U.S. patent application number 13/368981 was filed with the patent office on 2012-08-09 for easy wrap carrier with lumbar support.
Invention is credited to Elizabeth Zack.
Application Number | 20120199619 13/368981 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46599979 |
Filed Date | 2012-08-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120199619 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Zack; Elizabeth |
August 9, 2012 |
EASY WRAP CARRIER WITH LUMBAR SUPPORT
Abstract
Provided is an infant wrap carrying device having a lumbar
support belt that is secured to the caregiver around the waist and
lumber region of the caregiver. A primary wrap is joined to the
lumbar support belt and includes a first strap and a second strap.
The first and second straps define fixed end portions coupled to
the lumber belt, wherein the first and second straps extend from
the lumber belt and terminate in respective free end portions. A
secondary wrap is also joined to the lumbar support belt to
substantially overlap the primary wrap adjacent the lumbar support
belt. The secondary wrap includes a main panel and a pair of
opposed tie portions which are configured to wrapped and tied
around the caregiver.
Inventors: |
Zack; Elizabeth; (Brooklyn,
NY) |
Family ID: |
46599979 |
Appl. No.: |
13/368981 |
Filed: |
February 8, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61441219 |
Feb 9, 2011 |
|
|
|
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 for use by a wearer for supporting an infant,
the infant carrier comprising: a support belt configured to be
disposable about the wearer's midsection; a primary wrap having a
fixed end portion and a free end portion, the fixed end portion
being coupled to the support belt and the free end portion being
configured to be wrapped around the wearer, the primary wrap being
configured to assume a deployed position when the free end portion
is wrapped around the wearer to support an infant; and a secondary
wrap including a support panel coupled to the support belt and a
secondary connecting portion configured to be wrapped around the
wearer, the secondary wrap being selectively transitional between
an infant support position, wherein the support panel substantially
overlaps a portion of the primary wrap to provide support to the
infant supported by the primary wrap, and a wearer support
position, wherein the support panel is positioned over the wearer
to provide support to the wearer.
2. The infant carrier as recited in claim 1, wherein the primary
wrap includes a first strap and a second strap.
3. The infant carrier as recited in claim 2, wherein the first
strap and the second strap define respective fixed end portions and
respective free end portions, the fixed end portions being coupled
to the support belt and the free end portions being wrappable
around the wearer.
4. The infant carrier as recited in claim 3, wherein the first
strap and the second strap are tapered in a direction extending
from the respective fixed end portion toward the respective free
end portion.
5. The infant carrier as recited in claim 2, wherein the first
strap and the second strap are configured to be wrappable about the
wearer and tieable to each other to wrap the free end portion
around the wearer.
6. The infant carrier as recited in claim 5, further comprising a
connector loop defining an opening, the first strap and second
strap being advancable through the opening to couple the first
strap to the second strap.
7. The infant carrier as recited in claim 1, wherein the primary
wrap is adjustable to conform to the size of the wearer and the
infant.
8. The infant carrier as recited in claim 1, wherein the infant
carrier is configured to be transitional between a front carry
position wherein the infant is supported over the wearer's chest
and a back carry position wherein the infant is supported over the
wearer's back.
9. The infant carrier as recited in claim 1, wherein the primary
wrap and secondary wrap collectively define leg supports to support
the infant adjacent the infant's legs.
10. The infant carrier as recited in claim 1, wherein the secondary
connecting portion includes a first tie portion and a second tie
portion connectable to each other to secure the secondary wrap to
the wearer.
11. An infant carrier for use by a wearer for supporting an infant,
the infant carrier comprising: a support belt configured to be
disposable about the wearer's midsection; a first strap having a
first fixed end portion and a first free end portion, the first
fixed end portion being coupled to the support belt; a second strap
having a second fixed end portion and a second free end portion,
the second fixed end portion being coupled to the support belt, the
first free end portion and second free end portions being
configured to be wrapped around the wearer to collectively assume a
support configuration to support an infant; and a support wrap
including a support panel coupled to the support belt and a
secondary connecting portion configured to be wrapped around the
wearer, the secondary wrap being selectively transitional between
an infant support position, wherein the support panel overlaps a
portion of the first strap and the second strap to provide support
to the infant supported by the first strap and the second strap,
and a wearer support position, wherein the support panel is
positioned over the wearer to provide support to the wearer.
