U.S. patent application number 11/749067 was filed with the patent office on 2008-11-20 for reversible infant carrier.
Invention is credited to Jessica A. Miller, Michael A. Parness.
Application Number | 20080283559 11/749067 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39709079 |
Filed Date | 2008-11-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080283559 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Parness; Michael A. ; et
al. |
November 20, 2008 |
REVERSIBLE INFANT CARRIER
Abstract
A reversible infant carrier adaptable for selectively carrying
the infant in the front or the back of the wearer with proper back
and abdomen support includes an anterior support panel and a
posterior support panel linked thereto. There is further provided a
pair of adjustable shoulder harnesses attached to the anterior
support panel, and a support belt slidably extendible through the
anterior support panel including a lumbar support pad and an
abdomen support sleeve.
Inventors: |
Parness; Michael A.; (San
Diego, CA) ; Miller; Jessica A.; (La Mesa,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
STETINA BRUNDA GARRED & BRUCKER
75 ENTERPRISE, SUITE 250
ALISO VIEJO
CA
92656
US
|
Family ID: |
39709079 |
Appl. No.: |
11/749067 |
Filed: |
May 15, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
224/159 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47D 13/025
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
224/159 |
International
Class: |
A47D 13/02 20060101
A47D013/02 |
Claims
1. A reversible infant carrying apparatus comprising: an anterior
support panel including a lateral sleeve; a posterior support panel
linked to the anterior support panel; a pair of shoulder harnesses
each defining opposed ends both attached to the anterior support
panel to define a loop relationship, each shoulder harness being
engageable to the posterior support panel; and a support belt
slidably extended through the lateral sleeve, the support belt
defining a first connector end engageable to an opposed second
connector end to maintain a looped configuration about the abdomen
and back of a wearer; wherein the anterior support panel, the
posterior support panel, and the pair of shoulder harnesses
collectively define a compartment within which an infant is
supported, the compartment being alternately positionable on the
abdomen and the back of the wearer.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the posterior support panel
includes a pair of head support extensions and a pair of first body
support extensions; and each of the shoulder harnesses include a
second body support extension engageable to a one of the pair of
first body support extensions and a head support linkage strap
engageable to a one of the pair of head support extensions.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the pair of first and second
body support extensions are engageable to each other with hook and
loop connectors.
4. The apparatus of claim 3, further comprising: a pair of first
auxiliary body support straps each attached to a one of the pair of
first body support extensions; and a pair of second auxiliary body
support straps each attached to a one of the pair of second body
support extensions; wherein each of the first auxiliary body
support straps are removably engageable to a corresponding one of
the second auxiliary body support straps.
5. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the head support linkage
straps are defined by a first segment attached to the shoulder
harness and including a female connector, and a second segment
attached to the head support extension and including a male
connector removably engageable to the female connector.
6. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein each of the shoulder harnesses
includes: a primary segment including the second body support
extension and the head support linkage strap; and a secondary
segment adjustably coupled to the primary segment with a
buckle.
7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the primary segments of a left
one and a right one of the pair of shoulder harnesses are arranged
in a v-shaped relationship and converging upon the anterior support
panel.
8. The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising: first and second
elongate, tubular shoulder pad sleeve selectively positionable
along the primary segment of a respective one of the pair of
shoulder harnesses and axially rotatable thereabout, the tubular
shoulder pad having a cushioning material.
9. The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising: a selectively
engageable cross connector linking the primary segments of a left
one and a right one of the pair of shoulder harnesses.
10. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a lumbar support
pad affixed to the support belt, the lumbar support pad being
slidably engaged to the lateral sleeve of the anterior support
panel.
11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the lumbar support pad
includes a straight middle portion, and opposed outer portions
angled to conform to the back of the wearer.
12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the support belt is defined
by a first segment to which the lumbar support pad is affixed, and
a second segment having a first end coupled to the first segment
with a threaded adjustable buckle and a second end coupled to the
first segment with a locking connector.
13. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising: a tubular
abdomen support sleeve selectively positionable along the second
segment of the support belt between the first end and the second
end thereof, the tubular abdoment support sleeve being sized and
configured for slidable engagement within the lateral sleeve of the
anterior support panel.
14. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: an adjustable
length coupling strip linking the anterior support panel and the
posterior support panel.
15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein: the coupling strip is
defined by a proximal end fixed to the anterior support panel and a
distal end fixed to the posterior support panel; a proximal end
portion includes a first element of an interlocking adjustment
fastener and a first element of an interlocking auxiliary fastener;
a distal end portion includes a second element of the interlocking
adjustment fastener engageable to the first element of the
interlocking adjustment fastener, and a second element of the
interlocking auxiliary fastener engageable to the first element of
the interlocking auxiliary fastener; the length of the coupling
strip being reduced by the length between otherwise disengaged
first and second elements of the interlocking adjustment fastener
upon engaging the first element of the interlocking adjustment
fastener to the second element of the interlocking adjustment
fastener.
16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the interlocking adjustment
fastener is a zipper and the interlocking auxiliary fastener is a
snap button.
17. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the posterior support panel
further defines: an inner surface and an opposed outer surface; and
an intermediate section between the head support extensions and the
first body support extensions, the intermediate section having a
left edge and an opposed right edge.
18. The apparatus of claim 17, further comprising: a first cinching
strap disposed in proximity to the left edge of the intermediate
section on the outer surface and including a first interlocking
fastener element; a second cinching strap disposed in proximity to
the right edge of the intermediate section on the outer surface,
the second cinching strap including a plurality of second
interlocking fastener elements arranged in a spaced relationship;
wherein the first interlocking fastener element is selectively
engageable to any one of the plurality of the second interlocking
fastener elements to reduce the width between the left edge and the
right edge.
19. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the outer surface of the
posterior support panel includes a storage pocket.
20. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the posterior support panel
further defines a combination head support and bib portion separate
from the intermediate section, the combination head support and bib
portion being selectively attachable to the intermediate section.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not Applicable
STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] 1. Technical Field
[0004] The present disclosure relates generally to carrying and
support devices. More particularly, the present disclosure relates
to shoulder harness devices for on-the-body carry of infants and
small children. The present disclosure further relates to
reversible infant carriers adaptable for carrying the infant on the
front side or the back side of the wearer.
[0005] 2. Related Art
[0006] It is common practice for parents and other caregivers to
carry infants and toddlers, and there is a variety of well-known
devices suitable to this end. Such infant-carrying devices include
carriages, strollers, pushchairs, and car seats, which are separate
units particularly configured for holding the infant or toddler
independent of the parent/caregiver adult. The adult, in turn,
holds and transports the device with handles and other attachments
thereof. Alternatively, there are devices known in the art
configured to be worn by the adult for on-the-body carrying of the
infant or toddler, including slings, wraps, pouches, and
backpack-like shoulder strap devices.
[0007] Historically, the practice of carrying infants and toddlers
on the body of the parent/caregiver is more prevalent in
traditional cultures, and indeed, most basic slings and wraps are
derivations of long-established designs originating therefrom.
Earlier, in industrialized cultures, it was deemed to be
detrimental to the development of the child to experience too much
physical contact with the parents or caregivers. Thus, carrying
infants and toddlers in a manner that would entail the same is
relatively uncommon in such cultures. However, these views are
increasingly being challenged on the basis that there are numerous
developmental benefits to the child. Additionally, there are
immediate benefits to the parent/caregiver, including the freedom
to use both hands while monitoring and caring for the child being
carried. Thus, care may be provided to other children
simultaneously, strain and fatigue on the arms, back, and shoulders
may be reduced, and household chores may be completed while
monitoring the child. Moreover, cumbersome and bulky strollers need
not be deployed in potentially dangerous places such as crowded
city sidewalks and public transportation systems. Therefore,
on-the-body carrying of children is growing in popularity.
