U.S. patent application number 11/842793 was filed with the patent office on 2008-02-28 for child carrier.
Invention is credited to Christine Price.
Application Number | 20080047987 11/842793 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39112418 |
Filed Date | 2008-02-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080047987 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Price; Christine |
February 28, 2008 |
CHILD CARRIER
Abstract
The present invention is a carrier useful for supporting the
weight of a child on the hips of a wearer. The child carrier
includes a belt having an attached seat that is intended to be worn
near the wearer's waist. A child may thus sit on the seat facing
the child carrier wearer. In one embodiment, the rigid form is not
removable from the belt pouch. In another embodiment, the seat
includes a rigid form that is removable from the belt pouch. This
structure allows for easy cleaning of the belt and seat pouch. In
another embodiment, the seat is substantially rigid and includes
one or more seat surfaces having a softer cover. This provides for
a comfortable fit for the wearer and a comfortable seat for the
child. In yet another embodiment, the belt is wide near the seat,
effectively distributing the child's weight on the wearer's
hips.
Inventors: |
Price; Christine; (Los
Angeles, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
STEVEN VOSEN
1563 SOLANO AVENUE #206
BERKELEY
CA
94707
US
|
Family ID: |
39112418 |
Appl. No.: |
11/842793 |
Filed: |
August 21, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60823642 |
Aug 26, 2006 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
224/159 ;
224/158; 224/664 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47D 13/025
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
224/159 ;
224/158; 224/664 |
International
Class: |
A47D 13/02 20060101
A47D013/02 |
Claims
1. A seat form for a carrier to be supported in the pouch of an
apparatus securable about a wearer, said seat form comprising: a
contoured member of substantially rigid material, where said
contoured member is adapted to fit within the pouch.
2. The seat form of claim 1, where said contoured member includes
polyurethane.
3. The seat form of claim 1, where said contoured member includes
at least a partial cover of a compressible material.
4. The seat form of claim 3, where said compressible material is a
foam.
5. The seat form of claim 1, where said contoured member, when
supported in the pouch and secured about the wearer, has a concave
surface adjacent to the wearer.
6. The seat form of claim 5, where said concave surface is
substantially covered with a compressible material.
7. The seat form of claim 5, where said contoured member, when
supported in the pouch and secured about the wearer, has an at
least partially concave surface that extends substantially
perpendicular from the wearer.
8. The seat of claim 7, where said surface is substantially covered
with a compressible material.
9. A form seat for a carrier to be supported in the pouch of an
apparatus securable about a wearer, said seat form comprising: a
contoured member of substantially rigid material having at least a
partial cover of a compressible material, where said contoured
member is adapted to fit within the pouch.
10. The seat of claim 9, where said contoured member includes
polyurethane.
11. The seat of claim 9, where said compressible material is a
foam.
12. The seat of claim 9, where said contoured member, when
supported in the pouch and secured about the wearer, has a concave
surface adjacent to the wearer.
13. The seat of claim 12, where said concave surface is
substantially covered with a compressible material.
14. The seat of claim 9, where said contoured member, when
supported in the pouch and secured about the wearer, has an at
least partially concave surface that extends substantially
perpendicular from the wearer.
15. The seat of claim 14, where said surface is substantially
covered with a compressible material.
16. A child carrier to be worn about the waist of a wearer, said
child carrier comprising: a pouch securable about the waist; and a
contoured member of substantially rigid material contained within
said pouch.
17. The child carrier of claim 16, where said contoured member
includes polyurethane.
18. The child carrier of claim 16, where said contoured member
includes at least a partial cover of a compressible material.
19. The child carrier of claim 18, where said compressible material
is a foam.
20. The child carrier of claim 16, further including a mechanism to
secure said contoured member within said pouch.
21. The child carrier of claim 20, further including a pouch top,
and where said mechanism includes a fastener to fasten said pouch
and said pouch top.
22. The child carrier of claim 21, where said fastener includes a
zipper.
23. The child carrier of claim 16, where said contoured member is
not removably insertable into said pouch.
24. The child carrier of claim 16, where said contoured member is
removable from said pouch.
25. The child carrier of claim 16, where said contoured member has
a surface adjacent to the wearer, where said surface has a shape
that is concave.
26. The child carrier of claim 25, where said surface is
substantially covered with a compressible material.
27. The child carrier of claim 16, where said contoured member has
a surface that extends substantially perpendicular the wearer, and
where said surface has a shape that is concave.
28. The child carrier of claim 27, where said surface is
substantially covered with a compressible material.
29. The child carrier of claim 16, further comprising a strip of
flexible material fastenable about the waist and supporting said
pouch.
30. The child carrier of claim 29, where said strip has a length
and a width, and where the width varies along said length.
31. The child carrier of claim 30, where the width varies between a
maximum width and a minimum width, and where the pouch is
positioned between said maximum width and said minimum width.
