| PATENT CLAIMS 1 . Carrying and/or lifting device (1 ) that comprises a support area (2), that is designed to act as a support for the object that is going to be carried/lifted, and a carrying body (3) that comprises a strap (4), of which the length is adjustable by means of an adjustment device (5), the adjustment device (5) that includes a handling body (9) through the managing of which the length of the strap (4) can be adjusted, characterised in that the handling body (9) is connected to a blocking body (10), that is designed to move from an unblocked position for the handling body (9) to a blocked position for the handling body (9), in which the handling body (9) is non- influenceable. 2. Carrying and/or lifting device according to claim 1 , in which, by the loading of the strap when the object is being lifted or carried, the blocking body (10) is moved in engagement with a blocking element (14). 3. Carrying and/or lifting device according to claim 1 or 2, in which the blocking body (10) is connected to a resilient arrangement (1 1 , 1 1 '), that can be a mechanical, pneumatical and/or a hydraulical arrangement, whereby the blocking body (10) is being moved from the unblocked position to the blocked position, when the strap (4) is being loaded by a force that exceeds the force generated by the resilient arrangement (1 1 , 1 1 ') in a direction that is opposite to the load direction, to the first position when the strap (4) is unloaded or loaded by a force that is less than the force generated by the resilient arrangement. 4. Carrying and/or lifting device according to claim 3, characterised in that the resilient arrangement comprises a mechanical spring. 5. Carrying and/or lifting device according to any of the claims 1 -4, characterised in that the adjustment device (5) comprises a spool (7) that is located in a housing (8), onto which spool (7) the strap (4) is winded, whereby the spool (7) is connected to a pin body (13), a pin body (13) that is connected to the blocking body (10), whereby the spool (7) includes a locking element (18), which is connectable to the pin body (13), whereby the spool (7) can be disengaged or locked by means of the disengaging or locking of the locking element (18) when the handling body (9) is influenced. 6. Carrying and/or lifting device according to claim 5, characterised in that the blocking body (10) is designed to, by the loading of the strap (4) in primarily radial direction (29) in relation to the spool (7), moves from the first unblocked position to the second blocked position in primarily the same radial direction (29) as the load. 7. Carrying and/or lifting device according to any of the claims 5 or 6, characterised in that in the second blocked position of the handling body (9) the pin body (13) is connected to the blocking body (10), whereby at least one pin (14) of the pin body (13) and a pin-receiving recess (15) of the blocking body (10) are in engagement with the blocking element, that comprises a blocking wall (14), whereby the wall (14) prevents the handling body (9) from being pressed in the spool's (7) axial direction. 8. Carrying and/or lifting device according to any of the claims above, characterised in that free end of the strap (4) is designed for a simple quick-releaser in relation to the support area (2). 9. Adjustment device (5) for a strap (4), an adjustment device which is intended for a carrying and/or lifting device, the adjustment device which comprises a housing, a handling body (9) connected to the housing intended for locking and disengaging of the adjustment device (5), a slot (16) through which the strap (4) can travel, characterised in that the handling body (9) is connected to a blocking body (10), that is designed to, by the loading of the strap (4), move from an unblocked position for the handling body (9) to a blocked position for the handling body (9), in which the handling body (9) is non-influenceable. 10. Adjustment device according to claim 9, where, by the loading of the strap, the blocking body (10) is moved in engagement with a blocking element (14). 1 1 . Adjustment device according to claim 9 or 10, in which the blocking body (10) is connected to a resilient arrangement (1 1 , 1 1 '), that can be a mechanical, pneumatical and/or hydraulical arrangement, whereby the blocking body (10) is being moved from the first unblocked position to the second blocked position, when the strap (4) is being loaded by a force that exceeds the force generated by the resilient arrangement (1 1 , 1 1 ') in a direction that is opposite to the load direction, and back to the first position when the strap (4) is unloaded or loaded by a force that is less than the force generated by the resilient arrangement. 12. Adjustment device according to claim 1 1 , characterised in that the resilient arrangement comprises a mechanical spring. 