AU2018101632A4 - Child carrying garment - Google Patents

Abstract

A child-carrying wearable garment, comprising: a front, upper body portion configured to extend over a front torso of a user when worn; a rear, upper body portion configured to extend over a rear torso of the user when worn; a pair of shoulder straps connected the front upper body portion and rear body portion and configured to extend over the user's shoulders when worn; a lower body portion configured to extend about and substantially cover at least a pelvic region and part of an upper leg region of the user when worn; a hip and/or waist portion configured to extend about the user's hips and connecting the front and rear upper body portions with the lower body portion; wherein, in use, a child is supported within a volume between the user's body and the front, upper body portion; wherein a length of the front upper body portion between each shoulder strap and the hip portion is adjustable to adjust the child supporting volume between the user's body and the front, upper body portion, in use; wherein at least the front and rear upper body portions are formed from a material or materials of sufficiently high density to substantially support the weight of a child of at least 10 kilograms in use; wherein the front, upper body portion and/or rear, upper body portion is/are integrally formed with and/or configured to couple with the lower body portion to thereby form a single garment body configured to extend over upper and lower body portions of the user when worn. 10 35 12b 10 35a3 3636 38 37 3836 35 52 39A 14 39B 12a -3 FIG. 1 FIG. 2

Description

CHILD CARRYING GARMENT

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a garment having an integral child carrier.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Baby or child carriers are devices that can be worn by an adult to support a child on their body. They enable wearers to carry their child hands free and also help to relieve undue strain if designed properly. There are currently a number of wearable child 10 carriers on the market, however, the majority of these are either complex, making the device heavy, difficult to use and/or unattractive to wear, or alternatively overly simplistic, meaning the device lacks appropriate support.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved child carrying garment 15 that at least partially alleviates some of the shortcomings of existing devices, or to at least provide the public with a useful choice.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect the invention may broadly be said to consist of a carrier for a child to 20 be worn by a user, comprising a wearable garment having an outer garment layer configured to extend about at least a front and rear torso of the user when worn and an inner fabric layer integrally formed with the outer garment layer, wherein, in use, the inner fabric layer forms a sling or pouch for supporting a child thereon between the user's body and the inner fabric layer.

In a preferred embodiment the inner fabric layer is configurable into a child supporting state comprising the sling or pouch for supporting the child thereon in use. Alternatively the inner fabric layer is preconfigured into the child supporting state.

In a preferred embodiment the inner fabric layer is configurable into a garment state in which it may predominantly function as a garment when worn.

Preferably in the garment state the inner fabric layer is substantially unsupportive of 35 a child.

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In a preferred embodiment the inner fabric layer is configured to extend over at least a user's front torso, when the garment is worn. Preferably the inner fabric layer extends over only the user's front torso, when worn. Alternatively the inner fabric layer may also extend over the user's rear torso, when worn.

In a preferred embodiment, the inner fabric layer is stretchable. Preferably the inner fabric layer comprises a relatively greater stretch than the outer garment layer. Preferably the outer garment layer is substantially non-stretchable. Preferably the outer garment layer comprises of a greater mass per unit area relative to the inner 10 fabric layer.

In a preferred embodiment, the inner fabric layer comprises cotton or one or more other types of well-known wearable fabrics. Preferably the inner fabric layer also comprises an elastic material. For example, the inner fabric layer may comprise a 15 polyether-polyurea copolymer based fabric, such as spandex.

In a preferred embodiment the inner fabric layer comprises a main body portion configurable to form a sling or pouch for supporting a child thereon in a child supporting state. Preferably the inner fabric layer further comprises a neck supporting 20 portion configured to extend over and support the child's head and/or neck in the child supporting state, when worn. Preferably the neck supporting portion is separate to but fixedly coupled to the main body portion. The neck supporting portion may be a length of material configured to extend across a user's chest, in use.

In a preferred embodiment the inner fabric layer consists of a pair of longitudinal arms extending from opposing sides of the main body portion. Preferably the pair of arms can be releasably coupled in use to adjust a form of the inner fabric layer, between a child supporting state and a garment state. For example, in the child supporting state, the arms may be coupled at their free ends to form a length of 30 material extending over the user's chest. Preferably in this state the length of material is coupled to the outer garment layer at intermediate location(s) for additional support. In a garment state the arms may be coupled at their free ends behind the user's neck. The pair of arms may be coupled at their free ends via tying of the ends together or via any other suitable method or mechanism, such as using 35 mechanical fixing means, including clips, connectors and the like.

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In a preferred embodiment the outer garment layer further comprises at least one should strap configured to extend between the front and rear torso over a user's shoulder in use. Preferably the outer garment layer comprises a pair of shoulder straps configured to extend between the front and rear torso over a user's shoulders 5 in use. The shoulder straps may consist of foam padding or other similar soft material configured to extend over the user's shoulders in use. The padding may be releasably coupled to the shoulder straps. Preferably in the child supporting state, the neck supporting portion of the inner fabric layer is looped about the shoulder straps at the intermediate location(s).

