(19)
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`(10) AT 11 620 U2 2011-02-15
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`Utility Model Specification
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`(21) Application Number:
`(22) Filing Date:
`(24) Commencement
`Protection Period:
`(45) Publication Date:
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`GM 466/2010
`07/21/2010
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`of 12/15/2010
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`02/15/2011
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`(51) Int. CI. : A47D 13/02
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`(2006.01)
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`(72)
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`(54) ERGONOMICALLY ADJUSTABLE BABY AND TODDLER CARRIER
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`(57) The carrying device according to the invention is
`adjustable to the respective developmental stage
`and size of a baby or toddler being carried by
`means of a continuously adjustable bridge and back
`reduction (1) as well as a back extension (2, 3). The
`lateral support of smaller children is facilitated by a
`drawstring system (9) in the upper area of the
`curved back panel (7). The shoulder straps (12) of
`the carrying device can be variably fastened with
`screw carabiners (19) to a strap connection device
`(4) on the padded hip belt (6) or to a strap
`connection device (5) on the back panel (7),
`whereby connection to the hip belt (4, 6) ensures
`the healthy curved back posture of small babies;
`connection to the back panel (5, 7) leads to better
`weight distribution of the child on the wearer’s hips.
`The shoulder straps (12) can be routed either
`parallel or crossed over the back of the wearer
`through
`the variable connection system. The
`carrying device also features a trapezoidal headrest
`(11) that is continuously adjustable via fastening
`straps (13) and loops (10), which can be used
`without third-party assistance.
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`FIG. 1
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`DVR 0078018
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`AT 11 620 U2 2011-02-15
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`(73) Utility Model Holder:
`STOMPER-ROSAM BETTINA DR.
`A-1120 VIENNA (AT)
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`Inventor:
`STOMPER-ROSAM BETTINA DR.
`VIENNA (AT)
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`Austrian Patent Office
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`AT 11 620 U2 2011-02-15
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`Description
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`ERGONOMICALLY ADJUSTABLE BABY AND TODDLER CARRIER
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`1. TECHNICAL FIELD TO WHICH THE INVENTION RELATES
`
`[0001] This invention concerns an ergonomically adjustable baby and toddler carrier designed to
`transport babies and toddlers up to approximately 15 kg in both front and back carrying positions.
`
`2. STATE OF THE ART
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`[0002] Currently, there are a variety of baby and toddler carrying systems:
`
`[0003] There are backpack carriers with metal and plastic structures for the child’s seat, which are
`bulky and heavy, barely adaptable to the child’s developmental stage, and suitable only for back
`carrying.
`
`[0004] Furthermore, there are many front and back carriers with strap systems comparable to
`traditional backpacks, featuring straps with ladder locks, snap buckles, and padded hip belts.
`These carriers (hereafter referred to as “backpack carriers”) are only somewhat adjustable to the
`child’s developmental stage and do not fully provide the squat-spread posture essential for healthy
`hip development. For particularly small infants up to 7 months, this often results in overextension
`of the hip joints because the bridge, which should extend only between the knees, is still too wide.
`Additionally, these backpack carriers do not offer sufficient support for the infant’s head or
`adequate lateral support. In all known backpack carriers, the shoulder straps terminate at the back
`part of the carrier, pressing the child’s back straight and failing to ensure the ergonomic rounded
`back posture critical for healthy back development during carrying.
`
`[0005] In addition to these backpack carriers, there are also padded comfort carriers, primarily in
`the back panel, that usually feature a very narrow bridge, which does not support the squat-spread
`posture and is therefore detrimental to healthy hip development. In these carriers, the child’s legs
`dangle without support, and the child sits on the pubic bone, with boys sitting on the scrotum.
`
`[0006] There are also fabric-based front and back carriers with strap systems that need to be tied,
`but these require significantly more expertise from the wearer compared to backpack carriers, and
`must be retied and adjusted with each use, making quick on and off transitions, such as for
`breastfeeding while on the go, impractical.
