GB2553264A

GB2553264A - Carrying apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2553264A
Application number: GB1610441.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Kurganova Olesia
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-06-15
Filing date: 2016-06-15
Publication date: 2018-03-07
Also published as: GB201610441D0

Abstract

A wearable apparatus 10 for carrying an infant is adapted to be carried upon a person or mounted to a support structure 15. The infant carrier preferably comprises a rigid frame or body shaped to complement the shape of an infant and a connection means (30a, 30b, figure 2a) for connecting to a support structure. The frame or body may be made form a fire retardant material and may comprise padding or cushioning. The support structure may comprise a further connection element for connecting to an existing structure of a vehicle or aircraft. Alternatively, the structure may comprise a free standing support structure (115, figure 8). In use, an infant can easily and safely be moved from a carried position to a stationary/secure position without requiring removal of the infant from the apparatus.

Description

(71) Applicant(s):

Olesia Kurganova

Flat 1/2, 96 Great George Street, Glasgow, G12 8RY, United Kingdom (72) Inventor(s):

Olesia Kurganova (74) Agent and/or Address for Service:

Marks & Clerk LLP

Aurora, 120 Bothwell Street, GLASGOW, G2 7JS, United Kingdom (51) INT CL:

A47D 13/02 (2006.01) (56) Documents Cited:

GB 2516428 A WO 2011/071441 A1

US 20110089205 A1 US 20090078729 A1 US 20090026235 A1 (58) Field of Search:

INT CLA47D Other: EPODOC, WPI (54) Title of the Invention: Carrying apparatus Abstract Title: Baby carrying apparatus (57) A wearable apparatus 10 for carrying an infant is adapted to be carried upon a person or mounted to a support structure 15. The infant carrier preferably comprises a rigid frame or body shaped to complement the shape of an infant and a connection means (30a, 30b, figure 2a) for connecting to a support structure. The frame or body may be made form a fire retardant material and may comprise padding or cushioning. The support structure may comprise a further connection element for connecting to an existing structure of a vehicle or aircraft. Alternatively, the structure may comprise a free standing support structure (115, figure 8). In use, an infant can easily and safely be moved from a carried position to a stationary/secure position without requiring removal of the infant from the apparatus.

Fig. 1

1/8

25b

2/8

10 17

3/8

10 17

5/8

10 17

6/8

7/8

10 17

Fig. 7

8/8

10 17

Fig. 8

CARRYING APPARATUS

FIELD

This invention relates to an apparatus for carrying an infant, a structure for supporting an apparatus for carrying an infant, an infant carrier system and associated method.

BACKGROUND

Infant carriers typically require to be removed from a user in order to be able to remove the infant from the carrier and move the infant into a stationary position, such as into a chair or bed. This often requires a flat surface to lay the carrier and the infant on, while unfastening the carrier from the user. When travelling on an aircraft or other vehicle, such as train or bus, the removal of the infant from the carrier can become difficult, for example due to limited space on the aircraft or vehicle and/or no flat surfaces being available. In addition, during the removal process the carrier may come into contact with the ground, thereby picking up dirt and bacteria.

During the journey on the aircraft or the other vehicle, infants are often held by a parent to calm them and/or due to limited space on the aircraft or other vehicle. This can make it difficult for the parent to move, eat and/or sleep, especially on long haul journeys.

Travelling cots or bassinets may be used during long haul journeys on an aircraft. However, these cots or bassinets can be difficult to set up and require the infant to be moved from its infant carrier to the cot or bassinet. In order to be able to use such cots or bassinets on an aircraft, advance booking of the cots or bassinets is typically required and their availability may be limited.

Travelling cots or bassinets can typically occupy additional space on an aircraft and thus, may only be used on larger aircrafts. Therefore, travelling cots or bassinets may be only be available on long haul flight and are typically arranged at bulkhead seats of the aircraft. It will also be appreciated that such cots or bassinets need to be arranged on an aircraft without obstructing any emergency routes.