In a preferred embodiment the outer garment layer may comprise a higher density material relative to the inner fabric layer to thereby enable sufficient support for the weight of a child, in use. For example the outer garment may comprise of predominantly a denim material, canvas, linen, high density spandex or corduroy.

In a preferred embodiment the outer garment layer comprises an upper torso portion configured to extend over a user's front and rear torso when worn.

In a preferred embodiment the shoulder straps releasably couple a front and/or rear 20 of the torso portion. For example, the shoulder straps may releasably couple the front and/or rear of the torso portion via mechanical connectors or other suitable mechanical fixing mechanisms.

In a preferred embodiment the outer garment layer further comprises a waist section 25 that is configured to extend firmly around a user's lower waist, when worn. The waist section may comprise a length adjustment mechanism for adjusting the length to suit the wearer's waist size. For example, the waist section may comprise a releasable or integral band or other tightening device for releasably holding the garment firmly around the user's waist in use. In a preferred embodiment the outer garment 30 comprises a lower body portion configured to extend over a user's pelvis and/or legs when worn. The lower body portion may form shorts, pants or a skirt, for example.

In a preferred embodiment the upper torso portion, the waist section and the lower body portion are integrally formed such that the portions form a single garment layer.

In alternative embodiment the upper torso portion and the waist section may be releasably coupled to one another and/or the waist section and the lower body portion may be releasably coupled to one another.

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In a preferred embodiment the outer garment layer further comprises one or more pockets distributed on the outer garment.

In another aspect the invention may broadly be said to consist of a carrier for a child to be worn by a user, comprising a wearable garment configured to substantially conceal at least a front torso of the user when worn and having an integral inner fabric layer, wherein, in use, a child is supported between the user's body and the inner fabric layer.

In another aspect the invention may broadly be said to consist of a garment to be worn by a user as an item of clothing and for carrying a child, the garment comprising at least a torso portion having an inner layer and an outer layer extending over the inner layer, and wherein in use a child is supported between the user's body and the 15 inner layer.

In another aspect the invention may broadly be said to consist of a child carrying garment comprising at least a torso portion having a layer of firm fitting and stretchable material configured to form a sling for supporting a child against a user's 20 torso when worn, and a lower body portion coupled to the torso portion and configured to extend over the user's lower body, when worn.

Preferably the layer of stretchable material comprises high density spandex.

Preferably the torso portion comprises a second layer or a thickened layer of material in a lower region of the torso portion configured to locate at or adjacent a user's stomach.

In another aspect the invention may broadly be said to consist of a child carrying garment comprising at least a torso portion having a layer of firm fitting and stretchable material configured to form a sling for supporting a child against a user's torso when worn, and wherein the torso portion further comprises a second layer or a thickened layer of material in a lower region of the torso portion configured to locate at or adjacent a user's stomach.

Preferably the layer of stretchable material comprises high density spandex.

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Preferably the garment further comprises a lower body portion coupled to the torso portion and configured to extend over the user's lower body, when worn.

In another aspect the invention may broadly be said to consist of a wearable garment 5 having an integral child carrier, comprising:

a garment layer configured to extend about at least a front and rear torso of a user when worn; and an inner fabric layer coupled to the outer garment layer, wherein, in use, the inner fabric layer forms a pouch at a user's torso for 10 supporting a child's body therein between a wearer's body and the inner fabric layer.

Preferably the inner fabric layer is configurable between a child-supporting state comprising the pouch for supporting the child therein in use, and a non-childsupporting state in which the inner fabric layer is intended predominantly for 15 aesthetic use as part of the wearable garment.

Preferably the inner fabric layer is configured to cover a user's front torso when worn, in the child-supporting state and in the non-child-supporting state.

Preferably the inner fabric layer comprises a neck support portion in the childsupporting state that is separated from the pouch, the neck support portion configured to support the neck and/or head of a child while the pouch supports a body of the child, in use.

Preferably the neck support portion of the child-supporting state bridges substantially centrally across a width of the outer garment layer.

The neck support portion may be configured to extend about a wearer's neck in the non-child-supporting state.

Preferably the inner fabric layer consists of a pair of longitudinal arms extending from opposing sides of a main body portion, and wherein in use, the main body forms the pouch and the arms form the neck support portion in the child-supporting state.

Preferably free ends of the arms distal from the main body portion are releasably coupled in use to convert the inner fabric layer between the child-supporting state and the non-child-supporting state.

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Preferably in the child-supporting state the neck support portion is supported on either side by the outer garment layer.

