REVERSIBLE INFANT CARRIER
A reversible infant carrier adaptable for selectively carrying the infant in the front or the back of the wearer with proper back and abdomen support includes an anterior support panel and a posterior support panel linked thereto. There is further provided a pair of adjustable shoulder harnesses attached to the anterior support panel, and a support belt slidably extendible through the anterior support panel including a lumbar support pad and an abdomen support sleeve.
Not Applicable
STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENTNot Applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Technical Field
The present disclosure relates generally to carrying and support devices. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to shoulder harness devices for on-the-body carry of infants and small children. The present disclosure further relates to reversible infant carriers adaptable for carrying the infant on the front side or the back side of the wearer.
2. Related Art
It is common practice for parents and other caregivers to carry infants and toddlers, and there is a variety of well-known devices suitable to this end. Such infant-carrying devices include carriages, strollers, pushchairs, and car seats, which are separate units particularly configured for holding the infant or toddler independent of the parent/caregiver adult. The adult, in turn, holds and transports the device with handles and other attachments thereof. Alternatively, there are devices known in the art configured to be worn by the adult for on-the-body carrying of the infant or toddler, including slings, wraps, pouches, and backpack-like shoulder strap devices.
Historically, the practice of carrying infants and toddlers on the body of the parent/caregiver is more prevalent in traditional cultures, and indeed, most basic slings and wraps are derivations of long-established designs originating therefrom. Earlier, in industrialized cultures, it was deemed to be detrimental to the development of the child to experience too much physical contact with the parents or caregivers. Thus, carrying infants and toddlers in a manner that would entail the same is relatively uncommon in such cultures. However, these views are increasingly being challenged on the basis that there are numerous developmental benefits to the child. Additionally, there are immediate benefits to the parent/caregiver, including the freedom to use both hands while monitoring and caring for the child being carried. Thus, care may be provided to other children simultaneously, strain and fatigue on the arms, back, and shoulders may be reduced, and household chores may be completed while monitoring the child. Moreover, cumbersome and bulky strollers need not be deployed in potentially dangerous places such as crowded city sidewalks and public transportation systems. Therefore, on-the-body carrying of children is growing in popularity.
As explained above, there are a number of basic configurations for infant carriers suitable for on-the-body carry, including slings, wraps, and shoulder strap carriers. Though simpler in construction, slings and wraps are not as popular as infant carriers that incorporate shoulder straps, due in part to the difficulty associated with proper wear. Among infant carriers with shoulder straps, there are those with frames fashioned after conventional backpacks. Accordingly, such framed carriers typically support the child on the back of the wearer. Also, there are frameless or soft-sided carriers that support the child on the front or chest of the wearer such as that contemplated in U.S. Pat. No. 6,763,983 to Norman, as well as those that support the child on the hip of the wearer such as that contemplated in U.S. Pat. No. 5,813,580 to Fair.
There are a number of positions and orientations in which the child may be carried, each being appropriate for different circumstances. For example, where there is a need for increased monitoring, the child may be carried on the front of, and facing backwards to, the parent or caregiver. Further, while frolicking about, completing errands, or otherwise participating in activity that takes the child out of the home, a greater degree of interaction with the surrounding environment may be offered by carrying the child in the front of, and facing forward along the same perspective as, the parent or caregiver. However, due to increased exposure to hazards considering that the body of the parent/caregiver does not shield the child, it may be inappropriate in certain circumstances to carry the child in the front.
Unfortunately, existing infant carriers are lacking in a number of different respects, namely, the capability of interchangeably carrying the child in the front as well as the back in a desired orientation. The level of discomfort experienced by those who utilize wearable infant carriers also represents yet another deficiency, in that there is placed a substantial load on the abdomen and back of the wearer with insufficient support. Improper weight distribution puts a strain on the shoulders, and may lead to serious injury. Instead of experiencing a sudden injury, inadequate lower back and abdomen support may develop into or exacerbate chronic medical conditions. Along theses lines, discomfort to the child may result from an inadequate fit with the carrier. Though large differences in the size of infants and toddlers may be accounted for by carriers of incrementally larger sizes, conventional infant carriers cannot be adjusted for minor shape and size differences. This may result in chafing, strain, and discomfort, or worse, such as suffocation, or abnormal development of muscle and bone structures.
Accordingly, there is a need in the art for an improved infant carrier that can be switched to carry the child between a number of positions and orientations. Additionally, there is a need for an infant carrier that provides proper support and comfort to the wearer and the child, which can be appropriately converted in accordance with each such positions and orientations. There is also a need in the art for an infant carrier having minor dimensional adjustments that accommodate varying body shapes and sizes.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONAccording to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a reversible infant carrying apparatus that is adapted to support an infant or toddler on an adult wearer. The carrying apparatus in accordance with such an embodiment includes an anterior support panel with a lateral sleeve. Furthermore, there is a posterior support panel that is linked to the anterior support panel. There are a pair of shoulder harnesses, with each defining opposed ends that are attached to the anterior support panel to define a loop relationship. Each shoulder harness is also engageable to the posterior support panel. Further included in the infant carrying apparatus is a support belt that is slidably extended through the lateral sleeve, with the support belt defining a first connector end engageable to an opposed second connector end. Thus, a looped configuration about the abdomen and back of the wearer is maintained. That the support is slidably extended achieves proper support for the wearer when carrying the infant in the front or the back. The anterior support panel, the posterior support panel, and the pair of shoulder harnesses collectively define a compartment within which the infant is supported.
The present invention will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
These and other features and advantages of the various embodiments disclosed herein will be better understood with respect to the following description and drawings, in which:
Common reference numerals are used throughout the drawings and the detailed description to indicate the same elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTIONThe detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings 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 functions of the invention in connection with the illustrated embodiment. It is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions may be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the scope of the invention. It is further understood that the use of relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like are used solely to distinguish one from another entity without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities.
With reference to
There are a number of positions and orientations in which the infant 14 may be carried with the infant carrier 10. As shown in
Referring to
With further particularity, the posterior support panel 24 includes a pair of head support extensions 40, as well as a pair of first body support extensions 42. As shown in
Referring additionally to
With regard to the linkage of the first body support extension 42 to the shoulder harness 26, fixed to the shoulder harness 26 is a second body support extension 62 that is configured for secured attachment to the first body support extension 42. The second body support extension 62 is shaped and positioned along the shoulder harness 26 to be overlapping the first body support extension 42. Generally, it is contemplated that the first and second body support extensions 42, 62 are to be removably attached using conventional hook and loop connectors. By way of example, the first body support extension 42 may have a first strip 64 comprised of a plurality of miniature hooks, while the second body support extension 62 may have a second strip 66 comprised of a plurality of miniature loops. As will be appreciated by those having ordinary skill in the art, the miniature hooks become embedded within the miniature loops, thereby holding the first strip 64 and the second strip 66 together, as well as any other structure attached to the same. Since the first strip 64 and the second strip 66 have a vast overlapping area, the amalgamated width of the first body support extension 42 and the second body support extension 62 may be greatly varied. In combination with the adjustable head support extension 40 and the first and second body support extensions 42, 62, varying sizes of the infant 12 may be fitted within the confines of the compartment 38. The compartment 38 is understood to include an infant arm passage 39 defined by the head support extensions 40 and the first and second body support extensions 42, 44. An infant leg passage 41 is defined by the first and second body support extensions 42, 44 the anterior support panel 20, and a portion of the posterior support panel 24 between the first body support extension 42 and the anterior support panel 20.
An additional modality for reinforcing the coupling of the posterior support panel 24 to the shoulder harness 26 is provided in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. More particularly, there is a first auxiliary body support strap 68 fixed to the first body support extension 42, and a second auxiliary body support strap 70 fixed to the second body support extension 62. The first auxiliary body support strap 68 is threaded through a buckle portion 72 of a male connector 74, while the second auxiliary body support strap 70 is linked to a female connector 76, which is configured to releasably engage the male connector 74. Thus, it is understood that first and second auxiliary body support straps 68, 70 prevents the link between the first body support extension 42 and the second body support extension 62 from coming undone, thereby enhancing the security of the infant carrier 10.
As indicated above, both ends 28, 30 of the shoulder harness 26 are fixed to the anterior support panel 24. With additional reference to the back plan view of
Each of the shoulder harnesses 26 includes a tubular shoulder pad sleeve 92 that is selectively positionable along the primary segment 78. The tubular shoulder pad sleeve 92 is defined by an open top end 94 and an opposed open bottom end 96, and is fitted over the shoulder harness 26 in a sliding relationship. In this regard, it is understood that the opening of the tubular shoulder pad sleeve 92 is slightly greater than the width of the shoulder harness 26. It is contemplated that the interior core of the tubular shoulder pad sleeve 92 is comprised of a sponge-like cushioning material. In one embodiment of the present invention, the cushioning material is memory foam, and is understood to conform to the shape of the shoulders 19 of the adult 12 and distribute the load evenly along the entirety of the tubular shoulder pad sleeve 26. The outer fabric of the tubular should pad sleeve 26 may be a breathable, mesh-like material for added comfort to the adult 12. The shoulder pad sleeve 26 is axially rotatable about the shoulder harness 26 to provide cushioning in front carry and back carry, where only a half of the shoulder pad sleeve 26 is provided with the cushioning material.
The primary segment 78 of the shoulder harness 26 further includes a selectively engageable cross connector 98 that links the left shoulder harness 26a and the right shoulder harness 26b for a more secure attachment of the infant carrier 10 to the adult 12. Like the other linking straps described above, the cross connector 98 is comprised of a first strap segment 100 having an end permanently affixed to the left shoulder harness 26a, and a second strap segment 102 with an end permanently fixed to the right shoulder harness 26b. The first strap segment 100 is threaded into a male connector 104 including a threaded buckle portion 106. Thus, the first strap segment 100 and the male connector 104 may extend and thus define various distances between the left and right shoulder harnesses 26a, 26b. The second strap segment 102 is attached to a female connector 108, which is configured to receive the male connector 104 in a releasably engaged relationship.
With reference to
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, there is a lumbar support pad 124 permanently affixed to the support belt 32. The lumbar support pad 124 is defined by a generally straight middle portion 126 and opposed outer portions 128 and 130. Furthermore, it is contemplated that the opposed outer portions 128, 130 are flexibly angled to conform to the side fringes of the back 16 of the adult 12. Along these lines, the straight middle portion 126 is contemplated to support the flat, middle section of the back 16 of the adult 12. The opposed outer portions 128, 130 are segregated from the straight middle portion 126 by vertical stitching 129, 131 respectively, which more readily permits bending of the same. As shown in
The support belt 32, and in particular, the second segment 112 thereof, further includes a tubular abdomen support sleeve 132 selectively positionable between the proximal end 120 and the distal end 122. It is understood that the core of the tubular abdomen support sleeve 132 is likewise comprised of padding material. The tubular abdomen support sleeve 132 is understood to be slidably engageable to the lateral sleeve 22 of the anterior support panel 20.
With reference to
As indicated above, the infant leg passage 41 is defined by a portion of the posterior support panel 24 between the first body support extension 42 and the anterior support panel 20. This portion may also be referred to as a seat portion, considering that the pelvis of the infant 14 is supported thereby. With reference to
As shown in
As best shown in
Referring to
The particulars shown herein are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the embodiments of the present invention only and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the present invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the present invention in more detail than is necessary for the fundamental understanding of the present invention, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the present invention may be embodied in practice.
Claims
1. A reversible infant carrying apparatus comprising:
- an anterior support panel including a lateral sleeve;
- a posterior support panel linked to the anterior support panel;
- a pair of shoulder harnesses each defining opposed ends both attached to the anterior support panel to define a loop relationship, each shoulder harness being engageable to the posterior support panel; and
- a support belt slidably extended through the lateral sleeve, the support belt defining a first connector end engageable to an opposed second connector end to maintain a looped configuration about the abdomen and back of a wearer;
- wherein the anterior support panel, the posterior support panel, and the pair of shoulder harnesses collectively define a compartment within which an infant is supported, the compartment being alternately positionable on the abdomen and the back of the wearer.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein:
- the posterior support panel includes a pair of head support extensions and a pair of first body support extensions; and
- each of the shoulder harnesses include a second body support extension engageable to a one of the pair of first body support extensions and a head support linkage strap engageable to a one of the pair of head support extensions.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the pair of first and second body support extensions are engageable to each other with hook and loop connectors.
4. The apparatus of claim 3, further comprising:
- a pair of first auxiliary body support straps each attached to a one of the pair of first body support extensions; and
- a pair of second auxiliary body support straps each attached to a one of the pair of second body support extensions;
- wherein each of the first auxiliary body support straps are removably engageable to a corresponding one of the second auxiliary body support straps.
5. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the head support linkage straps are defined by a first segment attached to the shoulder harness and including a female connector, and a second segment attached to the head support extension and including a male connector removably engageable to the female connector.
6. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein each of the shoulder harnesses includes:
- a primary segment including the second body support extension and the head support linkage strap; and
- a secondary segment adjustably coupled to the primary segment with a buckle.
7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the primary segments of a left one and a right one of the pair of shoulder harnesses are arranged in a v-shaped relationship and converging upon the anterior support panel.
8. The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising:
- first and second elongate, tubular shoulder pad sleeve selectively positionable along the primary segment of a respective one of the pair of shoulder harnesses and axially rotatable thereabout, the tubular shoulder pad having a cushioning material.
9. The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising:
- a selectively engageable cross connector linking the primary segments of a left one and a right one of the pair of shoulder harnesses.
10. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:
- a lumbar support pad affixed to the support belt, the lumbar support pad being slidably engaged to the lateral sleeve of the anterior support panel.
11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the lumbar support pad includes a straight middle portion, and opposed outer portions angled to conform to the back of the wearer.
12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the support belt is defined by a first segment to which the lumbar support pad is affixed, and a second segment having a first end coupled to the first segment with a threaded adjustable buckle and a second end coupled to the first segment with a locking connector.
13. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising:
- a tubular abdomen support sleeve selectively positionable along the second segment of the support belt between the first end and the second end thereof, the tubular abdoment support sleeve being sized and configured for slidable engagement within the lateral sleeve of the anterior support panel.
14. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:
- an adjustable length coupling strip linking the anterior support panel and the posterior support panel.
15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein:
- the coupling strip is defined by a proximal end fixed to the anterior support panel and a distal end fixed to the posterior support panel;
- a proximal end portion includes a first element of an interlocking adjustment fastener and a first element of an interlocking auxiliary fastener;
- a distal end portion includes a second element of the interlocking adjustment fastener engageable to the first element of the interlocking adjustment fastener, and a second element of the interlocking auxiliary fastener engageable to the first element of the interlocking auxiliary fastener;
- the length of the coupling strip being reduced by the length between otherwise disengaged first and second elements of the interlocking adjustment fastener upon engaging the first element of the interlocking adjustment fastener to the second element of the interlocking adjustment fastener.
16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the interlocking adjustment fastener is a zipper and the interlocking auxiliary fastener is a snap button.
17. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the posterior support panel further defines:
- an inner surface and an opposed outer surface; and
- an intermediate section between the head support extensions and the first body support extensions, the intermediate section having a left edge and an opposed right edge.
18. The apparatus of claim 17, further comprising:
- a first cinching strap disposed in proximity to the left edge of the intermediate section on the outer surface and including a first interlocking fastener element;
- a second cinching strap disposed in proximity to the right edge of the intermediate section on the outer surface, the second cinching strap including a plurality of second interlocking fastener elements arranged in a spaced relationship;
- wherein the first interlocking fastener element is selectively engageable to any one of the plurality of the second interlocking fastener elements to reduce the width between the left edge and the right edge.
19. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the outer surface of the posterior support panel includes a storage pocket.
20. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the posterior support panel further defines a combination head support and bib portion separate from the intermediate section, the combination head support and bib portion being selectively attachable to the intermediate section.
Type: Application
Filed: May 15, 2007
Publication Date: Nov 20, 2008
Inventors: Michael A. Parness (San Diego, CA), Jessica A. Miller (La Mesa, CA)
Application Number: 11/749,067
International Classification: A47D 13/02 (20060101);