This background serves only to set a scene to allow a skilled reader to better appreciate the following description. Therefore, none of the above discussion should necessarily be taken as an acknowledgement that that discussion is part of the state of the art or is common general knowledge. One or more aspects/embodiments of the invention may or may not address one or more of the background issues.

SUMMARY

In a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a wearable apparatus for carrying an infant. The apparatus may be adapted or configured to be mountable on a support structure. By adapting or configuring the apparatus to be mountable on a support structure, moving of an infant from a moving or carried position into a stationary and/or secure position may be permitted without requiring removal of the infant from the apparatus.

In some examples, the apparatus may comprise at least a part of an attachment mechanism. The part of the attachment mechanism may be configured to permit mounting or attaching of the apparatus on a support structure. The part of the attachment mechanism may be configured to retain the apparatus with a support structure. For example, the part of the attachment mechanism may be configured to secure, hold or fix the apparatus to a support structure. The part of the attachment mechanism may be configured to cooperate with another part of an attachment mechanism of a support structure, e.g. to enable mounting of the apparatus on a support structure. The part of the attachment mechanism may be part of or comprised in a complementary interengaging formation.

In some examples, the part of the attachment mechanism may be configured to be slidably received or receivable by another part of an attachment mechanism of a support structure.

In other examples, the part of the attachment mechanism may be configured for slidably receiving another part of an attachment mechanism.

The part of the attachment mechanism may be configured to be locked, fixed, lockable or fixable to another part of an attachment mechanism of a support structure.

In some examples, the part of the attachment mechanism may be or comprise a protrusion. The protrusion may be configured to be received or receivable by a recess of another part of the attachment mechanism.

In other examples, the part of the attachment mechanism may be or comprise a recess. The recess may be configured for receiving a protrusion of another part of an attachment mechanism.

In some examples, the apparatus may comprise a frame or body. The part of the attachment mechanism may be part of or comprised in the frame or body. The part of the attachment mechanism may be arranged on the frame or body, e.g. to extend along at least part of a length of apparatus, e.g. the frame or body.

The frame or body may be or comprise a rigid frame or body. The frame or body may be configured and/or shaped to provide support to an infant, e.g. in use. The frame or body may be shaped and/or configured such that the frame or body provides support to an infant, e.g. when the apparatus is worn by a user and/or when the apparatus is mounted on a support.

The frame or body may be configured and/or shaped to complement or match a shape of an infant, e.g. a shape of a spine and/or hips of an infant. By configuring or shaping the frame or body to complement or match a shape of an infant, the apparatus may support and/or maintain an infant in a healthy position, e.g. in use.

In some examples, the frame or body may be made of a fire-retardant material, e.g. a fire-retardant polymer or thermoplastic polymer. This may allow use of the apparatus on an aircraft.

The apparatus may comprise a cushioned or padded portion. The cushioned or padded portion may be connected or connectable to the frame or body. The cushioned or padded portion may be releasably connected or connectable to the frame or body. This may permit removal and/or replacement of the cushioned or padded portion. The cushioned or padded portion may be arranged to line an inside surface of the apparatus. The cushioned or padded portion may be disposed between a carried infant and the apparatus, e.g. the frame or body, e.g. to increase comfort for an infant, in use.

In some examples, the frame or body and/or the cushioned or padded portion may be configured and/or shaped to support an infant having an age of 0 to 6 months, e.g. 0 to 3 months and/or 4 to 6 months.

In some examples, the apparatus may comprise a carrying system. The carrying system may be configured to enable securing, fastening and/or attaching of the apparatus and/or an infant positioned in the apparatus to a user. The carrying system may be configured to be adjustable to one or more requirements of a user, e.g. a size or height of a user. The carrying system may comprise one or more fastening element(s). The one or more fastening element(s) may be or comprise one or more strap(s) and/or one or more belt(s) or the like. The one or more fastening element(s) may be connected or connectable, e.g. releasably connected or connectable, to the frame or body. At least one of the fastening element(s) may be configured and/or arranged to secure or fasten an infant to the apparatus.