Preferably the inner fabric layers comprises greater elasticity relative to an adjacent 5 section of the outer garment layer.

Preferably the outer garment layer comprises of a greater mass per unit area relative to the inner fabric layer.

Preferably the outer garment layer extends over the inner fabric layer.

Preferably the outer garment layer comprises an upper body portion having: front and rear panels configured to extend over a wearer's torso and a pair of shoulder 15 straps configured to extend between the front and rear panels and over a user's shoulders, in use.

Preferably the shoulder straps provides support to a neck support portion of the inner fabric layer configured to support a neck or head of a child, in use, when the inner 20 fabric layer is in the child-supporting state.

Preferably the outer garment layer comprises a waist or hip section that is configured to extend firmly around a user's lower waist or hip, when worn, and an adjustment mechanism for adjusting a length of the waist or hip section, in use.

Preferably the outer garment layer comprises an upper body portion and a lower body portion that are integrally formed or configured to releasably couple one another such that the portions form a single garment layer.

Preferably the inner fabric layer is removably coupled at a lower end to the outer garment layer. The inner fabric layer may be removed in the non-child-supporting state.

In another aspect the invention may broadly be said to consist of a child-carrying 35 wearable garment, comprising:

a front, upper body portion configured to extend over a front torso of a user when worn;

a rear, upper body portion configured to extend over a rear torso of the user when worn;

2018101632 30 Oct 2018 a pair of shoulder straps connected between the front upper body portion and rear body portion and configured to extend over the user's shoulders when worn;

a lower body portion configured to extend about and substantially cover at least a pelvic region and part of an upper leg region of the user when worn;

a hip and/or waist portion configured to extend about the user's hips and connecting the front and rear upper body portions with the lower body portion;

wherein, in use, a child is supported within a volume between the user's body and the front, upper body portion;

wherein a length of the front upper body portion between each shoulder strap 10 and the hip portion is adjustable to adjust the child supporting volume between the user's body and the front, upper body portion, in use;

wherein at least the front and rear upper body portions are formed from a material or materials of sufficiently high density to substantially support the weight of a child of at least approximately 10 kilograms in use;

wherein the front, upper body portion and/or rear, upper body portion is/are integrally formed with and/or configured to couple with the lower body portion to thereby form a single garment body configured to extend over upper and lower body portions of the user when worn.

Preferably at least the front and rear upper body portions are formed from a material or materials of sufficiently high density to substantially support the weight of a child of at least approximately 20 kilograms in use.

Preferably the front and rear body portions, the hip and/or waist portion, the lower 25 body portion and the shoulder straps are formed from a substantially high density denim fabric.

Preferably the hip and/or waist portion is adjustable in length to enable relative loosening and tightening of the garment about the user's hips in use.

Preferably the garment further comprises one or more shoulder fasteners coupling each of the shoulder straps and the front, upper body portion, and/or one or more hip fasteners at the hip and/or waist portion for locking the hip and/or waist portion at a desired length, and wherein the each of shoulder fasteners and/or hip fasteners 35 are formed from substantially high weight bearing material and/or structure configured to remain in the fastened state and withstand at least approximately 25

2018101632 30 Oct 2018 kilograms of unfastening force, or more preferably at least approximately 50 kilograms of unfastening force.

Preferably the garment further comprises a head supporting fabric layer configured 5 to extend across a width of the user's body between the shoulder straps in use to substantially support a child's head or neck, in use.

Preferably the garment further comprises an inner fabric layer coupled to the front and rear upper body portions (hereinafter referred to as: outer garment layer), 10 wherein, in use, the inner fabric layer forms a pouch at a user's torso for supporting a child's body therein between a wearer's body and the inner fabric layer.

Preferably the inner fabric layer is configurable between a child-supporting state comprising the pouch for supporting the child therein in use, and a non-child15 supporting state in which the inner fabric layer is intended predominantly for aesthetic use as part of the wearable garment.

Preferably the inner fabric layer is configured to cover a user's front torso when worn, in the child-supporting state and in the non-child-supporting state.

Preferably the inner fabric layer comprises a neck support portion in the childsupporting state that is separated from the pouch, the neck support portion configured to support the neck and/or head of a child while the pouch supports a body of the child, in use.

Preferably the neck support portion of the child-supporting state bridges substantially centrally across a width of the outer garment layer.

The neck support portion may be configured to extend about a wearer's neck in the 30 non-child-supporting state.

Preferably the inner fabric layer consists of a pair of longitudinal arms extending from opposing sides of a main body portion, and wherein in use, the main body forms the pouch and the arms form the neck support portion in the child-supporting state.

Preferably free ends of the arms distal from the main body portion are releasably coupled in use to convert the inner fabric layer between the child-supporting state and the non-child-supporting state.