12. The infant carrier as recited in claim 11, wherein the first
strap and the second strap are tapered in a direction extending
from the respective fixed end portion toward the respective free
end portion.
13. The infant carrier as recited in claim 11, wherein the first
strap and the second strap are configured to be wrappable about the
wearer and tieable to each other to wrap the free end portion
around the wearer.
14. The infant carrier as recited in claim 13, further comprising a
connector loop defining an opening, the first strap and second
strap being advancable through the opening to couple the first
strap to the second strap.
15. The infant carrier as recited in claim 11, wherein the first
strap and the second strap are configured to conform to the size of
the wearer and the infant.
16. The infant carrier as recited in claim 11, wherein the infant
carrier is configured to be transitional between a front carry
position wherein the infant is supported over the wearer's chest
and a back carry position wherein the infant is supported over the
wearer's back.
17. The infant carrier as recited in claim 11, wherein the first
strap, second strap, and support wrap collectively define leg
supports to support the infant adjacent the infant's legs.
18. The infant carrier as recited in claim 11, wherein the
secondary connecting portion includes a first tie portion and a
second tie portion connectable to each other to secure the
secondary wrap to the wearer.
19. An infant carrier for use by a wearer for supporting an infant,
the infant carrier comprising: a support belt configured to be
disposable about the wearer's midsection; a primary support panel
coupled to the support belt, the primary support panel being
configured to be connected to the wearer to assume a support
configuration for supporting the infant; and a secondary support
panel coupled to the support belt, the secondary support panel
being selectively transitional between an infant support position,
wherein the secondary support panel overlaps a portion of the
primary support panel to provide support to the infant supported by
the primary support panel, and a wearer support position, wherein
the secondary support panel is positioned over the wearer to
provide support to the wearer.
20. The infant carrier as recited in claim 19, wherein the primary
support panel and the secondary support panel collectively define
leg supports to support the infant adjacent the infant's legs.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/441,219, filed Feb. 9, 2011.
STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] 1. Technical Field of the Invention
[0004] The present invention relates generally to wrap-type infant
carriers adapted to be worn by an adult to support and carry an
infant or other young child. More particularly, the present
invention is directed to an infant wrap with improved features that
allow the wrap to more easily connect the wrap to the caregiver and
the infant, and to more effectively distribute the load to mitigate
muscle fatigue and strain to the caregiver.
[0005] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0006] Infant wraps are well known by parents and other persons
involved in child care as being suitable carriers for the transport
of children. Indeed, various different types of infant warps are
currently available from manufacturers of infant products. Infant
wraps offer many advantages over other types of child carriers such
as typically holding the infant in a nestled position near the body
of the adult wearer, which is often comforting to the child and
allows easy monitoring and observation of the infant on the part of
the adult wearer. Infant wraps also typically allow for easy
interaction between the adult wearing the wrap and the infant being
carried therein, such as for example to feed, soothe or entertain
the infant. However, though currently known and available infant
wraps achieve their primary objective of carrying an infant, they
nonetheless posses certain deficiencies that detract from their
overall utility.
[0007] One of the deficiencies of prior art infant wraps is that
they tend to cause injury to the caregiver or wearer by
transferring the load to the wearer in a manner which accelerates
muscle fatigue, which may lead to muscle strain, or more serious
injury. Muscle fatigue and strain is particularly common in the
lower back or lumbar region of the caregiver.
