SIDE SEATING INFANT CARRIER

Abstract

A side seating infant carrier which is adapted to support an infant or young child on an adult wearer's hip and is provided with a retention strap arrangement which is specifically adapted to hold the infant or young child within a seat portion defined by the carrier. As a supplement to the retention strap, the carrier is also provided with a pair of leg straps which are extensible about respective ones of the infant's legs. The infant carrier of the present invention is further provided with a waist belt arrangement adapted to provide optimal support to the lower back/lumbar of the wearer, as well as an adjustable shoulder strap arrangement which is configured to promote enhanced comfort and sizing flexibility.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/749,063 entitled SIDE SEATING INFANT CARRIER filed May 15, 2007, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to carriers adapted to be worn by an adult in order to support and carry an infant or young child. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a side seating infant carrier which is adapted to support an infant or young child upon one of the hip regions of an adult while being held by the one of the adult's arms.

2. Description of the Related Art

As is well known to parents of infants or young children, shoulder-supported infant carriers are extremely popular and commonly used to transport an infant or young child. Shoulder supported infant carriers as currently known in the art come in a wide range of designs and styles. A common attribute of these carriers is that they offer “hands free” operation, and allow the adult wearer to carry the infant while performing other activities. One currently known infant carrier is a frame-type carrier which typically supports the infant on the back of the wearer. Currently more popular than frame-type carriers are frameless or soft-sided carriers which typically support the infant on the front or chest of the adult wearer. However, there is also know in the prior art soft-sided carriers which are adapted to support an infant on the back or on one of the hips of the adult wearer. Still further, there has also been developed in the prior art convertible carriers which are configured to allow the infant to be supported in alternate carrying positions, including the front or back of the wearer, and the front or hip of the wearer.

In currently known infant carriers, those which are configured specifically for or convertible to a hip-carrying position are becoming increasingly popular since the positioning of the infant or young child on the hip of the wearer generally mimics the carrying position and weight distribution which adults frequently use to transport their children without the aid of a carrier. Additionally, by supporting the infant or young child upon one of the hips, the wearer is typically able to move at least one arm and hand freely to accomplish other tasks.

Examples of currently known frameless infant hip carriers are found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,813,580 to Fair; U.S. Pat. No. 5,492,256 to Ive; U.S. Pat. No. 5,224,637 to Columbo; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,901,898 to Columbo. Another currently known hip carrier is sold by Playtex under the trademark Hip Hammock® and is shown in U.S. Pat. No. D425,696. Though each of these currently known hip carriers provides certain ones of the advantages highlighted above, they all possess certain deficiencies which detract from their overall utility. One such deficiency lies in the absence of retention straps which are adapted to maintain the infant or young child within the main body of the carrier to prevent inadvertent falls from therewithin. Another deficiency lies in the absence of structures which provide optimal support and comfort to the lower back/lumbar of the adult wearer. The present invention addresses and overcomes these deficiencies by providing a side seating infant carrier which is adapted to support an infant or young child on an adult wearer's hip and is provided with a retention strap arrangement which is specifically adapted to hold the infant or young child within a seat portion defined by the carrier. The infant carrier of the present invention is further provided with a waist belt arrangement adapted to provide optimal support to the lower back/lumbar of the wearer. These and other advantages attendant to the present invention will be described in more detail below.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a side seating infant carrier which is adapted to support an infant or young child on an adult wearer's hip. The carrier of the present invention is provided with a uniquely configured retention strap arrangement which is cooperatively engaged to the inner surface of the main panel thereof, and is specifically adapted to hold the infant or young child within a seat portion defined by the main panel when the same is positioned against the wearer in a prescribed manner. As a supplement to the retention strap, the carrier is also provided with a pair of leg straps which are extensible about respective ones of the infant's legs. The infant carrier of the present invention is further provided with an adjustable waist belt arrangement adapted to provide optimal support to the lower back/lumbar of the wearer, as well as an adjustable shoulder strap arrangement which is interfaced to the main panel of the carrier in a manner promoting enhanced comfort and sizing flexibility.