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Preferably in the child-supporting state the neck support portion is supported on either side by the outer garment layer.

Preferably the inner fabric layers comprises greater elasticity relative to an adjacent section of the outer garment layer.

Preferably the outer garment layer comprise of a greater mass per unit area relative 10 to the inner fabric layer.

Preferably the outer garment layer extends over the inner fabric layer.

Preferably the shoulder straps provide support to a neck support portion of the inner fabric layer configured to support a neck or head of a child, in use, when the inner fabric layer is in the child-supporting state.

Preferably the inner fabric layer is removably coupled at a lower end to the outer 20 garment layer and/or hip or waist portion. The inner fabric layer may be removed in the non-child-supporting state.

Any one or more of the above embodiments or preferred features can be combined with any one or more of the above aspects.

Other aspects, embodiments, features and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the detailed description and from the accompanying drawings, which illustrate by way of example, principles of this invention.

The term comprising as used in this specification and claims means consisting at least in part of. When interpreting each statement in this specification that includes the term comprising, features other than that or those prefaced by the term may also be present. Related terms such as comprise and comprises are to be interpreted in the same manner.

As used herein the term and/or means and or or, or both.

As used herein (s) following a noun means the plural and/or singular forms of the noun.

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Number Ranges

It is intended that reference to a range of numbers disclosed herein (for example, 1 to 10) also incorporates reference to all rational or irrational numbers within that range (for example, 1, 1.1, 2, 3, 3.9, 4, 5, 6, 6.5, 7, 8, 9 and 10) and also any range of rational or irrational numbers within that range (for example, 2 to 8, 1.5 to 5.5 and 3.1 to 4.7) and, therefore, all sub-ranges of all ranges expressly disclosed herein are hereby expressly disclosed. These are only examples of what is specifically intended and all possible combinations of numerical values between the lowest value and the highest value enumerated are to be considered to be expressly stated in this application in a similar manner.

The invention consists in the foregoing and also envisages constructions of which the following gives examples only. Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the invention will be described by way of example only and with reference to the drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a front view of a preferred form garment or child carrier of the invention;

Fig. 2 is a rear view of the garment or child carrier of Fig. 1 with the inner layer removed for clarity;

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the garment or child carrier of Fig. 1 being worn to support a child;

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the garment or child carrier of Fig. 1 being worn without 30 supporting a child;

Figs. 5A and 5B show front a rear views of an alternative form garment or child carrier having shorts for the lower body portion; and

Figs. 6A and 6B show front a rear views of an alternative form garment or child carrier having a skirt for the lower body portion.

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to Figs. 1 and 2 a preferred embodiment child carrying garment or carrier 10 is shown comprising an outer garment layer 11 and an optional inner layer of material or materials 12. The child carrying garment or carrier 10 will hereinafter be 5 referred to as garment for conciseness although the device comprises the functionality of both a garment and a child carrier and either term could be used to describe the device. As will be described in further detail below, the outer garment layer 11 provides the functionality of a wearable garment and of supporting a child in use. The optional inner layer 12 of the garment 10 predominantly provides the 10 function of supporting a child against a user's body, in use. In this embodiment the garment 10 comprises an upper body portion 14 configured to be worn about the user's upper body or torso and a lower body portion 15 configured to be worn about a user's lower body. In alternative embodiments, the garment 10 may only comprise an upper body portion 14. In yet another alternative embodiment, the garment may 15 only consist of a single layer for both upper and lower body portions as will be explained in further detail below.

Referring also to Figs. 3 and 4, the upper body portion 14 is configured to be worn over and to substantially cover or conceal at least a front half of a user's torso 21, 20 when worn. For example, the upper body portion 14 is configured to at least substantially cover the user's chest and stomach. In this embodiment the upper body portion 14 is preferably also configured to at least partially cover or conceal a user's back, when worn. It will be appreciated, however, that in some embodiments, the upper body portion 14 may also partially or substantially cover or conceal any one or 25 more of the user's neck, shoulders and/or arms, when worn. In this manner, the upper body portion 14 of the garment 10 provides a garment that can suitably be worn as an upper body garment by a user 20. It is preferably that the garment substantially covers or conceals at least the front half of a user's torso 21 in both a child support and non-child-supporting state of the garment as shown in Figs. 3 and 30 4.

In this preferred embodiment, the outer garment 11 at the upper body portion 14 comprises a main body 39 having a neck aperture 37 and two arm apertures 38 such that it can be worn on a user's upper body. The main body 39 is configured to extend 35 over the user's midsection and cover a front and rear portion of the user's midsection.