[0008] Furthermore, many infant wraps are complicated in their
design and/or operation, making usage of the wrap difficult to
learn and perform, especially upon initial usage thereof. Many
conventional infant wraps simply include a single piece of fabric,
which provides little, if any inherent guidance as to how the wrap
should be donned on the caregiver to secure the infant. Moreover,
even for those experienced users, the complicated design makes
donning of the wrap very arduous, particularly when a significant
amount of attention and effort is simultaneously required to
support the infant.
[0009] Accordingly, there remains a need in the art for an infant
wrap that is easy to use and is configured to more effectively
distribute the load to the caregiver to mitigate muscle strain or
fatigue.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention specifically addresses and alleviates
the above-identified deficiencies in the art. In this regard, the
present invention is directed to an infant wrap carrying device
having a lumbar support belt that is secured to the caregiver
around the waist and lumber region of the caregiver. A primary wrap
is joined to the lumbar support belt and includes a first strap and
a second strap. The first and second straps define fixed end
portions coupled to the lumber belt. The first and second straps
extend from the lumber belt and terminate in respective free end
portions. The first and second straps are configured to crisscross
over the front side of the caregiver and the back side of the
caregiver, and tie to each other to secure the primary wrap to the
caregiver. A secondary wrap is also joined to the lumbar support
belt to substantially overlap the primary wrap adjacent the lumbar
support belt. The secondary wrap includes a main panel and a pair
of opposed tie portions which are configured to wrapped and tied
around the caregiver.
[0011] The infant wrap carrying device is configured to be wrapped
around the caregiver and the infant to secure the infant to the
caregiver. The may be wrapped around the caregiver and infant in
several different positions, including configurations which allow
the infant to be supported adjacent the front of the caregiver, the
back of the caregiver, and at the side of the caregiver.
[0012] The infant carrying device is further configured to
facilitate usage thereof. In particular, it is likely that
caregiver's will readily understand that the lumber belt is
intended to be fastened around the caregiver's midsection. Once the
lumber belt is fastened to the caregiver, the overlapping
configuration of the primary wrap and secondary wrap convey to the
caregiver that the primary wrap must first be wrapped around the
caregiver, and then the secondary wrap is wrapped around the
caregiver.
[0013] The first and second straps are crisscrossed across the
caregiver's front side and back side and then tied to each other,
with the infant being secured between the primary wrap and the
caregiver. Once the primary wrap is fastened to the user, the
secondary wrap is secured to the caregiver, either to provide
support to additional support to the infant, or to provide support
to the caregiver.
[0014] The configuration of the infant carrying device may more
efficiently distribute the load applied to the caregiver to
mitigate muscle fatigue, muscle strain, or other injury. In
particular, the lumbar support belt provides support to the lower
back region of the caregiver to mitigate such ailments.
[0015] 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
[0016] These as well as other features of the present invention
will become more apparent upon reference to the drawings
wherein:
[0017] FIG. 1 is an upper perspective view of an infant carrying
device including a primary wrap, a secondary wrap and a lumbar
belt;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the infant carrying
device shown in FIG. 1;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a rear view of the infant carrying device, with
the primary wrap being shown in a partially wrapped configuration
and the secondary wrap being shown in an unwrapped
configuration;
[0020] FIG. 4 is a rear view of the infant carrying device, with
the primary and secondary wraps both shown in their respective
wrapped configurations;
[0021] FIG. 5 is a front view of the infant carrying device with
the primary and secondary wraps being extended in their respective
unwrapped configurations, with the secondary wrap in an infant
support position;
[0022] FIG. 6 is a front view of the infant carrying device shown
in FIG. 5, with the secondary wrap being folded in a parent support
position
[0023] FIG. 7 is a partial side view showing the infant carrying
device wrapped around an infant and a wearer, wherein the primary
wrap is shown in the wrapped configuration and the secondary wrap
is shown in the unwrapped configuration;
[0024] FIG. 8 is a side view showing the primary wrap and secondary
wrap in their respective wrapped configurations;
[0025] FIG. 9 is a front view showing the primary wrap and the
secondary wrap in their respective wrapped configurations, with a
portion of the primary wrap extending over the infant's head;
[0026] FIG. 10 is a partial rear view showing the primary wrap and
secondary wrap in their respective wrapped configurations; and
[0027] FIGS. 11 and 12 are rear and front views, respectively,
showing a child secured within the infant carrying device in a back
carry position.