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`3. TECHNICAL PROBLEM OF THE INVENTION
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`[0007] The present invention aims to develop a front and back carrier for babies and toddlers that
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`[0008] - can be quickly put on and taken off using a backpack strap system and offers a high
`level of carrying comfort for the wearer (backpack carrier);
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`[0009] - simultaneously ensures the ergonomic curved back posture for the child;
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`[0010] - provides correct posture for the child while maintaining high carrying comfort for the
`wearer, both when carrying the child on the front and on the back, through variable strap
`routing;
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`[0011] - can be adjusted to the size of the child, particularly providing an ergonomic squat-spread
`posture, by means of a bridge and back reduction;
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`[0012] - offers sufficient lateral support for smaller babies;
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`[0013] - ensures good support for the child’s head and neck area (especially when the child is
`sleeping) through a back extension and additional devices such as a drawstring in the
`neck area and an individually adjustable headrest, while also allowing the awake child
`to look out of the carrier;
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`[0014] - includes a device that allows the headrest to be easily raised and secured without third-
`party assistance to support the head of a sleeping child, even when the child is being
`carried on the back.
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`4. INVENTION AS CHARACTERIZED IN THE CLAIMS
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`4.1 Claim 1
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`[0015] The carrying device according to the invention includes a strap system modeled after a
`backpack strap system, characterized by the fact that the shoulder straps 12 can be routed variably
`either parallel (shown in FIG. 4) with an additional safety strap 16 or crossed (shown in FIG. 5)
`over the wearer’s back, and can be variably attached either to a looped strap connection 4 on the
`hip belt 6 or a similarly looped strap connection 5 on the back panel 7 of the carrier. In the preferred
`embodiment, oval screw carabiners 19, such as those used in climbing, are employed (other strong
`connecting elements like twist-lock carabiners or similar could also be used to safely support the
`child’s weight).
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`[0016] When attached to the hip belt 4, 6, the ergonomic rounded back posture, essential for
`healthy back development during the first months of life, is maintained; attachment to the back
`panel 5, 7 increases comfort when carrying heavier children.
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`4.2
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`Claim 2
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`[0017] The backpack carrier according to claim 1 is characterized by a bridge reduction that, in the
`preferred embodiment, is achieved by two drawstrings 1, which are positioned left and right in the
`lower area of the back panel 7, just above the padded hip belt 6. These drawstrings run toward the
`center of the back panel, and when tightened, reduce the bridge width (shown in FIG. 7). To prevent
`pressure points on the child, the fastening elements (cord stoppers in the preferred embodiment)
`are positioned toward the center of the back panel. The bridge reduction is implemented using a
`drawstring system with cords or straps sewn into the edges of the back panel 7, which are pulled
`outward in the direction of the center of the back panel 7 through eyelets and secured with cord
`stoppers. However, other fastening systems, such as straps with ladder locks, hook-and-loop
`fasteners, or snaps, could also be used.
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`4.3
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`Claim 3
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`[0018] The carrying device is further characterized by the simultaneous shortening of the back
`panel 7 when the bridge is reduced, making the carrier adjustable to the size of the child. This back
`shortening ensures adequate neck support for the child while also allowing them to look out of the
`carrier when awake.
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`4.4
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`Claim 4
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`AT 11 620 U2 2011-02-15
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`[0019] The carrying device is further characterized by drawstrings 9 positioned on the left and right
`sides in the upper area of the back panel 7 (above the strap connection point on the back panel,
`5. Tightening these drawstrings, due to the curved design of the back panel 7, ensures lateral
`support for the child in the carrier. Instead of the preferred drawstring design, a strap with a ladder
`lock or a system with hook-and-loop fasteners, buttons, hooks, or snaps could also be used.
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`4.5
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`Claim 5
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`[0020] The carrying device is further characterized by a back extension 2, 3 that can be adjusted
`to the individual size of the child and provides additional support for the head in younger children
`or for the back in older children. The back extension is characterized by two drawstrings 2
`positioned left and right horizontally on the headrest, which are adjustable in length using cord
`stoppers and can be attached to loops 3 on the shoulder straps with buttons. In addition to the
`preferred fastening system with drawstrings and toggle buttons, other fastening systems, such as
`straps with ladder locks, hooks, or hook-and-loop fasteners, could be used.
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`4.6
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`Claim 6
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`[0021] The carrying device according to the previous claims features a trapezoidal headrest 11 for
`supporting the head of a sleeping child, characterized by the ability to easily raise it using straps
`13 attached to the shoulder straps 12, even when the child is being carried on the back. These
`straps 13, attached to the shoulder straps, are equipped with hook-and-loop fasteners 17, 18 and
`are secured to loops 10 on the lower corners of the headrest 11 before placing the child in the
`carrier. When the child falls asleep while being carried on the back, the headrest can be easily
`raised and secured with the hook-and-loop fasteners 17, 18.
