GB2515120A - A carrier device - Google Patents

Abstract

A carrier device, for carrying an infant and other items simultaneously arranged across fore and rear of a user, comprises two shoulder straps fastened by at least one band 5 to form a harness 1. The harness comprises a plurality of connection points 4 for releasable engagement to a number of carriage components, such as a belt 2, a baby/child/infant holder 3, a backpack (9, Fig 3) and a carriage rig (12, Fig 4). The connection points typically comprise sewn or bonded anchors or clips which may interrelate with connectors 7 provided on the carriage components.

Description

A CARRIER DEVICE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a carrier device, more particularly but not exclusively a carrier device for a user with a baby or infant.

Background

Parents or carers of young children often have large amounts of equipment that must be carried with them when away from home. Typically a child may be carried in a pushchair, however on some occasions it may be preferable to carry the child, for example where access is limited or terrain unsuitable.

Often a child may be carried on the user by means of a sling or baby carrier so that the user's hands are free. However other items are also often required and as a result the user may also need to carry other items such as bags in order to provide the equipment needed for the child such as changing kit or food and drink. This can be challenging when already supporting the child in the carrier as it may be awkward or uncomfortable to carry further items, particularly over long distances.

In some situations the baby carrier may include some storage space, however this may be of limited storage capacity, be fixed in positioned and difficult to reach when carrying the child so the carrier may need to be removed so as to access the items stored. Furthermore as the child grows the carrier may no longer be suitable and therefore another may need to be purchased.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following: United States patent application US 2012 187 173 (SONNENBERG) discloses a convertible bag, comprising: one or more body portions; one or more storage portions coupled with said body portions; and one or more child carrier portions coupled with said body portions; wherein said one or more child carrier portions are

I

configured to be enclosed by said one or more body portions in a first configuration, and wherein said one or more child carrier portions and said one or more body portions are configured to form a child carrier in a second configuration.

International patent application WO 2012 102 669 (BERGKVIST) discloses a baby carrier comprising two strap loops, which are interconnected and arranged to extend around the two shoulder areas of the wearer, a relief belt that extends around the waist of the wearer, which relief belt is connected with the respective strap loop on at least the chest side of the wearer, and a carrying pocket that is mounted to the strap loops and the relief belt and has a front piece having at least one free side edge that can be attached to an adjacent strap loop by means of an upper connection device for the carrying of the front piece at the strap loop, and a sit part that can be attached to the relief belt by means of a lower connection device, the front piece and the relief belt below the upper connection device defining a leg opening for a child sitting in the baby carrier, characterized in that the lower connection device comprises an intermediate piece to which the sit part can be attached, as well as a fastening member arranged at each side and at least one of which detachably attached to the intermediate piece, and that the respective part of the relief belt can be attached to the respective fastening member for the provision of vertically turnable attachment of the relief belt to the lower United States patent application US 4 778 091 (BARTO) discloses a child carrier apparatus in combination with a conventional backpack including a pack frame having at least two vertical main frame members and at least two horizontal frame members; wherein, the child carrier apparatus comprises: a primary strap unit comprising an elongated generally U-shaped flexible strap member having adjustable loops formed on its ends whereby the adjustable loops are operatively connected to at least one of the said main frame members; an auxiliary strap unit comprising a plurality of strap elements including a generally U-shaped strap element, a generally T-shaped strap element; and, a plurality of seat strap elements; wherein, said strap elements are operatively connected to one another end to said elongated strap member; and wherein the auxiliary strap unit is operatively connected to the primary strap unit to form a sling chair assembly that will support a child; a first securing means for operatively attaching the primary and auxiliary strap units to the torso of a parent; and, a second securing means for operatively restraining a child within the said sling chair assembly; wherein the U-shaped primary strap unit forms a U having a bottom that is disposed at approximately waist level and directly in front of the user; and, wherein the sling chair assembly is disposed at the said bottom of the U.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a carrier device comprising two shoulder straps fastened by at least one band to form a harness for carrying an infant and plural items simultaneously arranged across fore and rear of a user, wherein the harness comprises a plurality of connection points for releasable engagement to carriage components.

