CHILD CARRIER SLING

Abstract

A versatile sling attachment system for a child carrier. In use, the sling is oriented over the user's torso and shoulder, providing increased stability, broader force distribution and easier use of the child carrier.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/052,119 filed Jul. 15, 2020, which is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments relate generally to support apparatus for securing and carrying children and more particularly to shoulder supported sling systems that can be removably coupled to child carriers.

BACKGROUND

Conventional child carriers come in several variations, including shoulder sling suspended carriers, backpack style hard frame carriers, and car seat carriers, that each have significant disadvantages and drawbacks.

The shoulder sling suspended carriers are designed to carry a baby or infant through a strap or series of straps that secure the child closely to the front or back torso of the wearer. The strapping systems for shoulder sling suspended carriers make mounting and un-mounting the carrier very cumbersome, and doing so will generally jostle a sleeping child. Shoulder sling suspended carriers also do not allow for the child to be set down easily in a balanced and supported position to relieve the wearer and can severely limit the range of motion for the infant.

The backpack style hard frame carriers carry the infant on the back of the wearer. The infant's legs are passed through holes in a sling and the infant's back is generally supported by a frame. The frame can keep the infant secured in a sitting position. Younger infants, who are not sitting up on their own, are not compatible with this arrangement. The infant is generally loaded into the carrier prior to mounting the carrier on the wearer, however, the mounting of a loaded carrier is cumbersome and requires a level of experience and skill to be accomplished safely. Many users may find it necessary to have another adult aid in mounting a backpack style hard frame carrier. Furthermore, while mounted, the wearer may have extremely limited physical and visual access to the infant and is therefore unable to attend to its needs easily. Older or less physically capable wearers may be intimidated by the physical requirements necessary for using backpack style hard frame carriers.

There are a number of car seat carriers with provisions for portions that are removable to transport an infant. Such car seat carriers generally include removable portions that are designed to be an integral and essential portion of the restraint of the infant during a car crash. Thus, removable portions of car seat carriers typically include significant mechanical systems and material weight for attaching to the car seat belt or the car seat. Additionally, the handles of car seat carriers are designed to be outside of the range of motion of the child during a crash situation often resulting in an uncomfortable design for extended use carrying.

Other child carriers require a user to hold a handle in their hand or in the crook of their arm, with varying degrees of stability. The combined weight of the carrier and child on one arm for extended periods of time can be tiring and dangerous, particularly navigating a crowded space. Further, the handle may slide along the arm of the user and the child carrier may tilt away from the user, resulting in uneven gait of the user and stress on the child.

It would therefore be advantageous to provide sling attachments for child carriers, as described by example or otherwise contemplated herein, which are oriented over the carrier and across the torso and shoulder of the user opposite the carrier, instead of relying solely on the handle.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a system for attaching a sling to a child carrier to increase stability, safety, and ease of use. In embodiments, the ergonomic, versatile system enables consumers to pick and choose the child carrier of their choice as the system can be removably coupled to any industry standard child carrier. Embodiments of the system facilitate convenient and safe mounting and dismounting once the child is in the child carrier and improve the comfort of the user over conventional systems by dispersing the weight across the user's torso and shoulder rather than on the user's arm alone. In embodiments, a user can use the sling of the present disclosure as a light-weight, hassle-free child carrier.

In an embodiment, a sling for supporting a child carrier against a user can include an elongated sling body having a front strap terminating in a front loop and a back strap terminating in a back loop extending therefrom. The elongated sling body can rest against and cover a shoulder of the user. The front strap can cross the chest of the user and include a front attachment mechanism separating the front strap into a front sling end having a front male attachment member and a front carrier end having a front female attachment member. The back strap can cross the back of the user and include a back attachment mechanism separating the back strap into a back sling end having a back female attachment member and a back carrier end having a back male attachment member.

In operation, the front female attachment member can removably couple a first side of the child carrier by wrapping the front female attachment member around a first portion of the child carrier, passing the front female attachment member through the front loop, and attaching the front female attachment member to the front male attachment member. Similarly, the back male attachment member can removably couple a second side of the child carrier by wrapping the back male attachment member around a second portion of the child carrier, passing the back male attachment member through the back loop, and attaching the back male attachment member to the back female attachment member.

In embodiments, the front attachment mechanism and the back attachment mechanism can be one of side release buckles, hook and loop mechanisms, ties, hook and loop strips, snaps, zippers, and buttons.

In embodiments, the elongated sling body can include at least one elastic edge.

In embodiments, the lengths of the front sling end and the back carrier end are adjustable.

In an embodiment, a sling system with multiple attachments enables a user to easily deploy the sling as desired. An embodiment can include a buckle and loop system, where the sling includes male and female buckle connections at each end.

In embodiments, a user may attach both straps of the sling to the child carrier before placing the sling over their head, or the user may attach one strap to the child carrier, place the sling over their torso and shoulder, and then attach the second strap to the child carrier. The system is versatile in use.

In another embodiment, the sling can include hooks to attach the sling to the child carrier. Again, the user may fully attach the sling before placing it over their head, or they may hook one side of the sling to the child carrier, place the sling over their torso and shoulder, and then hook the second side on. These hooks can be attached to, for instance, a sturdy plastic loop on the child carrier. The hooks can be eyelet hooks, similar to carabiners, for added security.

In another embodiment, the attachment system can include an eyelet hook and loop system, wherein the straps are looped around each side of the handle of a child carrier, then hooked around themselves to fully anchor the child carrier.

In another embodiment, the sling can be used without a carrier, as it includes a female and male attachment mechanism, such as buckle members, on each end and can self-attach. This stand-alone sling is versatile in use, as the user can clip the sling around their torso and shoulder, around both shoulders, or around only one shoulder.

In embodiments, the sling attachment for child carriers may be oriented across the carrier, and around the torso and far shoulder of the user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Subject matter hereof may be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description of various embodiments in connection with the accompanying figures.

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a system for removably coupling a sling to a child carrier in use, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a detailed view of a male buckle connection, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a detailed view of a female buckle connection, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a detailed view of a male buckle loop connection, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a detailed view of a female buckle loop connection according to an embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a partial close-up perspective view of a portion of the system of FIG. 1 attached to a child carrier.

FIG. 8 is a partial back perspective view of a portion of the system of FIG. 1 as carried by a user.

FIG. 9 is a side perspective view of the system of FIG. 1 as carried by a user.

FIG. 10 is a close-up view of a sling, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of a sling used as a child carrier in use, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a sling used as a sun shade over a child carrier, according to an embodiment.

While various embodiments are amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the claimed inventions to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the subject matter as defined by the claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As described herein, a system for attaching a sling to an existing child carrier is presented that facilitates overall stability of the child and ease of mounting the child carrier. Embodiments of the sling for use in the system can be configured for use directly as a sling holder for children.

FIG. 1 depicts a system 100 for attaching sling 102 to child carrier 200. Sling 102 generally comprises sling body 104, first strap 300, and second strap 400. Child carrier 200 can comprise carrier body 202 configured to hold a child and handle 204. First strap 300 and second strap 400 can be configured to removably couple sling 102 to child carrier 200 at each connection between carrier body 202 to handle 204 such that first strap 300 is removably coupled to a first side of carrier body 202 and second strap 400 is removably coupled to a second side of carrier body 202. In embodiments, child carrier 200 can be any conventional child carrier that includes a handle. Child carrier 200 can be removably coupled to sling 102 such that child container 200 can be interchanged with other conventional child carriers.

In embodiments, sling body 104 provides a large surface area to more evenly distribute the weight of child carrier 200 across the user's body. In embodiments, sling body 104 can comprise one or more of fabrics, synthetic materials, foam, and padding to increase the comfort of sling 102 against the shoulder of a user when removably attached to child carrier 200.

System 100 represents an improvement over conventional child carriers that fail to redistribute weight of the child carrier in a convenient manner. System 100 can allow a user to safely have at least one arm and hand free for other activities and can be removably coupled to existing infant carriers and car seats as an accessory item, promoting reusability. Furthermore, system 100 can be easily mounted on a user without help or jostling the child carrier.

Referring now to FIG. 2, sling 102 is depicted. First strap 300 can comprise first sling portion 308 and first carrier portion 310. First sling portion 308 can be coupled to sling body 104 and include first male buckle attachment 302. First carrier portion 310 can be configured to removably couple to child carrier 200 and include first female buckle attachment 304 and first strap loop 306. First sling portion 308 and first carrier portion 310 can be removably coupled via connection between first male buckle attachment 302 and first female buckle attachment 304 to form a single, non-interrupted first strap 300. The length of first sling portion 308 can be adjusted via first male buckle attachment 302.

Similarly, second strap 400 can comprise second sling portion 408 and second carrier portion 410. Second sling portion 408 can be coupled to sling body 104 and include second female buckle attachment 404. Second carrier portion 410 can be configured to removably couple to child carrier 200 and include second male buckle attachment 402 and second strap loop 406. Second sling portion 408 and second carrier portion 410 can be removably coupled via connection between second male buckle attachment 402 and second female buckle attachment 404 to form single, non-interrupted second strap 400.

FIG. 3 depicts second sling portion 408 including second female buckle attachment 404.

FIG. 4 depicts first sling portion 308 including first male buckle attachment 302. In embodiments, the length of first sling portion 308 can be adjusted via first male buckle attachment 302. In embodiments, first male buckle attachment 302 can be directly coupled to second female buckle attachment 404 to form a child carrying sling without the need for a child carrier as depicted in FIG. 11.

FIG. 5 depicts first carrier portion 310 including first female buckle attachment 304 and first strap loop 306.

FIG. 6 depicts second carrier portion 410 include second male buckle attachment 402 and second strap loop 406. In embodiments, the length of second carrier portion 410 can be adjusted via second male buckle attachment 402.

In operation, when carrier portions 310, 410 are not coupled to sling portions 308, 408, carrier portions 310, 410 can be wrapped around opposite ends of a handle of a child carrier such that first female buckle attachment 304 and second male buckle attachment 402 pass through first strap loop 306 and second strap loop 406 as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 respectively. Once carrier portions 310, 410 encircle the handle of the child carrier, carrier portions can be coupled to sling portions 308, 408, creating a secure wearable sling with which to carry the carrier.

In embodiments, various attachment mechanism, including ties, hook and loop strips, snaps, zippers, buttons, or other techniques known in the art of fastening straps together can be used in place of the buckle and loop systems.

Referring now to FIG. 7, a close-up view of second strap 400 removably coupled to carrier 200 is depicted, according to an embodiment. Second male buckle attachment 402 is looped around a connection between handle 204 and carrier body 202 and inserted through second strap loop 406 before finally being coupled to second female buckle attachment 404. In embodiments, the other side of child carrier 200 and sling 102 mirrors the attachment system depicted in FIG. 7 but with first strap 300.

FIGS. 8 and 9 depict sling 100 in use, as it is wrapped around the handles of child carrier 200, then draped over the user's torso and shoulder opposite child carrier 200.

FIG. 10 is a detailed view of sling body 104. In embodiments, sling body 104 can include elastic edge 106 for a more comfortable use and fit. In such embodiments, elastic edge 106 can better distribute the weight of child carrier 200 and child across the user's upper body. Elastic edge 106 can prevent sling body 104 from moving on the user's shoulder.

FIG. 11 depicts sling 102 without the use of a child carrier. In this embodiment, sling 102 is buckled between using first male buckle attachment 302 and second female buckle attachment 404. While FIG. 11 depicts second female buckle attachment 404 in front of the user, sling 100 is very versatile in that it can be flipped inside out, backwards or forwards, and oriented in many different ways on the user.

FIG. 12 depicts sling 102 as a cover for child carrier 200, according to an embodiment. Sling 102 can be draped over the handle of child carrier 200 and the back of child carrier 200 to create this cover. In embodiments, elastic edge 106 can grip handle 204 and carrier body 202 such that sling 102 remains in place.

In embodiments, alternate attachment mechanisms, such as hooks and loops, can be used to attach the sling to the child carrier. The hooks can be attached to, for instance, a sturdy plastic loop on the child carrier. The hooks can be eyelet hooks, similar to carabiners, for added security.

In embodiments, the sling can be oriented around the torso and far shoulder of the user. Embodiments of the present disclosure reduce the danger of the user tiring during carrying of a child, and stabilize the carrier against tilting, sliding, or bumping against others.

Various embodiments of systems, devices, and methods have been described herein. These embodiments are given only by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed inventions. It should be appreciated, moreover, that the various features of the embodiments that have been described may be combined in various ways to produce numerous additional embodiments. Moreover, while various materials, dimensions, shapes, configurations and locations, etc. have been described for use with disclosed embodiments, others besides those disclosed may be utilized without exceeding the scope of the claimed inventions. Embodiments described herein may be referred to as a system, assembly, arrangement, or other, and such terms should be considered interchangeable and non-limiting unless otherwise stated.

Persons of ordinary skill in the relevant arts will recognize that the subject matter hereof may comprise fewer features than illustrated in any individual embodiment described above. The embodiments described herein are not meant to be an exhaustive presentation of the ways in which the various features of the subject matter hereof may be combined. Accordingly, the embodiments are not mutually exclusive combinations of features; rather, the various embodiments can comprise a combination of different individual features selected from different individual embodiments, as understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, elements described with respect to one embodiment can be implemented in other embodiments even when not described in such embodiments unless otherwise noted.

Although a dependent claim may refer in the claims to a specific combination with one or more other claims, other embodiments can also include a combination of the dependent claim with the subject matter of each other dependent claim or a combination of one or more features with other dependent or independent claims. Such combinations are proposed herein unless it is stated that a specific combination is not intended.

Any incorporation by reference of documents above is limited such that no subject matter is incorporated that is contrary to the explicit disclosure herein. Any incorporation by reference of documents above is further limited such that no claims included in the documents are incorporated by reference herein. Any incorporation by reference of documents above is yet further limited such that any definitions provided in the documents are not incorporated by reference herein unless expressly included herein.

For purposes of interpreting the claims, it is expressly intended that the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) are not to be invoked unless the specific terms “means for” or “step for” are recited in a claim.

Claims

1. A sling for supporting a child carrier against a user, comprising:

an elongated sling body configured to rest against and cover a shoulder of the user and comprising a front strap terminating in a front loop and a back strap terminating in a back loop extending therefrom;

the front strap configured to cross the chest of the user and having a front attachment mechanism separating the front strap into a front sling end having a front male attachment member and a front carrier end having a front female attachment member;

the back strap configured to cross the back of the user and having a back attachment mechanism separating the back strap into a back sling end having a back female attachment member and a back carrier end having a back male attachment member;

wherein the front female attachment member is removably coupled to a first side of the child carrier by: wrapping the front female attachment member around a first portion of the child carrier, passing the front female attachment member through the front loop, and attaching the front female attachment member to the front male attachment member; and

wherein the back male attachment member is removably coupled to a second side of the child carrier by: wrapping the back male attachment member around a second portion of the child carrier, passing the back male attachment member through the back loop, and attaching the back male attachment member to the back female attachment member.

2. The sling of claim 1, wherein the front attachment mechanism and the back attachment mechanism are side release buckles.

3. The sling of claim 1, wherein the front attachment mechanism and the back attachment mechanism are hook and loop mechanisms.

4. The sling of claim 1, wherein the front attachment mechanism and the back attachment mechanism are one of ties, hook and loop strips, snaps, zippers, and buttons.

5. The sling of claim 1, wherein the elongated sling body further comprises at least one elastic edge.

6. The sling of claim 1, wherein the lengths of front sling end and back carrier end are adjustable.