[0008] As explained above, there are a number of basic
configurations for infant carriers suitable for on-the-body carry,
including slings, wraps, and shoulder strap carriers. Though
simpler in construction, slings and wraps are not as popular as
infant carriers that incorporate shoulder straps, due in part to
the difficulty associated with proper wear. Among infant carriers
with shoulder straps, there are those with frames fashioned after
conventional backpacks. Accordingly, such framed carriers typically
support the child on the back of the wearer. Also, there are
frameless or soft-sided carriers that support the child on the
front or chest of the wearer such as that contemplated in U.S. Pat.
No. 6,763,983 to Norman, as well as those that support the child on
the hip of the wearer such as that contemplated in U.S. Pat. No.
5,813,580 to Fair.
[0009] There are a number of positions and orientations in which
the child may be carried, each being appropriate for different
circumstances. For example, where there is a need for increased
monitoring, the child may be carried on the front of, and facing
backwards to, the parent or caregiver. Further, while frolicking
about, completing errands, or otherwise participating in activity
that takes the child out of the home, a greater degree of
interaction with the surrounding environment may be offered by
carrying the child in the front of, and facing forward along the
same perspective as, the parent or caregiver. However, due to
increased exposure to hazards considering that the body of the
parent/caregiver does not shield the child, it may be inappropriate
in certain circumstances to carry the child in the front.
[0010] Unfortunately, existing infant carriers are lacking in a
number of different respects, namely, the capability of
interchangeably carrying the child in the front as well as the back
in a desired orientation. The level of discomfort experienced by
those who utilize wearable infant carriers also represents yet
another deficiency, in that there is placed a substantial load on
the abdomen and back of the wearer with insufficient support.
Improper weight distribution puts a strain on the shoulders, and
may lead to serious injury. Instead of experiencing a sudden
injury, inadequate lower back and abdomen support may develop into
or exacerbate chronic medical conditions. Along theses lines,
discomfort to the child may result from an inadequate fit with the
carrier. Though large differences in the size of infants and
toddlers may be accounted for by carriers of incrementally larger
sizes, conventional infant carriers cannot be adjusted for minor
shape and size differences. This may result in chafing, strain, and
discomfort, or worse, such as suffocation, or abnormal development
of muscle and bone structures.
[0011] Accordingly, there is a need in the art for an improved
infant carrier that can be switched to carry the child between a
number of positions and orientations. Additionally, there is a need
for an infant carrier that provides proper support and comfort to
the wearer and the child, which can be appropriately converted in
accordance with each such positions and orientations. There is also
a need in the art for an infant carrier having minor dimensional
adjustments that accommodate varying body shapes and sizes.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, there
is provided a reversible infant carrying apparatus that is adapted
to support an infant or toddler on an adult wearer. The carrying
apparatus in accordance with such an embodiment includes an
anterior support panel with a lateral sleeve. Furthermore, there is
a posterior support panel that is linked to the anterior support
panel. There are a pair of shoulder harnesses, with each defining
opposed ends that are attached to the anterior support panel to
define a loop relationship. Each shoulder harness is also
engageable to the posterior support panel. Further included in the
infant carrying apparatus is a support belt that is slidably
extended through the lateral sleeve, with the support belt defining
a first connector end engageable to an opposed second connector
end. Thus, a looped configuration about the abdomen and back of the
wearer is maintained. That the support is slidably extended
achieves proper support for the wearer when carrying the infant in
the front or the back. The anterior support panel, the posterior
support panel, and the pair of shoulder harnesses collectively
define a compartment within which the infant is supported.