In a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a structure configured to support and/or carry an apparatus for carrying an infant. The apparatus may be or comprise an apparatus for carrying an infant according to the first aspect.

The structure may comprise another part of an attachment mechanism. The other part of the attachment mechanism may be configured to cooperate and/or engage with a part of an attachment mechanism of an apparatus for carrying an infant, e.g. to enable mounting of the apparatus on the structure. The other part of the attachment mechanism may be configured to mount and/or retain an apparatus for carrying an infant on the structure.

In some examples, the other part of the attachment mechanism may be configured for slidably receiving a part of an attachment mechanism of an apparatus for carrying an infant. The other part of the attachment mechanism may be configured to lock or fix a part of an attachment mechanism of an apparatus for carrying an infant to the structure.

The other part of the attachment mechanism may be part of or comprised in a complementary interengaging formation.

In other examples, the other part of the attachment mechanism may be configured to be slidably received or receivable by a part of an attachment mechanism of an apparatus for carrying an infant.

In some examples, the other part of the attachment mechanism may be or comprise a recess. The recess may be configured for receiving a protrusion of a part of an attachment mechanism of an apparatus for carrying an infant.

In other examples, the part of the attachment mechanism may be or comprise a protrusion. The protrusion may be configured to be received or receivable by a recess of a part of an attachment mechanism of an apparatus for carrying an infant.

In some examples, the structure may be configured to movably or rotatably mount an apparatus for carrying an infant. For example, the structure may comprise a joint or coupling, e.g. a ball joint or ball coupling or a universal joint or universal coupling or the like. The joint may be configured to permit movement, e.g. rotational movement, an apparatus for carrying an infant relative to at least part of the structure. The joint may be configured to connect, e.g. releasably connect, the other part of the attachment mechanism to a portion of the structure. The other part of the attachment mechanism may be arranged at or on a first end of the structure.

In some examples, the structure may be configured to be mountable, e.g. releasably mountable, to another device or structure or portion thereof. For example, the structure may comprise a connecting element (e.g. an additional connecting element) for connection or mounting of the structure to or on another device or structure or portion thereof. The connecting element may be configured to connect secure and/or mount the structure to or on another device or structure or portion thereof. The connecting element may comprise a clamping portion. The clamping portion may be configured to engage with another device or part, e.g. to enable mounting of the support to another device or structure or portion thereof. The connecting element may be arranged at or on a second end of the structure.

In some example, the “another device or structure” may be or comprise an existing structure, e.g. an existing structure of an aircraft or vehicle, e.g. train, bus, car or the like. Another device or structure may be or comprise a part of an aircraft or vehicle, e.g.

a part of an aircraft or vehicle seat and/or aircraft or vehicle seat frame or the like. By configuring the structure to be mountable to another device or structure, e.g. an existing structure of an aircraft or vehicle, modifications or alteration to an aircraft or vehicle may be avoided and/or no additional space on an aircraft or vehicle may be required.

In some examples, in addition to being configured to mount an apparatus for carrying an infant, the structure, e.g. the connecting element, may be configured to be connected and/or mounted to or on at least part of an aircraft seat or vehicle seat, e.g. at least part of a frame of an aircraft or vehicle seat. The structure may be configured to be mountable adjacent at least one seat of an aircraft or vehicle and/or between two aircraft or vehicle seats. This may allow the structure to be mounted in an aircraft or vehicle without obstructing emergency evacuation routes.

In some examples, the structure, e.g. the connecting element, may be configured to be retrofitted or retrofittable to another device or structure or portion thereof.

The structure may comprise a first portion and a second portion. The first portion may be connected or connectable, e.g. movably connected or connectable, to the second portion ofthe structure. The structure may comprise a hinge or joint. The hinge or joint may be part of, comprised in or defined by a connection between the first and second portions of the structure. The hinge or joint may be configured to permit movement of the first portion relative to the second portion. The hinge may be configured to permit operation or movement of the structure between a first position or configuration and a second position or configuration. In the first position or configuration, the first portion may be arranged to be substantially in line with the second portion. In the second portion or configuration, the first portion may be arranged to extend at an angle relative to the second portion. For example, in the second position or configuration, the first portion may extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the second portion.