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`5. DRAWINGS
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`Overall view of the carrier with the headrest raised
`Overall view of the carrier with the headrest hanging down
`Front view of the carrier
`Rear view of the carrier with parallel strap routing
`Rear view of the carrier with crossed strap routing
`Side view of the carrier
`Bridge reduction and back shortening
`Back extension and additional neck support
`View of the carrier with back extension in use
`Headrest straps
`Fastening of the headrest and back extension
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`The following drawings are part of the utility model application:
`
`FIG. 1
`FIG. 2
`FIG. 3
`FIG. 4
`FIG. 5
`FIG. 6
`FIG. 7
`FIG. 8
`FIG. 9
`FIG. 10
`FIG. 11
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`REFERENCE LIST
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`1
`2
`3
`4
`5
`6
`7
`8
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`Bridge reduction and back shortening
`Drawstring system for back extension and additional neck support
`Loop on shoulder strap for back extension
`Strap connection on hip belt
`Strap connection on back panel
`Hip belt
`Back panel
`Drawstring in the neck area
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`19
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`6. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION IN DETAIL
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`Drawstring in the upper area of the back panel
`Loops on the headrest
`Headrest
`Shoulder strap
`Strap for headrest attachment
`Ladder lock on shoulder strap
`Snap buckle on hip belt
`Shoulder safety strap with snap buckle
`Hook-and-loop fastener (rough) on headrest attachment strap
`Hook-and-loop fastener (soft) on headrest attachment strap
`Oval screw carabiner
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`[0022] 6.1 The invention relates to a carrying aid, which consists of a fabric back panel 7, a
`trapezoidal fabric headrest 11 attached to the upper edge of the back panel 7, a hip belt 6 padded
`with thick foam, and two shoulder straps 12 also padded with foam. The hip belt is fastened with a
`snap buckle 15 at the hip area, and the shoulder straps are secured with ladder buckles 14. The
`use of the hip belt 6 distributes the weight of the child between the wearer’s shoulders and hips.
`
`[0023] 6.2 The back panel 7 has a curved design (as shown particularly in FIG. 1). The back panel
`is approximately 42 cm high and between 40 and 46 cm wide. The headrest 11 is trapezoidal,
`approximately 29 cm long, and 44 cm wide at its widest point.
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`[0024] 6.3 The carrying device can be used, depending on the size and weight of the child and the
`wearer’s individual preference, either with the shoulder straps 12 attached to the hip belt 4, 6 or
`with the shoulder straps 12 attached to the back panel 5, 7. The strap connections 4, 5 are
`designed as loops, preferably made of webbing at least 3 cm wide.
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`[0025] 6.4 The two shoulder straps 12 of the carrier are length-adjustable using webbing and clamp
`ladder buckles 14. Each strap is designed to form a loop that can be attached to the strap
`connections on the hip belt 4 or back panel 5 as follows: The strap connections themselves are
`loops made of webbing material 4, 5. In the preferred embodiment, the shoulder straps are
`connected using oval screw carabiners 19, like those used in climbing. These screw carabiners 19
`are threaded into the strap connection 4 or 5 on one side and into the loop of the shoulder strap
`12 on the other side, then screwed closed to securely establish the connection. The length of the
`shoulder straps can be adjusted using the clamp ladder buckle 14.
`
`[0026] 6.5 A strap connection 4 on the hip belt 6 is especially recommended for smaller children,
`particularly babies in the first months of life, as it ensures a healthy rounded back posture during
`the carrying process. For older children, whose back development is sufficiently advanced, a strap
`connection 5 on the back panel 7 is advantageous, as it better shifts the weight of the child to the
`wearer’s hips, reducing the strain on the wearer’s shoulders.
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`[0027] 6.6 Depending on the wearer’s preference, the shoulder straps 12 can be routed parallel
`over the wearer’s back (FIG. 4), where they can be secured with an additional safety strap with a
`snap buckle 16, or the shoulder straps 12 can be crossed over the wearer’s back (FIG. 5). The
`carrying device can be used for carrying children on the front or back. In front-carry mode, the
`shoulder straps 12 run over the back; in back-carry mode, they run across the chest.
