U.S. patent application number 12/695956 was filed with the patent office on 2010-07-29 for infant sling and hip carrier.
This patent application is currently assigned to GOLD BUG, INC.. Invention is credited to Cynthia R. Nelson, Lynn Rosen.
Application Number | 20100187268 12/695956 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42353345 |
Filed Date | 2010-07-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100187268 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rosen; Lynn ; et
al. |
July 29, 2010 |
INFANT SLING AND HIP CARRIER
Abstract
An infant sling carrier having a breathable mesh fabric, elastic
retaining members along opposite edges of the carrier, a padded
weight distribution strap assembly and a removable infant
support.
Inventors: |
Rosen; Lynn; (Parker,
CO) ; Nelson; Cynthia R.; (Longmont, CO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
REILLY INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW FIRM
1325 East 16th Avenue
DENVER
CO
80218
US
|
Assignee: |
GOLD BUG, INC.
Aurora
CO
|
Family ID: |
42353345 |
Appl. No.: |
12/695956 |
Filed: |
January 28, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61148262 |
Jan 29, 2009 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
224/158 ;
224/159 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47D 13/025 20130101;
A47D 13/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
224/158 ;
224/159 |
International
Class: |
A47D 13/02 20060101
A47D013/02 |
Claims
1. In an infant carrier, comprising, an elongated pouch member
having at least one layer of stretchable mesh fabric; said pouch
member having opposite, upwardly extending side panels with upper,
stretchable retaining members; and a strap assembly extending
downwardly from one shoulder across the front and back of a
wearer's torso, said assembly connected to said pouch member at
opposite terminal ends and having an adjustable releasable securing
member.
2. In the infant carrier according to claim 1 wherein said
retaining members span a partial length of each said side
panels.
3. In the infant carrier according to claim 1 wherein said
elongated pouch member terminates at a first end with a broad
padded strap portion and at an opposite second end with a slightly
tapered secondary strap portion.
4. In the infant carrier according to claim 3 wherein said broad
padded strap portion is adapted to extend downwardly and partially
span one shoulder and across the front of the wearer's torso.
5. In the infant carrier according to claim 1 wherein said
retaining members are elasticized and padded.
6. The infant carrier according to claim 1 wherein said carrier
includes a harness support that is releasably secured within said
pouch member.
7. The infant carrier according to claim 6 wherein said harness
support is adapted to aid in elevation of an infant's head within
said carrier.
8. In an infant support sling comprising, a cradling member having
upwardly extending opposite side members terminating in edge
portions having an elastic member and a padded member; said
cradling member having upwardly extending opposite end members with
terminal ends non-releasably secured to opposite ends of an
adjustable shoulder strap, said shoulder strap extending downwardly
from one shoulder of the wearer and across the front and back of
the wearer's torso; and means for providing additional support to
the infant within said cradling member.
9. The infant support sling according to claim 8 wherein said
cradling member is comprised of at least one layer of breathable
mesh material.
10. The infant support sling according to claim 8 wherein said edge
portions comprise a fabric encased padded, elastic band spanning
the greater length of opposite edge portions of said cradling
member.
11. The infant support sling according to claim 8 wherein said
additional support means includes a padded body support and harness
system.
12. The infant support sling according to claim 8 wherein said
additional support means is releasably secured to a lower portion
of said cradling member.
13. The infant support sling according to claim 8 wherein said
shoulder strap is adapted for single hand adjustment.
14. The infant support sling according to claim 8 wherein said
cradling member includes a pocket member.
15. An infant carrier comprising in combination a shoulder strap
extending downwardly from one shoulder across the front and back of
the wearer's torso; a pouch member comprising dual layers, at least
one of said layers comprising a breathable mesh fabric, said pouch
member having opposite upwardly extending first and second ends and
opposite upwardly extending first and second sides; said first and
second sides having outer edges encasing a stretchable member; a
removable, padded infant head and body support for placement within
said pouch member; and means for suspending said pouch member from
opposite lower ends of said shoulder strap at or near a side of the
torso opposite to the one shoulder.
16. The infant carrier according to claim 15 wherein said
stretchable member is in spaced relation to said first and second
ends.
17. The infant carrier according to claim 15 wherein said infant
head and body support is releasably secured to said dual layers of
said pouch member.
18. The infant carrier according to claim 15 wherein said
suspension means includes a buckle member and is adapted for single
hand adjustment.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application is a utility conversion of
provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/148,262 filed 29 Jan.
2009, for INFANT SLING AND HIP CARRIER, by Lynn Rosen and Cynthia
R. Nelson and herein incorporated by reference.
[0002] The present apparatus relates to an infant sling carrier and
more particularly relates to a novel and improved infant sling
carrier having a breathable mesh fabric and a removable infant
support that is versatile and adapted to support a toddler in
different positions.
BACKGROUND AND FIELD
[0003] Infants are often carried next to the body of an adult in a
form of sling and many slings have been designed to accomplish this
result while attempting to minimize the stress and fatigue that can
result from carrying an infant. Often the infant is crowded or
unable to move in many slings. Further, the slings are often
uncomfortable to wear for extended periods of time due to uneven
weight distribution of the infant.
[0004] The present sling and hip carrier has been devised in which
the carrier has an elongated pouch member having at least two
layers of stretchable mesh fabric, the pouch member having
opposite, upwardly extending side panels with upper, stretchable
retaining members, and a strap assembly extending downwardly from
one shoulder across the front and back of a wearer's torso, the
assembly connected to the pouch member at opposite terminal ends
and having an adjustable releasable securing member. A toddler may
also be seated within the pouch or straddle it with the toddler's
legs oriented on opposite sides of the pouch. An infant support pad
with a 3 point T-strap is removably inserted within the pouch
providing additional support for young infants.
[0005] The above and other advantages and features will become more
readily appreciated and understood from a consideration of the
following detailed description of different embodiments when taken
together with the accompanying drawings in which:
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an infant carrier sling;
[0007] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the sling of FIG. 1;
[0008] FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of the sling of FIG. 1;
[0009] FIG. 4 is a side view of the sling of FIG. 1;
[0010] FIG. 5 is a partially exploded side view of the sling of
FIG. 1;
[0011] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an infant support
insert;
[0012] FIG. 7 is a cut-away view of a portion of the infant support
insert secured to the sling of FIG. 1;
[0013] FIG. 8 is a partial sectional view of the insert of FIG.
6;
[0014] FIG. 9 is a partial sectional view of the sling of FIG.
1;
[0015] FIG. 10 is a sectional view of the mesh fabric of the pouch
of FIG. 1;
[0016] FIG. 11 is a cut away cross-sectional view of FIG. 4;
[0017] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the infant carrier sling of
FIG. 1 demonstrating the sling in use; and
[0018] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the infant carrier sling of
FIG. 1 demonstrating a further use of the sling.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] Referring in detail to the drawings, there is illustrated in
FIGS. 1 through 13 a sling and hip carrier combination 11 having a
crescent shaped, elongated, pliable sling body or pouch member 23
with a first or inner surface layer 15 and a second or outer,
bottom surface layer 17. A single layer may also be used without
departing from the intended scope. The dual layers 15 and 17
comprise a breathable, mesh fabric 28 that is resilient providing
lateral support but also capable of stretching to conform to each
individual infant. Other types of fabric may be used as well. The
mesh fabric 28 includes pinpoint openings (not shown) in the fabric
which allows the fabric to stretch as well as ventilate. The fabric
28 conforms to the shape and weight of the infant and naturally
aligns the infant lengthwise and widthwise within the pouch 23 but
having memory as well so that the pouch returns to its original
shape and size once an infant is removed from the sling. The pouch
23 also includes opposite upper side edges 31 and 33 of the pouch
extending upwardly and the pouch 23 is located intermediate of ends
24 and 26, which also extend upwardly in a slightly tapered
fashion. The pouch member 23 is preferably of layered construction
as described with edges 19 joined to a surrounding member 21,
creating the recessed opening of the pouch or cavity 23 for
placement of an infant or toddler therein. The surrounding member
21 is made up of a soft, washable material that encases an elastic
band 22 and padding 25, providing a narrowed, slightly gathered
opening in the pouch member 23. This is shown in FIG. 11. The
surrounding member 21, the padding 25 and the elastic band 22
extend along a substantial length of each of the opposite sides 31
and 33 of the pouch member 23 and is designed to retain an infant
within the pouch member. The surrounding member 21 in combination
with the opposite sides 31 and 33, form a secure cradle-like
enclosure that prevents an infant from slipping out of the pouch
and also provides additional privacy for nursing and shielding a
sleeping infant. The breathable mesh 28 allows the sides 31 and 33
to shield the infant while providing slight ventilation for the
infant. The pouch member 23 is adapted to retain the infant head
and body in a natural alignment while also providing a comfortable
support for the infant.
[0020] Terminal ends 16 of each of the surrounding members 21
including the elastic bands 22 are connected to the opposite ends
24 and 26. The end 24 includes a first mesh layer 41 that is
continuous from the mesh layer 17 and a second solid layer 43 that
preferably includes padding 45 therein and extending upwardly to
form a strap assembly 27. The second solid layer is preferably a
lightweight, machine washable, durable fabric. The end 26 is made
up of dual solid layers 47 and 49 containing padding 51, also
extending upwardly to form a secondary strap member 34. The strap
assembly 27, including a primary padded strap member 29 and a
secondary strap member 34 is adapted to extend downwardly from one
shoulder of the wearer, across the front and back of the wearer's
torso so that the infant or toddler can be supported in a prone
position, sitting position or the toddler may be placed in a
position straddling the pouch member 23 whereby the toddler's legs
are placed on opposite sides of the pouch member 23 and the toddler
is partially supported on the hip of the wearer. This is shown by
way of example, and not limitation, in FIGS. 12 and 13. The primary
strap member 29 is preferably a reinforced, partially padded strap,
extending a partial width and length of the wearer's shoulder and
front torso as shown in FIG. 13. Other configurations of the strap
assembly may be used without departing from the scope of the
present sling. The padded portion 45, as shown in FIG. 9, is
located along an upper, front portion 55 of the primary strap
member 29 to prevent rubbing of the wearer's neck and shoulder area
and the wide cushioning portion of the shoulder strap assembly
distributes the weight of the infant across a substantial area of
the shoulder of the wearer for optimum comfort.
