Carrier frame for a child carrier

Abstract

A carrier frame for a child carrier is disclosed. The carrier frame includes a first frame element and a second frame element hingedly coupled to the first frame element about a hinge axis. The first frame element includes a main frame and an adjustable support. The adjustable support extends in a first direction substantially parallel to the hinge axis and is movable in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the hinge axis. The second frame element comprises a transition portion and a backrest portion. An angle is formed between the backrest portion and the transition portion. The transition portion has a width in the first direction smaller than a maximum width of the carrier frame.

Claims

1. A carrier frame for a child carrier, the carrier frame comprising: a first frame element and a second frame element hingedly coupled to the first frame element about a hinge axis, the first frame element comprising a main frame and an adjustable support, the adjustable support extending in a first direction substantially parallel to the hinge axis and being movable in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the hinge axis, and the second frame element comprising a transition portion and a backrest portion, wherein an angle is formed between the backrest portion and the transition portion, wherein the transition portion has a width in the first direction smaller than a maximum width of the carrier frame.

2. The carrier frame according to claim 1, wherein the second frame element comprises two leg portions, the leg portions being formed substantially parallel and spaced to each other in the transition portion.

3. The carrier frame according to claim 2, wherein the leg portions are three-dimensionally formed and coupled to each other so as to form an open loop.

4. The carrier frame according to claim 2, wherein the leg portions have a tubular shape and comprise a substantially constant cross-sectional profile.

5. The carrier frame according to claim 1, further comprising a stand having two integrated stand leg portions, the stand leg portions being hingedly coupled to the second frame element and comprising a free end contactable to the ground.

6. The carrier frame according to claim 1, wherein the main frame comprises two rack portions extending in the second direction, wherein each of the two rack portions has a guide means and wherein the adjustable support extends between the two rack portions and is slidably engaged with the guide means of the rack portions.

7. The carrier frame according to claim 6, wherein the guide means is a groove and the adjustable support comprises a guided portion slidably accommodated in the groove.

8. The carrier frame according to claim 7, wherein the main frame further comprises at least two connecting bars extending in the first direction and being coupled to the two rack portions.

9. The carrier frame according to claim 1, further comprising a locking mechanism for releasably locking the adjustable support with respect to the main frame.

10. The carrier frame according to claim 9, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a locking element releasably engageable with a locking cavity of at least two locking cavities formed in the main frame.

11. The carrier frame according to claim 1, wherein the adjustable support comprises a shoulder strap attachment bar having at least two shoulder strap attachment means for directly attaching shoulder straps on the shoulder strap attachment bar.

12. A child carrier comprising: a carrier frame comprising: a first frame element and a second frame element hingedly coupled to the first frame element about a hinge axis, the first frame element comprising a main frame and an adjustable support, the adjustable support extending in a first direction substantially parallel to the hinge axis and being movable in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the hinge axis, and the second frame element comprising a transition portion and a backrest portion, wherein an angle is formed between the backrest portion and the transition portion, wherein the transition portion has a width in the first direction smaller than a maximum width of the carrier frame; a harness arrangement comprising at least two shoulder straps, wherein the shoulder straps are coupled to the adjustable support; and a child seat arrangement comprising a saddle like seating arranged between the first frame element and the second frame element in the area of the transition portion in the first direction.

13. The child carrier according to claim 12, wherein the width of the transition portion is equal to or smaller than the width of the saddle like seating.

14. The child carrier according to claim 13, wherein the transition portion is at least partially formed following the shape of the saddle like seating.

15. The child carrier according to claim 12, further comprising an adjustment strap arrangement for adjusting an angle between the first frame element and the second frame element, the adjustment strap arrangement comprising at least one length adjustable strap operatively connected to the first frame element on one side and operatively connected to the second frame element on the other side, wherein the length of the length adjustable strap is adjusted by pulling a free end thereof and wherein the length adjustable strap is arranged with the free end positioned on a side of the first frame element.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a carrier frame for a child carrier.

(2) FIG. 2 shows a top view of the carrier frame of FIG. 1.

(3) FIG. 3 shows a first frame element of the carrier frame of FIG. 1 in a perspective view.

(4) FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a second frame element of the carrier frame of FIG. 1.

(5) FIG. 5 shows a side view of the second frame element of FIG. 4.

(6) FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a carrier frame comprising the first frame element of FIG. 3 and the second frame element of FIG. 4.

(7) FIG. 7 shows a side view of the carrier frame of FIG. 6.

(8) FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a rack portion of the first frame element of FIG. 3.

(9) FIG. 9 shows a plan view of an adjustable support as provided in the carrier frame of FIG. 1 and the carrier frame of FIG. 6.

(10) FIG. 10 shows a side view of a child carrier comprising the carrier frame of FIG. 1.

