U.S. patent application number 14/184486 was filed with the patent office on 2014-08-21 for baby carrier.
This patent application is currently assigned to TOMY INTERNATIONAL, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is TOMY INTERNATIONAL, INC.. Invention is credited to Kellyn Bailey, Ashley Christensen.
Application Number | 20140231473 14/184486 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51350448 |
Filed Date | 2014-08-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140231473 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bailey; Kellyn ; et
al. |
August 21, 2014 |
BABY CARRIER
Abstract
A baby carrier including a back panel, a first strap, and a
second strap. The first strap extends from a first upper location
of the back panel to a first lower location of the back panel.
Similarly, the second strap extends for a second upper location of
the back panel to a second lower location of the back panel. The
back panel, the first strap, and the second strap define a garment
configured to be worn by a user. The back panel, the first strap,
and the second strap define a cavity that is configured to receive
and secure a baby between the user and the first and the second
straps.
Inventors: |
Bailey; Kellyn; (Logan,
UT) ; Christensen; Ashley; (Logan, UT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
TOMY INTERNATIONAL, INC. |
Dyersville |
IA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
TOMY INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Dyersville
IA
|
Family ID: |
51350448 |
Appl. No.: |
14/184486 |
Filed: |
February 19, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61767660 |
Feb 21, 2013 |
|
|
|
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. A baby carrier comprising: a back panel; a first strap that
extends from a first upper location of the back panel to a first
lower location of the back panel; and a second strap that extends
from a second upper location of the back panel to a second lower
location of the back panel; wherein the back panel, the first strap
and the second strap define a garment configured to be worn by a
user; wherein the back panel, the first strap, and the second strap
define a cavity, the cavity configured to receive and secure a baby
between the user and the first strap and the second strap.
2. The baby carrier of claim 1, wherein the back panel, the first
strap, and the second strap form a single piece.
3. The baby carrier of claim 1, wherein one of the first strap and
the second strap overlaps the other of the first strap or the
second strap.
4. The baby carrier of claim 1, wherein the first strap and the
second strap are stitched to the back panel.
5. The baby carrier of claim 1, wherein a size of the cavity is
adjustable.
6. The baby carrier of claim 1, further comprising a reinforcing
strap.
7. The baby carrier of claim 6, wherein the reinforcing strap is
adjustable.
8. The baby carrier of claim 6 wherein the reinforcing strap is
removable.
9. The baby carrier of claim 1, wherein the back panel is at least
partially padded.
10. The baby carrier of claim 1, wherein each of the first strap
and the second strap is elastically deformable.
11. A baby carrier comprising: a back panel; a first strap that
extends from a first upper location of the back panel to a first
lower location of the back panel; a second strap that extends from
a second upper location of the back panel to a second lower
location of the back panel; a first opening defined between the
back panel, a first portion of the first strap, and a first portion
of the second strap; a second opening defined between the back
panel, a second portion of the first strap, and a second portion of
the second strap; wherein the back panel, the first strap, and the
second strap define a garment configured to be worn by a user;
wherein the back panel, the first strap, and the second strap are
configured to receive and secure a baby between the user and the
first and the second straps.
12. The baby carrier of claim 11, wherein the back panel, the first
strap, and the second strap form a single piece.
13. The baby carrier of claim 11, wherein one of the first strap
and the second strap overlaps the other of the first strap or the
second strap.
14. The baby carrier of claim 11, wherein the first strap and the
second strap are permanently coupled to the back panel.
15. The baby carrier of claim 1, wherein the back panel, the first
strap, and the second strap define a cavity that is adjustable.
16. The baby carrier of claim 1, further comprising a reinforcing
strap.
17. The baby carrier of claim 6, wherein the reinforcing strap is
adjustable.
18. The baby carrier of claim 6 wherein the reinforcing strap is
removable.
19. The baby carrier of claim 1, wherein the back panel is at least
partially padded.
20. The baby carrier of claim 1, wherein each of the first strap
and the second strap is elastically deformable.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a non-provisional of and claims priority
to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/767,660, filed Feb. 21,
2013, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by
reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Conventional baby carriers often include complex
configurations that are complicated to put on and adjust. Also,
conventional baby carriers may include securement mechanisms (i.e.,
buckles, clips, snaps, etc.) for positioning the baby in various
positions, which only add to the complexity of the carrier.