In this embodiment, the main body 39 comprises a front, upper body portion 39A configured to extend over a user's front torso when worn and a rear, upper body

2018101632 30 Oct 2018 portion 39B configured to extend over a user's rear torso when worn. The front, upper portion 39A is preferably shaped to support a child thereagainst. For example, the front, upper portion 39A may have sufficient width, configured to support an entire width of a child's torso in use. The front, upper portion 39A may have a minimum 5 width, W, of at least 15cm for example. The front, upper portion 39A may also have a length, L, of at least 25cm. It is preferred, that the width of the front, upper portion

39A is tapered such that it is larger at a base end adjacent the hip portion of the garment relative to a top end adjacent the shoulder straps. Further, it is preferred that an opening is formed on either side of the upper body portion 14 for a user's 10 arms and a child's limbs to extend through in use.

A pair of shoulder straps 35, 36 extend between front and rear body portions 39A,

39B of the main body 39 to extend over a user's shoulders, when the garment 10 is worn. In some embodiments, a single shoulder strap may be used. One end of each 15 strap 35, 36 is preferably provided with a releasable coupling mechanism/fastener

35a, 36a at the front or rear upper body portions 39A, 39B of the main body 39. For example, one or more mechanical fixing mechanisms, such as snap-fit connectors and the like, may be used to releasably connect the front and rear upper body portions 39A, 39B of the main body 39. The fasteners 35a, 36a are preferably formed 20 from a sufficiently high strength material such that they are each configured to withstand separation forces of at least approximately 25kgs. More preferably the fasteners 35a, 36a are formed from a material such that they are each configured to withstand separation forces of at least approximately 50kgs. Each fastener 35a, 36a may be formed from a high density acetate material for example. Other similar 25 strength materials, such as metal based materials may be alternatively be used.

A length adjustment mechanism is provided between each strap 35, 36 and the front, upper body portion 39A to enable a length of the garment between the shoulder strap and hip/waist section 19 to be adjusted. As will be explained in further detail below, 30 the length adjustment mechanism allows for a volume between a user's body and the front, upper body portion 39A, within which a child is accommodated in use (as shown in Fig. 3), to be adjusted in size. Any well-known length adjustment mechanism, such as slider buckles and the like, may be utilised to customise the length of material along the user's front torso. It is preferably that the adjustment 35 mechanism is located on the side of the front, upper body portion 39A, of the coupling between the body portion 39A and each should strap 35, 36.

2018101632 30 Oct 2018

The shoulder straps 35, 36 are preferably sufficiently wide to provide strength and comfort when the user is supporting the load of a child. In some embodiments, the shoulder straps 35, 36 may further comprise padding to enhance comfort. The padding may be integrally formed or otherwise releasably coupled via suitable 5 coupling mechanisms, such as hook and loop fasteners. The padding may comprise of a foam material for example.

The lower body portion 15 is configured to be worn over and to substantially cover or conceal at least a user's pelvic region 22, when worn. In this embodiment the 10 lower body portion 15 is preferably also configured to at least partially cover or conceal a user's upper legs, when worn. In this manner the lower body portion comprises a pelvic portion 17 and a leg portion 18. In this embodiment, the leg portion 18 covers a substantial length of a user's legs when worn, however, it may only partially cover a user's legs in other configurations. For example, the leg portion 15 may partially cover an upper leg portion, fully cover an upper leg portion, partially cover a lower leg portion, or fully cover an upper and lower leg portion. In this manner, the lower body portion 15 may form a pair of shorts (as shown in Figs. 5A and 5B), a pair of trousers (as shown in Figs. 1A and IB) ora skirt (as shown in Figs.

6A and 6B), for example. The lower body portion 15 of the garment 10 thereby 20 provides a garment 10 that can be suitably worn as a lower body garment by a user.

The intersection of the upper and lower body portions 14 and 15 of the outer garment comprises of a hip and/or waist section 19 (hereinafter referred to as waist section, although it will be appreciated this may extend over the waist and/or hips 25 of the user, when the garment is worn). The waist section 19 is configured to locate at or adjacent a user's waist and/or hips 24 when the garment 10 is worn. The waist section 19 is configured to comprise of a length that is substantially firm fitting about the intended user's waist. The waist section 19 may consist of a discrete, nonadjustable length in some embodiments. However, in the preferred embodiment the 30 length of the waist section 19 is adjustable through a length adjustment mechanism

30. For example, the waist section 19 may be shortened through a draw string, one or more releasable bands, one or more elastic bands, a belt mechanism or any combination thereof.