32. A belt for a child carrier worn about the waist of a wearer and
adapted to accept a contoured member to support a child, said belt
comprising: a strip of flexible material fastenable about the
waist, where said strip has a length and a width, and where the
width varies along said length; and a pouch supported by said strip
and sized to contain the contoured member.
33. The belt of claim 32, where the width varies between a maximum
width and a minimum width, and where said pouch is positioned
between said maximum width and said minimum width.
34. The belt of claim 32, where the contoured member is
substantially rigid.
35. The belt of claim 32, where said contoured member is not
removably insertable into said pouch.
36. The belt of claim 32, where said contoured member is removable
from said pouch.
37. The belt of claim 32, where said belt further includes a
fastening mechanism to secure an accepted contoured member in said
belt.
38. The belt of claim 37, where said fastening mechanism includes a
zipper.
39. The belt of claim 32, where said contoured member is not
removable from said pouch.
40. The belt of claim 32, where the accepted contoured member has a
surface adjacent to the wearer, where said first surface has a
shape that is concave.
41. The belt of claim 40, where said surface is substantially
covered with a compressible material.
42. The belt of claim 32, where the accepted contoured member has a
surface that extends substantially perpendicular to the wearer, and
where said surface has a shape that is concave.
43. The belt of claim 42, where said surface is substantially
covered with a compressible material.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/823,642 filed Aug. 26, 2006, the entire contents
of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein and made part
of this specification.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention generally relates to an apparatus for
carrying a child, and more particularly to an apparatus for
supporting the weight of a child on a wearer's hip.
[0004] 2. Discussion of the Background
[0005] There are many devices that have been used for carrying
children. These include, for example, slings and backpacks. One
particularly natural way to carry a child old enough to sit upright
is to support their weight on the hips while they face the wearer.
Since this stance may be tiring for the person carrying the child,
devices have been developed to assist in carrying children.
[0006] Hip support devices include rigid or padded seats for
attachment to belts and integrated belt and seat designs. Each of
these designs has problems. Thus, for example, standard belts are
rather narrow and can result in large forces on the wearer's waist
or hips. Many of the prior art designs are not comfortable for the
child, while others are not easily cleanable.
[0007] There is a need in the art for a child carrier that is
comfortable for both the child and the person carrying the child.
There is also a need in the art for a child carrier that is easily
cleanable. Such a device should be simple and inexpensive, and
comfortable.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Certain embodiments described herein overcome the
disadvantages of prior art by providing a seat that is worn on a
belt and that rests on the hips. In one embodiment, the child
carrier includes a belt that is adjustable and has a width that
helps to distribute weight on the hips of the wearer, where the
child carrier is useful for carrying a child in an upright
position. In another embodiment, the child carrier includes a
contoured member that fits within a pouch of a belt.
[0009] In certain embodiments, a child carrier is provided that is
worn around the waist like a belt. In one embodiment, the belt can
be adjusted for a comfortable, personalized fit. The belt strap
loops through a D-ring, folds over, and fastens with Velcro for a
secure fit. The child is then placed on the hip seat straddling the
wearer's hip with one leg in front and one behind. The hip seat
provides ample cushion and back support for the child creating a
more comfortable ride for both the wearer and the child. The child
carrier can be constructed, for example and without limitation, of
leather, jacquard, or denim.
[0010] In certain embodiments, a child carrier is provided that is
easily cleaned. In one embodiment, the child carrier includes a
belt with a pouch having a removable seat form. With the seat form
removed, the remainder of the child carrier may be easily
washed.
[0011] In certain other embodiments, the child carrier includes a
belt having a pouch that contains a non-removable seat form.
[0012] In certain embodiments, a seat form is provided for a pouch
of an apparatus securable about the waist of a wearer and adapted
to support a child. The seat form includes a contoured member of
substantially rigid material, where the contoured member is adapted
to fit within the pouch. It is preferable, though not necessary,
for one or more of the surfaces of the seat from that fit against
the wearer's hips or that support the child to be padded.
[0013] In certain other embodiments, a child carrier to be worn
about the waist of a wearer is provided. The child carrier includes
a pouch securable about the waist and a contoured member of
substantially rigid material contained within the pouch.
[0014] In certain embodiments, a belt for a child carrier worn
about the waist of a wearer and adapted to accept a contoured
member to support a child is provided. The belt includes a strip of
flexible material fastenable about the waist, where the strip has a
length and a width, and where the width varies along the length,
and a pouch supported by the strip and sized to contain the
contoured member.