Conventional baby wraps include long strips of fabric that adults
tie around themselves in complicated knots.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention relates to an improved baby carrier.
In particular, the present invention relates to a wearable baby
carrier.
[0004] In one embodiment, the invention provides a baby carrier
including a back panel, a first strap, and a second strap. The
first strap extends from a first upper location of the back panel
to a first lower location of the back panel. The second strap
extends for a second upper location of the back panel to a second
lower location of the back panel. The back panel, the first strap,
and the second strap define a garment configured to be worn by a
user. The back panel, the first strap, and the second strap define
a cavity that is configured to receive and secure a baby between
the user and the first and the second straps.
[0005] In another embodiment the invention provides a baby carrier
including a back panel, a first strap, and a second strap. The
first strap extends from a first upper location of the back panel
to a first lower location of the back panel. The second strap
extends for a second upper location of the back panel to a second
lower location of the back panel. A first opening is defined
between the back panel, a first portion of the first strap, and a
first portion of the second strap. A second opening is defined
between the back panel, a second portion of the first strap, and a
second portion of the second strap. The back panel, the first
strap, and the second strap define a garment configured to be worn
by a user. The back panel, the first strap, and the second strap
are configured to receive and secure a baby between the user and
the first and the second straps.
[0006] Other aspects of the invention will become apparent by
consideration of the detailed description and accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1A is a rear perspective view of the baby carrier
according to one embodiment of the invention.
[0008] FIG. 1B is a front perspective view of the baby carrier
illustrated in FIG. 1A securing a baby in a first position.
[0009] FIG. 1C is a front perspective view of the baby carrier of
FIG. 1A and including a removable strap.
[0010] FIG. 1D is a front perspective view of the baby carrier of
FIG. 1A securing a baby in another position and including the
removable strap illustrated in FIG. 1C.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the baby carrier
including the removable strap in use.
[0012] FIG. 3A is a front view of an exterior layer of a back panel
of the baby carrier illustrated in FIG. 1A.
[0013] FIG. 3B is a front view of an interior layer of a back panel
of the baby carrier illustrated in FIG. 1A.
[0014] FIG. 3C is a front view of a first strap and a second strap
of the baby carrier illustrated in FIG. 1A.
[0015] FIG. 3D is a front view of a removable strap useable with
the baby carrier illustrated in FIG. 1A.
[0016] FIG. 4A is a rear view of the baby carrier illustrated in
FIG. 1A.
[0017] FIG. 4B is a front view of a first strap and a second strap
of the baby carrier illustrated in FIG. 1A.
[0018] FIG. 4C is a front view of a removable strap useable with
the baby carrier illustrated in FIG. 1A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in
detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in
its application to the details of construction and the arrangement
of components set forth in the following description or illustrated
in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other
embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in
various ways.
[0020] In one embodiment, the invention provides a simple baby
carrier that is worn like a garment. The baby carrier includes a
back panel, a first strap, and a second strap. The baby carrier
creates a cavity between the back panel and the first and second
straps. The cavity receives and secures the baby against the body
of the adult. The baby carrier accommodates the baby in a variety
of positions. The baby carrier includes a removable strap for
ensuring the baby is secured against the body of the adult.
[0021] As discussed in greater detail below, the present invention
relates to a baby carrier that includes a wrapless wrap, a
breathable back panel with mesh on interior of panel, and an
optional waist strap. The baby carrier includes straps on the front
and the straps are gathered on the shoulders and a bottom end of
the panel. Additionally, the baby carrier easily slips on like a
t-shirt, evenly distributes the weight of baby, fits babies 8-35
lbs., and accommodates multiple positions of baby.
[0022] FIGS. 1-4 illustrate a baby carrier 10 according to one
embodiment of the invention. With reference to FIGS. 1A-D, the baby
carrier 10 includes a generally Y-shaped back panel 14. A first
strap 18 of the baby carrier 10 extends between a first upper
location 16 of the back panel 14 and a first lower location 20 of
the back panel 14. Similarly, a second strap 22 of the baby carrier
10 extends between a second upper location 24 of the pack panel 14
and a second lower location 28 of the back panel 14. The first
upper location 16 is located opposite the second upper location 24,
and the first lower location 20 is located opposite the second
lower location 28. As such, the first and the second straps cross
one another at a location in front of the back panel. The back
panel 14, the first strap 18, and the second strap 22 form a single
piece. In other words, the first strap 18 and the second strap 22
are sewn, stitched, fused, or otherwise permanently coupled to the
back panel 14. As also illustrated in the figures, the fabric
material is gathered or bunched together at the first upper
location 16, the first lower location 20, the second upper location
24 and the second lower location 28.