In this embodiment an integral length adjustable band 31 is provided on either side of the waist section 19 for adjusting the length of the waist section 19. It will be appreciated there may be any number of one or more bands may be distributed along

2018101632 30 Oct 2018 the length of the waist section 19. Each band 31 may be rigid in tension/compression or otherwise elastic to allow for a degree of stretch that assists in maintaining a firm fit between the waist section 19 and the user's waist 24, in use. Each band 31 consist of a connector or connectors 31a for releasably connecting two opposing sections of 5 the band 31. The band 31 may also consists of a slider buckle or other similar mechanism for selectively shortening and lengthening a length of the band. The releasable connector(s) 31a may be snap-fit connectors or any other suitable mechanism. It'll be appreciated that in some embodiments a separate belt may be used to tighten the waist section in situ. The waist section 19 may be reinforced with 10 stronger, heavier and/or thicker material per unit area relative to the upper and/or lower body portions to assist in the support of the weight of a child, when worn. The connector(s) 31a is(are) preferably formed from a sufficiently high strength material such that they are each configured to withstand separation forces of at least approximately 25kgs. More preferably the connector(s) 31a is(are) formed from a 15 material such that they are each configured to withstand separation forces of at least approximately 50kgs. Each connector 31a may be formed from a high density acetate material for example. Other similar strength materials, such as metal based materials may be alternatively be used.

One or more buttons 53 may be provided on one or both sides of the outer layer below the waist section for connecting two halves of lower body portion 15 to enable the lower body portion to be loosened, if necessary. The buttons 53 are preferably longitudinally aligned along each side with the respective length adjustment bands 31 to enable loosening of the lower body portion 15 and waist section 19 25 simultaneously. The buttons 53 may also be formed from similar materials to the fasteners 35a, 36a and/or connector(s) 31a.

The garment 10 may further comprise a hood or other fabric member that can releasably couple the outer garment layer 11 and be used temporarily for covering a 30 supported child, for example, to provide warmth and/or for breast feeding. The garment 10 may further comprise a baby insert for assisting in the support of smaller new born babies. This may include a supportive cushion for a baby's body to rest on.

The upper body portion 14 enables the carrying and support of a child when worn. It 35 comprises the outer garment main body section 39, the shoulder straps 35, 36 and optionally, the inner layer 12. Referring to Figs. 1 and 3, when the garment 10 is worn and a length, L, of the front, upper body portion 39A along the user's torso is

2018101632 30 Oct 2018 appropriately set, a sufficient child-supporting volume may be created between the user's body and the front, upper body portion 39A of the garment 10. This enables the user to support a child within the garment, in a child supporting state of the garment. As previously explained, the length, L, may be adjusted near the shoulder 5 straps 35, 36 at each side to thereby reduce or increase the child supporting volume.

Reducing the child supporting volume will have the effect of either sufficiently restraining a child in a child supporting state of the garment, or holding the front, upper body portion 39A sufficiently close to the user's body to enable a non-childsupporting state of the garment 10.

The optional, inner layer 12 of the garment consists of an area that is similar to the area of a torso 21 of an intended user 20 and acts as a sling or pouch in situ to support a child thereon. When worn, a child 40 can be held between the inner layer 12 of the garment 10 and the user's torso 21. The inner layer 12 is coupled at one 15 end 12a to the waist section 19 of the garment 10 and is free at an opposing end

12b that is configured to locate at or adjacent a user's neck or chest, in use. The free end 12b of the inner layer 12 comprises a pair of longitudinal arms 33, 34 extending from opposing sides. The arms 33 and 34 are configured to releasably couple one another such that the form of the inner layer 12 may be altered to suit the desired 20 function. For example, in a first, garment form (shown in Fig. 4) the arms 33, 34 can be manipulated to extend and couple behind the user's neck. In this form, the garment 10 may function solely or substantially as a garment and is not intended to be used as a child carrying or supporting device, for example. This form may be aesthetically pleasing. In a second, child carrying form (shown in Fig.3), the arms 25 33, 34 may be manipulated to couple in front of the user's chest to act as a neck support to a child 40 that is supported by the inner layer 12. This form may be relatively more functional. In the preferred embodiment, in the second form, the arms 33, 34 also cooperatively couple the upper body portion 14 of the outer garment layer 11 to provide additional strength to the neck support. For example, in this 30 embodiments the arms 33, 34 may be manipulated to loop about the corresponding shoulder straps 35, 36 from an external side of the straps 35, 36 to an internal side, and are coupled at their free ends. The arms 33, 34 may be manipulated to loop about the straps 35, 36 multiple times to alter the length and/or strength of the neck support. In this form, a neck supporting bridge 50 is provided by the inner layer 12 35 that extends substantially across the user's torso 21 and/or the main body 39 of the outer garment 11 in situ. The bridge 50 preferably comprises a sufficient width to provide comfortable support to the neck and/or head of a child 50, in use.

2018101632 30 Oct 2018

In this embodiment, the arms 33 and 34 are formed from a sufficiently flexible fabric such that they may be releasably coupled by tying the free ends of the arms 33 and 34 together into one or more knots to form the bridge 50. In alternative embodiments, other suitable releasable coupling mechanisms may be utilised such as mechanical fasteners, including buckles, connectors and the like. Suitable releasable coupling mechanisms include those that maintain their integrity in a coupled state under the weight of a supported child.

