U.S. patent application number 14/601133 was filed with the patent office on 2015-07-23 for modular child carrier.
The applicant listed for this patent is Andrew R. Wollenberg. Invention is credited to Andrew R. Wollenberg.
Application Number | 20150201761 14/601133 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53543727 |
Filed Date | 2015-07-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150201761 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wollenberg; Andrew R. |
July 23, 2015 |
MODULAR CHILD CARRIER
Abstract
A modular carrier assembly is disclosed that incorporates
structure addressing the health, comfort and entertainment of a
baby or young child. The modular carrier assembly for a baby or
young child includes a vest portion, a baby carrier assembly
attached to the front apron of the vest portion, and a backpack
assembly attached to the back apron of the vest portion. The vest
portion includes a pair of spaced shoulder straps, a front apron,
and a back apron. The baby carrier assembly has a receiver portion
with a width sufficient to support the child's hips. Additionally,
the backpack assembly counterbalances the baby carrier assembly by
offsetting at least a portion of the baby carrier assembly weight
with the backpack assembly weight, thereby facilitating ease of
operation by a wearer of the modular carrier assembly.
Inventors: |
Wollenberg; Andrew R.;
(Redwood City, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Wollenberg; Andrew R. |
Redwood City |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
53543727 |
Appl. No.: |
14/601133 |
Filed: |
January 20, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61929890 |
Jan 21, 2014 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
224/576 ;
224/160; 224/161; 224/575; 224/581; 224/584 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45F 4/02 20130101; A45F
2003/146 20130101; A45F 2200/0525 20130101; A47D 13/025 20130101;
A45F 2003/003 20130101; A45F 3/04 20130101; A45F 2200/0516
20130101; A45F 5/00 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47D 13/02 20060101
A47D013/02; A45F 3/04 20060101 A45F003/04 |
Claims
1. A modular carrier assembly for a baby or young child,
comprising: a vest portion, the vest portion including a pair of
spaced shoulder straps, a front apron, and a back apron; wherein
the vest portion includes a modular lightweight load-carrying
equipment (MOLLE) system on one or both of the front apron and back
apron of the vest portion; a baby carrier assembly attached to the
front apron of the vest portion, the baby carrier assembly having a
receiver portion with a width sufficient to support a child's hips;
and a backpack assembly attached to the back apron of the vest
portion, wherein the backpack assembly counterbalances the baby
carrier assembly, thereby providing improved weight distribution
for a wearer of the modular carrier assembly.
2. The modular carrier assembly of claim 1, wherein the baby
carrier assembly is removable from the vest portion.
3. The modular carrier assembly of claim 1, wherein the baby
carrier assembly is reversible on the vest portion to enable the
baby carrier assembly to position a baby inwards or outwards.
4. The modular carrier assembly of claim 1, wherein the backpack
assembly is removable from the vest portion and interchangeable
with other backpack assemblies of differing sizes that are
attachable to the back apron of the vest portion.
5. The modular carrier assembly of claim 1, wherein the MOLLE
system includes a plurality of rows of looped structures spanning a
width of the vest portion.
6. The modular carrier assembly of claim 1, wherein a width of the
receiver portion is adjustable to reduce hip dysplasia in the
child.
7. The modular carrier assembly of claim 1, wherein the vest
portion includes channeled air-mesh construction for enhanced
ventilation.
8. The modular carrier assembly of claim 1, wherein the vest is
sized to extend only three quarters of a length of a wearer's torso
to enable mobility and ventilation.
9. The modular carrier assembly of claim 1, wherein the backpack
assembly is configured to function as a diaper bag when removed
from the back apron of the vest portion.
10. The modular carrier assembly of claim 1, wherein the vest
portion further includes a semi-rigid plate.
11. The modular carrier assembly of claim 10, wherein the
semi-rigid plate is connected to the modular lightweight load
carrying equipment system, a plurality of female buckles are
attached to an underside of the semi-rigid plate, and the body
carrier assembly includes a plurality of male buckles passing
through the modular lightweight load carrying equipment system that
individually connect to one of the female buckles.
