Baby Carrier

Abstract

A baby carrier including a backpack assembly, first and second legs, a first strap, and a second strap. The first and second legs are operably coupled to the backpack assembly and normally biased toward an open position. The first strap is operably coupled to the first leg and the second strap is operably coupled to the second leg. The first and second straps are used for pivoting the first and second legs toward each other and into a closed position when biased. The first and second legs are operably coupled to the backpack assembly by hinges. The first and second legs are normally biased toward the open position by springs in the hinges.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention generally relates to child carriers and, more particularly, to backpack-type child carriers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Numerous devices have been developed so that parents, baby-sitters, and others have the ability to more conveniently take an infant or small child along with them during life's daily activities.

For example, when a parent needs to take a trip in an automobile, the child is usually buckled into a car seat to keep the child safe and secure during the ride. Likewise, when a parent is navigating through a shopping mall or grocery store, the child is often placed in a stroller so that the child isn't forced to walk considerable distances and is kept from running off unattended into the crowd. Even in those cases where a parent wants to take his or her child with them while they exercise, the child may be seated in a wheeled baby jogger so that the child is able to accompany the parent during a run.

In addition to the above, there are certain daily activities where a parent might want to carry their child while nonetheless retaining the free use of his or her arms. The parent may need use of his or her arms to carry items, to hold the hand of another child while crossing a street, and the like. For these types of activities, devices such as child slings or backpack-style baby carriers were developed. These devices generally allow the body of the parent to support the child without the parent having to use his or her arms. As such, the parent is able to simultaneously carry the child safely and securely and have his or her arms free for other tasks.

In addition to permitting parents to have the free use of their arms and hands, some baby backpack carriers also permit the carrier to perform as a portable seat for the child. For example, one backpack carrier, which is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 5,626,271 to Messey, et al. (hereinafter “Messey”), includes a kickstand. The kickstand is pivotably moveable between a “retracted position,” in which the kickstand is positioned generally adjacent to the frame member, and a “propping position,” in which the kickstand is positioned away from the frame member. When in the propping position, as shown in FIG. 2 of Messey, the kickstand allows the child to be supported in an upright position when the backpack carrier is placed on a generally horizontal surface, such as the ground.

Unfortunately, the shoulder straps in Messey are attached directly to the kickstand. Therefore, when the shoulder straps are used to support the carrier or lower the carrier to the ground, the kickstand is forcibly pulled into the retracted position. In other words, the kickstand will not deploy and assume the propping position until little or no biasing force is placed on the shoulder straps. Unfortunately, when the parent is attempting to remove the carrier and then set the carrier on the ground, this is exactly what happens. Particularly when the parent is attempting to set the backpack on a table or other raised surface directly from the worn position on the parent's shoulders. Unfortunately, the kickstand remains in the retracted position as the carrier is removed or lowered to the ground.

As an example of the above, in many circumstances the parent grasps the shoulder straps of the carrier with their hands, pulls the shoulder straps forward away from their torso, and then to maneuvers one of their arms free from one of the shoulder straps. With the carrier now supported by one shoulder and held by one shoulder strap, the parent spins around and grasps either the loose shoulder strap or some other portion of the carrier. Then, using one or both of the shoulder straps, the carrier is lowered to the ground. After the front feet of the carrier are resting on the ground, the parent is allowed to gradually loosen their pull on the shoulder straps, which permits the kickstand to pivot into the propping position. The carrier is then slightly rocked backward so that the ground engaging portion of the kickstand fully rests on the ground as well.

If the grip the parent has on one of the shoulder straps fails or the carrier is otherwise dropped during the removal or lowering procedure, or if the parent lets go of the shoulder strap once the front bottom support contact the ground, the kickstand will likely not deploy fast enough to put the carrier in the propping position. If the carrier is release while the kickstand is still fully or partially in the retracted position, the carrier will be unable to support the child in an upright position. Therefore, the carrier will topple over and the child may be injured.

In addition to the above, conventional backpack carriers have other known drawbacks. For example, some backpack carriers provide a kickstand or other type of propping mechanism that has a relatively narrow stance. As a result, even when carefully setting the carrier on the ground, the backpack carrier is more prone to toppling over, especially if the terrain is somewhat uneven. Again, this may cause injury to the child. In addition, some carriers have hinges or other moving assemblies situated too closely to the child. Therefore, the fingers of the child are at risk of being painfully pinched. Again, there is a risk of injury to the child.