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`[0028] 6.7 To allow for size and developmental adjustments, a bridge reduction and back
`shortening feature 1 is included. In the preferred embodiment, this bridge reduction and back
`shortening (1) is achieved through two drawstrings located on the left and right in the lower part of
`the back panel, approximately 6 cm above the hip belt, and each about 13 cm long. Two cords or
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`4 /14
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`straps are attached to the left and right of the back panel and are guided through the approximately
`13 cm long drawstring channels toward the center, where they exit through eyelets to the outer
`side of the back panel. When using the bridge reduction and back shortening, these cords or straps
`are gathered and secured with cord stoppers (see FIG. 7).
`
`[0029] 6.8 This bridge reduction 1 allows for stepless adjustment of the seat bridge, which can be
`set between approximately 42 cm and 22 cm in length. This ensures that the seat bridge lies exactly
`between the knees of smaller children. The correct width of the seat bridge is essential for
`achieving the healthy squat-spread posture, which contributes to good hip development. The seat
`bridge should extend from knee pit to knee pit. If the seat bridge is too narrow (as in most comfort
`carriers on the market), the child’s legs dangle unsupported, and the hips, pubic bone, and – in
`boys – the scrotum are stressed. A bridge that is too wide, as seen in many backpack carriers,
`leads to overextension, which is harmful to the development of the hips and back.
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`[0030] 6.9 When the bridge reduction 1 is used, the described design simultaneously shortens the
`back panel vertically, further adjusting the size for smaller children. Additionally, the back panel
`forms a more pronounced pouch when the bridge reduction is used, further supporting the squat-
`spread posture.
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`[0031] 6.10 In the upper area of the back panel 7, drawstrings 9 are attached on the left and right
`sides. Due to the curved shape of the back panel, these drawstrings do not run completely vertically
`at a 90-degree angle but at approximately 105 degrees (left) and 75 degrees (right). This angle
`allows for lateral support of smaller babies when the drawstrings are used. Instead of the preferred
`drawstring design, a strap could be sewn in above the strap connection 5 that could be adjusted
`using a clamp ladder buckle at the top outer corner of the back panel 7. Alternatively, a fastening
`system using snap buckles, hooks, buttons, or hook-and-loop fasteners could be used.
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`[0032] 6.11 The carrying device also includes a back extension attached to the headrest 11 and
`connectable to loops 3 on the shoulder straps 12. This back extension works via two drawstrings
`2 attached horizontally to the left and right of the headrest 11, approximately 5 cm above the
`connection between the headrest 11 and the back panel 7. These drawstrings 2 guide cords or
`straps that are secured in the middle with cord stoppers and fastened to buttons, preferably toggle
`buttons, at the outer ends. These toggle buttons are attached to loops 3 on the shoulder straps,
`extending the back part of the carrier. By designing it as a drawstring system 2, a size adjustment
`can also be made, meaning that the back extension can be tightened for smaller children, which
`provides additional neck support; for larger children, the necessary width can be achieved through
`the cord/strap and drawstring system. This back extension provides better upper back support for
`larger children. FIGS. 9 and 11 show how the back extension works in practice. FIG. 9 illustrates
`how the back extension naturally shortens the hanging headrest 11 while extending the back part
`vertically. FIG. 11 shows how the additional support for the head is achieved when the back
`extension is used.
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`[0033] 6.12 Another size adjustment feature is a drawstring 8 in the neck area. A cord or strap is
`sewn into the left and right sides of the back panel, exits through two eyelets in the center of the
`back panel, and can be tightened and secured with a double cord stopper as needed.
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`[0034] 6.13 Sleeping children can be secured in the carrier with a trapezoidal headrest 11. This
`headrest 11 is raised and secured using two loops 10 attached to the left and right outermost ends
`of the headrest 11, with approximately 40 cm long straps 13 attached to the shoulder straps 12.
`The straps 13 are threaded through loops 10 and secured with hook-and-loop fasteners 17, 18.
`The straps 13 each have a rough hook-and-loop section 17 near the shoulder strap 12 and three
`soft hook-and-loop sections 18, one located a short distance from the rough section, one in the
`middle, and one at the end of the strap. An additional soft hook-and-loop section can be attached
`to the middle of the strap 13.
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`[0035] 6.14 If the securing strap 13 is not needed or the headrest 11 is fully raised, the rough hook-
`and-loop section 17 can be attached to the nearest soft hook-and-loop section 18.