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

These, as well as other features of the present invention, will become more apparent upon reference to the drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the side seating infant carrier constructed in accordance with the present invention, the broken lines showing an infant and adult to illustrate an exemplary manner of using the present infant carrier;

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the infant carrier of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the infant carrier of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a rear elevational view of the infant carrier of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of a side seating infant carrier constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the infant carrier shown in FIG. 5 taken along axis A-A of FIG. 5, illustrating an adjustable length coupling strip of the infant carrier in a first, retracted configuration; and

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 6 but illustrating the adjustable length coupling strip in a second, extended configuration.

Common reference numerals are used throughout the drawings and detailed description to indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings for the purposes of illustrating a preferred embodiment of the present invention only, and not for purposes of limiting the same, FIGS. 1-4 depict a side seating infant carrier 10 which is specifically adapted to support an infant or young child 12 (shown in phantom FIG. 1) on either the right or left hip of an adult wearer 14 (also shown in phantom FIG. 1).

The carrier 10 comprises a main body or panel 16 which defines an arcuate top edge 18 and an opposed bottom edge 20. Extending between the top and bottom edges 18, 20 are first and second side edges 22, 24 which extend in spaced relation to each other. The main panel 16 further defines an inner surface 26 and an opposed outer surface 28. In the carrier 10, the main panel 16, and in particular the inner and outer surfaces 26, 28 thereof, are defined by stitching various strips of material to each other in a prescribed pattern or arrangement. The material for the main panel 16 is selected such that substantially the entire inner surface 26 and portions of the outer surface 28 are fabricated from a breathable, mesh-like material. In addition, the main panel 16 is preferably fabricated such that a layer of sponge-like cushioning material is captured between the inner and outer surfaces 26, 28, thus imparting a soft, padded quality to the main panel 16. As best seen in FIG. 3, the outer surface 28 of the main panel 16 includes a pocket 25, the open end of which may be selectively closed through the use of a zipper or similar closure mechanism.

The main panel further includes a fold seam 27 which extends between the first and second side edges 22, 24 in spaced generally parallel relation to the bottom edge 20. The fold seam 27 is also disposed in relative close proximity to the bottom edge 20, with a lower panel section 29 of the main panel being defined between the bottom edge 20 and fold seam 27. As seen in FIGS. 1-4, when the carrier 10 is configured for proper fitting on the wearer 14, the main panel 16 is folded along the fold seam 27 in a manner which causes that portion of the inner surface 26 defined by the lower panel section 29 to directly face a portion of the remainder of the inner surface 26. The advantages attendant to folding the main panel 16 along the fold seam 27 will be discussed in more detail below.

Secured to the upper portion of the first side edge 22 is a sleeve 30 of the carrier 10. The sleeve 30 defines a distal, open end 32 which provides access into a hollow interior compartment defined by the sleeve 30. As is best seen in FIG. 1, the sleeve 30 is attached to the first side edge 22 such that one side of the sleeve 30 extends in substantially continuous relation to the top edge 18 of the main panel 16.

Attached to the upper portion of the second side edge 24 of the main panel 16 is the proximal end of an elongate shoulder strap 34 of the carrier 10. The attachment location of the shoulder strap 34 to the second side edge 24 essentially mirrors the attachment location of the sleeve 30 to the first side edge 22. In this regard, one side of the shoulder strap 34 extends in substantially continuous relation to the top edge 18 of the main panel 16.

In the carrier 10, the shoulder strap 34 defines a distal end 36 which is that end opposite to the proximal end attached to the second side edge 24. The distal end 36 is advanced through a buckle 38 which is secured to the interior of the sleeve 30 and protrudes slightly from the open end 32 thereof. Additionally, attached to the shoulder strap 34 in relative close proximity to the distal end 36 thereof is a male connector 40 which is sized and configured to be releasably engageable to a corresponding, complementary female connector 42 attached to the shoulder strap 34 at a location which is somewhat centrally disposed between the distal end 36 and the proximal end attached to the second side edge 24. In the carrier 10, the female connector 42 is permanently affixed to a prescribed location of the shoulder strap 34. In contrast, the male connector 40 is adapted to be adjustable, and thus positionable anywhere along that portion of the shoulder strap 34 extending between the buckle 38 and the distal end 36. The releasable connection of the male and female connectors to each other after the distal end 36 has been advanced through the buckle 38 effectively maintains the shoulder strap 34 in a looped configuration about the neck and one shoulder of the wearer 14 in the manner best shown in FIG. 1. The male connector 40 may be selectively positioned along the section of the shoulder strap 34 extending between the buckle 38 and the distal end 36 as needed to accommodate the particular size and body type of the wearer 14.

The shoulder strap 34 of the carrier 10 further preferably comprises an elongate, padded sleeve 44 which is advanced over portion of the shoulder strap 34 extending between the female connector 42 and the proximal end attached to the second side edge 24. The sleeve 44 is partially fabricated from a layer of breathable, mesh-like material which is backed by a sponge-like, cushioning layer. The sleeve 44 is adjustable, and may be selectively positioned anywhere along the length of that section of the shoulder strap 34 extending between the female connector 42 and the proximal end attached to the second side edge 24 to provide enhanced comfort to the shoulder and neck of the wearer 14 when the shoulder strap 34 is advanced there over as also shown in FIG. 1.

As is best seen in FIGS. 2-4, secured to the lower portions of respective ones of the first and second side edges 22, 24 is a pair of elongate lower flap portions 46 which extend in opposed relation to each other. More particularly, the lower flap portions 46 are attached to respective ones of the first and second side edges 22, 24 such that one side of each of the lower flap portions 46 extends in substantially continuous relation to the bottom edge 20 of the main panel 16. Additionally, one side of each of the lower flap portions 46 opposite that extending in continuous relation to the bottom edge 20 extends in substantially aligned relation to the fold seam 27 of the main panel 16.

Attached to the inner surface of that lower flap portion 46 protruding from the first side edge 22 is a female connector 48. Additionally, attached to the inner surface of the lower flap portion 46 protruding from the second side edge 24 is the proximal end of an elongate waist belt 50 of the carrier 10. In addition to the proximal end, the waist belt 50 defines a distal end 52 and includes a male connector 54 which is attached thereto in relative close proximity to the distal end 52 thereof. The male connector 54 is sized and configured to be releasably engageable to the corresponding, complementary female connector 48 attached to the other lower flap portion 46. Though the female connector 48 is permanently affixed to a prescribed location on the inner surface the lower flap portion 46 protruding from the first side edge 22, the male connector 54 is adapted to be adjustable and thus selectively positionable along the waist belt 50. The releasable connection of the male and female connectors 54, 48 to each other effectively maintains the waist belt 50 in a looped configuration about the waist of the wearer 14 in the manner also shown in FIG. 1.

As indicated above, in the carrier 10, the male connector 54 of the waist belt 50 may be selectively positioned along the waist belt 50 as needed to accommodate the waist size of the wearer 14. To provide a further measure of adjustability, it is further contemplated that the waist belt 50 may comprise separate first and second waist belt sections 50a, 50b which are cooperatively engaged to each other by a buckle 56. The first waist belt section 50a defines the proximal end of the waist belt 50 which is attached to the inner surface of that lower flap portion 46 protruding from the second side edge 24. The end of the first waist belt section 50a opposite that attached to the lower flap portion 46 is itself advanced through the buckle 56. The second waist belt section 50b defines the distal end 52 of the waist belt 50, with that end of the second waist belt section 50b opposite that defining the distal end 52 itself being permanently attached to the buckle 56. Thus, the adjustability of the orientation of the buckle 56 relative to the first waist belt section 50a coupled with the adjustability of the orientation of the male connector 54 relative to the second waist belt section 50b allows the waist belt 50, as a whole, to be manipulated into any one of a wide range of different sizes as needed to accommodate the waist size of the wearer 14.

The waist belt 50 of the carrier 10 further comprises an elongate, padded sleeve 58 which is advanced over a portion of the second waist belt section 50b between the buckle 56 and the distal end 52. The sleeve 58, like the above-described sleeve 44, is also partially fabricated from a layer of breathable, mesh-like material which is backed by a sponge-like, cushioning layer. The sleeve 58 is also adjustable, and may be selectively positioned anywhere along the length of the second waist belt section 50b between the buckle 56 and the distal end 52. Typically, it is contemplated that the sleeve 58 will be positioned so as to provide comfort and support to the lower back/lumbar region of the wearer 14 when the waist belt 50 is advanced about the waist of the wearer 14.

In the carrier 10, the outer surfaces of the lower flap portions 46 are each defined by a layer of the breathable, mesh-like material which also defines the majority of the inner surface 26 of the main panel 16, including that portion of the inner surface 26 which is defined by the lower panel section 29. Additionally, that portion of the outer surface 28 of the main panel 16 defined by the lower panel section 29 is similarly preferably fabricated from such breathable, mesh-like material. In using the carrier 10 of the present invention, it is contemplated that the main panel 16 will be folded along the fold seam 27 in the above-described manner as a precursor to advancing the waist belt 50 about the waist of the wearer 14. As indicated above, the folding of the main panel 16 along the fold seam 27 causes that portion of the inner surface 26 defined by the lower panel section 29 to directly face a portion of the remainder of the inner surface 26. As a result, that portion of the outer surface 28 of the main panel 16 defined by the lower panel section 29 is presented for direct engagement to the wearer 14, as are the outer surfaces of the lower flap sections 46. In this regard, the female connector 48 and waist belt 50 which are attached to the inner surfaces of respective ones of the lower flap portions 46 are outwardly presented away from the wearer 14 as a result of the folding of the main panel 16 along the fold seam 27. Thus, when the waist belt 50 is thereafter extended about the waist of the wearer 14 and the male connector 54 cooperatively engaged to the corresponding female connector 48, the lower flap portions 46 provide an effective, padded barrier between the female connector 48 and the wearer 14, and further between a proximal portion of the waist belt 50 (i.e. the first waist belt section 50a) and the wearer 14.

The carrier 10 of the present invention further comprises a pair of upper flap portions 60 which are best shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, and are attached to the main panel 16 so as to extend along portions of respective ones of the first and second side edges 22, 24 thereof. More particularly, one end of one of the upper flap portions 60 is attached to the main panel 16 so as to extend substantially along the length of the seam defined between the first side edge 22 and the sleeve 30. Similarly, one end of the remaining one of the upper flap portions 60 is attached to the main panel 60 to extend substantially along the length of the seam defined between the second side edge 24 and the proximal end of the shoulder strap 34. The inner surfaces of the upper flap portions 60 are each preferably defined by a layer of the aforementioned breathable, mesh-like material.

As is further shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, attached to the outer surface of that upper flap portion 60 disposed adjacent the shoulder strap 34 is a female connector 62. Attached to the outer surface of the remaining upper flap potion 60 disposed adjacent the sleeve 30 is the proximal end of an elongate retention strap 64. The retention strap 64 defines a distal end 66 which is that end opposite to the proximal end attached to the upper flap portion 60 disposed adjacent the sleeve 30. Attached to the retention strap 64 in relative close proximity to the distal end 66 thereof is a male connector 68 which is sized and configured to be releasably engageable to the corresponding, complementary female connector 60 attached to the remaining upper flap portion 60. In the carrier 10, the female connector 62 is permanently affixed to a prescribed location on that upper flap portion 60 disposed adjacent the shoulder strap 34. In contrast, the male connector 68 is adapted to be adjustable, and thus selectively positionable anywhere along that portion of the retention strap 64 extending between the distal end 66 and the opposed proximal end attached to the upper flap portion 60 disposed adjacent the sleeve 30. In this regard, the male connector 68 may be selectively positioned along the retention strap 64 as needed to accommodate the infant 12 within the carrier 10 as will be described in more detail below.

As indicated above, the carrier 10 is used by initially advancing the shoulder strap 34 about the neck and one shoulder of the wearer 14, with the shoulder strap 34 being maintained in its looped configuration by the receipt of the male connector 40 thereof into the corresponding female connector 42. Thereafter, the main panel 16 is folded along the fold seam 27 in the above-described manner, with the waist belt 50 thereafter being advanced about the waist of the wearer 14 and maintained in a looped arrangement about the waist of the wearer 14 as a result of the receipt of the male connector 54 into the corresponding female connector 48. Upon both the shoulder strap 34 and waist belt 50 being cooperatively engaged to the wearer 14 in the aforementioned manner, the infant 12 may be placed between the body of the wearer 14 and the main panel 16 of the carrier 10. Due to the arrangement of the carrier 10 upon the wearer 14, the majority of the weight of the infant 12 within the carrier 10 is transferred to one of the hips of the wearer 14. In this regard, a lower portion of the inner surface 26 of the main panel 16, including that portion of the inner surface 26 which defines the lower panel section 29, defines a seat portion 70 for the infant 12 within the carrier 10, as is best shown in FIG. 1.

Upon the infant 12 being positioned upon the seat portion 70 of the carrier 10, the retention strap 64 is advanced over and along the chest of the infant 12, with the male connector 68 thereafter being releasably secured to the corresponding female connector 62. As will be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art, upon the engagement of the male and female connectors 68, 62 to each other, the retention strap 64, which extends under the arms of the infant 12 within the carrier 10, effectively prevents the infant 12 from inadvertently falling out of the carrier 10. When the retention strap 64 is advanced over the infant 12 in the aforementioned manner, the inner surfaces of the upper flap portions 60 are typically brought into direct contact with the infant 12, and provide a cushioned, padded barrier between the female connector 62 and the infant 12, and further between the proximal portion of the retention strap 64 and the infant 12.

Referring now to FIGS. 5-7, there is shown a carrier 10a constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The carrier 10a is substantially similar in construction and function to the carrier 10 described above, with only the distinctions between the carriers 10a, 10 being highlighted below.

As best seen in FIG. 5, the carrier 10a of the present invention comprises a pair of leg straps 72 which are attached to the main panel 16 in spaced relation to each other. Each of the leg straps 72 comprises an upper strap segment 74, one end of which is rigidly attached to the inner surface 26 of the main panel 16. More particularly, one end of the upper strap segment 74 of one of the leg straps 72 is attached to the inner surface 26 adjacent the first side edge 22, with one end of the upper strap segment 74 of the remaining leg strap 72 being attached to the inner surface 26 adjacent the second side edge 24. Attached to that end of each upper strap segment 74 opposite the end attached to the inner surface 26 of the main panel 16 is a male connector 76.

In addition to the upper strap segment 74, each of the leg straps 72 includes a lower strap segment 78. As further seen FIG. 5, one end of each lower strap segment 78 is attached to the bottom edge 20 of the main panel 16. Attached to that end of each lower strap segment 78 opposite the end attached to the bottom edge 20 is a female connector 80. As will be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art, the male connector 76 of the upper strap segment 74 of each leg strap 72 is releasably engageable to the female connector 80 of the corresponding lower strap segment 78. Advantageously, the releasable engagement of the male connectors 76 to respective ones of the female connectors 80 allows the leg straps 72 to be maintained in looped engagement about respective ones of the thighs of the legs of the infant 12 seated within the seat portion 70 of the carrier 10a. In this regard, the looped leg straps 72 supplement the effect of the retention strap 64 and assist in effectively preventing the infant 12 from inadvertently falling out of the carrier 10a.

As seen in FIGS. 6 and 7, it is further contemplated that the main panel 16 of the carrier 10a may be configured to allow for a selective increase in the size of the seat portion 70 thereof as may be needed to accommodate a growing infant 12. In this regard, the seat portion 70 of the carrier 10a may include an adjustable length coupling strip 82 which is interposed between the lower panel section 29 of the main panel 16 and the remainder of the main panel 16. More particularly, the coupling strip 82 has a first edge which is attached to the inner surface 26 of the main panel 16, and an opposed second edge which is attached to the lower panel section 29 of the main panel 16. Thus, the second edge of the coupling strip 82 extends along the fold seam 27 normally defined between the lower panel section 29 of the main panel 16 and the remainder thereof.

Integrated into the coupling strip 82 is an interlocking fastener, such as a zipper 84. The zipper 84 includes two sets of teeth 86 which, when releasably secured to each other, are operative to maintain the coupling strip 82 in a first, retracted configuration as shown in FIG. 6. Conversely, when the zipper 84 is manipulated so as to release the two sets of teeth 86 from engagement to each other, the coupling strip 82 is capable of achieving a second, extended configuration as shown in FIG. 7. In the carrier 10a, the movement of the coupling strip 82 from its retracted configuration to its extended configuration effectively increases the distance separating the opposed first and second edges thereof by approximately six inches, thus effectuating a corresponding six inch increase in the width of the seat portion 70 of the carrier 10a as may be needed to accommodate an infant 12 of increased size and weight. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that differing sizes for the coupling strip 82 other than for the six inch width highlighted above are considered to be within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

To prevent any inadvertent expansion of the seat portion 70 as may occur if the zipper 84 were to fail, the main panel 16 of the carrier 10a is preferably provided with an auxiliary retention mechanism which includes a pair of snap connectors 88 which are attached to the inner surface 26 of the main panel 16 in relative close proximity to the first edge of the coupling strip 82 secured thereto. The coupling strip 82 itself includes a pair of snap connectors 90 attached thereto which are arranged so as to be releasably engageable to respective ones of the snap connectors 88 when the coupling strip 82 is in its retracted position as shown in FIG. 6. As will be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art, the snap connectors 90 will typically be disengaged form the snap connectors 88 as a precursor to the separation of the sets of teeth 86 of the zipper 84 from each other as needed to effectuate the expansion of the coupling strip 82 to its extended position as is shown in FIG. 7.