There exists, therefore, a need in the art for a baby carrier that addresses one or more of the above noted problems. Embodiments of invention provide such a baby carrier. These and other advantages of the invention, as well as additional inventive features, will be apparent from the description of the invention provided herein.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, a baby carrier having legs that are normally in a closed position when worn, having legs that provide a wide stance, and having legs that spring outwardly to an open position prior to a shoulder harness being removed from the wearer is provided. The baby carrier ensures that a child supported by and held within the baby carrier is well protected.

Other aspects, objectives and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification illustrate several aspects of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is an exemplary embodiment of back and top perspective view of a baby carrier, which is supported by a person and holding a child, in an open position and in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a back and top perspective view of the baby carrier of FIG. 1 with a shoulder harness and child compartment assembly removed;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an upper hinge found in the baby carrier of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a lower hinge found in the baby carrier of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 5 is a top and back perspective view of the baby carrier of FIG. 2 in the closed position.

While the invention will be described in connection with certain preferred embodiments, there is no intent to limit it to those embodiments. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIG. 1, a baby carrier 10 constructed in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. As will be more fully explained below, the baby carrier 10 is configured such that, before the carrier 10 is removed from the wearer, the legs 14, 16 will open to support a baby 12 in an upright position. In addition, the baby carrier 10 has a relatively wide stance or footprint. Therefore, when the baby carrier 10 is lowered onto or seated on a generally horizontal, but perhaps somewhat uneven, surface the baby carrier is nonetheless stable and less likely to topple over. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1, the baby carrier 10 comprises, among other things, a backpack assembly 12, a pair of legs 14, 16, upper and lower hinges 18, 20 coupling the legs to the backpack assembly 12, and straps 22, 24 for moving the legs 14, 16 about the hinges 18, 20.

The backpack assembly 12 includes numerous features and components such as a shoulder harness 26 having a pair of shoulder straps 28. The shoulder straps 28 are anchored to a frame 30 of the backpack assembly 12 and configured to fit over a torso 32 of a person 34 such as, for example, a parent or baby sitter. To ensure that carrier 10 may be comfortably worn by the person 34, the shoulder straps 28 are often equipped with padding 36 or other comfort features. The shoulder straps 28 are also adjustable to fit a variety of body types. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1, the shoulder straps 28 are adjustable using a slip-lock buckle 38.

In addition to the shoulder harness 26, the backpack assembly 12 also includes a belt harness 40 having a pair of belt straps 42. The belt straps 42 are anchored to the frame 30 of the backpack assembly 12 and configured to fit around a waist 44 of the person. Again, to ensure that they are comfortably worn by the person 34, the belt straps 42 are equipped with padding 46 or other comfort features. The belt straps 42 are adjustable to fit a variety of body types. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1, the belt straps 42 are adjustable through buckle 48.

The frame 30 of the backpack assembly 12 includes an angled frame member 50, a forward frame member 52, and a horizontal rod 54 (see FIG. 2). In the illustrated embodiment, these frame members 50, 52 are formed from tubular steel. The frame members 50, 52 and horizontal rod 54 generally provide support for other elements of the baby carrier 10. As such, the frame members 50, 52 and horizontal rod 54 cooperatively act much like a skeleton system for the baby carrier 10.

The angled frame member 50 begins proximate the waist 44 of the person 34 in FIG. 1. As shown, an end 56 of the angled frame member 50 is disposed within, and securely held by, a fixed portion 58 of the lower hinge 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the lower hinge 20, which will be more fully explained below, is formed from pieces of durable plastic bolted together. Even so, the lower hinge 20 may have other constructions and be suitably formed from a variety of different materials.

From the lower hinge 20, the angled frame member 50 extends upwardly along the back 60 of the person 34. Thereafter, the lower hinge 20 begins to extend outwardly and upwardly from the waist 44 of the person 34. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the angled frame member 50 passes through a fixed portion 62 of the upper hinge 18. However, the angled frame member 50 may be otherwise secured to or supported by the upper hinge 18. Like the lower hinge 20, in the illustrated embodiment the upper hinge 18 is also formed from pieces of durable plastic bolted together. Even so, the upper hinge 18 may have other constructions and be suitably formed from a variety of different materials.