[0013] The present invention will be best understood by reference
to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with
the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] These and other features and advantages of the various
embodiments disclosed herein will be better understood with respect
to the following description and drawings, in which:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of an infant carrier
constructed in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention, the infant carrier holding an infant and being worn on
the back of an adult;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the infant carrier being
worn on the front of the adult with the infant facing backwards
toward the adult;
[0017] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the infant carrier being
worn on the front of the adult with the infant facing forwards;
[0018] FIG. 4 is a detailed perspective view of the infant carrier
including an anterior support panel, a posterior support panel,
shoulder harnesses, and a support belt in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 5 is a side plan view of the infant carrier showing the
configuration of a head support extension and a body support
extension in relation to the shoulder harness;
[0020] FIG. 6 is a front plan view of the infant carrier showing
the attachment of the left and right shoulder harnesses including
primary and secondary segments thereof;
[0021] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing details of the support
belt including a lumbar support pad and a tubular abdomen support
sleeve;
[0022] FIG. 8 is a side cross-sectional view of a portion of the
anterior support panel and the posterior support panel taken along
axis A-A of FIG. 4 with an adjustable length coupling strip that
links the two in a first configuration;
[0023] FIG. 9 is a side cross-sectional view of the adjustable
length coupling strip taken along axis A-A of FIG. 4 in a second
configuration;
[0024] FIG. 10 is a bottom plan view of the adjustable length
coupling strip in the second configuration; and
[0025] FIG. 11 is a rear plan view of the infant carrier in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0026] Common reference numerals are used throughout the drawings
and the detailed description to indicate the same elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0027] The detailed description set forth below in connection with
the appended drawings is intended as a description of the presently
preferred embodiment of the invention, and is not intended to
represent the only form in which the present invention may be
constructed or utilized. The description sets forth the functions
of the invention in connection with the illustrated embodiment. It
is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions
may be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended
to be encompassed within the scope of the invention. It is further
understood that the use of relational terms such as first and
second, top and bottom, and the like are used solely to distinguish
one from another entity without necessarily requiring or implying
any actual such relationship or order between such entities.
[0028] With reference to FIG. 1, an infant carrier 10 in accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention is shown being worn by
an adult 12, and carrying an infant 14. The adult 12 is understood
to be a parent or other like caregiver, though it will be
appreciated that the specific identity of the adult 12 has no
particular significance to the present invention. Generally, it is
to be understood that the adult 12 is a mature human capable of
wearing the infant carrier 10 and bearing the weight of the infant
14 supported thereby, and the term wearer may also be used to refer
to the same. Along these lines, it is understood that while
particular reference will be made to the infant 14, this is by way
of exemplary simplification only, and not of limitation. It is
contemplated that small children from newborns to toddlers may also
be supported by the infant carrier 10. Accordingly, when referring
to the infant carrier 10, it is understood that such reference name
is not intended to limit the carrying capabilities to strictly
infants (children about a year old).
[0029] There are a number of positions and orientations in which
the infant 14 may be carried with the infant carrier 10. As shown
in FIG. 1, the infant carrier 10 may be worn such that the infant
14 is positioned on a back 16 of the adult 12 as shown in FIG. 1.
This style of wear is referred to herein as back carry.
Additionally, as shown in FIG. 2, the infant carrier 10 may be worn
such that the infant 14 is positioned on the front or abdomen 18 of
the adult 12, referred to herein as front carry. In accordance with
one embodiment of the present invention, the infant carrier 10 is
configured in a manner that may be switched between front carry and
back carry as will be described in further detail below. As
indicated above, it is contemplated that the infant carrier 10 may
support a range of children from newborns, infants, to toddlers.
Though the particular age of the child is inconsequential, it is to
be understood that in the front carry position, the infant carrier
10 may support a child of approximately 7 to 26 lbs., while in the
back carry position, the infant carrier 10 may support a child of
up to 36 lbs. In addition to providing front and back carry
capabilities, the infant carrier 10 is contemplated as being able
to support the infant 14 in the back-facing orientation as shown in
FIG. 2, as well as the front-facing orientation as shown in FIG. 3.
As described in the background above, the back-facing orientation
allows the adult 12 to easily monitor infant 14 during, for
example, sleeping or eating times. On the other hand, the
front-facing orientation may facilitate a greater degree of
interaction with the environment. Further details relating to
switching between such orientations will be described in further
detail below.
