fixed to the approximate center of the first flap portion 25 to prevent the first flap portion 25 from stretching or contracting in the longitudinal direction. Specifically, the stretch-prevention member 29b is a long member that extends along the longitudinal direction of the first flap portion 25, and is a belt made of various materials such as a long, narrow piece of cloth, a leather member, or a flexible member such as plastic that can prevent stretching or contracting in the longitudinal direction. The stretch-prevention member 29b is provided approximately parallel to the stretch-prevention member 29a described above and is positioned between the fabric on the front and back surfaces.

[0043] The extension member 29a is provided on the first edge 20b, which reduces the longitudinal length of the infant holding section 20 on the side away from the user. This prevents the infant holding section 20 from separating from the infant's body during use, thus preventing the infant from falling. Furthermore, the anti-extension member 29b is provided on the first flap section 25, which prevents the first edge 20b from being extended by the extension member 29a. By providing the extension member 29a and the anti-extension member 29b adjacent to each other on the side of the infant holding section 20 away from the user, both improved safety and ease of use can be achieved.

[0044] The first flap portion 25 is provided with a female hook 26a, and the first edge portion 20b is provided with a male hook 26b that is detachable from the female hook 26a. The female hook 26a and the male hook 26b constitute a first folded state holding member 26 that can hold the first flap portion 25 in a folded state on the first edge portion 20b. The female hook 26a and the male hook 26b are exposed only on the front side (Figure 4(A)) and not on the back side (Figure 4(B)). As shown in Figure 4(A), the first folded state holding member 26 is positioned above the infant holding portion 20 and closer to the first shoulder belt 31 (to the left).

[0045] Similarly, the first flap portion 25 is provided with a second engaging portion 22a, and the first edge portion 20b is provided with a second engaged portion 22b that is detachable from the second engaging portion 22a. The second engaging portion 22a is, for example, a female hook, and the second engaged portion 22b is, for example, a male hook. The second engaging portion 22a and the second engaged portion 22b are exposed only on the front side (Figure 4(A)) and not on the back side (Figure 4(B)). As shown in Figure 4(A), the second engaging portion 22a and the second engaged portion 22b are positioned symmetrically with respect to the first folded state holding member 26, with the longitudinal center in between, and specifically, are positioned above the infant holding portion 20 and closer to (to the right of) the second shoulder strap 37.

[0046] The second engaging portion 22a and the second engaged portion 22b (second connecting portion) are a second folded state holding member 22 that can hold the first flap portion 25 in a folded state on the first edge portion 20b. The second engaged portion 22b provided on the first edge portion 20b is detachably connected to a second engaging portion 52 provided on the inner sheet 4, which will be described later. The second engaged portion 22b and the second engaging portion 52 constitute the "second connecting portion". Thus, the second engaged portion 22b has two functions: the function of holding the folded state and the function of connecting to the inner sheet 4. The connection with the second engaging portion 52 of the inner sheet 4 will be described later.

[0047] Furthermore, a second flap portion 27 is sewn to the lower edge of the second edge portion 20c, extending further downward. The second flap portion 27 is located on the user's side during use and contacts the user's abdomen. The second flap portion 27 is provided approximately in the center of the second edge portion 20c, and is preferably about two-thirds or more of the width dimension of the second edge portion 20c. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the second flap portion 27 can be folded onto the second edge portion 20c. The second flap portion 27 may be formed by extending and folding the second edge portion 20c, or it may be formed by sewing on another member.

[0048] The second flap portion 27 is provided with a female hook 28a, and the second edge portion 20c is provided with a male hook 28b that is detachable from the female hook 28a. The female hook 28a and the male hook 28b constitute a third folded state holding member 28 that can hold the second flap portion 27 in a folded state on the second edge portion 20c. The female hook 28a and the male hook 28b are exposed only on the front side (Figure 4(A)) and not on the back side (Figure 4(B)). As shown in Figure 4(A), the third folded state holding member 28 is positioned below the infant holding portion 20 and closer to the first shoulder belt 31 side (to the left).

[0049] Similarly, the second flap portion 27 is provided with a third engaging portion 23a, and the second edge portion 20c is provided with a third engaged portion 23b that is detachable from the third engaging portion 23a. The third engaging portion 23a is, for example, a female hook, and the third engaged portion 23b is, for example, a male hook. The third engaging portion 23a and the third engaged portion 23b are exposed only on the front side (Figure 4(A)) and not on the back side (Figure 4(B)). As shown in Figure 4(A), the third engaging portion 23a and the third engaged portion 23b are positioned symmetrically with respect to the third folded state holding member 28, with the longitudinal center in between, and specifically, are positioned below the infant holding portion 20 and closer to (to the right of) the second shoulder belt 37.