After passing through the fixed portion 62 of the upper hinge 18, the angled frame member 50 turns upwardly relative to the person 34 and extends into a child compartment assembly 64, which will be more fully explained below. While the horizontal portion 66 of the angled member 50 terminates at about same height as the shoulder of the person 34 in FIG. 1, in one embodiment the horizontal portion extends upwardly behind a head 68 of a child 70 in the child compartment assembly 64. As such, a padded head rest (not shown) or other safety or comfort feature may be added to the baby carrier 10.

The forward frame member 52, which has a generally straight profile in FIG. 1, has an end 52 inserted within, and securely held by, the fixed portion 62 of the upper hinge 18. As shown, the forward frame member 52 progresses upwardly and forwardly toward the head 68 of the person 34. As a result, the forward frame member 52 and an upper portion of the angled frame member 50 are increasingly spaced apart from each other as the forward frame member 52 and the angled frame member 50 extend away from the upper hinge 18. Due to this configuration, the frame members 50, 52 are able to suitably receive and support the child compartment assembly 64.

Proximate the shoulder straps 28, the forward frame member 52 has a generally horizontal portion 74 that generally extends between the shoulder straps 28 on either side of the torso 32 of the person 34. In FIG. 1, the horizontal portion passes along the shoulder blades of the person 34 and underneath the hands of the child 70.

Still referring to FIG. 1, the child compartment assembly 64 is configured to slide down over the frame members 50, 52. Therefore, the child compartment assembly 64 is generally located behind the person 34 supporting and carrying the baby carrier 10. In this orientation, the person 34 is able to conveniently carry and transport the child 70 from place to place while maintaining the free use of their arms 76 and hands 78. Therefore, the person 34 is able to perform a multitude of tasks while simultaneously carrying the child.

The child compartment assembly 64 forms a child compartment 80 sized and dimensioned to receive the child 70. To ensure that the child 70 is safely maintained within the child compartment 80, the child compartment forms a seat portion 82 with leg holes 84, side walls 86 extending between the forward frame member 52 and an upper portion of the angled frame member 54, and a safety strap 88 passing over the shoulder of the child 70 and releasably secured to a rear portion of the child compartment assembly 64. As shown in FIG. 1, the side walls 86 inhibit the hands and fingers of the child 70 from contacting the upper hinge 18. In addition, the upper hinge 18 is generally disposed far enough below the child 70 to prevent the child from reaching the upper hinge 18.

As an added benefit, the child compartment assembly 64 includes various convenience features such as, for example, a zippered pocket 90 for storing diapers, snacks, toys, and the like. The child compartment assembly 64 is generally formed from a sturdy, yet easy to clean, fabric such as, for example, nylon. Of course, in addition to the nylon material, plastic or metal zippers, buttons, and other components are also employed within the child compartment assembly 64.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the child compartment assembly 64 has been removed to expose the horizontal portion 74 of the forward frame member 52, the horizontal rod 54, and a back rest 92. The back rest 92 is looped over or otherwise coupled to the horizontal portion 74 of the forward frame member 52 and the horizontal rod 54. The back rest 92 also extends from one side 94 of the frame 30 to another side 96. Therefore, the back rest 92 is generally configured to comfortably sit against the back 60 of the person 34 when the baby carrier 10 is worn. Like the child compartment assembly 64, the back rest 92 is also generally formed from a fabric such as nylon.

The horizontal rod 54, which is generally parallel to the horizontal portion 74 of the forward frame member 52, is operably coupled to each of the lower hinges 20. In the illustrated embodiment, ends 98 of the horizontal rod 54 are received in, and securely held by, the fixed portion 58 of the lower hinges 20. Therefore, the horizontal rod 54 provides overall stability and rigidity to the baby carrier 10. As shown, straps 100 depending from the back rest 92 are used in the illustrated embodiment to keep the back rest 92 in place relative to the horizontal rod 54.

The legs 14, 16 of the baby carrier 10 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 are operably coupled to the backpack assembly 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the legs 14, 16 are connected to the backpack assembly by the hinges 18, 20. In particular, ends 106 of the first and second legs 14, 16 are inserted into the pivoting portions 108 of the upper and lower hinges 18, 20. As will be explained more fully below, this configuration permits the legs 14, 16 to move and pivot between various positions. As shown in FIG. 1, the legs 14, 16 of the baby carrier 10 are generally disposed beneath the child compartment assembly 64 and behind the person 34 supporting the baby carrier 10. Also, in the illustrated embodiment the legs 14, 16 are formed from tubular steel like the frame 30.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the legs 14, 16 become further spaced apart from each other as the legs extend away from the back rest 92. Therefore, the rearward ends 110 of the legs 14, 16 are disposed further apart than the ends 106 of the legs inserted in the hinges 18, 20. This configuration provides the baby carrier 10 with a wide stance or footprint when the baby carrier is seated on a surface. Therefore, when the baby carrier 10 is placed on the ground, table, etc. the baby carrier provides a sturdy foundation or base.