In the second form, the optional inner layer 12 may act in conjunction with the main body 39 and shoulder straps 35, 36 to support the weight of a child against a user's body, such that the user may carry the child hands free. The waist section 19, being firmly held against the user's body, also assists in the support of the weight of a child 40 in this form.

The inner layer 12 is preferably formed from a stretchable fabric comprising an elastic material, such that it may stretch to form a supportive sling for a child, when the garment 10 is worn and used in this manner. Suitable fabrics include cotton, such as a high density stretch cotton jersey knit fabric, polyester-cotton blends, elastane20 cotton blends, bamboo, Spandex, Nylon, polyester, polypropylene, Tencel, wool or any combination thereof. Breathable fabrics are preferred. In this embodiment, the outer garment layer 11 is preferably relatively stronger than the inner layer 12 to thereby provide the necessary strength to support a child's weight, when worn and in use. The garment may be configured to support a weight of a child of at least 25 approximately lOkgs, and more preferably a child up to 18-25Kgs, for example. The outer layer fabric may be relatively stronger, thicker, denser and/or heavier material or materials per unit area, for example. The outer garment layer 11 may be configured to support a weight of a child of at least approximately lOkgs, and more preferably a child up to 18-25Kgs, for example. In this embodiment, a medium or 30 high density denim fabric is used for the outer garment layer 11. However, other suitable fabrics including canvas, linen, chambray, corduroy, hemp, bamboo, Spandex, Nylon, polyester, polypropylene, Tencel, wool, or any combination thereof, may be used in alternative embodiments. The outer layer fabric is the same for both upper and lower portions of the garment, however, these may be different in 35 alternative embodiments, provided the upper portion is of sufficient strength to provide the desired level of support in use. The waist section 19 may be formed from a similar material to the remainder of outer layer 12 but thickened (relative to the

2018101632 30 Oct 2018 upper and lower body portions) to provide additional strength for supporting the weight of a child 40 in use. Alternatively or in addition an integral internal layer of material may be provided within the waist section 19 for added durability, strength and/or stretch in this reason. Ticking fabrics may be suitable but other alternatives 5 may also be used as would be appreciated to those skilled in the art. The bands 31 of the length adjustment mechanism 30 of the waist section 19 may also be formed form the same material as the remainder of the outer layer 12 or an alternative material, such as an elastic material.

The outer garment layer 12 may comprise one or more pockets 52 distributed thereon, such as at the hip, buttock and/or front torso regions of the garment 10.

The buckles and connectors may be formed from a substantially rigid material such as a metal or hard plastics material. Similarly, the connectors may be formed from a substantially rigid material such as a metal or plastics material.

The upper and lower portions of the outer garment 11 are preferably integrally formed such that they cannot be separated. For example, these portions may be sewn, adhered or otherwise fixedly coupled to one another via any suitable mechanism well known in the art. It is preferred that these portions are sewn 20 together at the waist section 19. The inner layer 12 is preferably removably coupled to the outer garment layer 11 such that it is optional, but in some embodiments it may be integrally formed with the outer garment layer and/or similarly fixedly coupled via any suitable mechanism, such as sewing, adhering or the like. The inner layer 12 is sewn to the outer garment layer 11 at the waist section 19.

The garment 10 of the invention provides the following (non-exhaustive) list of advantages:

• It is both a garment and a child carrier meaning it can be worn and selectively used to support a child, without mounting and dismounting of a separate carrier;

• It includes an outer layer that is aesthetically pleasing and that substantially conceal the support mechanism; and • It is simple to use as a child carrier and to switch between supportive and child-free states.

2018101632 30 Oct 2018

Many modifications to the embodiments of the invention disclosed herein may be made, as would be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the accompanying claims.

Claims (22)

1. A child-carrying wearable garment, comprising:

a front, upper body portion configured to extend over a front torso of a user when worn;

a rear, upper body portion configured to extend over a rear torso of the user when worn;

a pair of shoulder straps connected the front upper body portion and rear body portion and configured to extend over the user's shoulders when worn;

a lower body portion configured to extend about and substantially cover at least a pelvic region and part of an upper leg region of the user when worn;

a hip and/or waist portion configured to extend about the user's hips and connecting the front and rear upper body portions with the lower body portion;

wherein, in use, a child is supported within a volume between the user's body and the front, upper body portion;

wherein a length of the front upper body portion between each shoulder strap and the hip portion is adjustable to adjust the child supporting volume between the user's body and the front, upper body portion, in use;

wherein at least the front and rear upper body portions are formed from a material or materials of sufficiently high density to substantially support the weight of a child of at least 10 kilograms in use;

wherein the front, upper body portion and/or rear, upper body portion is/are integrally formed with and/or configured to couple with the lower body portion to thereby form a single garment body configured to extend over upper and lower body portions of the user when worn.