[0050] The third engaging portion 23a and the third engaged portion 23b are a fourth folded state holding member 23 that can hold the second flap portion 27 in a folded state on the second edge portion 20c. The third engaged portion 23b provided on the second edge portion 20c is detachably connected to a third engaging portion 53 provided on the inner sheet 4, which will be described later. The third engaged portion 23b and the third engaging portion 53 constitute the "third connecting portion". Thus, the third engaged portion 23b has two functions: the function of holding the folded state and the function of connecting to the inner sheet 4. The connection with the third engaging portion 53 of the inner sheet 4 will be described later.

[0051] Furthermore, the second flap portion 27 is provided with a fourth engaging portion 24a, and the second edge portion 20c is provided with a fourth engaged portion 24b that is detachable from the fourth engaging portion 24a. The fourth engaging portion 24a is, for example, a female hook, and the fourth engaged portion 24b is, for example, a male hook. The fourth engaging portion 24a and the fourth engaged portion 24b are exposed only on the front side (Figure 4(A)) and not on the back side (Figure 4(B)). As shown in Figure 4(A), the fourth engaging portion 24a is provided between the third engaging portion 23a and the female hook 28a, and is positioned below the infant holding portion 20 and closer to the female hook 28a (to the left).

[0052] The fourth engaging portion 24a and the fourth engaged portion 24b are a fifth folded state holding member 24 that can hold the second flap portion 27 in a folded state on the second edge portion 20c. The fourth engaged portion 24b provided on the second edge portion 20c is detachably connected to the fourth engaging portion 54 provided on the inner sheet 4, which will be described later. The fourth engaged portion 24b and the fourth engaging portion 54 constitute the "fourth connecting portion". Thus, the fourth engaging portion 24a has two functions: the function of holding the folded state and the function of connecting to the inner sheet 4. The connection of the inner sheet 4 with the fourth engaging portion 54 will be described later.

[0053] The folding state retaining members 22, 23, 24, 26, and 28 are formed with substantially the same hooks. Specifically, the engaged portions 22b, 23b, 24b, 26b, and 28b provided on the edges 20b and 20c are male hooks, while the engaged portions 22a, 23a, 24a, 26a, and 28a provided on the flap portions 25 and 27 are female hooks. Furthermore, since the folding state retaining members 22, 23, and 24 have the two functions described above, the folding state retaining members 22, 23, and 24 may be colored in different colors from the folding state retaining members 26 and 28 due to the difference in their functions.

[0054] Furthermore, although the second engaged portion 22b and the second engaged portion 52 (second connector), the third engaged portion 23b and the third engaged portion 53 (third connector), and the fourth engaged portion 24b and the fourth engaged portion 54 (fourth connector) are all the same shape, in order to prevent the sling body 2 and the inner sheet 4 from being attached to the wrong place, the type or size of each connector may be different, or a mark may be provided, such as a different color.

[0055] Preferably, these engaged portions 22b, 23b, and 24b are all located on the edges 20b and 20c of the infant holding portion 20. Furthermore, as shown by the dashed line in Figure 4(A), a connected area 21 is formed at the left end of the infant holding portion 20, which is connected to the loop-shaped connector 51 of the inner sheet 4. The connected area 21 is bundled together by the loop-shaped connector 51 provided on the inner sheet 4, making the first shoulder belt 31 side (left end side) of the infant holding portion 20 narrower. The connected area 21 will also be described later.

[0056] Next, the shoulder straps 30 will be described. As shown in Figures 4(A) and 4(B), the shoulder straps 30 are divided into two parts, for example, and include a first shoulder strap 31 that is worn over the user's shoulders and a second shoulder strap 37 that is connected to the first shoulder strap 31 and passes under the user's armpits. The first shoulder strap 31 and the second shoulder strap 37 are connected to both ends in the longitudinal direction of the infant holding section 20, respectively. Note that the first shoulder strap 31 and the second shoulder strap 37 may be attached in reverse.

[0057] As shown in Figures 4(A) and 4(B), the first shoulder strap 31 has a longitudinally extending strip-shaped first belt 32 and a female buckle 33 attached to the end of the first belt 32. The first belt 32 is formed, for example, from two strip-shaped members and is provided to be length adjustable. Although not shown, the first belt 32 may be provided with a shoulder strap pad made of a material having appropriate elasticity.

[0058] The second shoulder strap 37 has a strip-shaped second belt 38 and a male buckle 39 attached to the end of the second belt 38. The second belt 38 is shorter than the first belt 32. The male buckle 39 is detachably connected to the female buckle 33. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the female buckle 33 and the male buckle 39 can be connected to form a loop.

[0059] Finally, the auxiliary belt 34 will be described. As shown in the figure, the auxiliary belt 34 is provided branching off from the shoulder belt 30 and is detachably connected to the inner seat 4. The auxiliary belt 34 is provided as a separate component from the first shoulder belt 31 and is slidably mounted relative to the shoulder belt 30.

[0060] As shown in Figures 4(A) and 4(B), the auxiliary belt 34 includes a band 35 that branches off from the shoulder belt 30 and a first engaging portion 36 provided at the end of the band 35. The band 35 is narrower than the first belt 32 and holds the first belt 32 in an annular shape.

[0061] The first engaged portion 36 is detachably connected to the back surface portion of the lower region 42 of the inner sheet 4. Specifically, the first engaged portion 36 is detachably connected to the first engaging portion 57 provided on the back surface of the inner sheet 4. The first engaged portion 36 and the first engaging portion 57 constitute the "first connecting portion". As shown in Figure 4(B), the first engaged portion 36 is a female buckle with a recess on its back surface, and as shown in Figure 8(B), the first engaging portion 57 is a male buckle with a protrusion on its back surface. The first engaging portion 57 will be described later.

[0062] The auxiliary belt 34 is provided in an adjustable length because the first engaging portion 36 is movable relative to the belt body 35. By adjusting the branching position of the belt body 35 relative to the first shoulder belt 31 and the position of the first engaging portion 36 relative to the belt body 35, the length of the auxiliary belt 34 can be adjusted to suit the parent's body shape, and the inner seat 4 can be fitted to the user's body.

[0063] (Regarding the inner seat) Figure 8(A) is an external view of the inner sheet 4 from the front, and Figure 8(B) is a view from the back. The inner sheet 4 will be explained with reference to Figures 8(A) and 8(B). In Figures 8(A) and 8(B), the direction indicated by arrow C is called the width direction, and the direction indicated by arrow D is called the up and down direction. Also, in the explanation of the inner sheet 4, the left-right direction and up and down direction are based on the left-right direction and up and down direction on the paper, respectively, and differ from the up and down direction when worn.

[0064] As described above, the inner seat 4 is detachably attached to the sling body 2 and can be used together with the sling body 2, or the inner seat 4 can be used on its own. The inner seat 4 comprises an inner seat body 40 that fully supports the back of the infant and a crotch support portion 44 that holds the infant's crotch.

[0065] The inner seat body 40 is generally divided into an upper region 41 that supports the upper body of the infant and a child, and a lower region 42 that supports the lower body of the infant and a child. The upper edge of the upper region 41 is roughly arc-shaped in plan view, and the lower edge of the lower region 42 is roughly angular in plan view. The inner seat body 40 is a thin cushion, made of a cushioning material such as urethane foam, and its surface and back are covered with fabric.

[0066] The front surface of the inner seat body 40 will be described with particular reference to Figure 8(A). The front surface of the inner seat body 40 is the surface on which an infant is placed. A crotch rest portion 44 is provided in the lower region 42 of the front surface of the inner seat 4. The lower end of the crotch rest portion 44 is fixed to a sewn portion 44a located away from the lower edge of the inner seat 4. As a result, the region located below the sewn portion 44a and having approximately the same dimensions as the width of the crotch rest portion 44 is defined as the lower crotch rest portion region 43a, and the regions located on both sides of the lower crotch rest portion region 43a are defined as the lateral crotch rest portion regions 43b. The upper end of the crotch rest portion 44 is at the boundary between the upper region 41 and the lower region 42 and is connected to both ends of the inner seat body 40.

[0067] As shown in Figure 8(A), the crotch area 44 has a tubular upper end through which a belt 45 extending in the width direction is sewn. A male buckle 46 is provided at the right end of the belt 45, which connects to a female buckle 47 (Figure 8(B)) described below. A male buckle 48 is provided at the left end of the belt 45, which connects to a female buckle 49 (Figure 8(B)) described below.

[0068] Referring to Figure 8(B), the back surface of the inner seat body 40 will be described. The lower region 42 of the back surface of the inner seat body 40 is provided with an angle adjustment mechanism that allows the angle of the lower region 42 relative to the upper region 41 to be changed. The angle adjustment mechanism includes a locking portion 55a and a locked portion 56a provided below the lower region 42 and spaced apart at a certain interval in the width direction.

[0069] The locking portion 55a and the locked portion 56a are, for example, hooks. The locking portion 55a and the locked portion 56a are provided on a pair of locking projections 55 and 56 that are sewn to the lower region 42, respectively. The pair of locking projections 55 and 56 are, for example, tongue-shaped and preferably made of a different material from the inner sheet 4.

[0070] Figures 8(A), 10(A), and 11(A) show the state in which the locking portion 55a and the locked portion 56a are not connected. In the state in which the locking portion 55a and the locked portion 56a are not connected, the lower region 43a of the crotch area extends substantially horizontally relative to the upper region 41, which is the first form. The state in which the lower region 43a of the crotch area extends substantially horizontally means that it is intended to extend substantially in the same direction as the extension of the upper region 41, and includes cases where there are some irregularities and some inclination.

[0071] In contrast, Figures 9, 10(B), and 11(B) show the state in which the locking portion 55a and the locked portion 56a are connected. In the state in which the locking portion 55a and the locked portion 56a are connected, the lower region 43a of the crotch area protrudes more than the upper region 41, resulting in a second form. In the front view shown in Figure 10(B), the lower region 43a of the crotch area rises upward to form a mountain shape, while in the back view shown in Figure 9, it forms a valley shape. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 11(B), when viewed from the side, the lower region 42 rises diagonally upward relative to the upper region 41. Specifically, the angle θ1 of the lower region 42 with respect to the upper region 41 is at least 5°, and preferably 10° or more.

[0072] Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 10(A) and 10(B), when the locking portion 55a and the locked portion 56a are connected, while the angle is changed, the width of the lower region 42 becomes narrower. Specifically, in the state where the locking portion 55a and the locked portion 56a are connected, the width dimension D2 of the lower region 42 is smaller than the width dimension D1 of the lower region 42 in the state where the locking portion 55a and the locked portion 56a are not connected (D2 < D1). By connecting the locking portion 55a and the locked portion 56a, the width of the lower region 42 can be reduced by, for example, 2 cm or more, preferably 5 cm or more. Thus, the angle adjustment mechanism also functions as a width adjustment mechanism provided so as to be able to change the lateral width of the lower region.

[0073] Since an infant's legs have underdeveloped muscles and tend to maintain their in-utero posture, the legs naturally bend upward. Therefore, when the infant is laid on its back, the infant's legs naturally lift upward. On the other hand, the infant feels more secure when its feet are wrapped or in contact with a seat or the like.

[0074] In the inner seat 4 of the present embodiment, when the locking portion 55a and the locked portion 56a are connected, the lower region 43a of the thigh support portion rises upward to form a mountain shape, and the lateral region 43b of the thigh support portion forms a valley shape. Thus, both legs of the infant come into contact with the inner seat 4, and in the lower region 42, the infant's legs can come into contact with the lower region 43a and the lateral region 43b of the thigh support portion of the inner seat 4, thereby giving the infant a sense of security. As described above, since the inner seat 4 of the present embodiment is provided with an angle adjustment mechanism in the lower region 42, even when used on a flat floor surface, an inclination can be given, making it comfortable for the infant.

[0075] Furthermore, since the angle adjustment mechanism of the inner seat 4 also includes a width adjustment mechanism for adjusting the width, both the angle and the width of the inner seat body 40 can be adjusted simultaneously. Therefore, when used together with the sling body 2, it can be made compact and the bulkiness of the inner seat 4 can be prevented.

[0076] As described above, the inner sheet 4 is detachably attached to the sling body 2. The inner sheet 4 is provided with five connectors for connecting the inner sheet 4 to the sling body 2. These connection points will be described in detail with reference to Figures 8(B) and 12.

[0077] As shown in Figure 12, the second engaging portion 52 is provided on the right side of the upper region 41 (left side in Figure 8(B)) and engages with the second engaged portion 22b of the sling body 2. As described above, the second engaging portion 52 and the second engaged portion 22b constitute the "second connector". The second connector connects the upper region 41 of the inner seat 4 to the side of the sling body 2 away from the user.

[0078] As shown in the figure, the third engaging portion 53 is provided on the right side of the lower region 42 (left side in Figure 8(B)) and engages with the third engaged portion 23b of the sling body 2. As described above, the third engaging portion 53 and the third engaged portion 23b constitute the "third connector". The third connector connects the side of the lower region 42 of the inner seat 4 away from the user with the side of the sling body 2 away from the user.

[0079] As shown in the figure, the fourth engaging portion 54 is provided on the left side of the lower region 42 (right side in Figure 8(B)) and engages with the fourth engaged portion 24b of the sling body 2. The fourth engaging portion 54 and the fourth engaged portion 24b constitute the "fourth connector". The fourth connector connects the usable side of the lower region 42 of the inner sheet 4 to the portion of the sling body 2 located on the first shoulder belt 31 side.

[0080] When the second to fourth connectors described above (engaging parts 52, 53, 54 and engaged parts 22b, 23b, 24b) are connected, the inner sheet 4 is positioned at an inclination relative to the sling body 2, as shown in Figure 13. Specifically, a virtual line L2 extending vertically from the inner sheet 4 is positioned at an inclination relative to a virtual line L1 connecting the shoulder belts 31 and 37 of the sling body 2. More specifically, the inclination angle θ2 of the virtual line L2 relative to the virtual line L1 is acute, for example, between 50° and 85°. This allows the inner sheet 4, which holds the infant during use, to conform to the user's body, thereby preventing the shoulder belts 30 from shifting position during use.

[0081] As shown in Figure 8(B), unlike the engagement parts 52, 53, and 54 described above, the loop-shaped connector 51 is strip-shaped, with a hook at the end of the strip, and connects to a hook (not shown) provided on the surface of the inner sheet 4. As shown in Figure 12, the loop-shaped connector 51 is provided on the left side of the upper region 41 (right side in Figure 8(B)) and connects by bundling together the connected region 21 provided at the left end of the infant holding section 20 (first shoulder belt 31 side).

[0082] Figures 14(A) and 14(B) show the procedure for connecting the loop-shaped connector 51 and the sling body 2. First, as shown in Figure 14(A), the connected area 21 of the sling body 2 is brought close to the loop-shaped connector 51 to gather the connected area 21 together. Next, as shown in Figure 14(B), the gathered connected area 21 is covered from below with the loop-shaped connector 51, and the back surface of the inner sheet 4 and the connected area 21 of the sling body 2 are brought into contact and held in place. In this way, the loop-shaped connector 51 and the sling body 2 are connected. As shown in Figure 2, the connected area 21 is located under the user's armpit. Because the connected area 21 does not spread out due to the loop-shaped connector 51, it can be prevented from touching the user's armpit, thereby improving usability.

[0083] As shown in Figure 8(B), a first engaging portion 57 is provided on the right side of the lower region 42 of the inner seat 4. This first engaging portion 57 is detachably connected to the first engaged portion 36 of the auxiliary belt 34 described above. Figure 16 shows the engaged state of the first engaging portion 57 and the first engaged portion 36. The first engaging portion 57 has a projection that protrudes outward on the back surface of the inner seat body 40, and is connected by overlapping with a recess on the back surface of the first engaged portion 36.

[0084] Since the first engaged portion 36 is formed as a protruding portion that projects forward, and the first engaged portion 57 is formed as a recess that receives the protrusion, engagement can be easily performed using only the distance between the hands, without visually inspecting the first engaged portion 57 and the first engaged portion 36. As shown in Figure 16, the first engaged portion 57 may be connected to the back surface of the inner sheet 4 by a band, or it may be directly fixed to the back surface of the inner sheet 4.

[0085] In this embodiment, the inner sheet 4 has been described as being used together with the sling body 2, but the inner sheet 4 may also be provided as a standalone unit. In that case, the inner sheet 4 only needs to be provided with an angle adjustment mechanism that can change the angle between the lower region 42 and the upper region 41, and it does not need to be provided with multiple connecting devices.

[0086] <Examples of use according to the baby's age> Refer to Figures 1, 2, 9, 12, and 14-16 to explain usage examples according to the age of the baby.

[0087] (Regarding the cradle hold position) Figures 1 and 2 show examples of use in the side-carry configuration. In the side-carry configuration, the inner sheet 4 is attached to the sling body 2. To use the side-carry configuration, firstly, the locking portion 55a and the locked portion 56a of the inner sheet 4 are engaged to the state shown in Figure 9.

[0088] Next, as shown in Figure 12, the four connectors are connected. Specifically, the second engaging part 52 and the second engaged part 22b (second connector), the third engaging part 53 and the third engaged part 23b (third connector), and the fourth engaging part 54 and the fourth engaged part 24b (fourth connector) are connected, and the connected area 21 is bundled together with the loop-shaped connector 51. With the infant in this state, the infant is placed on the inner seat 4, and the male buckles 46, 48 and female buckles 47, 49 of the crotch area 44 are connected to secure the infant to the inner seat 4.

[0089] Next, the female buckle 33 of the first shoulder belt 31 and the male buckle 39 of the second shoulder belt 37 are connected to form a loop and placed over the user's right shoulder. As shown in Figures 15 and 16, the recess of the first engaging portion 36 of the auxiliary belt 34 is aligned with the protrusion of the first engaging portion 57 of the inner sheet 4, connecting the first engaging portion 36 and the first engaging portion 57. Furthermore, as indicated by the arrow in Figure 15, the auxiliary belt 34 is slid relative to the first shoulder belt 31 to adjust the position of the auxiliary belt 34 relative to the first shoulder belt 31, and the length of the belt portion 35 of the auxiliary belt 34 is adjusted to secure the lower end of the inner sheet 4 so that it does not separate from the user's body.

[0090] As a result, as shown in the figure, the imaginary line (shown as a dashed line) connecting the branching point P1 where the auxiliary belt 34 branches off from the shoulder belt 30, the connection point P2 of the first connector (first engaging part 57 and first engaged part 36), and the connection point P3 of the sling body 2 and the loop-shaped connector 51 forms a roughly triangular shape when viewed from the back of the user. Since connection point P2 is the connection point between the sling body 2 and the lower region 42 of the inner sheet 4, and connection point P3 is the connection point between the sling body 2 and the upper region 41 of the inner sheet 4, the imaginary line connecting connection points P2 and P3 extends roughly horizontally, forming the base of the roughly triangular shape when viewed from the back. In addition, branching point P1 forms the vertex of that triangular shape.

[0091] Conventional sling-type baby carriers were simply worn diagonally across the user's shoulder, which meant that the user and the infant could separate, making them unstable. In contrast, the sling-type baby carrier 1 of this embodiment is equipped with an auxiliary belt 34 that is detachably connected to the inner seat 4. This allows both ends (upper and lower ends) of the inner seat 4, which holds the infant, to be connected to the sling body 20. Specifically, the imaginary line connecting the branching point P1, the connection point P2, and the connection point P3 forms a roughly triangular shape when viewed from the rear, thus maintaining the shape of the sling-type baby carrier 1 and allowing for stable holding of the infant.

[0092] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, in the sling-type baby carrier 1, when in use, the upper end of the inner sheet 4 is exposed from the upper edge of the first flap portion 25 (right side on the page), while the lower edge of the second flap portion 27 coincides with the lower edge of the inner sheet 4, thus improving the design of the sling-type baby carrier when in use. In this embodiment, the sling-type baby carrier 1, by combining the sling body 2 and the inner sheet 4, can stably hold even infants who have not yet been able to hold their heads up.

[0093] (Regarding the configuration used with only the inner seat) Referring to Figures 10(B) and 11(B), a configuration in which the inner sheet 4 is used alone without the sling body 2 will be described.

[0094] When lowering an infant wrapped in the inner seat 4 from a horizontal carrying position, the reverse of the procedure described above is used. Specifically, the connection of the auxiliary belt 34 and shoulder belts 31 and 37 is released, and the infant is placed on a flat surface such as the floor. Furthermore, the connection of the four connecting devices between the sling body 2 and the inner seat 4 is released. The infant is then placed on a flat surface while still wrapped in the inner seat 4.

[0095] As shown in Figures 10(B) and 11(B), the locking portion 55a and the locked portion 56a of the angle adjustment mechanism of the inner seat 4 are connected, so the angle of the lower region 42 with respect to the upper region 41 is inclined upward, resulting in a second form in which the lower region 43a of the crotch area protrudes more than the upper region 41.

[0096] This allows the inner seat 4 to contact the legs of infants, which naturally tend to rise upwards, thus maintaining a comfortable position for infants even when the inner seat 4 is used on a flat floor. Furthermore, when the locking portion 55a and the locked portion 56a are not connected, the upper region 41 and the lower region 42 extend almost horizontally, allowing the infant to lie down almost horizontally.