12. The modular carrier assembly of claim 10, wherein the
semi-rigid plate is reinforced with a perforated sheet to provide
rigidity and ventilation.
13. A modular carrier assembly for a baby or young child,
comprising: a vest portion, the vest portion including a pair of
spaced shoulder straps, a front apron, and a back apron; a baby
carrier assembly attached to the front apron of the vest portion,
the baby carrier assembly having a receiver portion with a width
sufficient to support a child's hips; and a backpack assembly
attached to the back apron of the vest portion, wherein a weight of
the backpack assembly offsets at least a portion of a weight of the
baby carrier assembly, thereby facilitating improved weight
distribution for a wearer of the modular carrier assembly; wherein
a position of the backpack assembly on the back apron is adjustable
to improve the offsetting of the weight of the baby carrier
assembly with the weight of the backpack assembly on the modular
carrier assembly.
14. The modular carrier assembly of claim 13, wherein the baby
carrier further comprises a removable and washable ultra-soft
liner, the liner including hook and loop fasteners, snaps, or
combinations thereof.
15. The modular carrier assembly of claim 14, wherein the liner
further comprises a pouch for receiving child entertainment
devices.
16. The modular carrier assembly of claim 14, wherein the liner
further comprises a vibrating motor to help the child to sleep.
17. The modular carrier assembly of claim 13, wherein the baby
carrier further comprises a strap for attaching a pacifier or
toy.
18. The modular carrier assembly of claim 12, wherein the assembly
includes a pocket for a cell phone.
19. The modular carrier assembly of claim 13, further comprising
speakers.
20. The modular carrier assembly of claim 13, further comprising a
white noise machine.
21. The modular carrier assembly of claim 13, further comprising an
entertainment panel.
22. The modular carrier assembly of claim 13, further comprising a
liner to absorb sweat of the wearer.
23. The modular carrier assembly of claim 13, further comprising
exterior covers to change a color of the carrier assembly.
24. The modular carrier assembly of claim 13, further comprising
straps for attaching the carrier assembly to a chair.
25. The modular carrier assembly of claim 13, wherein the baby
carrier is configured to be suitable for a male wearer.
26. The modular carrier assembly of claim 13, wherein the baby
carrier further comprises an extendable baby hood.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/929,890, filed Jan. 21, 2014, which is herein
incorporated by reference in its entirety.
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
[0002] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains
material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright
owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of
the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the
Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise
reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0003] This disclosure relates generally to a child carrier and
relates specifically to child carriers worn by adults.
Additionally, the disclosure describes and enables improved child
carriers addressing child weight distribution, child comfort and
safety, modularity, ease of use and child entertainment.
BACKGROUND
[0004] A study by the Office on Child Abuse and Neglect, U.S.
Children's Bureau by Jeffrey Rosenberg, Jeffrey Wilcox and W.
Bradford, published in 2006 has shown that children with involved,
caring parents have better educational outcomes. In addition, a
number of studies suggest that parents who are involved, nurturing,
and playful with their infants have children with higher IQs, as
well as better linguistic and cognitive capacities. Toddlers with
involved fathers go on to start school with higher levels of
academic readiness. They are more patient and may handle the
stresses and frustrations associated with schooling more readily
than children with less involved fathers.
[0005] Even from birth, children who have an involved parent are
more likely to be emotionally secure, be confident to explore their
surroundings, and, as they grow older, have better social
connections with peers. These children also are less likely to get
in trouble at home, school, or in the neighborhood. Infants who
receive high levels of affection from their fathers (e.g., babies
whose fathers respond quickly to their cries and who play together)
are more securely attached; that is, they may explore their
environment comfortably when a parent is nearby and may readily
accept comfort from their parent after a brief separation. A number
of studies suggest they also are more sociable and popular with
other children throughout early childhood.
[0006] One study of school-aged children found that children with
good relationships with a parent were less likely to experience
depression, to exhibit disruptive behavior, or to lie and were more
likely to exhibit pro-social behavior. This same study found that
boys with an involved parent had fewer school behavior problems and
that girls had stronger self-esteem. In addition, numerous studies
have found that children who live with their fathers are more
likely to have good physical and emotional health, to achieve
academically, and to avoid drugs, violence, and delinquent
behavior.
[0007] Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung argued that involved parents are
very important to a child's development of identity. In particular,
in his book Absent Fathers, Lost Sons, Canadian Jungian analyst Guy
Corneau writes that the presence of the father's body during the
son's developmental phases is integral in the son developing a
positive sense of self as masculine. Corneau also argues that if
the son does not develop positively towards the father's male body,
then the son runs the risk of developing negatively towards all
bodies. There is ample evidence that getting parents involved in
the childrearing process provides significant and lasting benefits
to the child and society as a whole.
[0008] Prior approaches to child carriers have utility but
generally do not focus on the health, comfort and entertainment of
the child. Many carriers provide insufficient support to a child's
legs and hips. They also often lack structure or mechanism for
comforting the child or creating a positive environment. Prior
approaches also lacked certain other utility which facilitates a
positive experience for the parent or caregiver.
[0009] Accordingly, there exists a need for a child carrier to
include structure which both addresses the health and comfort of
the child. There is also a need for a carrier which is appealing to
both genders of caregivers thereby promoting use, and includes
features which address a modem lifestyle. The present disclosure
addresses these and other needs.
SUMMARY
[0010] Briefly and in general terms, the present disclosure is
directed towards a modular carrier assembly that incorporates
structure addressing the health, comfort and entertainment of a
baby or young child to be carried. In one approach, the modular
carrier assembly for a child includes a vest portion, a baby
carrier assembly attached to the front apron of the vest portion,
and a backpack assembly attached to the back apron of the vest
portion. The vest portion includes a pair of spaced shoulder
straps, a front apron, and a back apron. The baby carrier assembly
has a receiver portion with a width sufficient to support the
child's hips. Additionally, the backpack assembly counterbalances
the baby carrier assembly, thereby offsetting at least a portion of
the baby carrier assembly weight with the backpack assembly weight
and facilitating ease of operation by a wearer of the modular
carrier assembly.
[0011] The modular carrier is adapted to maintain all of the
necessary comfort and safety features of the more traditional child
carriers. In addition, new features and capabilities have been
added that enable a more modularized child carrier, increasing the
safety and functionality of the child carrier and extending its
usefulness as the child develops.
[0012] In one aspect of the modular carrier assembly, the weight of
the backpack assembly offsets the weight of the baby carrier
assembly, thereby facilitating improved weight distribution for a
wearer of the modular carrier assembly. In some embodiments, the
position of the backpack assembly on the back apron is adjustable
to improve the counterbalancing of the weight of the baby carrier
assembly and the weight of the backpack assembly.
[0013] Both the baby carrier and backpack assemblies may be
permanently or removably attached to the vest portion.
Additionally, in some embodiments, the baby carrier assembly is
reversible on the vest portion to enable the baby carrier assembly
to position a baby inwards or outwards. Continuing, in some
embodiments the backpack assembly is removable from the vest
portion and interchangeable with other backpack assemblies of
differing sizes that are attachable to the back apron of the vest
portion. Furthermore, in some embodiments the backpack assembly is
configured to function as a diaper bag when removed from the back
apron of the vest portion.
[0014] According to one aspect, a disclosed embodiment provides a
lightweight modular carrier assembly that is both strong and
comfortable for both the child and the wearer of the carrier and
has specific features that are designed to appeal to parents. In
another aspect, a disclosed embodiment uses the MOLLE modular
system on the front and back of the child carrier, allowing the
wearer to customize attachments and accessories to the front and
back of the child carrier, such as backpacks, bottle holders,
wipes, and diaper holders. In one embodiment, the MOLLE system
includes a plurality of rows of looped structures spanning a width
of the vest portion. In still another aspect, a disclosed
embodiment utilizes a ventilated chest and back panel of the vest
portion to increase the comfort of the child and the wearer. In yet
another aspect, a disclosed embodiment utilizes a removable and
washable child carrier lining attached with hook and loop
fasteners. In another embodiment, the child carrier lining is
attached using hook and loop fasteners as well as snaps. In some
embodiments, the snaps are foam-covered snaps to protect the child
from contact with the attachment mechanism.
[0015] Another disclosed embodiment of the modular carrier assembly
utilizes a removable and washable child carrier lining containing a
pouch for a removable child entertainment device, including but not
limited to, a smart phone or electronic tablet device. In another
aspect, this disclosed embodiment utilizes a removable and washable
child carrier lining that contains removable, foam-covered speakers
used to sooth or entertain the child. In still another aspect, a
disclosed embodiment utilizes an electrical vibrating motor to help
the child to fall asleep.
[0016] These and other aspects of the disclosed embodiments are
attained by a modular carrier assembly that is worn by an adult to
transport a child in a hands and arms free manner. The modular
carrier assembly includes a vest portion with front and back aprons
and a pair of spaced shoulder straps. Attached to the front apron
is a baby carrier. The modular carrier assembly includes a receiver
portion having a width to provide support underneath a child's
legs. In this manner, the receiver portion of the carrier is
adjustable in width to reduce hip dysplasia. Further, attached to
the rear apron is a backpack assembly.
[0017] In further embodiments, the modular carrier assembly may
include one or more of a white noise machine, a vibrator, and an
entertainment panel. Additionally, various pockets and straps may
also be included for receiving or attaching pacifiers, cell phones
or structure is provided to attach such assemblies to a tether. In
another aspect of the modular carrier assembly, liners are further
provided to absorb sweat or other bodily fluids. Structure is also
provided to facilitate ventilation. Hook and loop fasteners as well
as snaps may also be used between various structures of the modular
carrier assembly, such as between an ultra-soft liner and the
carrier.
[0018] In one particular embodiment, the assembly may include a
modular lightweight load carrying system. Male and female buckles
may be supported by this system to attach structure to the vest
portion, such as removable carrier systems and backpack assemblies,
or to secure the vest portion about the wearer.
[0019] Other features and advantages of the present disclosure will
become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by
way of example, the principles of the disclosed embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] FIG. 1 is a front view, depicting one embodiment of a
modular child carrier;
[0021] FIG. 2 is a back view, depicting the modular child carrier
of FIG. 1 with a backpack assembly attached;
[0022] FIG. 3A is a perspective view, depicting a conventional
child carrier;
[0023] FIG. 3B is a front view, depicting the modular child carrier
of FIG. 1 with a child supported by the modular child carrier of
FIG. 1;
[0024] FIG. 4A is a front view, depicting the modular child carrier
of FIG. 1 with a baby hood;
[0025] FIG. 4B is a front view, depicting the assembly of FIG. 4A
with the baby hood fully deployed;
[0026] FIG. 5 illustrates a backpack assembly which is removed from
the modular child carrier;
[0027] FIG. 6 is a back view, depicting the modular child carrier
with the backpack assembly removed;
[0028] FIG. 7 is a front view, depicting another embodiment of a
module child carrier;
[0029] FIG. 8 is a side view, depicting the carrier of FIG. 7;
[0030] FIG. 9 is an exploded view, depicting a removable baby
carrier;
[0031] FIG. 10 is a first view, depicting a first step in attaching
the baby carrier of FIG. 9 to a vest of a carrier assembly;
[0032] FIG. 11 is a front view, depicting a second step of
attaching the baby carrier to a carrier assembly; and
[0033] FIG. 12 is a front view, depicting the baby carrier attached
to the carrier assembly.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0034] A modular, customizable carrier assembly for a baby or young
child is described. In the following description, numerous specific
details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments
may be practiced without these specific details. In other
instances, well-known materials, structures, and techniques have
not been shown in detail in order not to obscure the understanding
of this description.
[0035] The terms, "for example," "e.g.," "in one/another aspect,"
"in one/another scenario," "in one/another version," "in some
configurations," "in some implementations," "preferably,"
"usually," "typically," "may," and "optionally," as used herein,
are intended to be used to introduce non-limiting embodiments.
Unless expressly stated otherwise, while certain references are
made to certain example system components or services, other
components and services may be used as well and/or the example
components may be combined into fewer components and/or divided
into further components.
[0036] Turning now to the drawings, which are included by way of
example and not limitation, the present disclosure is directed
towards a modular, customizable carrier assembly 100 for a baby or
young child. As shown in FIGS. 1-2, the modular carrier assembly
100 includes a vest 102 having a front apron 104 and a back apron
106. A baby carrier assembly 130 may be permanently or removably
attached to the front apron 104 of the vest 102. A backpack
assembly 140 may be permanently or removably attached to the back
apron 106 of the vest 102. The modular carrier assembly 100 is made
from durable, lightweight materials. Channeled air mesh material
105 is employed on both the front and back of the vest 102 for
enhanced ventilation to increase comfort for both the child and
wearer.
[0037] Further, the vest 102 is sized and shaped for the comfort of
both the child and the wearer. A secure adjustable fit to a
wearer's torso is provided by both nylon webbing with hook and loop
fasteners 120 positioned at the shoulders and adjustable straps 128
with connector assemblies positioned about a waist. In other
embodiments, the secure adjustable fit may be made with any
combination of hook and loop fasteners, adjustable straps, snaps,
pull ties, or other known fasteners. In one aspect of the modular
carrier assembly 100, the weight of the backpack assembly 140
counterbalances the weight of the baby carrier assembly 130,
thereby facilitating improved weight distribution for a wearer of
the modular carrier assembly. In this manner, the counterbalancing
of the weight of the baby carrier assembly 130 with the weight of
the backpack assembly 140 offsets at least a portion of the baby
carrier assembly weight with the backpack assembly weight. In some
embodiments, the modular carrier assembly 100 is configured such
that the weight of the backpack assembly 140 offsets only a portion
of the weight of the baby carrier assembly 130 (and included baby).
In other embodiments, the modular carrier assembly 100 is
configured such that the weight of the backpack assembly 140
offsets all or substantially all of the weight of the baby carrier
assembly 130 (and included baby).
[0038] In some embodiments, the position of the backpack assembly
140 on the back apron 106 is adjustable to improve the
counterbalancing of the weight of the baby carrier assembly 130 and
the weight of the backpack assembly 140 on the modular carrier
assembly 100. Thus, the weight is more distributed evenly on a
wearer's shoulders due to the positioning of the weight of the baby
carrier assembly 130 and the positioning of the weight of the
backpack assembly 140 (e.g., the positioning of the weight of the
backpack assembly 140 assists in leveraging the weight of the baby
carrier assembly 130 and included baby). By using this
counterbalancing/offsetting technique with the modular carrier
assembly 100, which results in the weight being more distributed
evenly on a wearer's shoulders, this improved load distribution
enables better posture to be maintained by the wearer, as well as
reducing back strain and related injuries.
[0039] In this regard, buckles (female 124, male 122) provide
adjustments to lengths of straps 128, and snap fit connectors
provide a lockable connection between strap portions. A secure fit
of the vest 102 about a torso of a wearer allows total freedom of
arm movement as well as full range of motion, that is, an ability
of the wearer to safely bend over as the child is held snug against
the wearer's chest. In one embodiment, the front portion 104 of the
vest 102 extends three quarters of the way down a wearer's torso to
enable sufficient and desired mobility and ventilation. In some
embodiments, the front portion 104 of the vest 102 does not extend
to the wearer's waist line (i.e., the front portion 104 of the vest
102 ends above the wearer's belt line).
[0040] A baby carrier assembly 130 may be permanently or removably
attached to a front portion 104 of the vest 102. A backpack
assembly 140 may similarly be permanently or removably attached to
a back portion 106 of the vest 102. Additionally, in some
embodiments, the baby carrier assembly 130 is reversible on the
vest 102 to enable the baby carrier assembly 130 to position a baby
inwards or outwards. This reversibility enables the baby carrier
assembly 130 to have a longer useful lifespan since young infants
typically prefer to face inward towards the wearer for comfort,
while older infants and toddlers typically prefer to face outward
in front of the wearer so they may see in the direction that the
wearer is walking
[0041] Continuing, in some embodiments the backpack assembly is
removable from the vest 102 and interchangeable with other backpack
assemblies of differing sizes that are attachable to the back apron
of the vest 102. By configuring multiple backpack assemblies of
differing sizes that are all interchangeably attachable to the back
apron of the vest 102, the carrier assembly enables the wearer to
prepare for outings of different packing requirements, thereby
increasing the functionality and usefulness of the modular carrier
assembly 100.
[0042] Furthermore, in some embodiments the backpack assembly 140
is configured to function as a diaper bag when removed from the
back apron 106 of the vest 102. In this regard, the backpack
assembly 140 is configured to include diaper bag style handles
and/or a singular shoulder strap, in addition to or instead of
standard backpack style dual rear shoulder straps. This enables the
wearer of the modular carrier assembly 100 to only have to pack the
modular carrier assembly for an outing (and not an additional
diaper bag). When the wearer reaches a destination (e.g., park,
activity center, or the like), they may simply take the child out
of the modular carrier assembly 100 and detach their diaper bag
(i.e., backpack assembly) from the back apron 106 of the modular
carrier assembly.
[0043] The modular carrier assembly 100 may be removed and attached
over the back of a chair, for example, when the parents are out to
dinner or simply at their kitchen table at home. This allows the
parent not to disrupt a child that has fallen asleep in the modular
carrier assembly 100 by enabling the wearer of the modular carrier
assembly to remove it and secure the modular carrier assembly and
sleeping child to a chair. This functionality of the modular
carrier assembly 100 prevents the sleeping child from having to be
awakened in order to place the sleeping child in a high chair.
Additionally, this functionality of the modular carrier assembly
100 provides a safe place for the child when a high chair is not
available.
[0044] The modular carrier assembly 100 is further customizable
with attachments and accessories to both the front apron 104 and
back apron 106. In some embodiments, the modular carrier assembly
100 includes pockets 137 that are closeable using a zipper, snaps,
hook and loop fasteners, or other known fastening techniques.
Additional pockets may be included for receiving a bottle, wipes,
or other products. Moreover, the modular carrier assembly 100 may
include elastic cords 151 for connecting various important items
such as a pacifier (or toy) 152. The elastic cords 151 may connect
to the modular carrier assembly 100 by using the D-loop attachments
150.
[0045] The baby carrier assembly 130 is sized and shaped to
comfortably and safely receive and securely hold a child against
the wearer's torso. With reference to FIGS. 3A-3B, there is shown a
comparison between a conventional child carrier 200, and the
modular carrier assembly 100 for a baby or young child of the
present disclosure. In prior approaches (FIG. 3A), the child is
loosely held by the conventional carrier 200, and little thought is
given to adequate supporting the anatomy of the child. In modular
carrier assembly 100 of the present disclosure (FIG. 3B), a wearer
of the modular carrier assembly is able to bend and move with the
child being held in a more secure manner. The modular carrier
assembly 100 also allows for complete hands free movement.
[0046] As shown in FIG. 3B, the presently disclosed modular carrier
assembly 100 includes openings designed to support not only the
neck and shoulders of a child, but the hip and legs as well. In
this regard, a bottom portion 132 of the baby carrier assembly 130
has a width sufficient to support a child's bottom, as well as
support the hips of the child. Thus, any stresses which could lead
to the risk of dysplasia are avoided. In certain approaches, it may
be desirable to provide mechanisms or means to adjust a width of
the bottom portion 132 so as to provide sufficient support for a
growing child.
[0047] Additional comfort and customization is provided by
adjustable straps attaching the baby carrier assembly 130 to the
vest 102. For example, upper strap assembly 134 may be loosened to
facilitate feeding of a child while it is held within the baby
carrier assembly 130. Lower strap assemblies 136 may also be
adjusted as needed, and to accommodate the child's size and
comfort. Further, a removable quilted liner 138 may be provided and
sized and shaped to form a comfortable interior of the baby carrier
assembly 130. This liner may be formed from absorbable material and
be removed for washing.
[0048] With reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B, one of a number of
features of the modular carrier assembly 100 is depicted. Here, in
one particular embodiment, a pocket 137 is adapted to hold a
deployable baby hood 220. The hood assembly 220 may be used to
shield the child from sun, wind, rain, or other environmental
factors, as well as provide additional comfort/shade during sleep.
The hood 220 is conveniently connected to be used as desired and
stored away when not used. A hook attachment 222 may be used to
hold the hood assembly 220 in a deployed configuration. In other
embodiments, straps, snaps, hook and loop fasteners, or other known
attachment mechanisms may also be used in addition to or instead of
the hook attachment 222.
[0049] Other useful structures and features are also included in
the carrier assembly. In some embodiments, an entertainment panel
with light-up features is incorporated within the vest 102 for
viewing and interaction by a child. Built-in speakers and phone or
MP3 attachments, Wi-Fi connections or activity sensory devices are
also included in the modular carrier assembly 100, as is a vibrator
and/or a white noise machine for facilitating sleep.
[0050] Moreover, straps are included for attaching the modular
carrier assembly 100 to a chair, thereby enabling a wearer of the
modular carrier assembly to remove the modular carrier assembly
from their torso and secure the modular carrier assembly (and
child) to a chair. In this manner, a child that has fallen asleep
while being carried in the modular carrier assembly 100 may
potentially be able to remain in the modular carrier assembly as it
is removed and secured to a chair, thereby allowing the child to
continue sleeping without requiring an additional piece of baby
equipment.
[0051] In some embodiments, the modular carrier assembly 100
includes pockets for wallets, drinks, and cell phones. Pathway or
safety lights are additional features which may be included in
various approaches to the modular carrier assembly 100. Further, a
magnet or other attachment mechanisms may be included to change or
add color panels to the carrier, or attach sports or other logos or
child covers or blankets. Workout weights and also pillow/wedges
for child comfort may also be added to the modular carrier assembly
100.
[0052] Turning now to FIGS. 5 and 6, features of the back apron 106
of the modular carrier assembly 100 are presented. As stated above,
the backpack assembly 140 may be permanently or removably attached
to the vest 102. In FIGS. 5 and 6, the backpack assembly 140 is
configured to be removably attached to the vest 102. The backpack
assembly 140 may include various pockets 142, 144 which may be
sealed by a zipper 146 or other closing means. Further the backpack
assembly 140 may be attached to the vest 102 using various
approaches such as by way of adjustable strap attachments 148 and
rectangular loops 149.
[0053] In one particular non-limiting embodiment shown in FIGS.
7-12, a modular, customizable child carrier system 300 includes a
vest 302 embodying a modular lightweight load-carrying equipment
(MOLLE) system forming one or both of front portion 304 and back
portion 306 of the vest 302. A channeled air-mesh construction or
1000D Cordura.RTM. may be employed on one or both sides of the vest
302. The MOLLE system further includes a plurality of rows of
looped structures 308 spanning the vest width, and overlaying the
channeled air-mesh construction. Moreover, various strap assemblies
320 and/or buckles 310 are also again provided as a way of
conveniently and comfortably adjusting the vest 302 to a wearer. In
particular, a combination of 1000D Cordura.RTM. and Nylon webbing
creates a reinforced, air-mesh structure that defines the shoulder
straps and other structures. In another embodiment, Hypalon may be
employed instead of or in addition to the Cordura.RTM. and/or Nylon
webbing. As discussed above, channeled air mesh material 305 is
employed on both the front and back of the vest 302 for enhanced
ventilation to increase comfort for both the child and wearer.