[0030] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the infant carrier 10 according
to one embodiment of the present invention has an anterior support
panel 20 that includes a lateral sleeve 22. Additionally, the
infant carrier 10 includes a posterior support panel 24 that is
linked to the anterior support panel 20. There is also included a
pair of shoulder harnesses 26, specifically, a left shoulder
harness 26a and a right shoulder harness 26b. Each of the opposed
ends 28, 30 of the shoulder harnesses 26 terminate at the anterior
support panel 20, and defines a loop relationship. Unless otherwise
noted, in subsequent references to sub-elements of features
provided in pairs such as the shoulder harnesses 26, such
sub-elements are understood to be included in both instances of
that feature. By way of example only, the foregoing opposed ends
28, 30 are understood to be present in both the left shoulder
harness 26a and the right shoulder harness 26b. In addition to the
linkage points of the opposed ends 28, 30, the shoulder harnesses
26 are engageable to the posterior support panel 24. As an
additional modality for support for the adult 12, the infant
carrier 10 includes a support belt 32 slidably extended through the
lateral sleeve 22. Generally, the support belt 32 serves as a
safety and counterbalance to the shoulder harnesses 26 to ensure
that the weight of the infant 14 is distributed equally along the
back 16 of the adult 12. The support belt 32 defines a first
connector end 34 engageable to an opposed second connector end 36
to maintain a looped configuration about the abdomen 18 and the
back 16 of the adult 12. Generally, the anterior support panel 20,
the posterior support panel 24, and the pair of shoulder harnesses
26 collectively define a compartment 38, within which the infant 14
is supported.
[0031] With further particularity, the posterior support panel 24
includes a pair of head support extensions 40, as well as a pair of
first body support extensions 42. As shown in FIG. 4, the posterior
support panel 24 is generally flat, with the head support
extensions 40 and the first body support extensions 42 being bent
almost perpendicularly to the flat portion so that it may be
directly coupled to the respective one of the shoulder harnesses
26.
[0032] Referring additionally to FIG. 5, the shoulder harness 26
has affixed thereto a first head support linkage strap 44 having a
proximal end 46 that is permanently sewn on to the shoulder harness
26, and a distal end 48 coupled to a female connector 50. The
female connector 50 is receptive to a male connector 52, which is
coupled to a second head support linkage strap 54 that defines a
proximal end 56 and an opposed distal end 58. The proximal end 56
is attached to the head support extension 40, and the remainder of
the second head support linkage strap 54 is threaded through a
bracket 60. In this regard, the length between the head support
extension 40 and the shoulder harness 26 may be adjusted as
desired, subject to the limits of available slack. It will be
appreciated by those having ordinary skill in the art that the
female connector 50 and the male connector 52 may be any one of
known selectively engageable connector types.
[0033] With regard to the linkage of the first body support
extension 42 to the shoulder harness 26, fixed to the shoulder
harness 26 is a second body support extension 62 that is configured
for secured attachment to the first body support extension 42. The
second body support extension 62 is shaped and positioned along the
shoulder harness 26 to be overlapping the first body support
extension 42. Generally, it is contemplated that the first and
second body support extensions 42, 62 are to be removably attached
using conventional hook and loop connectors. By way of example, the
first body support extension 42 may have a first strip 64 comprised
of a plurality of miniature hooks, while the second body support
extension 62 may have a second strip 66 comprised of a plurality of
miniature loops. As will be appreciated by those having ordinary
skill in the art, the miniature hooks become embedded within the
miniature loops, thereby holding the first strip 64 and the second
strip 66 together, as well as any other structure attached to the
same. Since the first strip 64 and the second strip 66 have a vast
overlapping area, the amalgamated width of the first body support
extension 42 and the second body support extension 62 may be
greatly varied. In combination with the adjustable head support
extension 40 and the first and second body support extensions 42,
62, varying sizes of the infant 12 may be fitted within the
confines of the compartment 38. The compartment 38 is understood to
include an infant arm passage 39 defined by the head support
extensions 40 and the first and second body support extensions 42,
44. An infant leg passage 41 is defined by the first and second
body support extensions 42, 44 the anterior support panel 20, and a
portion of the posterior support panel 24 between the first body
support extension 42 and the anterior support panel 20.
