U.S. patent application number 11/754155 was filed with the patent office on 2008-11-20 for side seating infant carrier.
Invention is credited to Sarah J. Attwood, Kenneth B. Krankkala, Jessica A. Miller, Michael A. Parness.
Application Number | 20080283561 11/754155 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40026478 |
Filed Date | 2008-11-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080283561 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Parness; Michael A. ; et
al. |
November 20, 2008 |
SIDE SEATING INFANT CARRIER
Abstract
A side seating infant carrier which is adapted to support an
infant or young child on an adult wearer's hip and is provided with
a retention strap arrangement which is specifically adapted to hold
the infant or young child within a seat portion defined by the
carrier. As a supplement to the retention strap, the carrier is
also provided with a pair of leg straps which are extensible about
respective ones of the infant's legs. The infant carrier of the
present invention is further provided with a waist belt arrangement
adapted to provide optimal support to the lower back/lumbar of the
wearer, as well as an adjustable shoulder strap arrangement which
is configured to promote enhanced comfort and sizing
flexibility.
Inventors: |
Parness; Michael A.; (San
Diego, CA) ; Attwood; Sarah J.; (San Diego, CA)
; Krankkala; Kenneth B.; (Vista, CA) ; Miller;
Jessica A.; (La Mesa, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
STETINA BRUNDA GARRED & BRUCKER
75 ENTERPRISE, SUITE 250
ALISO VIEJO
CA
92656
US
|
Family ID: |
40026478 |
Appl. No.: |
11/754155 |
Filed: |
May 25, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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11749063 |
May 15, 2007 |
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11754155 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
224/160 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47D 13/025
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
224/160 |
International
Class: |
A47D 13/02 20060101
A47D013/02 |
Claims
1. An infant carrier, comprising: a main panel; an elongate
shoulder strap having opposed proximal and distal ends secured to
prescribed locations on the main panel; an elongate waist belt
having opposed proximal and distal ends secured to prescribed
locations on the main panel; and an elongate retention strap having
opposed proximal and distal ends secured to prescribed locations on
the main panel; a pair of legs straps, each of the leg straps
having opposed proximal and distal ends secured to prescribed
locations on the main panel; the retention strap being sized and
configured to be extensible over the chest and under the arms of an
infant seated within the carrier, with the leg straps being sized
and configured to be extensible over respective ones of the thighs
of the infant seated within the carrier.
2. The infant carrier of claim 1 wherein: the main panel defines an
inner surface, an outer surface, a top edge, a bottom edge, and
opposed first and second side edges extending between the top and
bottom edges; the proximal end of the shoulder strap is permanently
attached to a portion of the second side edge of the main panel;
and the shoulder strap is releasably engageable to a portion of the
first side edge of the main panel.
3. The infant carrier of claim 2 wherein: a shoulder strap buckle
is permanently attached to the first side edge of the main panel;
the shoulder strap is extensible though the shoulder strap buckle;
a female connector is permanently attached to the shoulder strap
between the proximal and distal ends thereof; and a male connector
is adjustably mounted to the shoulder strap between the distal end
thereof and the shoulder strap buckle; the releasable engagement of
the male connector to the female connector subsequent to the
advancement of the shoulder strap through the shoulder strap buckle
being operative to maintain the shoulder strap in a looped
configuration about the neck and one shoulder of a wearer of the
infant carrier.
4. The infant carrier of claim 3 wherein the shoulder strap buckle
is at least partially housed within a tubular sleeve attached to
and extending along a portion of the first side edge of the main
panel.
5. The infant carrier of claim 3 wherein the shoulder strap further
comprises an elongate, tubular shoulder pad sleeve which is
selectively positionable therealong between the proximal end
thereof and the female connector permanently mounted thereto.
6. The infant carrier of claim 1 wherein: the main panel defines an
inner surface, an outer surface, a top edge, a bottom edge, and
opposed first and second side edges extending between the top and
bottom edges; a pair of lower flap portions are attached to and
protrude from respective ones of the first and second sides edges
in opposed relation to each other; the proximal end of the waist
belt is permanently attached to one of the lower flap portions; and
the waist belt is releasably engageable to the remaining one of the
lower flap portions.
7. The infant carrier of claim 6 wherein: a female connector is
permanently attached to the remaining of the one of the lower flap
portions; and a male connector is adjustably mounted to the waist
belt; the releasable engagement of the male connector to the female
connector being operative to maintain the waist belt in a looped
arrangement about the waist of a wearer of the infant carrier.
8. The infant carrier of claim 7 wherein the waist belt comprises:
a first waist belt section defining the proximal end; a second
waist belt section defining the distal end; and a waist belt buckle
cooperatively engaging the first and second waist belt sections to
each other; the first waist belt section being adjustably mounted
to the waist belt buckle, with the second waist belt section being
permanently attached to the waist belt buckle.
9. The infant carrier of claim 8 further comprising an elongate,
tubular waist belt sleeve which is selectively positionable along
the second waist belt section between the male connector and the
waist belt buckle.
10. The infant carrier of claim 1 wherein: the main panel defines
an inner surface, an outer surface, a top edge, a bottom edge, and
opposed first and second side edges extending between the top and
bottom edges; a pair of upper flap portions are attached to the
main panel in spaced relation to each other; the proximal end of
the retention strap is permanently attached to one of the upper
flap portions; and the retention strap is releasably engageable to
the remaining one of the lower flap portions.
11. The infant carrier of claim 10 wherein: a female connector is
permanently attached to the remaining of the one of the lower flap
portions; and a male connector is adjustably mounted to the
retention strap; the releasable engagement of the male connector to
the female connector being operative to maintain the retention
strap in a looped arrangement about the chest of an infant within
the infant carrier.
12. The infant carrier of claim 10 wherein: the proximal end of the
shoulder strap is attached to a portion of the second side edge of
the main panel along a shoulder strap seam; a tubular sleeve is
attached to a portion of the first side edge of the main panel
along a sleeve seam; one of the upper flap portions is attached to
the second side edge of the main panel along the shoulder strap
seam; and the remaining one of the upper flap portions is attached
to the first side edge of the main panel along the sleeve seam.
13. The infant carrier of claim 1 wherein: the main panel defines
an inner surface, an outer surface, a top edge, a bottom edge, and
opposed first and second side edges extending between the top and
bottom edges; the proximal end of each of the legs straps is
permanently attached to the inner surface of the main panel
adjacent a respective one of thr first and second side edges
thereof; and the distal end of each of the legs straps is
permanently attached to the bottom edge of the main panel.
14. The infant carrier of claim 13 wherein each of the leg straps
comprises: an upper strap segment defining the proximal end; a
lower strap segment defining the distal end; and a male connector
is adjustably mounted to the upper strap segment; and a female
connector is permanently attached to the lower strap segment; the
releasable engagement of the male connector to the female connector
being operative to maintain the leg strap in a looped arrangement
about one of the legs of an infant within the infant carrier.
15. The infant carrier of claim 1 wherein the main panel defines an
inner surface, an outer surface, a top edge, a bottom edge, opposed
first and second side edges extending between the top and bottom
edges, and a fold seam extending between the first and second side
edges in spaced, generally parallel relation to the bottom edge,
the folding of the main panel along the fold seam being operative
to facilitate the formation of a seat portion in the main
panel.
16. The infant carrier of claim 15 wherein the outer surface of the
main panel defines a pocket.
17. The infant carrier of claim 15 wherein the main panel includes
a coupling strip which is integrated into the seat portion and
selectively movable between a retracted position and an extended
position, the movement of the coupling strip to the extended
position facilitating an increase in the size of the seat
portion.
18. An infant carrier, comprising: a main panel defining an inner
surface, an outer surface, a top edge, a bottom edge, and opposed
first and second side edges extending between the top and bottom
edges; an elongate retention strap having opposed proximal and
distal ends secured to prescribed locations on the main panel; a
pair of legs straps, each of the leg straps having opposed proximal
and distal ends secured to prescribed locations on the main panel;
an elongate shoulder strap having opposed proximal and distal ends,
the proximal end of the shoulder strap being permanently attached
to a portion of the second side edge of the main panel; a shoulder
strap buckle permanently attached to the first side edge of the
main panel, the shoulder strap being extensible though the shoulder
strap buckle; a female connector permanently attached to the
shoulder strap between the proximal and distal ends thereof; and a
male connector adjustably mounted to the shoulder strap between the
distal end thereof and the shoulder strap buckle; the releasable
engagement of the male connector to the female connector subsequent
to the advancement of the shoulder strap through the shoulder strap
buckle being operative to maintain the shoulder strap in a looped
configuration about the neck and one shoulder of a wearer of the
infant carrier.
19. The infant carrier of claim 18 wherein the shoulder strap
buckle is at least partially housed within a tubular sleeve
attached to and extending along a portion of the first side edge of
the main panel.
20. An infant carrier, comprising: a main panel defining an inner
surface, an outer surface, a top edge, a bottom edge, and opposed
first and second side edges extending between the top and bottom
edges; a pair of upper flap portions attached to the main panel in
spaced relation to each other; an elongate shoulder strap having
opposed proximal and distal ends secured to prescribed locations on
the main panel; a pair of legs straps, each of the leg straps
having opposed proximal and distal ends secured to prescribed
locations on the main panel; and an elongate retention strap having
opposed proximal and distal ends, the proximal end being
permanently attached to one of the upper flap portions, with the
retention strap being releasably engageable to the remaining one of
the lower flap portions; the retention strap being sized an
configured to be extensible over the chest and under the arms of an
infant seated within the carrier.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S.
application Ser. No. 11/749,063 entitled SIDE SEATING INFANT
CARRIER filed May 15, 2007, the disclosure of which is incorporated
herein by reference.
STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] 1. Field of the Invention
[0004] The present invention relates generally to carriers adapted
to be worn by an adult in order to support and carry an infant or
young child. More particularly, the present invention is directed
to a side seating infant carrier which is adapted to support an
infant or young child upon one of the hip regions of an adult while
being held by the one of the adult's arms.
[0005] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0006] As is well known to parents of infants or young children,
shoulder-supported infant carriers are extremely popular and
commonly used to transport an infant or young child. Shoulder
supported infant carriers as currently known in the art come in a
wide range of designs and styles. A common attribute of these
carriers is that they offer "hands free" operation, and allow the
adult wearer to carry the infant while performing other activities.
One currently known infant carrier is a frame-type carrier which
typically supports the infant on the back of the wearer. Currently
more popular than frame-type carriers are frameless or soft-sided
carriers which typically support the infant on the front or chest
of the adult wearer. However, there is also know in the prior art
soft-sided carriers which are adapted to support an infant on the
back or on one of the hips of the adult wearer. Still further,
there has also been developed in the prior art convertible carriers
which are configured to allow the infant to be supported in
alternate carrying positions, including the front or back of the
wearer, and the front or hip of the wearer.
[0007] In currently known infant carriers, those which are
configured specifically for or convertible to a hip-carrying
position are becoming increasingly popular since the positioning of
the infant or young child on the hip of the wearer generally mimics
the carrying position and weight distribution which adults
frequently use to transport their children without the aid of a
carrier. Additionally, by supporting the infant or young child upon
one of the hips, the wearer is typically able to move at least one
arm and hand freely to accomplish other tasks.
[0008] Examples of currently known frameless infant hip carriers
are found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,813,580 to Fair; U.S. Pat. No.
5,492,256 to Ive; U.S. Pat. No. 5,224,637 to Columbo; and U.S. Pat.
No. 4,901,898 to Columbo. Another currently known hip carrier is
sold by Playtex under the trademark Hip Hammock.RTM. and is shown
in U.S. Pat. No. D425,696. Though each of these currently known hip
carriers provides certain ones of the advantages highlighted above,
they all possess certain deficiencies which detract from their
overall utility. One such deficiency lies in the absence of
retention straps which are adapted to maintain the infant or young
child within the main body of the carrier to prevent inadvertent
falls from therewithin. Another deficiency lies in the absence of
structures which provide optimal support and comfort to the lower
back/lumbar of the adult wearer. The present invention addresses
and overcomes these deficiencies by providing a side seating infant
carrier which is adapted to support an infant or young child on an
adult wearer's hip and is provided with a retention strap
arrangement which is specifically adapted to hold the infant or
young child within a seat portion defined by the carrier. The
infant carrier of the present invention is further provided with a
waist belt arrangement adapted to provide optimal support to the
lower back/lumbar of the wearer. These and other advantages
attendant to the present invention will be described in more detail
below.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] In accordance with the present invention, there is provided
a side seating infant carrier which is adapted to support an infant
or young child on an adult wearer's hip. The carrier of the present
invention is provided with a uniquely configured retention strap
arrangement which is cooperatively engaged to the inner surface of
the main panel thereof, and is specifically adapted to hold the
infant or young child within a seat portion defined by the main
panel when the same is positioned against the wearer in a
prescribed manner. As a supplement to the retention strap, the
carrier is also provided with a pair of leg straps which are
extensible about respective ones of the infant's legs. The infant
carrier of the present invention is further provided with an
adjustable waist belt arrangement adapted to provide optimal
support to the lower back/lumbar of the wearer, as well as an
adjustable shoulder strap arrangement which is interfaced to the
main panel of the carrier in a manner promoting enhanced comfort
and sizing flexibility.
[0010] The present invention is best understood by reference to the
following detailed description when read in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] These, as well as other features of the present invention,
will become more apparent upon reference to the drawings
wherein:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the side seating
infant carrier constructed in accordance with the present
invention, the broken lines showing an infant and adult to
illustrate an exemplary manner of using the present infant
carrier;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the infant carrier of
the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the infant carrier of
the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a rear elevational view of the infant carrier of
the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of a side seating infant
carrier constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the
present invention;
[0017] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the infant
carrier shown in FIG. 5 taken along axis A-A of FIG. 5,
illustrating an adjustable length coupling strip of the infant
carrier in a first, retracted configuration; and
[0018] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 6 but
illustrating the adjustable length coupling strip in a second,
extended configuration.
[0019] Common reference numerals are used throughout the drawings
and detailed description to indicate like elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0020] Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings for the
purposes of illustrating a preferred embodiment of the present
invention only, and not for purposes of limiting the same, FIGS.
1-4 depict a side seating infant carrier 10 which is specifically
adapted to support an infant or young child 12 (shown in phantom
FIG. 1) on either the right or left hip of an adult wearer 14 (also
shown in phantom FIG. 1).
[0021] The carrier 10 comprises a main body or panel 16 which
defines an arcuate top edge 18 and an opposed bottom edge 20.
Extending between the top and bottom edges 18, 20 are first and
second side edges 22, 24 which extend in spaced relation to each
other. The main panel 16 further defines an inner surface 26 and an
opposed outer surface 28. In the carrier 10, the main panel 16, and
in particular the inner and outer surfaces 26, 28 thereof, are
defined by stitching various strips of material to each other in a
prescribed pattern or arrangement. The material for the main panel
16 is selected such that substantially the entire inner surface 26
and portions of the outer surface 28 are fabricated from a
breathable, mesh-like material. In addition, the main panel 16 is
preferably fabricated such that a layer of sponge-like cushioning
material is captured between the inner and outer surfaces 26, 28,
thus imparting a soft, padded quality to the main panel 16. As best
seen in FIG. 3, the outer surface 28 of the main panel 16 includes
a pocket 25, the open end of which may be selectively closed
through the use of a zipper or similar closure mechanism.
[0022] The main panel further includes a fold seam 27 which extends
between the first and second side edges 22, 24 in spaced generally
parallel relation to the bottom edge 20. The fold seam 27 is also
disposed in relative close proximity to the bottom edge 20, with a
lower panel section 29 of the main panel being defined between the
bottom edge 20 and fold seam 27. As seen in FIGS. 1-4, when the
carrier 10 is configured for proper fitting on the wearer 14, the
main panel 16 is folded along the fold seam 27 in a manner which
causes that portion of the inner surface 26 defined by the lower
panel section 29 to directly face a portion of the remainder of the
inner surface 26. The advantages attendant to folding the main
panel 16 along the fold seam 27 will be discussed in more detail
below.
[0023] Secured to the upper portion of the first side edge 22 is a
sleeve 30 of the carrier 10. The sleeve 30 defines a distal, open
end 32 which provides access into a hollow interior compartment
defined by the sleeve 30. As is best seen in FIG. 1, the sleeve 30
is attached to the first side edge 22 such that one side of the
sleeve 30 extends in substantially continuous relation to the top
edge 18 of the main panel 16.
[0024] Attached to the upper portion of the second side edge 24 of
the main panel 16 is the proximal end of an elongate shoulder strap
34 of the carrier 10. The attachment location of the shoulder strap
34 to the second side edge 24 essentially mirrors the attachment
location of the sleeve 30 to the first side edge 22. In this
regard, one side of the shoulder strap 34 extends in substantially
continuous relation to the top edge 18 of the main panel 16.
[0025] In the carrier 10, the shoulder strap 34 defines a distal
end 36 which is that end opposite to the proximal end attached to
the second side edge 24. The distal end 36 is advanced through a
buckle 38 which is secured to the interior of the sleeve 30 and
protrudes slightly from the open end 32 thereof. Additionally,
attached to the shoulder strap 34 in relative close proximity to
the distal end 36 thereof is a male connector 40 which is sized and
configured to be releasably engageable to a corresponding,
complementary female connector 42 attached to the shoulder strap 34
at a location which is somewhat centrally disposed between the
distal end 36 and the proximal end attached to the second side edge
24. In the carrier 10, the female connector 42 is permanently
affixed to a prescribed location of the shoulder strap 34. In
contrast, the male connector 40 is adapted to be adjustable, and
thus positionable anywhere along that portion of the shoulder strap
34 extending between the buckle 38 and the distal end 36. The
releasable connection of the male and female connectors to each
other after the distal end 36 has been advanced through the buckle
38 effectively maintains the shoulder strap 34 in a looped
configuration about the neck and one shoulder of the wearer 14 in
the manner best shown in FIG. 1. The male connector 40 may be
selectively positioned along the section of the shoulder strap 34
extending between the buckle 38 and the distal end 36 as needed to
accommodate the particular size and body type of the wearer 14.
[0026] The shoulder strap 34 of the carrier 10 further preferably
comprises an elongate, padded sleeve 44 which is advanced over
portion of the shoulder strap 34 extending between the female
connector 42 and the proximal end attached to the second side edge
24. The sleeve 44 is partially fabricated from a layer of
breathable, mesh-like material which is backed by a sponge-like,
cushioning layer. The sleeve 44 is adjustable, and may be
selectively positioned anywhere along the length of that section of
the shoulder strap 34 extending between the female connector 42 and
the proximal end attached to the second side edge 24 to provide
enhanced comfort to the shoulder and neck of the wearer 14 when the
shoulder strap 34 is advanced there over as also shown in FIG.
1.
[0027] As is best seen in FIGS. 2-4, secured to the lower portions
of respective ones of the first and second side edges 22, 24 is a
pair of elongate lower flap portions 46 which extend in opposed
relation to each other. More particularly, the lower flap portions
46 are attached to respective ones of the first and second side
edges 22, 24 such that one side of each of the lower flap portions
46 extends in substantially continuous relation to the bottom edge
20 of the main panel 16. Additionally, one side of each of the
lower flap portions 46 opposite that extending in continuous
relation to the bottom edge 20 extends in substantially aligned
relation to the fold seam 27 of the main panel 16.
[0028] Attached to the inner surface of that lower flap portion 46
protruding from the first side edge 22 is a female connector 48.
Additionally, attached to the inner surface of the lower flap
portion 46 protruding from the second side edge 24 is the proximal
end of an elongate waist belt 50 of the carrier 10. In addition to
the proximal end, the waist belt 50 defines a distal end 52 and
includes a male connector 54 which is attached thereto in relative
close proximity to the distal end 52 thereof. The male connector 54
is sized and configured to be releasably engageable to the
corresponding, complementary female connector 48 attached to the
other lower flap portion 46. Though the female connector 48 is
permanently affixed to a prescribed location on the inner surface
the lower flap portion 46 protruding from the first side edge 22,
the male connector 54 is adapted to be adjustable and thus
selectively positionable along the waist belt 50. The releasable
connection of the male and female connectors 54, 48 to each other
effectively maintains the waist belt 50 in a looped configuration
about the waist of the wearer 14 in the manner also shown in FIG.
1.
[0029] As indicated above, in the carrier 10, the male connector 54
of the waist belt 50 may be selectively positioned along the waist
belt 50 as needed to accommodate the waist size of the wearer 14.
To provide a further measure of adjustability, it is further
contemplated that the waist belt 50 may comprise separate first and
second waist belt sections 50a, 50b which are cooperatively engaged
to each other by a buckle 56. The first waist belt section 50a
defines the proximal end of the waist belt 50 which is attached to
the inner surface of that lower flap portion 46 protruding from the
second side edge 24. The end of the first waist belt section 50a
opposite that attached to the lower flap portion 46 is itself
advanced through the buckle 56. The second waist belt section 50b
defines the distal end 52 of the waist belt 50, with that end of
the second waist belt section 50b opposite that defining the distal
end 52 itself being permanently attached to the buckle 56. Thus,
the adjustability of the orientation of the buckle 56 relative to
the first waist belt section 50a coupled with the adjustability of
the orientation of the male connector 54 relative to the second
waist belt section 50b allows the waist belt 50, as a whole, to be
manipulated into any one of a wide range of different sizes as
needed to accommodate the waist size of the wearer 14.
[0030] The waist belt 50 of the carrier 10 further comprises an
elongate, padded sleeve 58 which is advanced over a portion of the
second waist belt section 50b between the buckle 56 and the distal
end 52. The sleeve 58, like the above-described sleeve 44, is also
partially fabricated from a layer of breathable, mesh-like material
which is backed by a sponge-like, cushioning layer. The sleeve 58
is also adjustable, and may be selectively positioned anywhere
along the length of the second waist belt section 50b between the
buckle 56 and the distal end 52. Typically, it is contemplated that
the sleeve 58 will be positioned so as to provide comfort and
support to the lower back/lumbar region of the wearer 14 when the
waist belt 50 is advanced about the waist of the wearer 14.
[0031] In the carrier 10, the outer surfaces of the lower flap
portions 46 are each defined by a layer of the breathable,
mesh-like material which also defines the majority of the inner
surface 26 of the main panel 16, including that portion of the
inner surface 26 which is defined by the lower panel section 29.
Additionally, that portion of the outer surface 28 of the main
panel 16 defined by the lower panel section 29 is similarly
preferably fabricated from such breathable, mesh-like material. In
using the carrier 10 of the present invention, it is contemplated
that the main panel 16 will be folded along the fold seam 27 in the
above-described manner as a precursor to advancing the waist belt
50 about the waist of the wearer 14. As indicated above, the
folding of the main panel 16 along the fold seam 27 causes that
portion of the inner surface 26 defined by the lower panel section
29 to directly face a portion of the remainder of the inner surface
26. As a result, that portion of the outer surface 28 of the main
panel 16 defined by the lower panel section 29 is presented for
direct engagement to the wearer 14, as are the outer surfaces of
the lower flap sections 46. In this regard, the female connector 48
and waist belt 50 which are attached to the inner surfaces of
respective ones of the lower flap portions 46 are outwardly
presented away from the wearer 14 as a result of the folding of the
main panel 16 along the fold seam 27. Thus, when the waist belt 50
is thereafter extended about the waist of the wearer 14 and the
male connector 54 cooperatively engaged to the corresponding female
connector 48, the lower flap portions 46 provide an effective,
padded barrier between the female connector 48 and the wearer 14,
and further between a proximal portion of the waist belt 50 (i.e.
the first waist belt section 50a) and the wearer 14.
[0032] The carrier 10 of the present invention further comprises a
pair of upper flap portions 60 which are best shown in FIGS. 2 and
4, and are attached to the main panel 16 so as to extend along
portions of respective ones of the first and second side edges 22,
24 thereof. More particularly, one end of one of the upper flap
portions 60 is attached to the main panel 16 so as to extend
substantially along the length of the seam defined between the
first side edge 22 and the sleeve 30. Similarly, one end of the
remaining one of the upper flap portions 60 is attached to the main
panel 60 to extend substantially along the length of the seam
defined between the second side edge 24 and the proximal end of the
shoulder strap 34. The inner surfaces of the upper flap portions 60
are each preferably defined by a layer of the aforementioned
breathable, mesh-like material.
[0033] As is further shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, attached to the outer
surface of that upper flap portion 60 disposed adjacent the
shoulder strap 34 is a female connector 62. Attached to the outer
surface of the remaining upper flap potion 60 disposed adjacent the
sleeve 30 is the proximal end of an elongate retention strap 64.
The retention strap 64 defines a distal end 66 which is that end
opposite to the proximal end attached to the upper flap portion 60
disposed adjacent the sleeve 30. Attached to the retention strap 64
in relative close proximity to the distal end 66 thereof is a male
connector 68 which is sized and configured to be releasably
engageable to the corresponding, complementary female connector 60
attached to the remaining upper flap portion 60. In the carrier 10,
the female connector 62 is permanently affixed to a prescribed
location on that upper flap portion 60 disposed adjacent the
shoulder strap 34. In contrast, the male connector 68 is adapted to
be adjustable, and thus selectively positionable anywhere along
that portion of the retention strap 64 extending between the distal
end 66 and the opposed proximal end attached to the upper flap
portion 60 disposed adjacent the sleeve 30. In this regard, the
male connector 68 may be selectively positioned along the retention
strap 64 as needed to accommodate the infant 12 within the carrier
10 as will be described in more detail below.
[0034] As indicated above, the carrier 10 is used by initially
advancing the shoulder strap 34 about the neck and one shoulder of
the wearer 14, with the shoulder strap 34 being maintained in its
looped configuration by the receipt of the male connector 40
thereof into the corresponding female connector 42. Thereafter, the
main panel 16 is folded along the fold seam 27 in the
above-described manner, with the waist belt 50 thereafter being
advanced about the waist of the wearer 14 and maintained in a
looped arrangement about the waist of the wearer 14 as a result of
the receipt of the male connector 54 into the corresponding female
connector 48. Upon both the shoulder strap 34 and waist belt 50
being cooperatively engaged to the wearer 14 in the aforementioned
manner, the infant 12 may be placed between the body of the wearer
14 and the main panel 16 of the carrier 10. Due to the arrangement
of the carrier 10 upon the wearer 14, the majority of the weight of
the infant 12 within the carrier 10 is transferred to one of the
hips of the wearer 14. In this regard, a lower portion of the inner
surface 26 of the main panel 16, including that portion of the
inner surface 26 which defines the lower panel section 29, defines
a seat portion 70 for the infant 12 within the carrier 10, as is
best shown in FIG. 1.
[0035] Upon the infant 12 being positioned upon the seat portion 70
of the carrier 10, the retention strap 64 is advanced over and
along the chest of the infant 12, with the male connector 68
thereafter being releasably secured to the corresponding female
connector 62. As will be recognized by those of ordinary skill in
the art, upon the engagement of the male and female connectors 68,
62 to each other, the retention strap 64, which extends under the
arms of the infant 12 within the carrier 10, effectively prevents
the infant 12 from inadvertently falling out of the carrier 10.
When the retention strap 64 is advanced over the infant 12 in the
aforementioned manner, the inner surfaces of the upper flap
portions 60 are typically brought into direct contact with the
infant 12, and provide a cushioned, padded barrier between the
female connector 62 and the infant 12, and further between the
proximal portion of the retention strap 64 and the infant 12.
[0036] Referring now to FIGS. 5-7, there is shown a carrier 10a
constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention. The carrier 10a is substantially similar in construction
and function to the carrier 10 described above, with only the
distinctions between the carriers 10a, 10 being highlighted
below.
[0037] As best seen in FIG. 5, the carrier 10a of the present
invention comprises a pair of leg straps 72 which are attached to
the main panel 16 in spaced relation to each other. Each of the leg
straps 72 comprises an upper strap segment 74, one end of which is
rigidly attached to the inner surface 26 of the main panel 16. More
particularly, one end of the upper strap segment 74 of one of the
leg straps 72 is attached to the inner surface 26 adjacent the
first side edge 22, with one end of the upper strap segment 74 of
the remaining leg strap 72 being attached to the inner surface 26
adjacent the second side edge 24. Attached to that end of each
upper strap segment 74 opposite the end attached to the inner
surface 26 of the main panel 16 is a male connector 76.
[0038] In addition to the upper strap segment 74, each of the leg
straps 72 includes a lower strap segment 78. As further seen FIG.
5, one end of each lower strap segment 78 is attached to the bottom
edge 20 of the main panel 16. Attached to that end of each lower
strap segment 78 opposite the end attached to the bottom edge 20 is
a female connector 80. As will be recognized by those of ordinary
skill in the art, the male connector 76 of the upper strap segment
74 of each leg strap 72 is releasably engageable to the female
connector 80 of the corresponding lower strap segment 78.
Advantageously, the releasable engagement of the male connectors 76
to respective ones of the female connectors 80 allows the leg
straps 72 to be maintained in looped engagement about respective
ones of the thighs of the legs of the infant 12 seated within the
seat portion 70 of the carrier 10a. In this regard, the looped leg
straps 72 supplement the effect of the retention strap 64 and
assist in effectively preventing the infant 12 from inadvertently
falling out of the carrier 10a.
[0039] As seen in FIGS. 6 and 7, it is further contemplated that
the main panel 16 of the carrier 10a may be configured to allow for
a selective increase in the size of the seat portion 70 thereof as
may be needed to accommodate a growing infant 12. In this regard,
the seat portion 70 of the carrier 10a may include an adjustable
length coupling strip 82 which is interposed between the lower
panel section 29 of the main panel 16 and the remainder of the main
panel 16. More particularly, the coupling strip 82 has a first edge
which is attached to the inner surface 26 of the main panel 16, and
an opposed second edge which is attached to the lower panel section
29 of the main panel 16. Thus, the second edge of the coupling
strip 82 extends along the fold seam 27 normally defined between
the lower panel section 29 of the main panel 16 and the remainder
thereof.
[0040] Integrated into the coupling strip 82 is an interlocking
fastener, such as a zipper 84. The zipper 84 includes two sets of
teeth 86 which, when releasably secured to each other, are
operative to maintain the coupling strip 82 in a first, retracted
configuration as shown in FIG. 6. Conversely, when the zipper 84 is
manipulated so as to release the two sets of teeth 86 from
engagement to each other, the coupling strip 82 is capable of
achieving a second, extended configuration as shown in FIG. 7. In
the carrier 10a, the movement of the coupling strip 82 from its
retracted configuration to its extended configuration effectively
increases the distance separating the opposed first and second
edges thereof by approximately six inches, thus effectuating a
corresponding six inch increase in the width of the seat portion 70
of the carrier 10a as may be needed to accommodate an infant 12 of
increased size and weight. However, those of ordinary skill in the
art will recognize that differing sizes for the coupling strip 82
other than for the six inch width highlighted above are considered
to be within the spirit and scope of the present invention.
[0041] To prevent any inadvertent expansion of the seat portion 70
as may occur if the zipper 84 were to fail, the main panel 16 of
the carrier 10a is preferably provided with an auxiliary retention
mechanism which includes a pair of snap connectors 88 which are
attached to the inner surface 26 of the main panel 16 in relative
close proximity to the first edge of the coupling strip 82 secured
thereto. The coupling strip 82 itself includes a pair of snap
connectors 90 attached thereto which are arranged so as to be
releasably engageable to respective ones of the snap connectors 88
when the coupling strip 82 is in its retracted position as shown in
FIG. 6. As will be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the
art, the snap connectors 90 will typically be disengaged form the
snap connectors 88 as a precursor to the separation of the sets of
teeth 86 of the zipper 84 from each other as needed to effectuate
the expansion of the coupling strip 82 to its extended position as
is shown in FIG. 7.
[0042] This disclosure provides an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention. The scope of the present invention is not
limited by this exemplary embodiment. Numerous variations, whether
explicitly provided for by the specification or implied by the
specification, such as variations in structure, dimension, type of
material and manufacturing process may be implemented by one of
skill in the art in view of this disclosure.
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