[0028] Common reference numerals are used throughout the drawings
and detailed description to indicate like elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0029] The detailed description set forth below 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 structure of various embodiments of the invention, as
well as functions and sequences of steps for constructing and
operating the invention. It is to be understood, however, that the
same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by
different embodiments and that they are also intended to be
encompassed within the scope of the invention.
[0030] Referring now to FIGS. 1-4, there is shown an infant wrap
carrying device 10 which may be wrapped around an adult caregiver
and an infant to secure the infant to the caregiver/wearer. The
infant wrap carrying device 10 includes a primary wrap 12 comprised
of a first strap 14 and a second strap 16, and a secondary wrap 18.
The primary wrap 12 and secondary wrap 18 are both secured to a
lumbar support belt 20 which may be wrapped around the caregiver to
more efficiently transfer the weight of the infant to the caregiver
to mitigate muscle strain and fatigue and to reduce the likelihood
of injury to the caregiver.
[0031] As will be described in more detail below, the infant wrap
carrying device 10 is easy to use and may be wrapped in several
different configurations to position the infant in a number of
different positions relative to the caregiver. Furthermore, the
primary wrap 12 and secondary wrap 18 may be wrapped around the
caregiver to specifically adapt the infant carrying device 10 to
the specific size of the caregiver.
[0032] The first strap 14 defines a fixed end portion 22 (see FIG.
3) and an opposing free end portion 24. The fixed end portion 22 is
joined to the lumber belt 20, preferably by sewing, although other
joining means known by those skilled in the art may also be used.
The first strap 14 may be tapered along the length thereof such
that the width of the strap 14 is wider adjacent the fixed end
portion 22 and narrower adjacent the free end portion 24. Along
these lines, the first strap 14 may define a lateral edge 26 (see
FIG. 5) that is substantially straight, and a medial edge 28 (see
FIG. 5) that is angled relative to the lateral edge 26 to define
the tapered configuration. This feature is best depicted in FIG. 5,
wherein the first strap 14 is extended in an unwrapped
configuration along a planar surface. Those skilled in the art will
appreciate that although the lateral and medial edges 26, 28 are
substantially straight or linear in the embodiments shown in the
Figures, non-linear edges may also be used without departing from
the spirit and scope of the present invention.
[0033] The second strap 16 is similar to the first strap 14 in that
it defines a fixed end portion 30 (see FIG. 3) and an opposing free
end portion 32. The fixed end portion 30 is joined to the lumbar
belt 20. The second strap 16 may be tapered along the length
thereof, similar to the first strap 14, to define a wider section
adjacent the first end portion 26 and a narrower section adjacent
the free end portion 28. The second strap 16 may include a lateral
edge 34 (see FIG. 5) and a medial edge 36 (see FIG. 5) that is
angled relative to the lateral edge 34 to define the tapered
configuration.
[0034] The second strap 16 and first strap 14 are configured such
that a portion of the first and second straps 14, 16 overlap
adjacent the lumbar belt 20. The wider portions of the first and
second wraps 14, 16 may be configured to provide support to the
infant wrapped within the infant wrap carrying device 10, while the
narrower portions may be configured to facilitate wrapping and
tying of the infant carrying device 10 around the caregiver and the
infant.
[0035] The first and second straps 14, 16 may be formed from a
comfortable, durable fabric material, such as woven cotton, or
other such materials known by those skilled in the art. The fabric
is preferably machine washable to facilitate regular cleaning of
the infant wrap carrying device 10. The fabric may define various
colors and patterns to suit the particular tastes and preferences
of the caregiver.