This disclosure provides an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is not limited by this exemplary embodiment. Numerous variations, whether explicitly provided for by the specification or implied by the specification, such as variations in structure, dimension, type of material and manufacturing process may be implemented by one of skill in the art in view of this disclosure.

Claims

1. An infant carrier, comprising:

a main panel;

an elongate shoulder strap having opposed proximal and distal ends secured to prescribed locations on the main panel;

an elongate waist belt having opposed proximal and distal ends secured to prescribed locations on the main panel; and

an elongate retention strap having opposed proximal and distal ends secured to prescribed locations on the main panel;

a pair of legs straps, each of the leg straps having opposed proximal and distal ends secured to prescribed locations on the main panel;

the retention strap being sized and configured to be extensible over the chest and under the arms of an infant seated within the carrier, with the leg straps being sized and configured to be extensible over respective ones of the thighs of the infant seated within the carrier.

2. The infant carrier of claim 1 wherein:

the main panel defines an inner surface, an outer surface, a top edge, a bottom edge, and opposed first and second side edges extending between the top and bottom edges;

the proximal end of the shoulder strap is permanently attached to a portion of the second side edge of the main panel; and

the shoulder strap is releasably engageable to a portion of the first side edge of the main panel.

3. The infant carrier of claim 2 wherein:

a shoulder strap buckle is permanently attached to the first side edge of the main panel;

the shoulder strap is extensible though the shoulder strap buckle;

a female connector is permanently attached to the shoulder strap between the proximal and distal ends thereof; and

a male connector is adjustably mounted to the shoulder strap between the distal end thereof and the shoulder strap buckle;

the releasable engagement of the male connector to the female connector subsequent to the advancement of the shoulder strap through the shoulder strap buckle being operative to maintain the shoulder strap in a looped configuration about the neck and one shoulder of a wearer of the infant carrier.

4. The infant carrier of claim 3 wherein the shoulder strap buckle is at least partially housed within a tubular sleeve attached to and extending along a portion of the first side edge of the main panel.

5. The infant carrier of claim 3 wherein the shoulder strap further comprises an elongate, tubular shoulder pad sleeve which is selectively positionable therealong between the proximal end thereof and the female connector permanently mounted thereto.

6. The infant carrier of claim 1 wherein:

the main panel defines an inner surface, an outer surface, a top edge, a bottom edge, and opposed first and second side edges extending between the top and bottom edges;

a pair of lower flap portions are attached to and protrude from respective ones of the first and second sides edges in opposed relation to each other;

the proximal end of the waist belt is permanently attached to one of the lower flap portions; and

the waist belt is releasably engageable to the remaining one of the lower flap portions.

7. The infant carrier of claim 6 wherein:

a female connector is permanently attached to the remaining of the one of the lower flap portions; and

a male connector is adjustably mounted to the waist belt;

the releasable engagement of the male connector to the female connector being operative to maintain the waist belt in a looped arrangement about the waist of a wearer of the infant carrier.

8. The infant carrier of claim 7 wherein the waist belt comprises:

a first waist belt section defining the proximal end;

a second waist belt section defining the distal end; and

a waist belt buckle cooperatively engaging the first and second waist belt sections to each other;

the first waist belt section being adjustably mounted to the waist belt buckle, with the second waist belt section being permanently attached to the waist belt buckle.

9. The infant carrier of claim 8 further comprising an elongate, tubular waist belt sleeve which is selectively positionable along the second waist belt section between the male connector and the waist belt buckle.

10. The infant carrier of claim 1 wherein:

the main panel defines an inner surface, an outer surface, a top edge, a bottom edge, and opposed first and second side edges extending between the top and bottom edges;

a pair of upper flap portions are attached to the main panel in spaced relation to each other;

the proximal end of the retention strap is permanently attached to one of the upper flap portions; and

the retention strap is releasably engageable to the remaining one of the lower flap portions.