In preferred embodiments a carriage component allows or comprises a baby sling or holder. A rearmost face of said device preferably comprises a carriage component such as a rucksack or backpack. In preferred embodiments the carriage component(s) is/are disconnectable or disengageable from the straps, and where plural, usable simultaneously.

Advantageously the harness allows connection of a baby holder, wherein said harness comprises additional connection points for at least one carriage component.

In some embodiments the holder or other carriage component may be included in the harness.

The device may comprise or allow connection of a carriage component comprising a utility belt. The utility belt may be connected to a lowermost portion of the device or band. The utility belt may allow transportation of items therein or thereàn, being arranged with a plurality of pouches, connection points and/or compartments.

Said pouches may comprise carriage components and be disconnected from the utility belt, arranged with such as hook and loop portions like Velcro (RTM) and quick release buckles or other connection methods. In some embodiments the pouches may be connected directly to the harness.

In further preferred embodiments the band is arranged to the foremost in use and allows fastening of the device to a user. The band may be adjustable or divisible so as to allow de-fastening or removal of the device from the user.

There is provided a carrier device comprising: straps and band arranged to form a harness for fastening to the user, in which the device includes straps and at least one waist or chest band with one or more of the straps and/or bands advantageously including connection points. The harness is preferably capable of supporting or arranging connectable components fore-and rearmost. The components preferably include at least one of the following components: a removable holder for holding a baby, a removable backpack, and a utility belt, with detachable pouches. The components are preferably mountable on a fore or rear face of the harness by connection points.

Said connection points may comprise a plurality of different mechanisms such as anchors and karabiners, clips, buckles, or hook and loop portions, or a combination thereof.

In this way the device allows the user to safely and comfortably carry a baby or infant as well as to carry other items in the backpack or on the harness, by means of a modular system in which components can be added to or removed from the harness to allow flexible carriage even for users with a baby, without requirement for separate pieces of equipment such as a separate bag.

Advantageously due to the harness the user also has a distribution of load that may be shared across their fore and rear, and dissipated through and across their body via the harness.

Preferably the harness is dimensioned so as to provide optimal support to the user when carrying the baby and/or items in the backpack. It may be envisaged that the harness is adapted to encourage neutral alignment of the spine so as to reduce likelihood of associated spinal injury through load-bearing, by allowing load to be spread evenly across the user's body.

In preferred embodiments the harness comprises a pair of shoulder straps, one arranged over each shoulder, and at least one band arranged substantially orthogonal to the straps, with in some embodiments an optional second band positioned below or above the first band.

Ideally each strap is dimensioned to pass over one shoulder and connect to or be integrated with the band. Preferably the straps are adjustable so as to alter fastening fit to the user. For example the strap may adjustable by means of a buckle so as to alter length according to height of the user.

In some embodiments adjustment may include colour-coded portions so as to enable straps to be altered to the same position on each shoulder. For example to allow both straps to be adjusted to the same lengths so that the load carried are borne evenly by the user.

In preferred embodiments the straps may be joined by or integrated with a panel across the users back so as to provide a more definitively shaped harness to help prevent the straps from dis-locating from or slipping around the user's shoulders in use. In this way the baby is safely held and the load is evenly distributed over the back of the user. Preferably the panel may include or be comprised from a mesh so as to be lightweight and breathable.

Typically in such embodiments the band is joined to or integrated with the panel so as to sit comfortably around the user's torso. Ideally the band to fore comprises two parts, one extending laterally from each side of the panel so as to pass around the user and connect to each other at the front or side. Typically the two parts are joined by a buckle, clip or clasp so as to fasten the band and consequently harness around the user.

In some embodiments the band may enable the utility belt to be mounted below the band in use by provision of plural spaced apart connection points. Advantageously said belt provides additional storage space in form or disconnectable pouches and connection points and in addition or the alternative enables greater support for the user when carrying heavier loads, in particular providing lumbar support for the user by being fastened around a portion of the waist that corresponds to the lumbar vertebrae.

Preferably the band and belt are adjustably connected so that distance between them can be altered to a position to provide optimal support to the user. In some embodiments the band and belt may include connectors at or near to where the straps join the band, and the belt may be similarly bipartite.

