TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a pram curtain, a child transport means and a method for attaching a pram curtain to a child transport means as set forth in the preamble of the independent claims below. The invention also relates to a pram curtain set and a use of a pram curtain as a sunscreen. In particular, the invention relates to a new way of attaching a pram curtain to, for example, a canopy of a pram, stroller or infant car seat.

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

Child transport means include for example prams or baby carriages, infant car seats, pushchairs or strollers and carrycots.

A pram curtain is used in a child transport means to protect the child from, for example, light, wind or rain. The fabric pram curtains on the market are typically attached to the canopy of the child transport means or to an attachment device connected to the canopy. Usually the attachment is done with rings, which can be made of plastic, for example. Holes are made in the fabric of the pram curtain at the manufacturing stage, which holes are often finished with metal eyelets. The rings are attached to the holes in the trolley curtain and, for example, to the canopy of the pram or stroller. The rings may be included in price of the pram curtain or they may need to be purchased separately. The rings cannot usually be attached directly to the canopy. A fastening means, for example a plastic rod, to which the rings can be threaded, can be arranged near the canopy, for example near and in parallel with the top edge of the canopy. For most pram models, the rings do not stick properly or are difficult to attach to the rod. One reason for the above problems is a protective visor often located on the edge of the canopy of the wagon, which makes it difficult or impossible to attach the pram curtain. Some transport means, such as many infant car seats, are structured so that it is impossible to attach the rings to them at all. Sometimes the rings have a loose structure or attachment mechanism, which makes them easily detachable from the canopy and pram curtain. Loose rings can be dangerous, for example if they end up in a child's mouth. Rings often catch on to unwanted things. Some rings break easily. Rings significantly influence the appearance of the pram curtain and are considered by many to be downright ugly. For example, decorations such as ruffles or bows are not easy to attach to the pram curtain rings. Due to their plastic material, rings are normally not ecological either.

In most child transport means, no solution is provided for temporarily securing an open pram curtain, for example to the top edge of the canopy. Often, when opening a pram curtain, it must be completely detached because, for example, the bottom edge of a wagon curtain, if opened from below and raised on the canopy edge, will easily fall back to its normal use position due to wind or airflow, for example.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to reduce or even eliminate the abovementioned problems appearing in prior art.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a solution that makes attaching a pram curtain to a child transport means, e.g. onto its canopy, practical and easy.

It is an object of the present invention to enable use of the same pram curtain in several or even all child transport means.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a pram curtain attaching mechanism in which parts of the mechanism do not easily attach to wrong places, do not break easily and are long lasting, even reusable with another pram curtain.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a better appearance of a pram curtain. It is an object of the present invention to improve usability of high-quality trolley curtains and thus to increase their use and thus to improve protection of children against external hazards.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Among others, in order to realize the objects mentioned above, a pram curtain and method of and other objects according to the invention are characterized by what is presented in the enclosed independent claims. Other claims disclose some preferred embodiments of the invention.

The embodiments, examples and advantages mentioned in this text relate, where applicable, as well to a pram curtain and method according to the invention as to any other aspect of the invention, even though it is not always specifically mentioned.

A typical pram curtain according to the invention is intended to be attached to a child transport means. A typical purpose of a pram curtain is to protect a child. A child transport means according to the invention is, for example, transported on wheels and by-hand-pushed i.e. hand-wheeled or portable, such as a pram or baby carriages, an infant car seat, a pushchair or trolley, or a carrycot. One or more magnets are attached to the pram curtain, the magnetic attraction of which magnets is utilized to hold the pram curtain on the child transport means.

The magnet can be selected for its strength, shape and type to suit the particular situation at hand. For example, the magnet may be a button magnet or a magnetic tape. The magnet may be a permanent magnet, that is, a substance that retains its magnetism without an external magnetic field. As a counterpart to a permanent magnet, either another permanent magnet or a temporary magnet, i.e. any magnetizable material, may be used. Temporary magnets include e.g. iron, cobalt and nickel. The strength of the magnet used is selected to suit each situation. Typical magnets according to the invention are of such strength that they can be easily removed by hand by an adult. Magnets as such are not the subject of the present invention and will not be further discussed herein. A typical child transportation means according to the invention comprises

- a place for a child, such as a seat or a bed;

- means for moving the transport means, such as wheels and/or a handlebar and/or a carry handle;

- a pram curtain according to the invention for child protection. The pram curtain comprises one or more magnets with the help of which the pram curtain is attachable to the transport means openably and/or releasably.

A typical method for attaching a pram curtain to a child transport means openably and/or releasably according to the invention comprises at least the following step:

- attaching the pram curtain to the child transport means with magnetic attraction of one or more magnets attached to the pram curtain.

In an embodiment of the invention, the pram curtain is attached to the canopy of the child transport means. In an embodiment, the pram curtain is attached to the frame of the child transport means, for example, in the handlebar of a pram or a pushchair or in the carry handle for an infant car seat.

In an embodiment, the magnetic attraction of unlike poles (+/-) of the magnets is utilized to hold the pram curtain on the child transport means.