[0034] An additional modality for reinforcing the coupling of the
posterior support panel 24 to the shoulder harness 26 is provided
in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. More
particularly, there is a first auxiliary body support strap 68
fixed to the first body support extension 42, and a second
auxiliary body support strap 70 fixed to the second body support
extension 62. The first auxiliary body support strap 68 is threaded
through a buckle portion 72 of a male connector 74, while the
second auxiliary body support strap 70 is linked to a female
connector 76, which is configured to releasably engage the male
connector 74. Thus, it is understood that first and second
auxiliary body support straps 68, 70 prevents the link between the
first body support extension 42 and the second body support
extension 62 from coming undone, thereby enhancing the security of
the infant carrier 10.
[0035] As indicated above, both ends 28, 30 of the shoulder harness
26 are fixed to the anterior support panel 24. With additional
reference to the back plan view of FIG. 6, the shoulder harness 26
is understood to be comprised of a primary segment 78 associated
with the end 30, and a secondary segment 80 associated with the end
28. The anterior support panel 20 is generally rectangular in shape
and defines a top edge 82, an opposed bottom edge 84, a left side
edge 86, and an opposed right side edge 86. It is contemplated that
the end 30 of the primary segment 78 is attached to the anterior
support panel 20 by way of the top edge 82, and the end 28 of the
secondary segment 80 is attached to the anterior support panel 20
by way of the left and right side edges 86, 88. Although the
primary segment 78 is illustrated as being substantially
perpendicular to the secondary segment 80 with respect to the
attachment to the anterior support panel 20, it will be appreciated
by those having ordinary skill in the art that the primary segment
78 may be disposed at any desired angle relative to the secondary
segment 80. Relatedly, the left shoulder harness 26a may be
positioned on the anterior support panel 30 in an angular offset
relative to the right shoulder harness 26b, such that the shoulder
harnesses 26 define a converging v-shaped configuration. It is
contemplated that such v-shaped configuration reduces the
likelihood of the infant 14 choking between the shoulder harnesses
26, considering that the junction 27 therebetween is substantially
lower than the normal positioning of the head of the infant 14. As
best illustrated in FIG. 4, the primary segment 78 has attached
thereto the first head support linkage strap 44, as well as the
second body support extension 62 and the second auxiliary body
support strap 70. The secondary segment 80 is adjustably coupled to
the primary segment 78 with a threaded buckle 90. Thus, the length
of the secondary segment 80 relative to the primary segment 78 may
be modified to account for various sizes of the body of the adult
12.
[0036] Each of the shoulder harnesses 26 includes a tubular
shoulder pad sleeve 92 that is selectively positionable along the
primary segment 78. The tubular shoulder pad sleeve 92 is defined
by an open top end 94 and an opposed open bottom end 96, and is
fitted over the shoulder harness 26 in a sliding relationship. In
this regard, it is understood that the opening of the tubular
shoulder pad sleeve 92 is slightly greater than the width of the
shoulder harness 26. It is contemplated that the interior core of
the tubular shoulder pad sleeve 92 is comprised of a sponge-like
cushioning material. In one embodiment of the present invention,
the cushioning material is memory foam, and is understood to
conform to the shape of the shoulders 19 of the adult 12 and
distribute the load evenly along the entirety of the tubular
shoulder pad sleeve 26. The outer fabric of the tubular should pad
sleeve 26 may be a breathable, mesh-like material for added comfort
to the adult 12. The shoulder pad sleeve 26 is axially rotatable
about the shoulder harness 26 to provide cushioning in front carry
and back carry, where only a half of the shoulder pad sleeve 26 is
provided with the cushioning material.
[0037] The primary segment 78 of the shoulder harness 26 further
includes a selectively engageable cross connector 98 that links the
left shoulder harness 26a and the right shoulder harness 26b for a
more secure attachment of the infant carrier 10 to the adult 12.
Like the other linking straps described above, the cross connector
98 is comprised of a first strap segment 100 having an end
permanently affixed to the left shoulder harness 26a, and a second
strap segment 102 with an end permanently fixed to the right
shoulder harness 26b. The first strap segment 100 is threaded into
a male connector 104 including a threaded buckle portion 106. Thus,
the first strap segment 100 and the male connector 104 may extend
and thus define various distances between the left and right
shoulder harnesses 26a, 26b. The second strap segment 102 is
attached to a female connector 108, which is configured to receive
the male connector 104 in a releasably engaged relationship.