(11) FIG. 11 shows a side view of the child carrier of FIG. 10 with an adjustment strap arrangement for adjusting an angle between the first frame element and the second frame element.

(12) FIG. 12 shows the child carrier of FIG. 11 with a closed leg loop strap arrangement.

(13) FIG. 13 shows the child carrier of FIG. 12 in a wide configuration.

(14) FIG. 14 shows the child carrier of FIG. 10 with a narrow configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(15) In the following, embodiments of the present subject matter are described on the basis of the drawings. It is to be mentioned that the drawings show a specific embodiment as explained below. Alternative modifications as specified in the description are at least in part not illustrated in the drawings. Furthermore, same reference signs used in the drawings denote same components.

(16) In FIG. 1 a perspective view of an embodiment of a carrier frame 2 for a child carrier of the present subject matter is shown. The carrier frame 2 comprises a first frame element 3, a second frame element 4 coupled to the first frame element and a stand 15 coupled to the second frame element 4.

(17) The first frame element 3 is shown in FIG. 3 and comprises a substantially rectangular main frame 6. The main frame 6 comprises two rack portions 18, 19 and two connecting bars 22, 23. The rack portions 18, 19 are arranged in parallel to each other and the connecting portions 22, 23 connect the ends of the rack portions 18, 19 with each other. Furthermore, the connecting portions 22, 23 extend in parallel to each other and substantially perpendicular to the rack portions 18, 19. Accordingly, the rack portions 18, 19 and the connecting portions 22, 23 form the main frame 6 having a closed shape. In other words, by use of the connecting members 22, 23, the rack portions 18, 19 are held spaced to each other such that the distance between the same is maintained constant over the entire length of the rack portions 18, 19.

(18) According to the embodiment, the rack portions 18, 19 are aluminum extruded parts. Thus, each of the rack portions 18, 19 is integrally formed. The connecting bars are plastic cast parts and are constructed in a lightweight but rigid manner.

(19) As is shown in FIG. 3, the first frame element 3 further comprises a sub-frame 9 connected to the main frame at two positions. In other words, the sub-frame 9 forms an extension of the main frame 6. The sub-frame 9 comprises a connecting portion 9a and a stand portion 9b. The stand portion 9b is formed so as to provide a stable support against the ground. In order to achieve such a stable support, the stand portion 9b is formed substantially perpendicular to the extension direction of the rack portions 18, 19. In order to provide a smooth transition between the main frame 6 and the sub-frame 9, the connecting portions 9a of the sub-frame 9 are formed so as to extend in substantially the same direction as the rack portions 18, 19. As is shown in FIG. 3, the sub-frame 9 forms the lower portion of the first frame element 3. Thus, the connecting portions 9a of the sub-frame 9 are connected to the lower portion of the main frame 6. According to the present embodiment, the sub-frame 9 is formed as a tubular member comprising a substantially constant outer diameter over its entire length. The tubular member itself comprises multiple tube sections fixedly coupled to each other in order to form the sub-frame 9.

(20) While the rack portions 18, 19 are formed straight and arranged so as to extend in one plane, the connecting bars 22 and 23 do not comprise a straight shape. More precisely, the connecting bars 22 and 23 each comprise a curved shape. More precisely, the connecting bars 22 and 23 are formed corresponding to the shape of the back of a user. Furthermore, the stand portion 9b of the sub-frame 9 at least in one section comprises a curved shape as well.

(21) The second frame element 4 is shown in FIG. 4. The second frame element 4 comprises a backrest portion 8, a transition portion 10 and a connecting portion 13. The backrest portion 8, the transition portion 10 and the connecting portion 13 are integrated so as to form the second frame element 4. The second frame element 4 is a three-dimensionally formed part which is formed by an elongate tubular curved element. More precisely, the second frame element 4 comprises two leg portions 11 and 12 which are coupled to each other at a coupling portion 14. Consequently, the second frame element 4 is formed in an open loop in which the free ends 11a, 12a of the leg portions 11, 12 that are not coupled to each other at the coupling portion 14 form a hinge portion which can be coupled to the first frame element 3.

(22) As is further shown in FIG. 4, the coupling portion 14 is provided at an upper end of the backrest portion 8 and the backrest portion 8 is coupled to the transition portion 10 at a lower portion thereof. The width of the backrest portion 8 is reduced from the upper portion towards the lower portion. Consequently, the width of the backrest portion 8 in the lower portion is smaller than the width of the backrest at the other portion. The transition portion 10 is connected to the lower portion of the backrest portion 8 such that there is a smooth transition regarding the width of the second frame element. In other words, the width of the lower portion of the backrest portion 8 substantially corresponds to a width of the transition portion 10. More precisely, the leg portions 11, 12 are formed parallel to each other wherein the distance between the same is maintained constant in the transition portion 10.