13. Adjustment device according to any of the claims 9-12, characterised in that the adjustment device (5) comprises a spool (7), that is located in a housing (8), onto which spool (7) the strap (4) is winded, whereby the spool (7) is connected to a pin body (13), the pin body (13) that is connected to the blocking body (10), whereby the spool (7) includes a locking element (18), the locking element (18) that is connectable with the pin body (13), whereby the spool (7) can be disengaged or locked by the disengaging or locking of the locking element (18) when the handling body (9) is being influenced. 14. Adjustment device according to claim 13, characterised in that the blocking body (10) is designed to, by the loading of the strap (4) in primarily radial direction in relation to the spool (7), move from the first unblocked position to the second blocked position in primarily the same radial direction as the load. 15. Adjustment device according to claim 13 or 14, characterised in that in the second blocked position of the handling body (9) the pin body (13) is connected to the blocking body (10), whereby at least one pin (14) of the pin body (13) and a pin- receiving recess (15) of the blocking body (10) are in engagement with the blocking element, that comprises a blocking wall (14), whereby the wall (14) prevents the handling body (9) from being pressed in the spool's (7) axial direction. |
TECHNICAL AREA
The invention concerns a carrying and/or lifting device as defined in the preamble of patent claim 1 and a strap adjustment device intended for a carrying and/or lifting device as defined in the preamble of patent claim 9.
BACKGROUND
Carrying and/or lifting devices of different types, for instance slings and carriers have been used for a long time for carrying or lifting children. Baby slings of the type that consists of a piece of cloth, holding one child or more, are being tied and placed over the shoulder of the person carrying the child. Baby slings are comfortable to carry but time-consuming when it comes to tying and adjusting it to attain good ergonomics, especially if one sling has many users. Therefore, a more convenient adjustment solution is needed for the sake of good safety and ergonomics. Today there are a number of different types of carrying and/or lifting devices on the market. One such type of a familiar carrier is shown in the document no. SE 518 936, for instance. That baby carrier is of the type that consists of a flexible front piece and shoulder straps that are to be placed on the shoulders of the carrying person.
In the document No. US 2006/0237493 a sling is showed that consists of a piece of cloth holding the child. The piece of cloth is placed over the shoulder of the carrying person by means of two rings, that also can be used to adjust the length of the sling. The edge of the cloth is firstly being led through both the rings and then back again through only one ring, whereby the cloth is also being fastened. The known devices are intricate to adjust, though, and both hands are needed to do the adjusting. These devices are also difficult to put on and off while the child is still placed in the device. An additional problem is the loose straps and/or loose ends hanging around that can get caught and thereby represent a safety risk. It is also difficult to slip a sleeping child out of the devices mentioned above without waking up the child.
There is another baby carrier on the market, which is shown in design application No. SE 2008/0612. This carrying device is being adjusted by means of a waist strap connected to an adjustment device. The problem with that device, though, is the risk of handling an adjustment button by accident, e.g. in a crowd, thereby unintentionally lengthening the strap, by inattentiveness resulting in the child slipping out of the device. To avoid this, the carrier's strap length is limited. This can pose a problem if the carrier needs to be adjusted to fit a taller/larger carrying person or if a child is sitting in the carrier.
For these reasons there is a clear need for a carrying and/or lifting device that solves, or at least minimises the above problems while at the same time maintaining e.g. the ergonomical advantages that are being offered by known technique. There is a need for a carrying and/or lifting device that meets the ergonomical and safety-related requirements and at the same time is easy to adjust. There is also a need for a device that makes it possible for the child to continue sleeping in the device even if the device is being put aside.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Considering the above problems, one aim of the invention is to improve the safety of carrying and/or lifting devices.
One other aim of the invention is to improve the ergonomics of carrying and/or lifting devices. Yet another aim of the invention is to offer a carrying and/or lifting device of a simple construction with a minimum number of parts that is still adjustable to fit most users' needs.
Yet another aim of the invention is to offer a device that is easy to put on and off and makes it possible for the child to sleep/continue sleeping in the carrying and/or lifting device even after that the device has been taken off.
Yet another aim of the invention is to offer a solution that is easy-adaptable to suit different carrying persons' needs and meets the strict safety requirements that cover carrying and/or lifting devices. The above-mentioned problems are solved and the aims are fulfilled by the carrying and/or lifting device's characteristics defined in the preamble and described in the characterizing portion of patent claim 1 and by the adjustment device's characteristics defined in the preamble and described in the characterizing portion of patent claim 9. The invention concerns a carrying and/or lifting device, which comprises a support area, that is designed to act as a support for the object that is to be carried/lifted, and a carrying body, which comprises a strap of which the length is adjustable by means of an adjustment device. The adjustment device includes a handling body, by the managing of which the strap length can be adjusted. The handling body is connected to a blocking body that is designed to, by the loading of the strap, move from an unblocked position for the handling body to a blocked position for the handling body, in which the handling body is non-influenceable.
The invention also concerns an - intended for a carrying and/or lifting device - adjustment device for a strap which comprises a housing, a handling body that is connected to the housing and intended for blocking and releasing of the strap and also a slot in the housing through which the strap can travel. The handling body is connected to a blocking body that is designed to, by the loading of the strap, move from an unblocked position for the handling body to a blocked position for the handling body, in which the handling body is non-influenceable.
The invention offers a solution for a carrying and/or lifting device that is easy- adjustable to fit different carrying persons' needs and is safe to use.
The other aims, advantages and technicalities of the invention will be further explored in the following technical description.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention concerns a carrying and/or lifting device, hereinafter called "carrying device", that is intended for lifting or carrying an object. The object can be a human being, e.g. a child, an animal but also other objects, which are covered by strict safety requirements, that can be carried in and/or lifted into the carrying device. The carrying device can be used for both lifting and carrying and also in different care applications, for instance. The carrying device consists of a support area and a carrying body. The support area and the carrying body can be integrated or separate parts. The support area can be made of fabric or other flexible material of which the size, shape and material are adapted to the object. The support area can be made of natural and/or synthetic material, like cotton, linen, leather, plastic, nylon, polyamide or mixtures of these. The support area can also be of a fixed design, e.g. moulded and therefore be constructed of a rigid material, such as plastic.
The carrying body comprises a strap, of which the length can be adjusted by means of an adjustment device. The width and thickness of the strap can be vastly diversified based on various needs and situations of use. The strap can have the shape of a belt, thong, cord, string or wire and be made of a material that preferably is durable, flexible and strong. The material can be a natural material, such as linen or cotton, alternatively a synthetic material, such as nylon or plastic, alternatively a mix of natural and synthetic material, alternatively metal or metal alloys.
The adjustment device comprises a handling body for blocking and releasing of the adjustment device, i.e. the strap length can be adjusted by managing the handling body. The handling body can be a button, turning knob, handle, catch, hook, non- contact sensor, switch or similar.
By the loading of the strap means in this application a load that is dependent on the weight of the object and that stresses the strap when the carrying device is in use, for instance when a child is lifted or carried that is lying or sitting in the carrying device. The load then is continuous but can vary during use, e.g. depending on how much of the weight that is received by the carrying person's body in different positions.
In a carrying device of the above mentioned type it is of great importance that the length of the strap isn't varied unintentionally. It is also desirable that the strap is of sufficient length in order for the carrying device to be adjustable based on different users' needs. The strap can have a length of appr. 10-150 cm, for instance, but this can vary greatly depending on the purpose of the use.
Therefore there is a need to prevent the unintentional managing of the handling body when the strap is under load. This is of particular importance if the adjustment device has a long strap, e.g. a length that can imply that the support area moves away from contact with the carrying person.
The problem described above is solved by connecting the handling body to a blocking body that is designed to, by the loading of the strap, move from an unblocked position for the handling body to a blocked position for the handling body, in which the handling body is non-influenceable. The blocking body can be mechanically or electromechanically designed and controlled and be constructed in different ways as long as the blocked position of the handling body can be achieved by the move of the blocking body from an unblocked position to a blocked position, an automatic movement that is initiated by the load force. The movement of the blocking body that is at load can thus be activated by mechanical means or the blocking body can move to a blocked position by digital input, such as commands from a control unit that can be controlled by signals from a sensor that registers the load on the strap.
The carrying device according to the invention is thus easy to adjust to fit different carrying persons' needs and also safe to use, since the travel of the strap is prevented if the handling body is influenced unintentionally when the carrying device and thereby that the strap is loaded, e.g. when a child is lying in the carrying device. To adjust the length of the strap the strap first must be unloaded, for instance by lifting the child to release the load from the strap. The carrying and/or lifting device can be designed so that in the blocked position of the handling body the blocking body is engaged with a blocking element. The blocking body then can move in relation to the blocking element. The blocking element can be a mechanical device, such as a blocking wall but also a moveable magnet that can be digitally controlled. The aim of the blocking element is to interact with the blocking body to obtain a simple construction for the blocked position. By giving the blocking element a mechanical construction the device can be mechanically controlled, which results in a simple, reliable and cost-efficient design.
Furthermore, a carrying and/or lifting device can be constructed so that the blocking body is connected to a resilient arrangement, that can be a mechanical, pneumatical and/or hydraulical spring arrangement, whereby the blocking body is moved from the unblocked position to the blocked position when the strap is loaded with a force that exceeds the force that is generated by the resilient arrangement. The resilient arrangement can for instance generate force in a direction that is in the reverse direction to the load direction, whereby the spring force holds the blocking body in the unblocked position. The blocking body is moved back to the first unblocked position when the strap is unloaded or is being loaded with a force that is less than the force that is generated by the resilient arrangement. The resilient arrangement is preferably a mechanical one. This solution allows for a space-saving, simple and safe solution to obtain the blocked position and the re-engaging of the unblocked position.
Further, the carrying and/or lifting device can be constructed with a resilient arrangement that comprises a mechanical spring.
This solution allows for a reliable, economical, simplified and space-saving arrangement.
Alternatively, the carrying and/or lifting device can be designed so that the adjustment device comprises a spool that is arranged in a housing. The strap can be winded onto the spool. The spool is connected to a pin body, a pin body that in its turn is connected to the blocking body. The spool primarily comprises a locking element, a locking element that is connectable to the pin body. The spool can be disengaged or locked by means of the disengaging or locking of the locking element when the handling body is influenced.
This construction allows for the spool's locking arrangement to interact with the handling body's blocking body in a simple and reliable fashion. For instance, the spool can comprise the locking element in the form of an end stop, such as a cogwheel or a star wheel, which is connectable to an opening in the pin body, en opening which has a corresponding shape. This construction is simple and space- saving and makes it possible for the interaction between the spool's disengaging/locking and the handling body's blocking body. The pin body can comprise one pin or more, alternatively one recess or more designed to receive a pin or pins. The blocking body is connected to the pin body and has therefore a corresponding number of pin-receiving recesses, alternatively pins. The blocking body can move radially in relation to the spool and can also be coaxially slidable with the spool. The blocking body can have a design that is rotable or non- rotable with the spool.
The housing can enclose the adjustment device wholly or partly and is preferably equipped with a slot through which the strap can travel.
The spool can be a conventional spool that comprises a slot for the fastening of the strap. The spool can be connected to the locking element that locks or disengages respectively the rotation of the spool and thereby prevents or allows for respectively the travel of the strap. The disengagement is achieved by the managing of the handling body.
The strap can be re-winded onto the spool in different ways. For instance, when the strap is released there can be a built-in roll-up arrangement in the adjustment device that winds back the strap onto a spool. The solution can in a conventional known manner be based on i.e. a clock spring, that via the spring load winds the strap back onto the spool.
Further, the carrying and/or lifting device can be designed with a blocking body, that by loading the strap in primarily radial direction in relation to the spool moves from the unblocked position to the blocked position in primarily the same radial direction as the load. The radial direction of the load can for instance be achieved by letting the strap travel via a slot in the housing and thereby pull and load the spool in a radial direction. With this solution the force from the load can be utilised directly for moving the blocking body, a fact which results in a simpler structure. The carrying and/or lifting device also can be designed so that in the blocked position of the handling body at least one pin of the pin body and a part of the blocking body is engaged with the blocking element. The blocking element can be in the form of a blocking wall. The blocking wall prevents the handling body from being pressed in the spool's axial direction.
In this way a safe and stable solution is obtained that is simple to construct and manufacture.
The carrying and/or lifting device can also be designed so that the carrying body has a quick-releaser in relation to the support area. In this way the device can easily be put off and on, and if the child has fallen asleep the support area can easily be disconnected from the carrying body and the child can be laid down separate from the carrying person.
A carrying and/or lifting device can also be designed so that the carrying body is fitted with a shoulder support. By this solution the ergonomics of the carrying person will be improved.
The carrying and/or lifting device can also be fitted with more than one carrying body connected to the support area. This makes it possible to safely lift the object, such as a patient in care.
DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a carrying device according to the invention.
Figure 2 shows an embodiment of an adjustment device according to the invention.
Figure 3 shows the adjustment device without an enclosing housing. Figure 4 shows the parts of the adjustment device in a disassembled state. Figure 5 shows an embodiment of a housing. Figure 6 shows an embodiment of a blocking body. Figure 7 shows an embodiment of a pin body. Figure 8 shows an embodiment of a digitally controlled blocking body. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a carrying device according to the invention. The carrying device 1 comprises a support area 2 that includes a piece of cloth, that is shaped to allow room for a child inside the piece of cloth. The support area 2 is connected with a carrying body 3 by means of a quick-releaser 6. The carrying body includes a strap 4 in the form of a belt, of which the length is adjustable by means of an adjustment device 5, that is located under a carrying person's fingers and therefore is not visible in Figure 1 . The carrying device 1 is worn on the shoulder of the carrying person. The adjustment device 5 is shown in further detail in Figures 2 and 3. The adjustment device includes a housing 8 (Figure 2), a housing 8 in which a spool 7 is located. The spool includes a slot 19, a slot in which a strap 4, that is not shown in the figures, is mounted. The strap 4 is rolled up on the spool 7 in a conventional way. A handling body 9 is designed as a pressable button. A spring (not shown) can be connected to the handling body 9, so that the handling body 9 after having been pressed returns to its original position, e.g. a position where it cannot be influenced. The blocking body 10 includes openings 12 and 12' in which springs 1 1 and 1 1 ' are placed. The blocking body 10 is designed 1 1 that it cannot rotate in relation to the housing 8, due to the fact that its shape towards the spool 7 essentially is square with rounded corner parts, as shown in Figure 6. The blocking body 10 is designed in such a fashion that it can get displaced inside the housing on a radial level in relation to the housing, as shown by the arrow 29 in Figure 5.
Figure 4 shows parts of the adjustment device 5 according to the embodiment. The housing 8 includes a slot 16 through which the strap can travel. Thereby the force that stresses the spool 7 by the loading of the strap 4 will be radial in relation to the spool 7.
The spool 7 is manufactured in one piece and is at the one end equipped with a ratchet wheel 17 and at the other end with a star wheel 18, that serves as a locking element. The winding and/or winding off of the strap is effectuated by means of the disengaging or locking of the star wheel 18. In connection to the ratchet wheel 17 a clock spring 20 is connected, that is placed inside an end stop 21 . The clock spring can glide against a circular disc 22. The purpose of the clock spring 20 is by means of a spring force to automatically wind the strap back onto the spool 7 if needed, a procedure that is carried out in a conventional known manner. The star wheel 18 of the spool 7 is connectable to a pin body 13, that has a star- shaped opening 24 in which the star wheel 18 fits. When the pin body 13 and the star wheel 18 are mutually engaged the spool 7 cannot rotate in relation to the pin body 13. The pin body 13 is in its turn connected to the blocking body 10. The blocking body 10 includes two openings 12 and 12' where springs 1 1 and 1 1 ' (see Figure 3) can be placed. The blocking body 10 includes pin-receiving recesses 15 (see Figure 6), which makes it possible for the blocking body 10 and the pin body 13 to be mutually connectable, in which case the pins 14 will engage with the recesses 15 by connection.
In a locked position, when the length of the strap 4 is not being adjusted, the star wheel 18 is connected to the pin body and the pin body 13 and the blocking body 10 are mutually engaged. In an adjustable mode, when the strap 4 is unloaded and the push-button 9 can be influenced, the push-button 9 is being pressed coaxially, i.e. inwards towards the spool 7. This action will disengage the star wheel 18 from the star-shaped opening 24 of the pin body 13, which will allow the spool 7 to rotate. Simultaneously, the pins 14 will glide in relation to the recesses 15 without mutually disengaging.
Figures 6 and 7 show the blocking body 10 with the recesses 15 and the openings 12 and 12' as well as the pin body 13 with the pins 14 and the star-shaped opening 24 in further detail at an angle from above.
In a blocked position, when the strap 4 is loaded by the weight of a child lying in the carrying device 1 , the blocking body 10 will be in a blocked position as described below. In the blocked position the recesses 15 of the blocking body 10 and the pins 14 of the pin body 13 are mutually engaged. The blocking body 10 is designed to move in the load direction, which essentially is radial in relation to the spool, as shown by the arrow 29 in Figure 5. The movement takes place in a space between a blocking element 25 in the form of a wall and the end part 23 of the housing, which are shown in Figure 5.
The slot 16, through which the strap 4 can travel in and out is placed inside the housing 8, so that the force that is being generated by the loading of the strap essentially has a radial direction (the arrow 29) in relation to the spool 7 and has the same direction as the movement direction of the blocking body 10 of the housing 8 and reverse in relation to the force generated by the two springs 1 1 and 1 1 ', that are located in the openings 12 and 12'. The blocking body 10 is located in the housing 8, so that the springs 1 1 and 1 1 ' and thereby the openings 12 and 12' are placed behind the blocking element 25, i.e. between the blocking element and the end part 23 of the housing.
In the blocked position the load force of the strap 4 exceeds the force generated by the two springs 1 1 and 1 1 '. Because this force exceeds the spring force, the blocking body 10 essentially moves in the same direction as the load, i.e. towards the spring force. Then the blocking body 10, which is engaging with the pin body 13, is moving so that it engages with the blocking element 25. In this engagement at least one of the pins 14 of the pin body and the recesses 15 of the blocking body are placed "behind" the blocking element 25 in relation to the spool 7, or is the blocking body 10 lying between the blocking element 25 and the end part 23. The handling body 9 then cannot be influenced by pressing, i.e. coaxially with the spool 7, because at least one pin 14 has got behind the blocking element 25 and is stopped by the blocking element 25 from being pushed outwards from the recess 15 in an axial direction. Since the handling body cannot be pressed, the star wheel 18 also cannot be disengaged from the pin body 13. Therefore the unintentional rolling out of the strap 4 is prevented if the strap 4 is loaded.
When the load of the strap 4 is discontinued, or when the load force is less than the force generated by the springs 1 1 and 1 1 ', the blocking body 10 moves back to the unblocked position passing the blocking element 25 and the handling body 9 and becomes influenceable again, since the blocking body 10 together with the pin body 13 has left the position between the end part 23 and the blocking element 25, and the pins 14 of the pin body 13 again can glide in relation to the recesses 15. Thereby the star wheel 18 can disengage from the star-shaped opening 24 by the pressing of the handling body 9 to allow the spool 7 to rotate..
In Figure 8 yet another embodiment is shown where the blocking body 10 is controlled by a control unit 28, which includes a CPU. The control unit 28 sends commands to an electromagnet 27 when signals from a sensor 26, e.g. a force sensor, indicate that the strap 4 is loaded. The electromagnet 27 then will move the blocking body 10 to a blocked position.
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