[0021] The primary strap member 29 is connected to a buckle member
32 which is designed to allow pass through of the secondary strap
member 34 which is of a length sufficient to allow passage of a
terminal end 18 through the buckle member 32 to provide for an
adjustable strap. The sling may then be adjusted for comfort of the
user. Other forms of adjustment members may be used as well such as
a hook and loop closure member, snap assembly or any other type of
securing member that preferably allows for adjustment. The buckle
member 32 also allows for single hand adjustment of the shoulder
strap assembly 27. Opposite ends 38 and 40 of the strap assembly 27
are continuous and are secured at the opposite ends 24 and 26 of
the pouch 23. The end 24 is slightly tapered at the lower end 57 of
the primary strap member 29. The opposite end 26 is also slightly
tapered and terminates in a connection point 59 with the secondary
strap member 32. The positioning of the opposite ends 24 and 26 as
well as the inclusion of the mesh material allows for optimum
positioning of the infant and even distribution of the infant's
weight. Further, the configuration of the ends 24 and 26 aid in
preventing an infant from slipping down in the pouch resulting in
an uncomfortable positioning of the infant.
[0022] The sling 11 includes an infant support member 35 as shown
in detail in FIGS. 5, 6 and 8. The infant support member 35
includes a padded, sectioned base member 36, a head roll support 37
at one end 39 of the base member 36 and a flap 41 at an opposite
end 43. The flap 41 has a front panel having a T-shaped portion 61
that is adapted to be secured to dual side flaps 63 and 65, forming
dual openings 47 and 47' for passage of an infant's legs
therethrough. The dual flaps 63 and 65 are preferably secured to
the T-shaped portion 61 with hook and loop fasteners 69 forming a 3
point T-strap retention or securing system. The support member is
releasably secured to the dual layers 15 and 17 of the pouch with
an elastic loop member. The elastic loop member 71 is secured to
the layers 15 and 17 and has a hook and loop fastener 75 which
corresponds to a hook and loop fastener (not shown) located on each
of the dual flaps 63 and 65. The dual flaps may be inserted through
the loop member 71 and secured to the loop member 71 with the
complementary strips of hook and loop fasteners. In this manner,
the infant support member may be removed at will. The infant
support member 35 aids in supporting the head and neck of a smaller
infant while also preventing the infant from becoming cramped in
the sling, as previously discussed. The breathable, stretchy mesh
also combines with the infant support member 35 to insure that the
baby's head remains slightly elevated. The pouch 23 has at least
one pocket member 81 located preferably along an exterior of the
pouch as shown in FIG. 3 for storage of miscellaneous items
therein. The pocket member 81 may be zippered, as shown, or any
other type of closure device may be used. An additional pocket
member 83, as shown in FIG. 12, is available for storing excess
portions of the shoulder strap. Further, additional pocket members
(not shown) may be located along the strap assembly 29 without
departing from the scope of the sling.
[0023] In use, the infant may be placed in a prone position within
the pouch 23 and secured with the infant support member, allowing
for optimal positioning and securing of the infant. If desired, the
strap assembly 27 may be adjusted and positioned to provide
privacy, allowing for nursing of an infant while in the sling. Once
an infant has reached a certain stage and is capable of
self-supporting, the infant or toddler may also be placed in the
pouch 23, but in a different manner. The toddler or older infant
may be placed in an upright, sitting position in the sling 11 with
the rear portion of their body being supported by the pouch 23 as
shown in FIG. 13. In this way, the weight of the infant is
supported mainly on the hip of the wearer while the shoulder strap
assembly 29 provides weight distribution. This position also
requires the shoulder strap assembly 27 to be placed on the
opposite shoulder of the wearer and the infant/toddler is placed
opposite of that shoulder. The configuration of the shoulder strap
assembly 29 allows the wearer to switch weight bearing shoulders
without removing the infant from within the sling 11. There are
also other configurations possible for placement of an infant or
toddler which are not shown but are encompassed within the scope of
this sling.
[0024] It is therefore to be understood that even though numerous
characteristics and advantages of the present embodiments have been
set forth in the foregoing description, together with the details
of the structure and function of the embodiments, the disclosure is
illustrative only, and changes may be made within the principles of
the embodiments to the full extend indicated by the broad general
meaning of the terms and reasonable equivalents thereof.
* * * * *