Preferably all straps and bands are adjustable so as to be adapted to fit the user.

Preferably the device is substantially formed from a strong, flexible non-stretch material such as Nylon (RTM) webbing or Cordura (RIM) so as to be suitable for load-bearing. Ideally the material is weather-resistant so as to be suitable for repeated and sustained outdoor use.

In preferred embodiments the strap, belt and band(s) are padded to provide comfort to the user when the device is load-bearing, preventing from digging in or hurting the user. For example the strap, belt or band(s) may be wrapped in padding or may have a layer of padding provided to contact the user. Typically the padding may be formed from a cellular structure such as foam or neoprene and may in addition serve to provide shaping to the straps so that they are readily accepted about the users body. In some embodiments the straps, belt and band(s) may be or have portions moulded or stitched in so as to be arcuate in order to wrap snugly around the user in use.

Preferably outer faces of the straps or bands include a plurality of points for items, such as clips, compartments or component connection points so as to hang, attach or store items and connect components in readily accessible locations to the user without requirement to remove the harness. In this way regularly used items such as a mobile telephone, tissues or baby wipes may be positioned on the straps or bands so as to be quick to access, for example on clips, catches or rings.

It may be envisaged that attachment points may include compartments, lanyard attachment points, hooks or loops on/in which items can be stored, transported or stowed whilst remaining accessible. Ideally some may be lockable such as by means of a zipper, clip, buckle, toggle, push fitting, sealable flap, interlocking or mating parts.

Preferably the harness includes a plurality of connection points for accepting components such as the holder, backpack and/or belt. Ideally the harness includes at least 6 connection points on each face of the harness wherein said connection points can be used to connect the components.

typically the connection points comprise sewn or bonded anchors and clips such as karabiners, buckles, or interlocking/mating parts such as quick release clasps having resiliently deformable parts. Said connection points interrelate with connectors provided on the carriage components, wherein typically the connection points provide anchors arranged to be accessed or connected to from plural directions, angles or orientations and the connectors provide adjustable length parts to connect thereto.

In preferred embodiments the holder is arranged to receive the baby to fore of the harness so as to allow the baby to either face towards or away from the user in use wherein typically newborn babies are positioned facing towards the user and older babies positioned facing away from the user.

In some other embodiments the holder may be alternatively or additionally arranged on the rear of the harness, wherein the baby or infant is facing the user. Ideally connection points may permit. either or both arrangements.

Ideally the holder includes openings for accepting the. baby's legs and may include recessed portions for the arms so that they may extend from the holder comfortably without friction but so that the baby is still supported and retained within the holder.

Preferably the holder is formed from a lightweight, strong, durable, weather resistant, breathable material moulded and shaped to support the baby wherein the holder envelops the baby's torso and the baby's arms and legs are free. It may be envisaged that the holder is padded in a similar manner to the straps, belt and band(s) for optimal comfort. Typically connectors are provided on the holder to connect to the connection points, and include adjustable portions such as straps and buckles so as to alter size of the holder in accordance with size of the baby and clothing it may be wearing.

In some embodiments the holder may include reinforcement or reinforced sections to aid with maintaining the shape of the holder so as to most comfortably secure the baby. For example the holder may include semi-rigid inserts located within the padding.

Ideally the holder may include at least one mesh portion so as to further improve breathability of the holder, enabling air to circulate around the baby and user thereby to aid with temperature regulation, in particular helping to prevent the baby or user from sweating where in contact with the device.

In some embodiments the holder may include a folding portion where the baby's head is located in use so that the portion may be folded down if the baby is facing to fore so as to prevent interference with the baby's face or provide additional head support, in particular for newborns. Typically said portion is secured when folded by hook and loop means such as Velcro (RIM) or a push fitting.

Ideally the holder includes a removable fabric liner tb provide additional comfort for the baby. Typically said liner is secured by hook and loop means such as Velcro (RTM) or a push fitting, to enable ease of removal for laundering.

In some embodiments outer faces of the components, for example an outer face of the holder, may include item attachment storage means for example pockets or loops for holding items. In some embodiments the attachment points may double as connection points, to allow further connection of further components to the existing components.