The structure, e.g. the hinge or joint, may be configured to permit movement of an apparatus for carrying an infant between a position, in which an apparatus for carrying an infant may be arranged to be distal to a user (e.g. the first position or configuration of the structure), and a positon, in which an apparatus for carrying an infant may be arranged to be proximal to the user (e.g. the second position or configuration of the structure), e.g. when an apparatus for carrying an infant is mounted to the structure.

In some examples, the structure may be or comprise an elongate member. The elongate member may be configured and/or arranged to mount an apparatus for carrying an infant a above a seat of an aircraft or vehicle, e.g. when the structure is mounted to the seat.

In some examples, the structure may be or comprise a free standing support structure. For example, the structure may comprise a base member. The base member may be arranged on or at a/the second end of the structure. The base member may be configured to provide a stable base to the structure, e.g. to permit the structure to be free-standing, e.g. in use.

The structure may comprise or be made of a metal or metal alloy. For example, the structure may comprise or be made of aluminium or an aluminium alloy comprising a steel alloy, e.g. stainless steel.

In a third aspect of the invention, there is provided an infant carrier system. The system may comprise an apparatus for carrying an infant. The system may comprise a structure for supporting an apparatus for carrying an infant. The apparatus may be adapted to be mountable on the structure.

The apparatus may be or comprise an apparatus according to the first aspect.

The structure may be or comprise a structure according to the second aspect.

The system may comprise an/the attachment mechanism. The part and/or the other part may be comprised in or part of the attachment mechanism.

In some examples, the system may be configurable or operable between a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, the apparatus may be detached from the structure and/or may be wearable or worn, e.g. by a user.

In the second configuration, the apparatus may be attached to or mounted on the structure. In the second configuration, the apparatus may be stationary or non-moving relative to the structure. In the second configuration, the apparatus may be arranged or arrangeable so as to provide a resting or sleeping position for an infant. This may permit the apparatus to serve as a bed for an infant and/or may avoid the need to use a separate cot or bassinet in an aircraft or vehicle.

In some examples, the structure may be configured to permit movement of the apparatus between an upright or substantially vertical position and a substantially horizontal position, e.g. when the apparatus is mounted to the structure. For example, the structure may comprise a joint. The joint may be configured to permit movement, e.g. rotational movement, of the apparatus relative to at least part of the structure.

In a fourth aspect there is provided a method for mounting an apparatus for carrying an infant on a structure, the method comprising providing an apparatus according to the first aspect; and mounting or attaching the apparatus to or on a structure.

The method may comprise providing the structure. The structure may be or comprise a structure according to the second aspect.

The step of providing the apparatus may comprise carrying the apparatus and/or an infant positioned in the apparatus.

In some examples, the method may comprise mounting or attaching the structure to a part of an aircraft or vehicle, e.g. a seat or seat frame of an aircraft or vehicle.

In some examples, the method may comprise locating the structure at a desired position.

The term structure may encompass the term support structure.

It should be understood that the features defined above in accordance with any aspect of the present invention or below in relation to any specific embodiment/example of the invention may be utilised, either alone or in combination with any other defined feature, in any other aspect or embodiment/example of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

These and other aspects of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a schematic view of an infant carrier system including a wearable infant carrier mounted to a support in a vehicle or aircraft carriage according to one or more described examples;

Figures 2(a) and 2(b) show views of an exemplary attachment mechanism for mounting the infant carrier of Figure 1 to a support;

Figures 3(a) and 3(b) show views of the infant carrier of Figure 1 mounted to a support;

Figure 4 view of the infant carrier system of Figure 1, wherein the infant carrier is movable between a first and a second configuration;

Figures 5(a) and 5(b) shown an exemplary connecting element of the system of Figure 1;

Figure 6 shows a schematic view of the infant carrier of Figure 1 worn by a user;

Figure 7 shows a schematic view of the infant carrier of Figure 1; and

Figure 8 shows another exemplary infant carrier system including a wearable infant carrier mounted to a free-standing support.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING

Figure 1 shows an example of an infant carrier system 5. In this example, the system 5 includes an apparatus for carrying an infant provided in the form of a wearable infant carrier 10 adapted to be mountable on a structure, which in this example is provided in the form of an elongate support 15. By adapting the infant carrier 10 to be mountable on the support 15, moving of the infant from a moving or carried position into a stationary and/or secure position may be permitted without requiring removal of the infant from the infant carrier 10 and/or the infant carrier 10 coming in contact with the ground.

Figure 1 shows the infant carrier 10 mounted to the support 15, which is configured to be releasably mountable to another device or structure, such as an existing structure of the aircraft (not shown). In this example, the support 15 is mounted to a frame 20 or a portion thereof of an aircraft seat 25a. It will be appreciated that in other examples the support may be configured to be mountable to another part in the carriage of the aircraft. By configuring the support to be mounted to an existing part of the aircraft, such as a seat frame 20 or a portion thereof, the support 15 may be mounted in the aircraft without any modification or alteration to the aircraft being required. By mounting the infant carrier 10 to the support 15, the amount of time required for carrying the infant, for example on the user’s lap during a journey on the aircraft, may be reduced. This may allow the user to eat, sleep and move freely during the journey on the aircraft.

In the example of Figure 1 the support 15 is shown as being mounted to a portion of the seat frame 20 below an armrest 22 between two seats 25a, 25b. The support 15 is configured to mount the infant carrier 10 above the two seats 25a, 25b. It will be appreciated that in other examples the support 15 may be mounted adjacent at least one seat, such as between a seat and an aisle of the aircraft carriage or between a seat and a window of the aircraft. By mounting the support between two seats or adjacent one seat, the system may be used in the aircraft without obstructing any emergency evacuation routes and/or requiring additional space.

In the example of Figure 1, the infant carrier 10 is mounted on the support 15 so that the infant in the infant carrier 10 faces a rear of the aircraft. This positioning may allow eye contact between the infant and the user and/or provide a safe position for the infant, in use, for example, during emergency deceleration and/or impact.

Referring to Figures 2(a) and 2(b), the system 5 includes an attachment mechanism 30. Support 15 includes a first part 30a of the attachment mechanism 30 and the infant carrier 10 includes a second part 30b of the attachment mechanism 30. The first and second parts 30a, 30b are configured to cooperate with each other to enable mounting of the infant carrier 10 to the support 15. For example, the first and second parts 30a,

30b of the attachment mechanism 30 may be provided in the form of complementary interengaging formations. The first part 30a and/or second part 30b of the attachment mechanism 30 are configured to retain the infant carrier 10 with the support 15.

In this example, the first part 30a can be configured to slidably receive the second part 30b of the attachment mechanism. Once the second part 30b has been inserted into the first part, the first part 30a may lock the second part 30b to the support 15. It will be appreciated that in other examples, the second part of the attachment mechanism may be configured to slidably receive and/or lock the first part of the attachment mechanism. For example, the first part 30a of the attachment mechanism 30 includes an elongate recess 32 and the second part 30b of the attachment mechanism 30 includes an elongate protrusion 34. The recess 32 may be shaped to complement a shape of the protrusions 34 and/or to slidably receive the protrusion 34. The recess 32 can be configured to retain the protrusion 34, when the infant carrier 10 is mounted to the support 15. It should be understood that the exemplary attachment mechanism disclosed herein is not restricted to including a recess and protrusion and that other configurations of the attachment mechanism may be suitable to mount the infant carrier to the support.

The exemplary protrusion 34 shown in Figures 2(a) and 2(b) is arranged on a rear side of the infant carrier 10 to extend along at least part of a length of the infant carrier 10. The recess 32 is shaped to match a shape of the infant carrier 10. The recess 32 is arranged such that the recess 32 extends along the length of the infant carrier 10, when the infant carrier 10 is mounted to the support 15. By arranging the recess to extend along a length of the infant carrier, when the infant carrier is mounted to the support, the recess may stably and/or securely mount the infant carrier to the support.

The support 15 can be configured to movably or rotatably mount the infant carrier 10. For example, the support 15 includes a joint 35, which may be provided in the form of a ball joint. It will be appreciated that in other examples, the joint may be provided in the form of a universal joint or universal coupling or the like. The joint 35 is configured to permit rotational movement of the infant carrier 10 relative to at least part of the support 15. The joint 35 connects, e.g. releasably connects, the first part 30a of the attachment mechanism 30 to a portion of the support 15.

The exemplary support 15 shown in Figures 3(a) and 3(b) is similar to that shown in Figures 1, 2(a) and 2(b). The support 15 includes a first portion 15a and a second portion 15b. The first portion 15a is movably connected to the second portion 15b. The connection between the first and second portions 15a, 15b of the support 15 is configured to define a hinge 40. The hinge 40 is configured to permit movement of the first portion 15a relative to the second portion 15b.

In this example, the hinge 40 is configured to permit operation of the support 15 between a first configuration and a second configuration. Figure 3(a) shows the first configuration of the support 15, in which the first portion 15a is arranged to be substantially in line with the second portion 15b.

Figure 3(b) shows the second configuration of the support 15, in which the first portion 15a is arranged to extend at an angle relative to the second portion 15b. For example, in the second configuration of the support 15, the first portion 15b can extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the second portion 15b.

As shown in Figure 4, the hinge 40 permits movement of infant carrier 10 between a position distal to a user (e.g. in the first configuration of the support 15) and a positon proximal to the user (e.g. in the second configuration of the support 15). This allows the infant carrier 10 to be moved closer to the user, for example, to calm and/or feed the infant in the infant carrier 10, in use. In use, the support 15 may be operated between the first and second configurations, by moving the first portion 15a relative to the second portion 15b.

The first part 30a of the attachment mechanism 30 can be arranged on a first end 15c of the support 15, as shown in Figures 3(a) and 3(b).

Figures 3(a), 3(b), 5(a) and 5(b) show an exemplary connecting element 45 of the support 15. The connecting element 45can be arranged on a second end 15d of the support 15 and is configured to connect the support 15 to the seat frame 20 (or a portion thereof). It will be appreciated that in other examples the connecting element may be configured to connect the support or another part of the carriage of the aircraft.

As can be seen in Figure 5(a) and 5(b), the connecting element 45 is configured to engage with the portion of the seat frame 20 below the armrest 22. In this example, the connecting element 45 is provided in the form of a clamp, which is configured to connect and secure the support 15 to the portion of the seat frame 20. When the support 15 is mounted to the seat frame 20 (or a portion thereof), the clamp 45 at least partially surrounds the portion of the frame 20. In some examples, the clamp 45 may include a biasing member (now shown), which is configured to permit operation of the clamp 45 between a fixing configuration, in which the clamp 45 mounts the support 15 to the seat frame 20 or a portion thereof, and a non-fixing configuration, in which the clamp 45 can be released from or mounted to the seat frame 20 or a portion thereof. This may facilitate installation of the system 5 in the carriage of the aircraft.

In some examples, the support 15 may be configured to be retrofitted to an existing portion of the aircraft, such as a seat or frame of a seat (or a portion thereof). This may facilitate installation of the system 5 in the carriage of the aircraft.

Parts of or all of the support 15 may be made of a metal or a metal alloy. For example, parts of or all of the support 15 may be made of aluminium or an aluminium alloy comprising a steel alloy, e.g. stainless steel.

When the infant carrier 10 is mounted on the support 15, the infant carrier 10 is stationary relative to the support 15. The examples of Figures 1 and 4 show that the infant carrier 10 can provide a sleeping or resting position to the infant. This may permit the apparatus to serve as a bed for the infant and/or may avoid the need to use a separate cot or bassinet in the aircraft.

The example of Figure 6 shows the infant carrier 10 as being worn by a user. It will be appreciated that the system 5 is configurable between a first configuration in which the infant carrier 10 is detached from the support 15 and worn by a user, as shown in Figure 6, and a second configuration in which the infant carrier 10 is stationary and mounted to the support 15, as shown in Figures 1 to 4.

The exemplary infant carrier 10 shown in Figures 1 to 4, 6 and 7 includes a rigid frame and a carrying system 55, which can be attached to the frame 50. In this example the carrying system 55 is configured to enable fastening of the infant carrier 10 and the infant positioned therein to a user. The carrying system 55 can be configured to be adjustable to one or more requirements of the user, e.g. a size or height of the user. The carrying system 55 includes one or more fastening element(s), which in this example are provided in the form of one or more strap(s) 55a. As shown in Figure 6 the straps 55a are attached to the frame 50. The straps 55a can be used to secure the infant to the infant carrier 10 and to secure the infant carrier 10, including the infant, to a user, as shown in the example of Figure 6.

As described above, the infant carrier 10 includes the second part 30b of the attachment mechanism 30. In this example, the second part 30b of the attachment mechanism 30 is part of the frame 50. As can be seen in Figure 6, the protrusion 34 is arranged on the frame 50 to extend along at least part of a length of the frame 50, e.g. along an upper portion and a central portion of the frame 50.

Figure 7 shows an exemplary frame 50 of the infant carrier 10. The frame 50 is shaped to provide support to the infant, in use. For example, the frame 50 can be configured and/or shaped to complement or match a shape of the infant, such as a shape of a spine and/or hips of the infant. In this example, the frame 50 includes an upper portion 50a shaped to support the neck of the infant, a central portion 50b shaped to support the spine of the infant and a lower portion 50c shaped to support the hips of the infant. By configuring and/or shaping the frame to complement or match a shape of the infant, the infant carrier 10 may support and/or maintain the infant in healthy position.

In the example of Figure 7, the frame 50 includes elongated slots 60, which are provided on opposing sides of the central portion 50b and opposing sides of the lower portion 50c of the frame 50. The elongated slots 60 are part of the carrying system 55 and are arranged to receive at least part of the straps 55a. The elongated slots 60 can be used to connect the straps 55a to the frame 50. For example, in use, the straps 55a may be connected to the frame 50 by threading the straps 55a through the elongated slots 60.

The frame 50 can be made of a fire-retardant material, such as a fire-retardant polymer or thermoplastic polymer or the like. An exemplary frame 50 may be made of ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene). This may make the infant carrier suitable for use on the aircraft.

Figure 8 shows another exemplary infant carrier system 105. The system 105 shown in Figure 8 is similar to that shown in Figures 1 to 7.

The support 115 of the exemplary system shown in Figure 8 is similar to that described above in relation to Figures 1 to 7. In this example, the support 115 is a free-standing support including a base member, which may be provided in the form of a circular base 165. Here, the base 165 is provided at the second end 115d instead of the connecting element. The base 165 is configured to provide a stable base to the support 115 to permit the support to be free-standing, in use.

Although the support 115 of Figure 8 includes a circular base 165, it should be understood that the exemplary system disclosed herein is not restricted to such a circular base. In other examples, the base may have a different configuration or shape. For example, the base may be provided in the form of a tripod or the like, or have a rectangular, elliptical or squared shape or the like.

The exemplary infant carrier 100 shown in Figure 8 includes a cushioned or padded portion 170. The cushioned or padded portion 170 can be releasably connected to the frame 150. This may permit removal and/or replacement of the cushioned or padded portion. The cushioned or padded portion 170 can be arranged to line an inside surface of the infant carrier 100. The cushioned or padded portion 170 may be disposed between a carried infant and the infant carrier 100, e.g. the frame 150, to increase comfort for an infant, in use.