11. The infant carrier of claim 10 wherein:

a female connector is permanently attached to the remaining of the one of the lower flap portions; and

a male connector is adjustably mounted to the retention strap;

the releasable engagement of the male connector to the female connector being operative to maintain the retention strap in a looped arrangement about the chest of an infant within the infant carrier.

12. The infant carrier of claim 10 wherein:

the proximal end of the shoulder strap is attached to a portion of the second side edge of the main panel along a shoulder strap seam;

a tubular sleeve is attached to a portion of the first side edge of the main panel along a sleeve seam;

one of the upper flap portions is attached to the second side edge of the main panel along the shoulder strap seam; and

the remaining one of the upper flap portions is attached to the first side edge of the main panel along the sleeve seam.

13. The infant carrier of claim 1 wherein:

the main panel defines an inner surface, an outer surface, a top edge, a bottom edge, and opposed first and second side edges extending between the top and bottom edges;

the proximal end of each of the legs straps is permanently attached to the inner surface of the main panel adjacent a respective one of thr first and second side edges thereof; and

the distal end of each of the legs straps is permanently attached to the bottom edge of the main panel.

14. The infant carrier of claim 13 wherein each of the leg straps comprises:

an upper strap segment defining the proximal end;

a lower strap segment defining the distal end; and

a male connector is adjustably mounted to the upper strap segment; and

a female connector is permanently attached to the lower strap segment;

the releasable engagement of the male connector to the female connector being operative to maintain the leg strap in a looped arrangement about one of the legs of an infant within the infant carrier.

15. The infant carrier of claim 1 wherein the main panel defines an inner surface, an outer surface, a top edge, a bottom edge, opposed first and second side edges extending between the top and bottom edges, and a fold seam extending between the first and second side edges in spaced, generally parallel relation to the bottom edge, the folding of the main panel along the fold seam being operative to facilitate the formation of a seat portion in the main panel.

16. The infant carrier of claim 15 wherein the outer surface of the main panel defines a pocket.

17. The infant carrier of claim 15 wherein the main panel includes a coupling strip which is integrated into the seat portion and selectively movable between a retracted position and an extended position, the movement of the coupling strip to the extended position facilitating an increase in the size of the seat portion.

18. An infant carrier, comprising:

a main panel defining an inner surface, an outer surface, a top edge, a bottom edge, and opposed first and second side edges extending between the top and bottom edges;

an elongate retention strap having opposed proximal and distal ends secured to prescribed locations on the main panel;

a pair of legs straps, each of the leg straps having opposed proximal and distal ends secured to prescribed locations on the main panel;

an elongate shoulder strap having opposed proximal and distal ends, the proximal end of the shoulder strap being permanently attached to a portion of the second side edge of the main panel;

a shoulder strap buckle permanently attached to the first side edge of the main panel, the shoulder strap being extensible though the shoulder strap buckle;

a female connector permanently attached to the shoulder strap between the proximal and distal ends thereof; and

a male connector adjustably mounted to the shoulder strap between the distal end thereof and the shoulder strap buckle;

the releasable engagement of the male connector to the female connector subsequent to the advancement of the shoulder strap through the shoulder strap buckle being operative to maintain the shoulder strap in a looped configuration about the neck and one shoulder of a wearer of the infant carrier.

19. The infant carrier of claim 18 wherein the shoulder strap buckle is at least partially housed within a tubular sleeve attached to and extending along a portion of the first side edge of the main panel.

20. An infant carrier, comprising:

a main panel defining an inner surface, an outer surface, a top edge, a bottom edge, and opposed first and second side edges extending between the top and bottom edges;

a pair of upper flap portions attached to the main panel in spaced relation to each other;

an elongate shoulder strap having opposed proximal and distal ends secured to prescribed locations on the main panel;

a pair of legs straps, each of the leg straps having opposed proximal and distal ends secured to prescribed locations on the main panel; and

an elongate retention strap having opposed proximal and distal ends, the proximal end being permanently attached to one of the upper flap portions, with the retention strap being releasably engageable to the remaining one of the lower flap portions;

the retention strap being sized an configured to be extensible over the chest and under the arms of an infant seated within the carrier.