[0036] The secondary wrap 18 is also coupled to the lumbar belt 20
and defines a main panel 38 having a fixed end portion 40 adjacent
the lumbar belt 20 and a free end portion 42 opposite the lumbar
belt 20. The secondary wrap 18 further includes a first tie portion
44 extending from one side of the main panel 38 and a second tie
portion 46 extending from an opposing side of the main panel 38.
The tie portions 44, 46 are configured to be wrapped around the
caregiver and secured to each other to provide additional support
to the infant and the caregiver.
[0037] The lumbar belt 20 includes a padded main body 48 which is
connected to the primary wrap 12 and the secondary wrap 18. The
main body 48 includes a middle portion and a pair of opposed end
portions 50. A first connector 52 is attached to one end portion 50
and a second connector 54 is attached to the other end portion 50,
with the first and second connectors 52, 54 being detachably
engageable with each other to selectively secure the lumbar belt 20
to the caregiver. In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the
first connector 52 is adjustable and includes a strap and a buckle
slidable along the strap. The buckle slides along the strap to
adjust the size of the lumbar belt 20 to conform to the size of the
caregiver. Along these lines, the lumbar belt 20 is configured to
be positionable adjacent the wearer's stomach on the front of the
user and the lumbar region on the rear of the user. When the buckle
is properly positioned along the strap, it may be engaged with a
complimentary buckle connector, i.e., the second connector 54, to
secure the belt 20 to the wearer. Those skilled in the art will
appreciate that although male and female type buckles are used to
define the first and second connectors 52, 54, other mechanical
fasteners, such as snaps, buttons, hook and loop fasteners, etc.
may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the
present invention.
[0038] With the basic structural features of the infant wrap
carrying device 10 being described above, the use of the device 10
will now be described. The device 10 is adaptable to be worn in
several different configurations, including but not limited to a
cradling position, a tummy-to-tummy position, and a back carry
position. Each of the foregoing positions is described in more
detail below and is shown in the accompanying drawings. However,
those skilled in the art will appreciate that the particular
configurations shown in the drawings and described herein are
exemplary in nature only and that the infant wrap carrying device
10 may be disposed in other configurations without departing from
the spirit and scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the
following discussion describes a step-by-step approach for
disposing the infant carrying device 10 in each configuration;
however, it is understood that the particular sequences described
herein are not the only sequences for wrapping the device 10 in the
respective configurations. In other words, the steps described
herein may be performed in a different order, or other additional
steps may be performed within each described and illustrated
sequence without departing from the spirit and scope of the present
invention.
[0039] Referring now to FIGS. 1-4 and FIG. 9, there is shown a
step-by-step sequence for placing the infant wrap carrying device
10 on a wearer in a cradling configuration. When the device 10 is
wrapped and tied on the caregiver in the cradling configuration,
the infant is secured against the caregiver's stomach/chest in a
cradled position, i.e., with the infant's head and body being
supported collectively by the caregiver and the infant carrying
device 10.
[0040] Initially, the lumbar belt 20 is connected to the
caregiver's midsection, with the middle portion of the lumbar belt
20 being disposed over the caregiver's waist/stomach, and the end
portions 50 being disposed over the caregiver's back. The lumbar
belt 20 is secured to the caregiver such that the primary wrap 12
and the secondary wrap 18 are wrappable over the caregiver's upper
body.
[0041] With the lumber belt 20 secured to the caregiver, the infant
is held against the caregiver' s chest while the primary wrap 12 is
wrapped around the caregiver. Before being manipulated by the
caregiver, the first strap 14 is disposed adjacent a first side of
the caregiver and the second strap 16 is disposed adjacent a second
side of the caregiver. The first strap 14 is lifted by the
caregiver with one hand, while the remaining hand secures the
infant against the caregiver's front side. The first strap 14 is
lifted over the infant and over the caregiver's first side shoulder
and is draped over the caregiver's back. The user then lifts the
second strap 16 over the infant and over the caregiver's second
side shoulder and is draped over the caregiver's back. During this
time, the caregiver securely maintains the infant against the
caregiver's chest with the caregiver's other hand, i.e., the
caregiver may wrap the first and second straps 14, 16 over the
caregiver's first and second shoulders using the right hand, while
the caregiver's left hand secures the infant, or vise versa.