Small pockets 312 may also be provided in waist straps.
[0054] With specific reference to FIGS. 9-11, in this approach, the
child carrier system 300 includes a child carrier assembly 330 that
attaches to the front portion 304 of the vest 302. Child carrier
assembly 330 includes an outer foldable panel 332, including a
perforated semi-rigid plate 334 that connects with the child
carrier assembly 330. An inner foldable, ultra soft and absorbent
liner 333 is also included in some embodiments of the child carrier
assembly 330. This inner liner 333 provides extra comfort and may
be removed for washing from the vest 302. In one embodiment, the
liner 333 is a hex-quilted ultra-soft liner. Hook and loop
fasteners, as well as snaps, may be used to hold the liner in
place.
[0055] In one aspect of the child carrier system 300, the
removable, washable liner contains a pouch for a removable child
entertainment device, including but not limited to, a smart phone
or electronic tablet device. In another aspect of the child carrier
system 300, the removable, washable liner contains removable,
foam-covered speakers that are used to sooth or entertain the
child. In still another aspect of the child carrier system 300, the
removable, washable liner contains a vibrating motor to help the
child to fall asleep.
[0056] Additionally, the modular functionality of the child carrier
system 300 provides the ability for entertainment devices to be
changed as a baby grows into a toddler, and then into a young
child. Entertainment devices that provide blinking lights and
sounds may be attached to the child carrier system 300 to entertain
a baby, but then as the child matures the ability of the child
carrier system 300 to house an entertainment panel or phone allows
the child to watch a program, listen to music, or the like.
[0057] Further, in some embodiments the straps 335 may be threaded
through the looped structure 308 of the MOLLE system to attach the
child carrier assembly 330 to the vest 302 of the child carrier
system 300 (See FIGS. 10 and 11). Terminal ends of the straps 335
are equipped with buckle attachments 336 for connecting with mating
buckle structure 337 provided on an underside of the outer panel
332. Tension straps 338 are further provided to secure a lower
portion the carrier assembly 330 in place.
[0058] To attach the disclosed modular, customization child carrier
system 300 to a wearer, one side of the vest 302 is clipped
together, and the child carrier system is placed up and over the
shoulders of the wearer. Next, ensure that both shoulder straps are
secure. Thereafter, the hip belt is closed and tightened on both
sides of the wearer's torso. One side of the child carrier system
330 (either left or right) is then secured to the vest 302 while
the other side of the child carrier system 330 is left open for
receiving a child. Once the child is securely buckled in, each of
the straps are tightened to achieve a secure hold on the child.
[0059] Accordingly, a modular, customizable child carrier system
300 which addresses both the health and comfort of a child has been
disclosed. In some embodiments, the disclosed child carrier system
300 is configured to appeal to both genders and includes many
features desirable to the modern caregiver. In other embodiments,
the disclosed child carrier system 300 is configured to appeal to
the male gender wearer with a more rugged, tactile or
outdoorsmen-type appearance.
[0060] Thus, it will be apparent from the foregoing that, while
particular forms of the disclosure have been illustrated and
described, various modifications may be made without parting from
the spirit and scope of the disclosure.
[0061] Furthermore, the various embodiments described above are
provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed to
limit the invention. Those skilled in the art will readily
recognize various modifications and changes that may be made to the
disclosed invention without following the example embodiments and
applications illustrated and described herein, and without
departing from the true spirit and scope of the claimed disclosed,
which is set forth in the following claims.
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