[0015] These features together with the various ancillary
provisions and features which will become apparent to those skilled
in the art from the following detailed description, are attained by
various embodiments of the present invention, preferred embodiments
thereof being shown with reference to the accompanying drawings, by
way of example only, wherein:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING
[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a child carrier supporting a
child;
[0017] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a child
carrier;
[0018] FIG. 2B is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment
of a child carrier;
[0019] FIGS. 3A and 3B are views of the child carrier of FIG. 1,
where FIG. 3A is a view of the first surface and FIG. 3B is a view
of the second surface;
[0020] FIGS. 4A and 4B are perspective views of one embodiment of a
seat form, where FIG. 4A is a view of the seat and FIG. 4B is an
exploded view of the seat components;
[0021] FIG. 5 is a sectional view 5-5 of FIG. 4A; and
[0022] FIGS. 6, 7, and 8 are a side view, a top view, and a front
view, respectively, of one embodiment of the seat form.
[0023] Reference symbols are used in the Figures to indicate
certain components, aspects or features shown therein, with
reference symbols common to more than one Figure indicating like
components, aspects or features shown therein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0024] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a child
carrier 100 having a portion forming a belt 120 and a portion
forming a seat 110. As shown in FIG. 1, child carrier 100 may be
used by an adult A to support a child C. In a preferred embodiment,
belt 120 can be adjustably securable about the torso of a wearer,
indicated as an adult A, such that all, or at least some portion,
of the weight of a supported child C is transferred to the wearer's
hips or legs.
[0025] Certain embodiments will now be described in terms of a
child carrier having a belt with an integrated pouch that is sized
to contain a contoured member. The following examples are
illustrative, and are not meant to limit the scope of the present
invention.
[0026] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an embodiment child carrier
100. Belt 120 has a first surface 123, a surface 125 and a belt
fastener 121 for adjusting the belt. Surface 123 is generally an
outer surface of belt 120 and surface 125 is generally an inner
surface of the belt. Seat 110, which protrudes from belt 120,
includes a pouch 130 that includes a pocket 131 having an opening
132 and pouch top 133 that are sized to accommodate a seat form
200. In one embodiment, the majority of belt 120 and pouch 130 are
formed from a flexible material including, but not limited to,
leather, or a natural or synthetic webbing, jacquard, or denim.
Alternatively belt 120 and pouch 130 are formed from a single piece
material, or are formed from three or more separate pieces that are
either permanently or removably attached. In another alternative
embodiment, pouch 130 does not have a pouch top 133, and seat form
200 has a top surface on which the child sits.
[0027] Pocket 131 and pouch top 133 may be separated or joined to
close the opening using a fastener 134, and a portion of belt 120
bounded by a seam 139. Seam 139 is preferably a sewn seam or,
alternatively, is an adhesive bond. The fastener 134 of the
embodiment of FIG. 2A is a zipper having a first strip 135 along an
edge of pouch top 133 and a second strip 137 along an edge of
pocket 131. Pouch 130 and seat form 200 are sized such that the
seat form is removable from the pouch and fits without much
movement inserted into opening 132 and the pouch is fastened with
fastener 134. Fastener 134, may thus be opened, as shown in FIG.
2A, so that seat form 200 may be placed inside or removed from the
pouch. Fastener 134 may also be closed while containing seat form
200, as shown in FIG. 1. Seat form 200 includes a rigid portion to
hold the shape of pouch 130, when the pouch is closed, to form seat
110 as shown, for example, in FIG. 1. In an alternative embodiment,
a portion or all of either pocket 131 or pouch top 133 is integral
with belt 120.
[0028] FIG. 2B is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment
child carrier 100 which may be generally similar to the embodiment
of FIG. 2A, except as further detailed below. Where possible,
similar elements are identified with identical reference numerals
in the depiction of the embodiments of FIGS. 1, 2A and 2B.
[0029] In child carrier 100 of FIG. 2B, seat 110 includes a pouch
230 that contains seat form 200. Pouch 230 is generally similar to
pouch 130, except that pouch 230 does not contain any fastening
means for easily opening and/or closing the pouch. Seat form 200
may, for example and without limitation, be inserted between pouch
230 and belt 120 during the manufacturing of child carrier 100 of
FIG. 2B. Pouch 230 may be a single piece or may be formed from two
or more pieces that are joined together and sealed along seam 139.
In an alternative embodiment, a portion or all of pouch 230 is
integral with belt 120.
[0030] One embodiment of child carrier 100, and more specifically
an embodiment of belt fastener 121, are shown in more detail in the
views of FIGS. 3A and 3B, where FIG. 3A is a view of the first
surface 123, and FIG. 3B is a view of the second surface 125. Belt
120 extends from a first end 301 to a second end 303. First end 301
is adjacent to a first fastening surface 309 covering a portion
307. A second fastening surface 311 extends from first fastening
surface 309 towards pouch 130. Second end 303 includes a rigid loop
305, that may be, for example, a D-ring formed of a rigid material
such as a metal.