As shown in FIG. 2, each of the legs 14, 16 is operably coupled to one of the straps 22, 24. Each strap 22, 24 includes a coupled end 112, 114 and a free end 116, 118. The coupled end 112 of the strap 22 is connected to the rearward end 110 of the leg 14 by, for example, a bolted plastic connector 120. Likewise, the coupled end 114 of the strap 24 is connected to the rearward end 110 of the leg 16 by a bolted plastic connector 120. As the straps 22, 24 extend toward the belt straps 42, one of the straps 22, 24 crosses over or intersects with the other strap 22, 24. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2, the straps 22, 24 collectively form an “X.” Even so, the straps 22, 24 are capable of moving independently of one another.

When the straps 22, 24 are proximate the lower portion of the angled frame member 50 and the back rest 92, the free end 116, 118 of each strap 22, 24 passes through a guide member 122 on the belt straps 42. The straps 22, 24 freely move or slide through the guide members 122. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1, the free ends 116, 118 of the straps 22, 24 are equipped with mating parts of a buckle 124. Therefore, the free ends 116, 118 of the straps 22, 24 may be pulled around the waist 44 of the person 34 and buckled together (FIG. 5). When this occurs, the straps 22, 24 pull the rearward ends 110 of the legs 14, 16 towards each other. In the illustrated embodiment, the straps 22, 24 are adjusted such that, when the free ends 116, 118 are buckled together around the waist 44 of the person 34, the rearward ends 110 of the legs 14, 16 swing inwardly, and in a preferred embodiment, far enough to engage each other as shown in FIG. 5.

To release the legs 14, 16, the buckle 124 at the free ends 116, 118 of the straps 22, 24 is disengaged. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, because each of the lower and upper hinges 18, 20 includes a torsion spring 126 or other type of resilient member, the rearward ends 110 of the legs 14, 16 are normally biased outwardly and away from each other. The outward movement of the legs 14, 16 is dictated by stops 128 on the upper and lower hinges 18, 20. The stops 128 limit the motion or movement of the legs 14, 16 and prevent the legs from splaying outwardly further than desired.

In operation and during use, the baby carrier 10 begins in an open position 130 as shown in FIG. 1. The torsion springs 126 in the hinges 18, 20 ensure that the legs 14, 16 are normally biased toward this open position 130. In other words, when no other forces are acting on the baby carrier 10, the torsion springs 126 keep the rearward ends 110 of the legs 14, 16 spaced apart from each other.

Using the shoulder straps 28, the baby carrier 10, which may include the child 70, is hoisted up and over the shoulders of the person 34. Once the shoulder straps 28 are securely seated against the torso 32 of the person as shown in FIG. 1, the belt straps 42 are coupled together around the waist 44 of the person 34. Even after both of these steps, the legs 14, 16 of the baby carrier 10 are still open as shown in FIG. 2.

After the belt straps 42 are buckled together, the free ends 116, 118 of the straps 22, 24 shown in FIG. 1 are generally pulled around the waist 44 of the person 34 and, in the illustrated embodiment, over the belt straps 42. As the straps 22, 24 are pulled, the resistive force of the torsion springs 126 in the hinges 18, 20 is overcome and the rearward ends 110 of the legs 14, 16 are pulled together and somewhat inwardly.

When the free ends 116, 118 of the straps 22, 24 have been pulled around the waist 44 of the person 34 and secured together, the rearward ends 110 of the legs 14, 16 engage each other and the baby carrier 10 assumes a closed position 132 as illustrated in FIG. 5. In FIG. 5, the baby carrier 10 is shown without the child compartment assembly 64 and the shoulder harness 26 for the purposes of illustration. The free ends 116, 118 and the buckle 124 are shown in dashed lines because these components are hidden behind the back rest 92. Portions of the belt straps 42 and the buckle 48 are also illustrated in dashed lines.