The frame 150 and/or the cushioned or padded portion of the infant carrier 100 can be configured and/or shaped to support the infant having an age of 0 to 6 months, e.g. 0 to 3 months and/or 4 to 6 months. It should understood that this invention is not restricted to these ages and that in other examples the frame and/or the cushioned or padded portion may be configured and/or shaped to support an infant that is older than 6 months. It will be appreciated that the cushioned or padded portion 170 may also be provided with any of the above described examples of the infant carrier 10. Features of the exemplary frame described in relation to Figure 8 may also be applicable to the frame of any of the above described examples of the infant carrier 10.

It should be understood that the embodiments described herein are merely exemplary and that various modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention.

In the above examples, the carrying system is described as including slots to connect the straps to the frame. It will be appreciated that in other examples the straps may be connected to the frame in a different manner. For example, the straps may be connected to the frame using a nuts and bolts arrangement.

The carrying system may include one or more fasteners, such as buckles, ties or the like, for fastening the carrying system to the user and/or fasten the infant to the infant carrier.

In some examples, the carrying system may include a belt and straps, which are connected to the frame and allow the infant carrier to be carried by a user.

Although the support is described as being mounted to a frame (or portion thereof) of seat of an aircraft, it will be appreciated that in other examples the support may be mounted to a seat, seat frame (or portion thereof) or other part of a vehicle carriage, such as bus carriage, train carriage or the like.

In the above examples, the infant carrier was mounted on the support in the aircraft to be rear facing. It will be appreciated that in other examples, the infant carrier may be mounted on the support to be forward or sideways facing.

In the above example, the support is configured to mount the infant carrier above the seats of the aircraft or vehicle. It will be appreciated that in other examples, the in other examples, the support may be configured to mount the infant carrier adjacent a seat or other part of the aircraft or vehicle.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A wearable apparatus for carrying an infant, the apparatus being adapted or configured to be mountable on a support structure.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus comprises at least part of an attachment mechanism configured to permit mounting or attaching of the apparatus on a support structure.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the part of the attachment mechanism is configured to retain the apparatus with a support structure.

4. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus comprises a rigid frame or body.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the frame or body is shaped to complement or match a shape of an infant.

6. The apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the frame or body is made of a fire-retardant material.

7. The apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 6, the apparatus comprises a cushioned or padded portion, the cushioned or padded portion being connected or connectable to the frame or body.

8. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus comprises a carrying system configured to enable securing, fastening and/or attaching of the apparatus and/or an infant positioned in the apparatus to a user.

9. A structure configured to support and/or to carry an apparatus for carrying an infant according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The structure according to claim 9, wherein the structure comprises another part of an attachment mechanism configured to cooperate and/or engage with a part of an attachment mechanism of an apparatus for carrying an infant, to enable mounting of the apparatus on the structure.

11. The structure according to any one of claims 9 or 10, the structure comprises a connecting element for connection or mounting of the structure to or on another device or structure, such as an existing structure of an aircraft or vehicle.

12. The structure according to claim 11, wherein the connecting element is configured to connect and/or mount the structure to or on at least part of an aircraft or vehicle seat.

13. The structure according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the structure may be configured to movable or rotatably mount an apparatus for carrying an infant.

14. The structure according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the structure is or comprises a free standing support structure.

15. An infant carrier system, the system comprising an apparatus for carrying an infant according to any one of claims 1 to 8; and a structure for supporting the apparatus for carrying an infant according to any one of claims 9 to 14.

16. The system according to claim 15, wherein the system is configurable or operable between a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein in the first configuration, the apparatus is detached from the structure and in the second configuration, the apparatus is mounted on the structure.

17. The system according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the structure is configured to permit movement of the apparatus between a first position in which the apparatus is arranged to be proximal to a user and a second position in which the apparatus is arranged to be distal to a user.

18. A method for mounting an apparatus for carrying an infant on a structure, the method comprising providing an apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8; and mounting or attaching the apparatus to or on a structure according to any one of claims 9 to 14.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: Claims searched:

GB1610441.6

1-18