[0038] With reference to FIG. 7, further details pertaining to the
support belt 32 will be described. According to one embodiment of
the present invention, the support belt 32 is comprised of a first
segment 110 linked to a second segment 112 with a length adjustment
buckle 114. More particularly, the first segment 110 defines a
proximal end 116 coupled to the length adjustment buckle 114, and
an opposed distal end 118 coupled to the first connector end 34 or
female connector. The second segment 112 similarly defines a
proximal end 120 and an opposed distal end 122 coupled to the
second connector end 36 or male connector. By varying the length of
a slack portion 111 of the first segment 110, the length of such
first segment 110 is accordingly adjusted, resulting in a
corresponding adjustment to the overall length of the support belt
32. As indicated above, the anterior support panel 20 includes the
lateral sleeve 22, through which the support belt 32 is slidably
extended. In this regard, it is contemplated that both the first
segment 110 and the second segment 112 are slidably extendable
through the lateral sleeve 22.
[0039] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention,
there is a lumbar support pad 124 permanently affixed to the
support belt 32. The lumbar support pad 124 is defined by a
generally straight middle portion 126 and opposed outer portions
128 and 130. Furthermore, it is contemplated that the opposed outer
portions 128, 130 are flexibly angled to conform to the side
fringes of the back 16 of the adult 12. Along these lines, the
straight middle portion 126 is contemplated to support the flat,
middle section of the back 16 of the adult 12. The opposed outer
portions 128, 130 are segregated from the straight middle portion
126 by vertical stitching 129, 131 respectively, which more readily
permits bending of the same. As shown in FIG. 7, it is understood
that the lumbar support pad 124 is also slidably engageable to the
lateral sleeve 22 of the anterior support panel 20. The lumbar
support pad 124 may have various padding or cushioning material
along the lines of those included in the tubular shoulder pad
sleeve 92 described above.
[0040] The support belt 32, and in particular, the second segment
112 thereof, further includes a tubular abdomen support sleeve 132
selectively positionable between the proximal end 120 and the
distal end 122. It is understood that the core of the tubular
abdomen support sleeve 132 is likewise comprised of padding
material. The tubular abdomen support sleeve 132 is understood to
be slidably engageable to the lateral sleeve 22 of the anterior
support panel 20.
[0041] With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the contemplated use of the
support belt 32, and in particular, the lumbar support pad 124 and
the abdomen support sleeve 132 will be described. In the back carry
style illustrated in FIG. 1, the lumbar support pad 124 is centered
within the lateral sleeve 22. The back 16 of the adult 12 is
supported by the lumbar support pad 124. Positioned arcuately
opposite of the lumbar support pad 124 and along the support belt
32 is the abdomen support sleeve 132 (not shown). Thus, equal
weight distribution between the lumbar support pad 124, the abdomen
support sleeve 132, and the tubular shoulder pad sleeves 92 is
achieved. Similarly, in the front carry style illustrated in FIG.
2, the lumbar support pad 124 (not shown) remains positioned on the
back 16 of the adult 12, and the abdomen support sleeve 132 also
remains positioned on the abdomen 18 of the adult 12. It is noted
that while the relative positioning of the lumbar support pad 124
and the abdomen support sleeve 132 with respect to the adult 12 has
not changed, the position of the anterior support panel 20 has. In
this regard, the slidable engagement of the support belt 32, along
with the lumbar support pad 124 and the tubular abdomen support
sleeve 132, to the lateral sleeve 22 allows for the same to be
revolved about the anterior support panel 20. Thus, in both front
and back carry styles, the back 16 and the abdomen 18 of the adult
12 are properly supported. When it is desired to remove the infant
carrier 10, the second connector end 36 or male connector is
disengaged from the first connector end 34 or female connector.
[0042] As indicated above, the infant leg passage 41 is defined by
a portion of the posterior support panel 24 between the first body
support extension 42 and the anterior support panel 20. This
portion may also be referred to as a seat portion, considering that
the pelvis of the infant 14 is supported thereby. With reference to
FIGS. 8, 9, and 10, such seat portion may include an adjustable
length coupling strip 134 that links the anterior support panel 20
to the posterior support panel 24. More particularly, the coupling
strip 134 is defined by a proximal end 136 that is fixed to the
anterior support panel 20, and a distal end 138 fixed to the
posterior support panel 24. A proximal end portion includes a first
element 140 of an interlocking adjustment fastener 142, and a
distal end portion includes a second element 141 of the same.
According to one embodiment, the interlocking adjustment fastener
142 is a zipper, where the first element 140 is a first row of
teeth and the second element 141 is a second row of teeth
configured to join with the first row of teeth. By joining the
first and second elements 140, 141, the length of the coupling
strip 134 is reduced by a length l therebetween. Thus, infants 14
having variously sized pelvic structures may all be properly
supported without discomfort in the infant carrier 10. The proximal
end portion also includes a first element 144 of an interlocking
auxiliary fastener 146. Furthermore, the distal end portion
includes a second element 145 of the same. In one embodiment, the
interlocking auxiliary fastener 146 is a frictionally retained snap
button. It is contemplated that the interlocking auxiliary fastener
146 supplements the retention of the first element 140 to the
second element 141 of the interlocking adjustment fastener 142.
[0043] As shown in FIG. 4, the posterior support panel 24 defines
an inner surface 148 and an opposed outer surface 150. It is
envisioned that portions of the inner surface 148 and the outer
surface 150 are fabricated from a breathable, mesh-like material.
Referring to FIG. 11, the posterior support panel 24 also defines
an intermediate section 152 between the head support extensions 40
and the first body support extensions 42. The intermediate section
152 further defines a first edge 154 and an opposed second edge
156. Further adjustability of the width of the posterior support
panel 24 to accommodate infants 14 of varying sizes is provided by
a first cinching strap 158 and a second cinching strap 160. The
first cinching strap 158 is disposed toward the first edge 154 of
the intermediate section 152, and includes a first interlocking
fastener element 162. The second cinching strap 160 is disposed
opposite the first edge 154 and toward the second edge 156 of the
intermediate section 152. The second cinching strap 160 includes
more than one second interlocking fastener elements 164 arranged in
a spaced relationship, which are selectively engageable to the
first interlocking fastener element 162. By locking with the
various ones of the second interlocking fastener elements 162, the
first and second edges 154, 156 are pulled toward the center,
thereby reducing the width of the intermediate section 152.
[0044] As best shown in FIG. 11, the outer surface 150 includes a
pocket 166, the open end of which may be selectively closed through
the use of a zipper, button, or other closure mechanism. Various
parenting items are intended to be carried in the pocket, though
any other suitably sized item may be stored therein.
[0045] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 11, the posterior support panel 24
further includes a combination head support and bib portion 168. On
the outer surface 150 of the same, the intermediate section 152
includes a first fastener element 170 that is engageable to a
second fastener element 172 on the combination head support and bib
portion 168. As shown in FIG. 3, the combination head support and
bib portion 168 is envisioned as being folded over, such that the
first fastener element 170 is interlocked with the second fastener
element 172. Thus, what would otherwise be an obstruction to the
line of sight of the infant 14 is removed in the front carry,
forward-facing orientation. It is contemplated that the abdomen 18
of the adult 12 supports the head of the infant 14 in this
instance. On the other hand, in the back carry as shown in FIG. 1
and the forward carry, backward-facing orientation as shown in FIG.
2, the combination head support and bib portion 168 is disengaged
from the intermediate section 152 to support the resting head of
the infant 14.
[0046] The particulars shown herein are by way of example and for
purposes of illustrative discussion of the embodiments of the
present invention only and are presented in the cause of providing
what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood
description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the present
invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural
details of the present invention in more detail than is necessary
for the fundamental understanding of the present invention, the
description taken with the drawings making apparent to those
skilled in the art how the several forms of the present invention
may be embodied in practice.
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