When the person 34 wants to take the baby carrier 10 off and perhaps place the baby carrier on a surface, the person first releases the buckle 124 holding the free ends 116, 118 of the straps 22, 24 together. When the buckle 124 is released, the legs 14, 16 are immediately thrust into the open position 130 (FIG. 1) by the torsion springs 126 in the hinges 18, 20. As a result, the open position 130 of the legs 14, 16 is achieved before the belt harness 40 is disengaged or the shoulder harness 26 is removed.

In an alternate embodiment, the straps 22, 24 may be integrated with the belt straps 42 such that only one buckle 48 is necessary. In such an embodiment, the legs 14, 16 are moved to the closed position when the belt straps 42 are fastened around the waste of the user, and released to their open position when the belt straps 42 are disengaged. In this way, the opening of the legs 14, 16 occurs independently from the carrier 10 being removed from the shoulders of the user and independently from a user supporting the carrier 10 by the shoulder straps 26, 28.

All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.

The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) is to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

Claims

1. A baby carrier comprising:

a backpack assembly;

first and second legs operably coupled to the backpack assembly, the first and second legs normally biased toward an open position;

a first strap operably coupled to the first leg; and

a second strap operably coupled to the second leg, the first and second straps for pivoting the first and second legs toward each other and into a closed position when biased.

2. The baby carrier of claim 1, wherein the first and second legs are each normally biased toward the open position by a torsion spring.

3. The baby carrier of claim 1, wherein each of the first and second legs are each operably coupled to the backpack assembly by a hinge, the hinges including a torsion spring to bias the first and second legs toward the open position.

4. The baby carrier of claim 3, wherein the first and second straps intersect each other.

5. The baby carrier of claim 1, wherein the first and straps include mating connectors, the mating connectors maintaining the first and second legs in the closed position when mated together.

6. The baby carrier of claim 1, wherein the first and second straps are generally biased in opposing directions to pivot the first and second legs into the closed position.

7. The baby carrier of claim 6, wherein the first and second legs are engaged with each other in the closed position.

8. The baby carrier of claim 1, wherein the baby carrier further comprises a child compartment assembly, the child compartment assembly supported by the backpack assembly and forming a seat, the seat generally above the first and second legs.

9. The baby carrier of claim 1, wherein the backpack assembly includes a shoulder harness, the first and second legs not connected to the shoulder harness.

10. The baby carrier of claim 9, wherein the first and second legs are movable into the closed position without using the shoulder harness.

11. The baby carrier of claim 1, wherein the first leg is operably coupled to the backpack assembly by a first upper hinge and a first lower hinge and the second leg is operably coupled to the backpack assembly by a second upper hinge and a second lower hinge, each of the hinges including a torsion spring biasing the first and second legs toward the open position.

12. The baby carrier of claim 11, wherein the first and second upper hinges each include a stop, the stops limiting travel of the first and second legs and defining the open position.

13. The baby carrier of claim 1, wherein the first leg has a first end portion and the second leg has a second end portion and, when the first and second legs are in the closed position, the first and second ends at least one of touch each other or are closer to each other relative to the open position.

14. The baby carrier of claim 1, wherein the backpack assembly includes a frame, the frame and the first and second legs formed from tubular metal.

15. The baby carrier of claim 1, wherein the baby carrier includes a shoulder harness and a belt harness configure to permit a user to support the baby carrier.

16. The baby carrier of claim 1, wherein the first and second legs project generally rearwardly away from a front of the backpack assembly.

17. A baby carrier comprising:

a frame assembly supporting a child compartment;

first and second harnesses operably coupled to the frame assembly;

first and second legs, the first leg having a first rearward end and the second leg having a second rearward end;

a plurality of spring-loaded hinges coupling the first and second legs to the frame assembly, the spring-loaded hinges for biasing the first and second rearward ends away from each other; and

a pair of straps operably coupled to the first and second rearward ends of the first and second legs, the straps for drawing the first and second rearward ends toward each other when the straps are pulled.

18. The baby carrier of claim 17, wherein the first harness is a belt harness and the second harness is a shoulder harness, and wherein the pair of straps are moveably coupled to the belt harness.

19. The baby carrier of claim 18, wherein a first strap in the pair of straps crosses over a second strap in the pair of straps.

20. The baby carrier of claim 17, wherein at least two of the hinges include a stop for limiting movement of the first and second legs.