2. A wearable garment as claimed in claim 1 wherein the front and rear body portions, the hip and/or waist portion, the lower body portion and the shoulder straps are formed from a substantially high density denim fabric.

3. A wearable garment as claimed in either claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the hip

35 and/or waist portion is length adjustable to enable relative loosening and tightening of the garment about the user's hips in use.

4. A wearable garment as claimed in any one of claim 1 to claim 3 further comprising one or more shoulder fasteners coupling each of the shoulder straps and the front, upper body portion, and/or one or more hip fasteners at the hip and/or waist portion for locking the hip and/or waist portion at a

5 desired length, and wherein the each of shoulder fasteners and/or hip fasteners are formed from substantially high weight bearing material and/or structure configured to remain in the fastened state and withstand at least approximately 25 kilograms of unfastening force.

2018101632 30 Oct 2018

10 5. A wearable garment as claimed in any one of claim 1 to claim 4 further comprising a head supporting fabric layer configured to extend across a width of the user's body between the shoulder straps in use to substantially support a child's head or neck, in use.

6. A wearable garment having an integral child carrier, comprising:

an outer garment layer configured to extend about at least a front and rear torso of the user when worn; and an inner fabric layer coupled to the outer garment layer;

wherein, in use, the inner fabric layer forms a pouch at a user's torso for supporting a child's body therein between a wearer's body and the inner fabric layer.

7. A wearable garment as claimed in claim 6 wherein the inner fabric layer is configurable between a child-supporting state comprising the pouch for 25 supporting the child therein in use, and a non-child-supporting state in which the inner fabric layer is intended predominantly for aesthetic use as part of the wearable garment.

8. A wearable garment as claimed in claim 7 wherein the inner fabric layer is configured to cover a user's front torso when worn, in the child-supporting state and in the non-child-supporting state.

9. A wearable garment as claimed in any one of the claim 7 or claim 8 wherein the inner fabric layer comprises a neck support portion in the child-supporting 35 state that is separated from the pouch, the neck support portion configured to support the neck and/or head of a child while the pouch supports a body of the child, in use.

2018101632 30 Oct 2018

10. A wearable garment as claimed in claim 9 wherein the neck support portion of the child-supporting state bridges substantially centrally across a width of the outer garment layer.

11. A wearable garment as claimed in claim 9 or claim 10 wherein the neck support portion may be configured to extend about a wearer's neck in the non-child-supporting state.

10

12. A wearable garment as claimed in any one of claim 9 to claim 11 wherein the inner fabric layer consists of a pair of longitudinal arms extending from opposing sides of a main body portion, and wherein in use, the main body forms the pouch and the arms form the neck support portion in the childsupporting state.

13. A wearable garment as claimed in claim 12 wherein free ends of the arms distal from the main body portion are releasably coupled in use to convert the inner fabric layer between the child-supporting state and the non-childsupporting state.

14. A wearable garment as claimed in claim 13 wherein in the child-supporting state the neck support portion is supported on either side by the outer garment layer.

25

15. A wearable garment as claimed in any one of claim 6 to claim 14 wherein the inner fabric layers comprises greater elasticity relative to an adjacent section of the outer garment layer.

16. A wearable garment as claimed in any one of claim 6 to claim 15 wherein the

30 outer garment layer comprises of a greater mass per unit area relative to the inner fabric layer.

17. A wearable garment as claimed in any one of claim 6 to claim 16 wherein the outer garment layer extends over the inner fabric layer.

18. A wearable garment as claimed in any one of claim 6 to claim 17 wherein the outer garment layer comprises an upper body portion having: front and rear

2018101632 30 Oct 2018 panels configured to extend over a wearer's torso and a pair of shoulder straps configured to extend between the front and rear panels and over a user's shoulders, in use.

5

19.A wearable garment as claimed in claim 18 wherein the shoulder straps provides support to a neck support portion of the inner fabric layer configured to support a neck or head of a child, in use, when the inner fabric layer is in the child-supporting state.

10

20. A wearable garment as claimed in claim any one of claim 6 to claim 19 wherein the outer garment layer comprises a waist or hip section that is configured to extend firmly around a user's lower waist or hip, when worn, and an adjustment mechanism for adjusting a length of the waist or hip section, in use.

21. A wearable garment as claimed in any one of claim 6 to claim 20 wherein the outer garment layer comprises an upper body portion and a lower body portion that are integrally formed or configured to releasably couple one another such that the portions form a single garment layer.

22. A wearable garment as claimed in any one of claim 6 to claim 21 wherein the inner fabric layer is removably coupled at a lower end to the outer garment layer.