[0031] Belt fastener 121 includes first fastening surface 309,
second fastening surface 311 and loop 305. First fastening surface
309 and second fastening surface 311 are matching surfaces forming
a hook-and-loop fastener. Belt 120 is fastened by threading end 301
from the inside to the outside through loop 305 and placing portion
307 against second fastening surface 311. While belt fastener 121
preferably uses a hook-and-loop fastener, as described, it may
alternatively include other fasteners useful for a belt including,
but not limited to, a buckle, snaps, or laces.
[0032] In one embodiment, the length L of belt 120 is from 40 to 70
inches. In another embodiment, the length L is approximately 50
inches. The length LF of each matching surface 309 and 301 is from
10 to 20 inches. In another embodiment, the length LF is
approximately 15 inches. The maximum width W1 of belt 120, which is
in the central portion of the belt, is from 6 to 15 inches. In
another embodiment, the width W1 is approximately 8 inches. It is
preferred, though not required, that pouch 130 is between the
center and edge of belt 130. The minimum width W2 of belt 120,
which is near the ends, is from 3 to 8 inches. In another
embodiment, the width W2 is approximately 4 inches. In one
embodiment, loop 305 is a 4 inch D-ring.
[0033] FIGS. 4A and 4B are perspective views of one embodiment seat
form 200, where FIG. 4A is a view of the seat and FIG. 4B is an
exploded view of the seat components and FIG. 5 is a sectional view
5-5 of FIG. 4A. Seat inert 200 includes a contoured member 401
having a top surface 402, an inside surface 403, and a bottom
surface 406, a top cover 403 on the top surface and an inside cover
405 in the inside surface. Preferably contoured member 401 is a
rigid structure and top cover 403 and inside cover 405 are of a
softer material. When seat form 200 is placed within pouch 130, top
cover 403 fits against pouch top 133, bottom surface 406 fits
against pocket 131, and inside surface 404 fits against belt 120.
In addition, top cover 403 is shaped and sized to support the seat
of a child C whose feet are in the direction of inside surface as
shown, for example, in FIG. 1, and inside cover 405 is shaped and
sized to be comfortable against the body of an adult A wearing
child carrier 100, as in FIG. 1. In one embodiment, top cover 403
and inside cover 405 are foam pads of thickness t that are glued on
to contoured member 401. In one embodiment, top cover 403 and
inside cover 405 is foam with a thickness t of from 0.5 inch to 1.5
inch. In one embodiment the thickness t is 1 inch. In one
embodiment, contoured member 401 is a plastic including, but not
limited to, molded polyurethane. While FIG. 5 shows contoured
member 401 to be a solid piece bounded by surfaces 402, 404, and
406, it is most important that the contoured member be sufficiently
rigid to support the weight of a child without breaking. In
addition, for use in a carrier such as child carrier 100 it is
preferred that it fit snuggly within pouch 130. Thus surfaces 402,
404, and 406 may, for example, may be bounding surfaces of
contoured member 401 which may include hollowed out portions.
[0034] FIGS. 6, 7, and 8 are a side view, a top view, and a front
view, respectively, of contoured member 401, showing one embodiment
of the shape of the form. As shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 6, 7,
and 8, bottom surface 406 includes an approximately planar base 601
with a depth F and a width D, a vertical surface 605, and a
transition surface 603 having a height B between the base and
vertical surface. Top surface 402 has a curved shape from inside
surface 404 to an edge 607 where the top surface and bottom surface
406 meet. Inside surface 404 is curved in one direction, with a
height C that is concavely curved along width D and having a depth
G. The curved shape of top surface 402 is sized to fit against top
surface 133 and facilitates its use as a seat as, for example, by
child C of FIG. 1, the curved shape of inside surface 404 is shaped
to fit against belt 120 and facilitates its use as a support
surface as, for example, by adult A of FIG. 1, and the shape of
bottom surface 406 is shaped to fit against pocket 131.
[0035] The dimensions and shape of contoured member 401 are
selected to fit a range of children and adults. In one embodiment
which is not meant to limit the scope of the present invention, the
approximate dimensions of A, B, C, D, E, F, and G are: A=7.5
inches, B=4 inches, C=5 inches, D=7.6 inches, E=8 inches, F=3
inches, and G=1.5 inches. As noted previously, pouch 130 is sized
to accommodate seat form 200, with fastener 134 long enough to
insert and remove seat form 200. Thus, for example, in one
embodiment first strip 135 and second strip 137 are slightly longer
that the length of edge 607.
[0036] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment"
or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or
characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is
included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the
phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places
throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to
the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features,
structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable
manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art
from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments.
[0037] Similarly, it should be appreciated that in the above
description of exemplary embodiments, various features are
sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or
description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure
and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various
inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be
interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention
requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim.
Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in
less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment.
Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description are hereby
expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each
claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment.
* * * * *