[0042] The user then uses his free hand to reach behind the
caregiver's back and grab the strap opposite the caregiver's hand.
In other words, if the user reaches with his left hand, the user
will pass his hand behind his left side and across his back to
reach the strap 14, 16 extending down along the caregiver's right
side, or vise versa. When the user grabs that strap 14, 16, the
user pulls it around the caregiver's back to the opposite side of
the user (i.e., to the side opposite the shoulder which the strap
14, 16 extends to cross the strap 14, 16 over the caregiver's
back). The user then secures that strap 14, 16 between the free arm
of the user and the caregiver's torso. The previously free arm is
then used to support the infant so the user can reach for the
remaining strap 14, 16 with the caregiver's other hand. More
specifically, the other hand reaches behind the user to grab the
remaining one of the straps 14, 16 to pull the remaining strap 14,
16 across the caregiver's back to the opposite side of the user,
which results in the first and second strap 14, 16 forming a
crisscross pattern across the caregiver's back. The remaining strap
14, 16 is then pulled tight by the user, which results in both the
first and second straps 14, 16 both being disposed in tension to as
to secure the infant against the caregiver's chest.
[0043] With the infant being secured by the tension in the first
and second straps 14, 16, the user no longer is required to
directly support the infant by hand, so long as the tension is
maintained in the first and second straps 14, 16. Along these
lines, the user may grab each strap 14, 16 with a different hand to
maintain the tension therein while completing the wrapping of the
device 10. Each strap 14, 16 is wrapped across the front of the
wearer, preferably below the infant, adjacent the caregiver's
stomach, to crisscross over the front of the user. The straps 14,
16 are then passed to the user's back side and tied together over
the caregiver's back (see FIGS. 4 and 10). When the straps 14, 16
are finally tied, the infant may be adjusted or slightly moved
within the carrying device 10 to a position that is comfortable for
both the caregiver and the infant.
[0044] With the primary wrap 12 secured to the caregiver, the
secondary wrap 18 may be manipulated into one of at least two
configurations, namely an upward infant support position or a
downward parent support position. The upward infant support
position is shown in FIG. 2, wherein the secondary wrap 18 is
secured with the main panel 38 disposed in an overlapping position
relative to the first ends 22, 30 of the first and second straps
14, 16. In particular, secondary wrap 18 is folded relative to the
support belt 20 to dispose the main panel 38 in the overlapping
configuration. The first and second tie portions 44, 46 are wrapped
and tied around the caregiver's back. When the secondary wrap 18 is
folded and tied in the upward infant support configuration,
additional support is provided to the infant, and the load of the
infant is more efficiently distributed by the device 10 to the
caregiver so as to mitigate muscle strain and pain to reduce the
likelihood of injury to the caregiver.
[0045] In the downward parent support position, the secondary wrap
18 is folded downwardly relative to the support belt 20 (see FIG.
6) to provide additional support to the stomach/waist area of the
caregiver. This can be particularly desirable for mothers shortly
after child-birth, as they may desire such additional support. When
the secondary wrap 18 is folded downwardly, the first and second
tie portions 44, 46 are wrapped and tied around the caregiver' s
back.
[0046] The above-described cradle configuration may be desirable
for small infants, as it generally provides the most support for
the infant, and cradles or embraces the infant close to the
caregiver.
[0047] Another configuration which the device 10 may be disposed in
is the tummy-to-tummy configuration, which is best depicted in
FIGS. 7 and 8. The tummy-to-tummy configuration is very similar to
the cradling configuration discussed above, with the primary
distinction being that before the primary wrap 12 is secured to the
caregiver, the infant is held against the caregiver with the infant
facing the caregiver, i.e., the infant's front side facing the
caregiver's front side. With the infant so positioned, the first
and second straps 14, 16 are crisscrossed over the caregiver's
front side, and then the caregiver's back side. As can be seen in
FIGS. 7 and 8, a portion of the infant's arms and legs may extend
beyond the primary wrap 12; however, the infant remains secured by
the primary wrap 12 extending across the back side of the
infant.