[0097] (Regarding the form of hugging someone around the waist) Figure 3 shows an example of use in the hip-carry position. In the hip-carry position, the inner seat 4 used in the side-carry position is not used, and only the sling body 2 is used. As shown in Figure 3, in the hip-carry position, the infant's buttocks are placed on the sling body 2, and the infant is seated on the sling body 2.

[0098] To use the carrier in a hip-carry position, first, the first flap portion 25 and the second flap portion 27 are folded inward, as shown in Figures 6 and 7. Specifically, the folding state holding members 22, 23, 24, 26, and 28 shown in Figure 4(A) are connected to form the state shown in Figure 7, and the flaps 25 and 27 are held in a folded state on the edges 20b and 20c. In this state, the folding state holding members 22, 23, 24, 26, and 28 are all located inside and do not come into direct contact with the infant.

[0099] Next, the female buckle 33 of the first shoulder strap 31 and the male buckle 39 of the second shoulder strap 37 are connected to form a loop, which is then placed over the user's right shoulder. The infant holding section 20 has a curved bottom. Therefore, as shown in Figure 3, the infant is held so that their buttocks rest on the infant holding section 20. This allows the infant to be carried on the hip using only the infant holding section 20.

[0100] Furthermore, since the flap portions 25 and 27 can be folded over and held on the edges 20b and 20c, even when using only the infant holding portion 20, the hooks 22, 23, 24, 26, and 28 do not come into contact with the infant's body, thus not compromising the infant's comfort. In addition, since the flap portions 25 and 27 are provided, and cushioned edges 20b and 20c are provided on the edges of the infant holding portion 20, it is possible to prevent the edges from digging into the infant's body, thereby improving the comfort of the ride.

[0101] <Regarding variations> A modified version of the sling body will be described with reference to Figures 17 and 18. Figure 17 is an external view of the modified sling body, and Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view taken from line XIV-XIV in Figure 17. The differences between the sling body 2 described above and the modified sling body 2A are the widthwise length of the first flap portion 25 and the connection point of the second flap portion 27A.

[0102] Specifically, as shown in Figure 17, the first flap portion 25A is preferably longer than the widthwise length of the first flap portion 25 (Figures 4(A) and 4(B)) described above, and is at least two-thirds of the widthwise dimension of the first edge portion 20b. The widthwise length of the first flap portion 25A is approximately the same as that of the second flap portion 27A in this modified example.

[0103] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 18, the first flap portion 25A is provided on the upper edge of the first edge portion 20b, similar to the first flap portion 25 described above (Figures 4(A) and 4(B)). On the other hand, the second flap portion 27A is attached to the upper edge of the second edge portion 20c, not the lower edge. Since the bottom of the holding portion body 20a of the infant holding portion 20 is formed in a bowl shape when in use, attaching the second flap portion 27A to the upper edge of the second edge portion 20c makes it easier to fold the second flap portion 27A back towards the second edge portion 20c. Thus, the flap portions 25A and 27A only need to be connected to the edges 20b and 20c, and their widthwise dimensions are not limited.

[0104] In this embodiment, the multiple connectors are described as hooks, but any device that allows the inner sheet body 40 to be detachably attached to the sling body 2 may be used, such as buttons, linear fasteners, hook-and-loop fasteners, or hooks.

[0105] Furthermore, although the upper region 41 of the inner sheet 4 and the sling body 2 were connected by a loop-shaped connector 51, they may also be connected by a hook, button, or other connecting means, and the connection point between the upper region 41 of the inner sheet 4 and the sling body 2 may form the aforementioned connection point P2 (Figure 15).

[0106] In this embodiment, the inner seat 4 was provided with both an angle adjustment mechanism and a width adjustment mechanism by means of a locking portion 55a and a locked portion 56a, but it is sufficient if only one of the angle adjustment mechanism or the width adjustment mechanism is provided.

[0107] The angle adjustment mechanism in this embodiment includes a locking portion 55a and a locked portion 56a, but is not limited thereto. For example, the angle may be adjusted by a string connecting the boundary between the upper region 41 and the lower region 42 to the lower part of the lower region 42.

[0108] The width adjustment mechanism of this embodiment, like the angle adjustment mechanism, includes a locking portion 55a and a locked portion 56a, but is not limited to this. For example, a notch may be provided at the lower part of the lower region 42, and the width of the notch may be narrowed by tying strings connected to both sides of the notch.

[0109] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the angle adjustment mechanism and the width adjustment mechanism were formed by the locking portion 55a and the locked portion 56a of the same member, but they may be formed by different members, and each mechanism may be provided independently.

[0110] Although embodiments of this invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, this invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments. Various modifications and variations can be made to the illustrated embodiments within the same scope as this invention, or within the equivalent scope. [Explanation of symbols]

[0111] 1 Sling-type baby carrier, 2,2A Sling body, 4 Inner sheet, 20 Infant holding part, 20a Holding part body, 20b First edge, 20c Second edge, 22 Second folded state holding member, 22a Second engaging part, 22b Second engaged part (second connector), 23 Fourth folded state holding member, 23a Third engaging part, 23b Third engaged part (third connector), 24 Fifth folded state holding member, 24a Fourth engaging part, 24b Fourth engaged part (fourth connector), 25,25A First flap part, 26 First folded state holding member, 27,27A Second flap part, 28 Third folded state holding member, 29a Stretchable member, 29b Stretch-preventing member, 30 Shoulder belt, 31 First shoulder belt, 34 Auxiliary belt, 35 Belt body, 36 1st engaged part (1st connector), 37 2nd shoulder belt, 40 inner seat body, 41 upper region, 42 lower region, 43a lower region of crotch area, 44 crotch area, 51 loop-shaped connector, 52 2nd engaged part (2nd connector), 53 3rd engaged part (3rd connector), 54 engaged part (4th connector), 55, 56 locking protrusions, 55a locking part, 56a locked part, 57 1st engaged part (1st connector), P1 branching point, P2, P3 connecting points.

Claims

1. A sling body that can be worn across the user's shoulder, The sling body is detachably attached to an inner seat that wraps around and holds the body of an infant, The sling body is, The infant holding section covers the inner sheet by lifting it from below, A shoulder strap is attached to the infant holding section and is worn across the user's shoulder, A sling-type baby carrier, including an auxiliary belt that branches off from the shoulder belt and is detachably connected to the inner seat.

2. The inner seat includes an upper region that supports the upper body of the infant and a child, and a lower region that supports the lower body of the infant and a child. The sling-type baby carrier according to claim 1, wherein the auxiliary belt comprises a band extending from the shoulder belt and a first connector that is detachably connected to the back surface portion of the lower region of the inner sheet.

3. The sling-type baby carrier according to claim 2, wherein the first connector includes a first engaging portion attached to the tip of the belt and a first engaged portion attached to the back surface of the inner sheet.

4. In the state of use, the imaginary line connecting the branching point where the auxiliary belt branches off from the shoulder belt, the connection point of the first connector, and the connection point connecting the upper region of the inner sheet and the sling body forms a roughly triangular shape when viewed from the rear, as described in claim 2.

5. The shoulder strap comprises a first shoulder strap that is placed over the user's shoulder and a second shoulder strap that is connected to the first shoulder strap and passes under the user's armpit. The sling-type baby carrier according to claim 2, wherein the inner sheet has a loop-shaped connector in its upper region that connects the sling body located on the first shoulder belt side of the sling body together.

6. The shoulder strap comprises a first shoulder strap that is placed over the user's shoulder and a second shoulder strap that is connected to the first shoulder strap and passes under the user's armpit. This sling-type baby carrier is, A second connecting device that connects the upper region of the inner sheet and the side of the sling body away from the user, A third connecting device that connects the side of the lower region of the inner sheet away from the user and the portion of the sling body located on the second shoulder belt side, The sling-type baby carrier according to claim 2, further comprising a fourth connecting member that connects the user-side portion of the lower area of ​​the inner sheet to the portion of the sling body located on the first shoulder belt side.

7. The sling body is, A first flap portion that is foldable and, in the folded state, covers the second connecting member provided on the infant holding portion, The sling-type baby carrier according to claim 5, further comprising a second flap portion provided in correspondence with the first flap portion, foldable, and covering the third and fourth connectors provided on the infant holding portion when folded.

8. In the state in which the sling body and the inner sheet are connected, The sling-type baby carrier according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the imaginary line extending vertically in the inner sheet is inclined with respect to the imaginary line extending linearly in the shoulder belt of the sling body.

9. The auxiliary belt is formed from a different material than the shoulder belt. The sling-type baby carrier according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the auxiliary belt is slidably provided with respect to the shoulder belt.

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