In some embodiments a separable rig component may comprise a carriage component.

In preferred embodiments the holder may include a liner that is softened for improve comfort to the baby and detachable for washing. Advantageously said liner may also protect the baby from friction from any of the connectors, connection points or straps.

For example the liner may be formed from fleece or may be quilted.

In preferred embodiments the backpack includes at least one zipped or temporary closure pocket in which items can be stored or transported. Typically additional smaller or equal sized pockets may be provided. It may be envisaged that the backpack takes the form of a bag including multiple compartments. In use the backpack is attached to the harness by means of connectors and connection points.

In some embodiments the backpack connects to fore or rear of the harness. In some embodiments two backpacks may be provided so as to have fore and rear storage on the harness.

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In preferred embodiments and in use the holder may be mounted on or connected to the foremost face and the backpack mounted on or connected to the rear face of the harness.

The components, bands or straps may include pockets with covering flaps so as to prevent items from falling out, for example flaps with toggles, interlocking parts or hook and loop means such as Velcro (RTM).

Additionally the components, straps and/or band(s) may include elasticated areas in which items can be stored and readily removed. For example an area may be formed from elastic or inelastic mesh so that contents are visible, and with an elasticated opening which can be stretched to add and remove items.

The backpack compartments may be dimensioned to receive particular items such as bottles, maps, mobile phones or cameras. Preferably the backpack may be waterproof so as to protect content during use if raining.

Advantageously the backpack may be converted into a standalone bag or backpack by attachment of shoulder strapping so that it may be carried independently of the device.

In some embodiments a baby changing kit which can be folded out to provide a baby changing surface and storage for baby change items may be provided on or with the device. For example the baby changing kit may be: mounted on the harness, such as on a band, or attached to, or stored within the backpack or positioned on the pouch. Said kit may comprise a disconnectable component or extendable item or harness part.

In some embodiments the backpack cornpon!nt may be used independently with a strapping so as to allow usage separate from the harness.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows a side view of an embodiment of the carrier device with a holder connected rearmost and a belt component; Figures 2 show a front and rear view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a side view of a backpack component the embodiment shown in Figure 1, with a separate strapping arrangement for independent usage; Figures 4 show front and rear views of an embodiment of the carrier device with a foremost carriage means and a rearmost backpack; FigureS shows a view of the backpack component shown in Figures 3 and 4; Figure 6 shows a rear view of the embodiment of the carrier device as shown in Figure 1, without a component connected; and Figure 7 shows a front view of the carriage means component shown in Figure 1; And Figure 8 shows a side view of a second an embodiment of the carrier device with a holder connected rearmost and a belt component

Detailed Description of Figures

With reference to the figures a harness 1 allows connection of plural components, namely a belt 2, a holder 3, a backpack 9, and a carriage rig 12.

Said components include pockets 8 and item attachment means 11 and are connected to the harness 1 at connectors 7 and connection points 4.

The harness is joined by a band 5, which is fastened together by a fastener 6, in common with the belt 2, where connected.

A backpack 9 is shown in Figure 3 with a separate strap 10 so as to form an independent backpack solution, and a carriage rig 12 provides additional carriage options to the carriage means that may be provided by dual usage of the connection points 4 as item attachment or carriage points.

The harness I includes a back pane! 13, formed of a breathable mesh.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation and assembly, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Claims (7)

1. Claims 1. A carrier device comprising two shoUlder straps fastened by at least one band to form a harness for carrying an infant and plural items simultaneously arranged across fore and rear of a user1 wherein the harness comprises a plurality of connection points for releasable engagement to carriage components.
2. 2. A device according to claim.1: wherein the carriage components comprise a baby holder.
3. 3. A device according to either of claims I and 2, wherein the carriage components comprise a backpack.
4. 4. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the carriage components comprise a utility belt.
5. 5. A device according to any of the preceding claims wherein the carriage components include at least one connector for connecting with said connection points.
6. 6. A device according to claim 5 wherein the at least one connector is adjustable in length.
7. 7. A device substantially as described herein with reference to the drawings.