In an embodiment, the pram curtain comprises an upper edge and a lower edge of the pram curtain. The upper edge of the pram curtain is intended to be attached higher on the child transport means, for example on a top or front edge of the canopy. The lower edge of the pram curtain is intended to be attached lower than the upper edge, for example in the table of a pushchair or in the safety bar in front of a sitting child.

In an embodiment, one or more magnets are attached to the edge of the pram curtain or near the edge in order to attach the edge of the pram curtain on the transport means. Magnets can be placed on desired point in the pram curtain, for example in the upper edge, in the lower edge or in the side edges. A magnet can be attached, for example, less than 10 cm, less than 5 cm or less than 1 cm from the edge of the pram curtain.

In an embodiment, the pram curtain is attached to the child transport means from only some of its edges. The pram curtain may comprise other attachment means, such as prior art rings, which may be used to attach other parts of the pram curtain. One or more magnets according to the invention can be used to attach only the lower edge of the pram curtain, or only its upper edge. In one embodiment, the lower edge of the pram curtain comprises rings or, for example, loops made of fabric, which may be used to attach the lower edge of the pram curtain to, for example, the handlebar of the child transport means.

In an embodiment, one or more magnets are attached to the lower edge of the pram curtain, whereby the lower edge is, if desired, attachable higher on the child transportation means with the magnet on the lower edge, for example on the top edge of the canopy or on a magnet at the upper edge of the pram curtain. Thus, the opened pram curtain can be temporarily attached onto an edge of the canopy, out of the way of the child.

In an embodiment, an edge of the pram curtain branches into two layers at least at location of a magnet. In that case, each layer has one or more magnets. Now, a part of the child transportation means, such as an edge of the canopy or the frame can be placed between the two layers of the pram curtain. Thus, the attachment to the canopy or to other edge becomes tight. The branched layers may cover, for example, a strip measuring more than 4 cm, more than 6 cm, more than 9 cm or more than 12 cm from the edge of the pram curtain.

In an embodiment, the magnets at the branched layers are aligned, so that they align against each other. If the unlike poles of the aligned magnets are arranged so that they face each other, the magnets attract each other. When a part of the child transport means is placed between such layers of the pram curtain, the attraction of the aligned magnets holds the pram curtain attached to the transport means. If the magnets are placed near the outermost part of the branched layer, the branched layers may reach, for example, around the handlebar or relatively far above the canopy.

In an embodiment, one or more projections are arranged on an edge of the pram curtain and said one or more magnets are attached to said projection. The

projections may be arranged in pairs aligned in such a way that the magnets attached to them align against each other and attract each other. The projections may be manufactured separately from the rest of the pram curtain, even by using other material. They are easily made in desired length, for example, reaching over 5 cm or 5-10 cm from the edge of the rest of the pram curtain. The projections may be, for example, just a little bigger at width than the magnet, for example, more than 1 cm, 2-4 cm or less than 5 cm.

In an embodiment, one or more magnets are covered with plastic in a waterproof way. Thus, the pram curtain comprising a magnet can be, for example, washed without risking corrosion or other damage to the magnet due to getting wet. For example, Webcraft GmbH is selling under trademark Supermagnete magnets suitable for this purpose that are packed inside a PVC plastic cover.

In an embodiment, one or more magnets are attached to the pram curtain in a permanent way, for example with stiches or with an adhesive such as a sticker. The magnet can be stitched such that it is entirely hidden, for example, inside a double-fold fabric in the edge of the pram curtain. If the magnet is attached to a separate projection, the projection may be formed from a double-fold material with the magnet attached inside. At the edge of a plastic covered magnet, there often is a plastic collar that may be used to stitch or glue the magnet at the material of the pram curtain or a separate projection.

In an embodiment, one or more magnets are attached to the pram curtain releasably, for example, in an openable pocket. In an embodiment, the projection to which the magnet is attached is releasable from the rest of the pram curtain. Such a releasable attachment can be arranged for example with velcro tape or with a button.

In an embodiment, the child transport means comprises in its canopy and/or frame one or more points of magnetic substance to which the magnet in the pram curtain can be attached with its magnetic attraction. For example, the frame or part of it may be made of iron to which the magnet in the pram curtain can attach.

In an embodiment, the child transport means comprises in its canopy and/or frame one or more magnets to which the magnet in the pram curtain can be attached with its magnetic attraction by aligning the unlike poles of the magnets. The magnet can placed in the canopy, for example, hidden inside the fabric or visible on the fabric.

An embodiment of the invention is a pram curtain set that comprises

- a pram curtain according to the invention comprising one or more magnets and

- one or more magnet counterparts attracted by one or more magnets in the pram curtain. The magnet counterpart may comprise, for example, a magnet or magnetic substance, for example, a ferromagnetic material such as iron.