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`5 /14
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`[0036] 6.15 Especially in back-carry mode, it is necessary for the wearer to be able to pull the
`headrest over the head of the sleeping child without third-party assistance. This is made possible
`by the last soft hook-and-loop section at the end of the securing straps 13. The securing straps 13
`can be threaded through the loops 10 at the end of the headrest 11 before the carrying process
`and attached with the soft hook-and-loop sections 18 at the ends of the securing straps 13 to the
`rough hook-and-loop sections 17, which are directly attached to the shoulder straps 12. In this
`position, the headrest 11 hangs over the back panel 7 of the carrier. If the child falls asleep, the
`wearer can detach the soft hook-and-loop sections 18 at the outermost corners of the securing
`straps 13 from the rough hook-and-loop parts 17 on the shoulder straps 12 and raise the headrest
`11 using the straps 13. Depending on the size of the child, the headrest is then attached to the
`shoulder straps 12 using either the centrally positioned soft hook-and-loop sections 18 or the soft
`hook-and-loop sections 18 located closer to the rough part 17. The headrest 11 can also be further
`adjusted by rolling it, as shown in FIG. 11, to fit the child’s size.
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`Claims
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`AT 11 620 U2 2011-02-15
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`1. Carrying device for babies or toddlers, with a back panel and, if necessary, a headrest for the
`baby or toddler, and with a strap system that includes shoulder straps and a hip belt, modeled
`after a backpack strap system, characterized in that the shoulder straps (12) are either routed
`parallel to each other (as shown in FIG. 4), with an additional safety strap (16) between the
`shoulder straps (12), or crossed over the wearer’s back (as shown in FIG. 5). The straps can
`be variably attached either to a loop-shaped strap connection (4) on the hip belt (6), or to a
`loop-shaped strap connection (5) on the back panel (7) of the carrying device, particularly by
`means of oval screw carabiners (19) such as those used in climbing, or by twist-lock
`carabiners, or backpack buckles.
`
`2. Carrying device according to claim 1, characterized by a bridge reduction and back panel
`shortening, preferably by means of two drawstrings (1) or straps, which are positioned on the
`left and right in the lower area of the back panel (7), above the hip belt (6), which is padded
`with firm foam, and run toward the center of the back panel (7). When tightened, these reduce
`the width of the bridge and shorten the back panel (7) (as shown in FIG. 7), where the
`drawstrings (1) are sewn into the edges of the back panel (7) and guided through eyelets
`toward the center of the back panel (7) to the outside, where they are secured with cord
`stoppers. Alternatively, the straps are equipped with ladder buckles, hook-and-loop fasteners,
`or snaps for securing.
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`3. Carrying device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by adjustable drawstrings (9) or
`straps with ladder buckles, hook-and-loop fasteners, buttons, hooks, or snaps, positioned
`along the left and right, each curving outward, in the upper part of the back panel (7), above
`the strap connection (5) on the back panel (7). These are tightened with cord stoppers or
`ladder buckles, hook-and-loop fasteners, buttons, hooks, or snaps to provide lateral support
`for the child in the carrying device.
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`4. Carrying device according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized by a back extension (2, 3)
`attached to the headrest (11), which can be adjusted to the individual size of the child. This
`adjustment is achieved through two adjustable drawstrings (2) or straps with ladder buckles,
`hooks, or snaps, positioned horizontally on the left and right sides of the headrest (11) and
`fastened to buttons on loops (3) on the shoulder straps (12) (as shown in FIG. 8).
`
`5. Carrying device according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterized by a trapezoidal headrest
`(11) that can be raised and secured to the shoulder straps (12) using straps (13) with hook-
`and-loop fasteners (17, 18), which are threaded through loops (10) on the free corners of the
`headrest (11) and secured to the shoulder straps (12) (as shown in FIG. 11).
`
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`Including 7 sheets of drawings
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`FIG. 7
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`FIG. 6
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`FIG. 8
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`morningtrans.com
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`TRANSLATION CERTIFICATION
`
`Date: 2024/09/24
`
`To whom it may concern:
`
`This is to certify that the attached translation is an accurate representation of the documents received by
`this office. The translation was completed from:
`
`• German (Germany)
`
`To:
`
`• English (USA)
`
`The documents are designated as:
`
`•
`
`'AT11620U2_D1 Original_document.pdf'
`
`
`Oscar Ojeda, Project Manager in this company, attests to the following:
`
`“To the best of my knowledge, the aforementioned documents are a true, full and accurate translation of
`the specified documents.”
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Signature of Oscar Ojeda, Project Manager
`
`