[0023] The baby carrier 10 includes a first opening 26 and a second
opening 30 disposed between the first and second straps. In
particular, the first opening 26 is defined between the back panel
14, a first portion of the first strap 18, and a first portion of
the second strap 22. The first opening 26 is opposite the second
opening 30. A cavity 34 is created between the back panel 14 and
the first and the second straps 18, 22. The cavity 34 further
includes a third opening 24 and a fourth opening 28, which will be
described below.
[0024] With continued reference to FIGS. 1A-1D, the baby carrier 10
is worn like a garment (i.e., a shirt) and slips over the user or
adult's head. As illustrated and when in use, the third opening 24
is situated substantially about the adult's waist (i.e., torso),
while the neck and head of the adult extends through the fourth
opening 28. As such, the back panel 14 is situated against the back
of the adult while the first and second straps 18, 22 extend
between the shoulders and the waist of the adult. The arms of the
adult extend through the first and second openings 26, 30. The
first strap 18 overlaps the second strap 22 across the front of the
adult.
[0025] The cavity 34 is configured to receive a baby in one of a
plurality of positions. A removable strap 38 may be used to ensure
that the baby is further secured in the baby carrier 10. The baby
carrier 10 may cradle the baby entirely within the cavity 34 (FIGS.
1B-D). Alternatively, the baby may sit within the cavity 34 facing
toward (FIGS. 1B-C) or away from (FIG. 1D) the body of the adult
such that the legs of the baby extend through the openings 26, 30.
In any configuration, the removable strap 38 may be wrapped around
both the adult and the baby in order to further secure the baby
against the body of the adult. The removable strap 38 is configured
to be secured by knotting opposite ends thereof. The removable
strap 38, which is also adjustable,provides variable support to the
baby carrier 10. The removable strap 38 may also include a pocket
42 (FIG. 3D), which can be used to hold personal items.
[0026] With reference to FIGS. 3A-3D, in one embodiment, the back
panel 14 includes an interior portion or layer 54 constructed from,
for example, a mesh material 56 while an exterior portion or layer
50 is constructed from an elastic material 52 (e.g., stretch cotton
spandex or other suitable flexible material) that is elastically
deformable. Together, the mesh and elastic materials 52, 56 of the
back panel 14 increase breathability and airflow through the
materials. Additionally, the back panel 14 may include padding or
be at least partially padded to help distribute the baby's weight
comfortably and therefore, provide additional support to the back
and shoulders of the adult. The first strap 18, the second strap
22, and the removable strap 38 are comprised of the elastic
material 52 as the exterior of the back panel 14. The elasticity of
the straps 18, 22 allows the straps 18, 22 to be adjusted relative
to the shoulders of the adult in order to distribute the baby's
weight evenly across the back and shoulders of the adult. In other
words, the elasticity of the back panel 14 and the straps 12, 22,
38 enables the cavity 34 to be adjustable. The elasticity of the
back panel 14 and the straps 12, 22, 38 ensures a secure fit for
securing the baby closely to the body of the adult. Additional or
alternative embodiments may include other materials or combinations
of materials for the back panel and each of the straps.
[0027] The baby carrier 10 is configured to fit adults of all
shapes and sizes. With respect to FIG. 4A, a height H of the back
panel 14 ranges from between approximately 10 inches to
approximately 12 inches. In other embodiments, the height H varies
between approximately 10.25 inches to approximately 11 inches. A
first, inner distance Z between the first and the second upper
locations of the back panel 14, which is also a minimum width of
the back panel 14, is between approximately 6 inches to
approximately 8 inches. In other embodiments, the distance Z varies
between approximately 6.25 inches to approximately 7 inches. A
first, outer distance Y between the first and the second upper
locations of the back panel 14, which is also a maximum width of
the back panel 14, is between approximately 12 inches to
approximately 15 inches. In other embodiments, the distance Y
varies between approximately 12.25 inches to approximately 14.5
inches. A width X of the first and the second upper locations and a
height X' of the first and the second lower locations (i.e., where
the first and the second straps 18, 22 attach to the back panel)
range from between approximately 3.5 inches to approximately 5
inches. In other embodiments, the distance X, X' varies between
approximately 4 inches to approximately 5 inches.