The magnetic counterparts are attachable at desired positions of the child transport means, for example at its canopy and/or frame. Thus, the magnet in the pram curtain can be attached to said magnet with magnetic attraction. The counterpart may comprise special fastening means, such as an adhesive surface, for attaching it on the child transport means. This kind of an arrangement enables the use of the pram curtain of the invention with a magnetic attachment system in at least almost all child transport means.

In an embodiment, a pram curtain according to the invention is used as a sunscreen in a car or other vehicle to be attached to its window or edge of the window. The magnet can be attached directly onto the metal structures of the car, or magnetic counterparts can first be attached to the window or its edges using, for example, adhesive or suction cups. In the pram curtain and its projections, several different materials on market, such as fabrics, can be used. Some materials suitable for the projections are leather and leatherette. They are durable and the magnets can be stitched into them or hidden inside them firmly. The fabrics and other materials can be arranged to fulfil, for example, the requirements of Oko-tex or GOTS certificates.

In particular, if the magnets are inside a fabric or other material, decorations such as a bow, lace, or ruffle may be attached on top of the fabric at the location where the magnets are. The decorations can completely or partially cover the magnets. Decorations can also act as gripping points that are easy to grasp to detach or attach the magnet.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The invention is described in more detail below with reference to the enclosed schematic drawing, in which

Figure 1 shows a first pram curtain according to the invention;

Figure 2 shows an attachment of a magnet in the fabric of the pram curtain in

Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 shows a side view of the pram curtain in Figure 1 ;

Figure 4 shows a first pram according to the invention;

Figure 5 shows the pram in Figure 4, where a second pram curtain according to the invention is attached;

Figure 6 shows a third pram curtain according to the invention in a front view;

Figure 7 shows the pram curtain in Figure 6 in a perspective view;

Figure 8 shows a second pram according to the invention in a perspective view;

and

Figure 9 shows a side view of the pram in Figure 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXAMPLES OF THE FIGURES

For the sake of clarity, in different figures and embodiments same reference numerals are used for parts corresponding to each other. Figures 1 to 3 show a first pram curtain according to the invention and how magnets 2 are placed in pram curtain 1. In the example in Figure 1 several magnets 2 are attached to the curved upper part of pram curtain 1 . In the lower part of pram curtain 1 , magnets 2 are attached near each of its lower corners. The curved upper part of the pram curtain 1 comprises two overlapping layers of fabric 6 of the same size. Five magnets are attached to each layer in pairs facing each other. Thus, when the fabric layers 6 are placed against each other, two magnets hit each other. The connected poles of the aligned magnets are arranged to be unlike (note the + and - signs) so that the magnets are attracted to each other.

The magnets 2 are attached to the fabric of the pram curtain 1 as shown in Figure 3, inside a double fabric. A stitch 5 goes around the magnet 2 so that the magnet remains in place when using the pram curtain 1 . A strong permanent magnet is used as magnets 2.

Figure 4 shows a first pram 4 according to the invention and its canopy 3. The lower part 8 of the pram is shown only partially. Figure 5 shows a second pram curtain 1 according to the invention. Its curved upper part branches into two fabric layers 6, but from a much narrower part than in the examples of figures 1 -3. Magnets 2 are attached to the two fabric layers in pairs and aligned in the same manner as in the example of Figures 1 -3. Magnets 2 are placed also in the lower corners of the pram curtain 1 . In the situation of Figure 5, a canopy 3 is arranged between the fabric layers 6 and simultaneously between the magnets 2. The magnetic attraction of the magnets 2 with aligned unlike poles holds the pram curtain 1 on the canopy 3. The magnets 2 of the lower part of the pram curtain 1 , if opened at its lower edge, can be attached to any magnet of the upper part 2 by the attraction between the magnets. Thus, if necessary, the pram curtain 1 can be kept firmly opened so that its lower edge remains at the top edge of the canopy 3.

Figures 6 and 7 show a third pram curtain 1 according to the invention. Its curved upper edge comprises three pairs of projections 9 attached to the edge of the rest of the pram curtain 1 . A magnet 2 is attached near the outer end of each projection. The magnets 2 of one pair of projections are aligned so that when the projections 9 of the pair of projections are straight and facing each other, the magnets 2 also meet, attracting each other. The projections 9 may be, for example, of double leather with magnets 2 permanently sewn inside. The projections 9 are permanently attached to the fabric of the rest of the pram curtain, for example by stitching. In one lower corner of the pram curtain 1 there is a decoration or other cover piece 7, used to cover a magnet 2 attached to the lower corner. The magnet of the lower corner can be attached to one of the magnets at the top, thereby keeping the opened pram curtain 1 raised. Figures 8 and 9 show how a pram curtain such as shown in Figures 6 and 7 with projections 9 can be secured to the canopy 3 of a pram 4. One projection 9 of the pair of projections is placed inside the edge of the canopy 3 and the other projection 9 outside the edge of the canopy 3. The magnets 2 of the pair of projections are aligned and attract each other. At the same time, they attach the pram curtain 1 to the canopy 3 between them.

The invention is not meant to be limited exclusively to the examples described above, but the scope of protection is defined in the independent claims. The dependent claims present some advantageous embodiments of the invention.