(23) The free ends 11a, 12a of the leg portions 11, 12 are formed so as to be aligned with a hinge axis 5. In other words, the free ends 11a, 12a of the leg portions 11, 12 are curved so as to extend substantially perpendicular to the extensions direction of the sections of the leg portions 11, 12 forming the transition portion 10. Furthermore, the free ends 11a, 12a of the leg portions 11, 12 are bent such that they extend in opposite directions. Consequently, as regards the shape of the second frame element 4, the transition portion 10 is the section of the second frame element 4 comprising the smallest width in the second frame element 4.

(24) As is also shown in FIG. 4, the backrest portion 8 is coupled to the transition portion 10 at a specific angle. In order to provide such an angled connection, the second frame element 4 comprises a bent-shape in which the backrest portion 8 is bent about a bending axis extending parallel to the hinge axis 5. As is also derivable from the above description, the second frame element 4 is formed symmetric with respect to a symmetry plane in which a coupling point of the coupling portion 14 is located. The angled connection between the backrest portion 8 and the transition portion 10 is also shown in FIG. 5 which is a side view of the second frame element 4.

(25) FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a carrier frame 2 in which the second frame element 4 is hingedly coupled to the first frame element 3. The connection between the second frame element 4 and the first frame element 3 is realized by means of a hinge bearing 38. The hinge bearing 38 is provided at a lower portion of the sub-frame 9 of the first frame element 3. Consequently, a force transferred from the second frame element 4 to the first frame element 3 is induced at a lower portion of the first frame element 3. The connection of the second frame element 4 with the first frame element 3 is also shown in FIG. 7.

(26) FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a rack portion 18 provided in the main frame 6 of the first frame element 3. The rack portion 18 is an extruded profile made of aluminum. Furthermore, the rack portion 18 comprises a groove 20 over its entire length. As is also shown in FIG. 8, four locking holes 26 are provided on the bottom of the groove 20. As will be described later, the locking holes 26 are cavities for receiving a locking member 25 of a locking mechanism 24. As is shown at the upper end of the rack portion 18 in FIG. 8, the interior of the groove 20 has a substantially round cross section which is open on the side opposite to the bottom of the groove 20. In other words, an elongate slit is formed in the longitudinal direction of the rack portion 18 connecting the interior space of the groove 20 with the outside of the rack portion 18. The width of the slit is smaller than the width of the interior space of the groove 20. Consequently, the groove 20 can accommodate a counter member insertable in the longitudinal direction thereof and guide the same in the longitudinal direction, i.e. in the second direction. However, since the width of the slit is smaller than the width of the interior of the groove 20, the counter member cannot be disengaged from the groove 20 through the slit. Accordingly, the rack portion 18 forms a suitable guiding means.

(27) As is shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 6, an adjustable support 7 comprising a shoulder strap adjustment bar 28 is slidably moveable engaged with the grooves 20 of the rack portions 18, 19. Consequently, the adjustable support 7 is moveable in the longitudinal direction of the rack portions 18, 19, i.e. in the second direction.

(28) FIG. 9 shows a plan view of the adjustable support 7. As already mentioned above, the adjustable support 7 comprises a shoulder strap adjustment bar 28 which extends parallel to the hinge axis 5 as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 6. The shoulder strap adjustment bar 28 comprises shoulder strap attachment openings 29 formed therein. The shoulder strap attachment openings 29 comprise a slit-like shape and are suitable for receiving the end of a shoulder strap. Accordingly, the shoulder strap can be directly fixed to the shoulder strap adjustment bar 28 which eliminates the need for additional elements. By this, a good force distribution on the adjustable support 7 is achieved leading to an enhanced carry comfort.

(29) As is further shown in FIG. 9, the shoulder strap adjustment bar 28 further comprises a guided portion 21 on each side thereof. According to the embodiment, the guided portions 21 of the shoulder strap adjustment bar 28 comprise an elongate substantially cylindrical shape and are formed corresponding to the grooves 20 formed in the rack portions 18, 19. In other words, the guided portions 21 of the shoulder strap adjustment bar 28 are formed corresponding to the shape of the groove 20 so as to be slidably engaged therewith.

(30) The shoulder strap adjustment bar 28 further comprises a locking mechanism 24 on each side. The locking mechanism mainly comprises a locking element 25 which is a locking pin according to the present embodiment. Furthermore, the locking mechanism 24 comprises a lever 24a which is operatively connected to the locking pin 25 at one end, pivotably coupled about a pivot pin 24b on the shoulder strap adjustment bar 28 and comprises an actuating portion whichupon actuationeffects a pivoting movement of the lever 24a about the pivot pin 24b. The lever 24a and the locking pin 25 are arranged such that the rotational movement of the lever leads to a translational movement of the locking pin. Furthermore, the locking mechanism 24 comprises a spring 24c which pre-tensions the locking pin 25 in a direction so as to protrude from the guided portion 21 and to engage with a locking hole 26. Accordingly, when the shoulder strap adjustment bar 28 is mounted in the grooves 20 of the rack portions 18, 19, the locking pin 25 is urged against the bottom portion of the groove 20 and is pushed into a locking hole 26 in case the locking hole is aligned with the locking pin 25 due to the force applied by the spring 24c. On the other hand, in case the actuating portion of the lever 24a is actuated a movement of the locking pin 25 is effected in a direction in which the locking pin 25 is disengaged from the locking hole 26. Therefore, in case the locking mechanism 24 is actuated on both sides, the shoulder strap adjustment bar 28 is in a disengaged state and is slidable in the groove 20 of the rack portions 18, 19.

(31) Referring now to FIGS. 10 to 14, the child carrier 1 comprises the carrier frame 2 as described before as well as harness arrangement 32 mounted on the first frame element 3 and the second frame element 4. The harness arrangement comprises two shoulder straps 30 fixedly coupled to the shoulder strap adjustment bar. Furthermore, the harness arrangement comprises a hip belt provided at a lower end of the sub-frame 9 substantially at a position where the hinge bearing 38 is provided.

(32) The child seat arrangement 32 comprises a front portion 39, side portions 40, 41, a back portion 42 as well as a saddle like seating 34. The child seat arrangement 34 is made of a soft material provided around the carrier frame 2.

(33) As is shown in FIG. 10, the front portion 39 and one side portion 41 are mounted on the first frame element 3 on the opposite side to where the harness arrangement 32 is arranged. The back portion 42 and the side portion 40 of the child seat arrangement 32 are provided on the second frame element 4. A first end 34a of the saddle like seating 34 is connected to the front portion 39 and a second end 34b of the saddle like seating 34 is connected to the back portion 42. Accordingly, the saddle like seating 34 is arranged between the first frame element 3 and the second frame element 4.

(34) The side portion 41 is mounted on the first frame element 3 so as to be foldable about the rack portion 19. Although not shown in the figures, two front side portions are provided on the first frame element 3 on both sides of the same. The first side portions 41 are foldable in a backward direction so as to get in contact with the back side portions 40 in order to close the child seat area on the sides of the child carrier.

(35) An adjustment strap arrangement 35 is provided for connecting the first frame element 3 with the second frame element 4 thereby connecting the front portion 39 with the back portion 42 of the child seat arrangement 33. By this, the adjustment strap arrangement 35 is suitable for adjusting the distance between the back portion 42 and the front portion 39 of the child seat arrangement 34. Consequently, the space can be adjusted as necessary. For example, in case the child carrier is used when hiking in the mountains, it is desirable to securely accommodate the child in the carrier. This can be achieved by tightening the child against the front portion 39 which can be effected by adjusting the length of the adjustment strap arrangement 35 correspondingly.

(36) The adjustment strap arrangement 35 comprises a length adjustable strap 36 which is connected to the first frame element 3. The length adjustable strap 36 is connected to a side release buckle 43 at an adjusting side thereof. Thus, the adjustable strap 36 extends from the first frame element 3 at which it is fixed, passes through the adjusting side of the side release buckle 43 in an adjustable manner and extends towards the first frame element 3 so that the free end 37 is arranged at a position at which the user can grasp the same during carrying the child carrier 1 on the back. In the embodiment, the adjustable strap 36 is passed through an interior portion of the side portion 41 which configuration serves as a suitable guiding means for providing the free end 37 at the desired position as described above. The length of the length adjustable strap 36 can be adjusted by pulling the free end 37 thereof. In this connection, FIG. 13 shows a wide configuration of the child carrier 1 in which the length adjustable strap 36. FIG. 14 shows a narrow configuration of the child carrier 1 in which the free end 37 of the adjustable strap arrangement 35 has been pulled so as to shorten the length of the adjustment strap arrangement compared to the configuration shown in FIG. 13. Accordingly, the distance between the back portion 42 and the front portion 39 of the child seat arrangement 32 is reduced in the configuration shown in FIG. 14.

(37) A leg loop strap arrangement 44 is additionally provided as can be seen from FIGS. 10 to 14. The leg loop strap arrangement 44 is provided between the saddle like seating 34 and the adjustment strap arrangement 35. By this, the dimension of an opening through which the child's leg is passed when it is seated can be reduced so that the child cannot slip through that opening when it is seated in the child carrier 1. The leg loop strap arrangement 44 is length adjustable and can be suitably used to tighten the child's leg to the child carrier 1. Similarly to the adjustment strap arrangement 35 described above, the leg loop strap arrangement 44 can comprise a side release buckle for opening the same.