[0028] With respect to FIG. 4B, a width K of the first strap and
the second strap 18, 22 ranges from between approximately 19 inches
to approximately 21 inches. In one embodiment, K is approximately
20 inches. The width of each of the first and the second straps 18,
22 tapers from the maximum width K to a minimum width M, which
ranges from between approximately 3.5 and approximately 5 inches
but is preferably between approximately 4 inches and approximately
4.5 inches. The minimum width M of each of the first and the second
straps 18, 22 is substantially equal to the widths X, X', which is
where the straps 18, 22 are coupled to the back panel 14. A length
L of each of the first and the second straps 18, 22 ranges from
approximately 30 inches to approximately 42 inches. In other
embodiments, the distance L varies between approximately 32 inches
to approximately 41 inches.
[0029] With respect to FIG. 4C, a maximum width A of the
reinforcement strap 38 ranges from between approximately 8 inches
to approximately 9 inches. In one embodiment, the width A is
approximately 8.5 inches. The maximum width A may also correspond
to a range of heights for the pocket 42. The width of the pocket 42
is approximately 11.5 inches but may range between 11 inches and
approximately 12 inches. The width of each of the reinforcement
straps 38 tapers from the maximum width A to a minimum width B,
which ranges from between approximately 2 inches and approximately
2.5 inches. In other embodiments, the minimum width B is
approximately 2.25 inches. The reinforcement strap 38 includes a
length C that ranges from approximately 85 inches to approximately
110 inches. In other embodiments, the length C varies between
approximately 88 inches and approximately 106 inches.
[0030] In one particular embodiment, the dimensions of the baby
carrier 10 include the following:
[0031] H is approximately 10.25 inches
[0032] Z is approximately 6.25 inches
[0033] Y is approximately 12.5 inches
[0034] X is approximately 4.0 inches
[0035] X' is approximately 4.5 inches
[0036] K is approximately 20.0 inches
[0037] M is approximately 4.0 inches
[0038] L is approximately 32.0 inches
[0039] A is approximately 8.5 inches
[0040] B is approximately 11.5 inches
[0041] C is approximately 88.0 inches
[0042] In another embodiment, the dimensions of the baby carrier 10
include the following:
[0043] H is approximately 10.5 inches
[0044] Z is approximately 6.5 inches
[0045] Y is approximately 13.0 inches
[0046] X is approximately 4.0 inches
[0047] X' is approximately 4.5 inches
[0048] K is approximately 20.0 inches
[0049] M is approximately 4.0 inches
[0050] L is approximately 35.0 inches
[0051] A is approximately 8.5 inches
[0052] B is approximately 11.5 inches
[0053] C is approximately 94.0 inches
[0054] In yet another embodiment, the dimensions of the baby
carrier 10 include the following:
[0055] H is approximately 10.75 inches
[0056] Z is approximately 6.75 inches
[0057] Y is approximately 13.75 inches
[0058] X is approximately 4.0 inches
[0059] X' is approximately 4.5 inches
[0060] K is approximately 20.0 inches
[0061] M is approximately 4.0 inches
[0062] L is approximately 38.0 inches
[0063] A is approximately 8.5 inches
[0064] B is approximately 11.5 inches
[0065] C is approximately 100.0 inches
[0066] In a further embodiment, the dimensions of the baby carrier
10 include the following:
[0067] H is approximately 11.0 inches
[0068] Z is approximately 7.0 inches
[0069] Y is approximately 14.5 inches
[0070] X is approximately 4.5 inches
[0071] X' is approximately 5.0 inches
[0072] K is approximately 20 inches
[0073] M is approximately 4.5 inches
[0074] L is approximately 41.0 inches
[0075] A is approximately 8.5 inches
[0076] B is approximately 11.5 inches
[0077] C is approximately 106.0 inches
[0078] Each of these sized embodiments is intended to correspond to
a particular common size such as small, medium, large, or extra
large. These varying sizes accommodate many different people and
sizes of babies.
[0079] Thus, the invention provides, among other things, a simple
baby carrier for securing a baby in a variety of positions that is
easy to use. The baby carrier includes a back panel, a first strap,
a second strap, and a removable strap. The baby carrier is
lightweight, breathable, flexible/stretchable, and comfortable. The
baby carrier also ensures even weight distribution of the baby.
* * * * *