[0048] When the first and second straps 14, 16 are wrapped from the
caregiver's back side to the caregiver's front side, each strap 14,
16 may pass over one leg and under the other leg. In this regard,
each leg of the infant will be bound on the top and the bottom by
the first and second straps 14, 16. The straps 14, 16 are then
wrapped and tied behind the caregiver; however, it is contemplated
that the straps 14, 16 may be tied on the caregiver's front side
without departing from the spirit and scope of the present
invention.
[0049] After the primary wrap 12 is secured to the caregiver, the
secondary wrap 18 may be secured in the same manner described above
in relation to the cradling configuration, i.e., the secondary wrap
18 may be deployed in the upward support position or the downward
support position.
[0050] Another configuration that the infant wrap carrying device
10 may be used is a back-carry configuration, as depicted in FIGS.
11 and 12. In the back carry configuration, the lumbar support belt
20 is secured to the caregiver such that the primary and secondary
wraps 12, 18 are disposed at the caregiver's back side before they
are secured to the caregiver in their wrapped configuration. That
is to say that the lumbar support belt 20 is rotated 180.degree.
relative to its position in the cradling configuration or the
tummy-to-tummy configuration discussed above.
[0051] With the lumbar support belt 20 secured to the caregiver,
the infant/child is then held on the caregiver's back, with the
child straddling the caregiver's back. The first strap 14 is then
wrapped across the caregiver's back side to the opposite shoulder,
and then the second strap 16 is wrapped across the caregiver' s
back side to define a crisscrossed configuration with the first
strap 14, with the infant being secured between the primary wrap 12
and the caregiver. The straps 14, 16 are then passed to the
caregiver's front side where they are again crisscrossed. The
straps 14, 16 are subsequently passed back to the caregiver's back
side underneath the infant's legs. The straps 14, 16 may be tied at
the caregiver's back side, or wrapped back to the caregiver' s
front side where they are tied.
[0052] Once the primary wrap 12 is secured to the caregiver, the
secondary wrap 18 may be secured thereto. In this regard, the
secondary wrap 18 is pulled over the infant such that the main
panel 38 provides additional support to the infant. The first and
second tie portions 44, 46 are then wrapped to the front side of
the caregiver where they are tied to each other.
[0053] Each of the foregoing configurations may be used by
caregivers to position the infant/child in the preferred position
for the caregiver and the infant. The particular configuration of
the infant carrying device 10 is believed to make usage of the
device 10 easy to understand. In particular, it is likely that
caregivers will easily understand that the lumbar belt 20 is
wrapped around the midsection of the caregiver.
[0054] Furthermore, once the lumbar belt 20 is secured to the
caregiver, it becomes clear that the first and second straps 14, 16
need to be secured prior to the secondary wrap 18 because the
primary wrap 12 is disposed between the secondary wrap 18 and the
caregiver.
[0055] An optional feature which may further simplify usage of the
device 10 is a strap guide 58. The strap guide 58 may be used to
join the first and second straps 14, 16 to facilitate disposing the
first and second straps 14, 16 in crisscrossed configuration across
the caregiver. For example, if the user were deploying the device
10 in the cradling configuration, the strap guide 58 may secure the
first and second wraps 14, 16 such that all that is required of the
caregiver is to lift the joined first and second wraps 14, 16 over
the caregiver's head to dispose the strap guide adjacent the
caregiver's back (see FIG. 3). In this regard, the first and second
wraps 14, 16 may be simultaneously crisscrossed over the
caregiver's front side.
[0056] Additional modifications and improvements of the present
invention may also be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the
art. Thus, the particular combination of components and steps
described and illustrated herein is intended to represent only
certain embodiments of the present invention, and is not intended
to serve as limitations of alternative devices and methods within
the spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *