INFANT TRAVEL SYSTEM

Abstract

An infant carrier comprises a viscoelastic memory foam covered with a fabric sheath, a mat pad, a foam core, a securing strap, and raised sidewalls to provide comfort and security to the infant. The infant carrier comprises an adjustable strap to provide user comfort, thus prevents back and knee pain which is caused by incorrect posture and/or crossed legs when holding a sleeping infant. The infant carrier also permits an individual traveling with an infant to keep her/his hands free at any time while the infant is positioned securely in the carrier.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to child travel equipment, and particularly to a portable infant travel system for use on an airplane, train or bus.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are limited solutions on the market to assist caregivers traveling, by plane, train or bus, with infants on their lap. For support while traveling, current options are holding the infant in your arms, balancing the infant on your legs or using pillows, baby carriers, nursing pillows to support the infant. However, none of these options provide a complete solution or address two major issues faced by an individual traveling with an infant: 1) back and knee pain caused by incorrect posture and/or crossed legs when holding the infant and 2) the inability to free one's hands or arms while holding a sleeping infant. Therefore, there is a need in the art for a device which prevents back and knee pain caused by incorrect posture and/or crossed legs when holding a sleeping infant and that also permits an individual traveling with an infant to keep her/his hands free at any time.

Accordingly, it is a goal of the present invention to create a horizontal workspace for the caregiver, on which the infant can be fed, changed and be stretched out to sleep or rest without the physical assistance from the care giver during travel. The presently disclosed device is designed in such a way to allow the caregiver to maintain correct posture (by keeping both feet on the ground and the back firmly in the seatback) and to have their hands free for reading, eating or attending to another child while traveling.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, a carrier comprises a foam core having a first surface, a second surface, a head end, a foot end, an adjustable strap, and a means for fastening an adjustable strap, wherein the adjustable strap secures the carrier to a person traveling with a child.

In one aspect of the subject invention the foam core comprises a viscoelastic memory foam.

In another aspect of the subject invention the adjustable strap is selectively removable. In a further aspect of the subject invention the foam core further comprises a securing strap, wherein the securing strap includes an at least one mating buckle member.

In yet another aspect of the subject invention the mating buckle member is selectively removable.

In still yet a further aspect of the subject invention, the foam core further comprises a fabric sheath having a first surface and a second surface, wherein the fabric sheath encompasses the foam core.

In still yet a further aspect of the subject invention the fabric sheath further comprises a means for fastening a mat pad to the first surface of the fabric sheath, wherein the first surface of the fabric sheath is located on the first surface of the foam core.

In still yet another aspect of the subject invention the fabric sheath further comprises a means for securing an at least one pouch to the head end of the first surface of the fabric sheath or the foot end of the first surface of the fabric sheath, the pouch having a first surface and a second surface.

In still yet another aspect of the subject invention the first surface or second surface of the pouch comprises an at least one pocket.

In still yet another aspect of the subject invention the pouch comprises an at least one mating buckle member, wherein the mating buckle member of the pouch cooperates with the mating buckle member of the foam core.

In still yet a further aspect of the subject invention the foam core further comprises a shoulder on the second surface of the foam core.

In still yet another aspect of the subject invention the shoulder is selectively removable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a top view of an infant travel carrier with mat pad removed to aid in understanding the invention.

FIG. 2 shows a side view of a further embodiment of an infant travel carrier.

FIG. 3a shows a cross section of one embodiment of an inner core of the infant travel carrier.

FIG. 3b shows a cross section of another embodiment of the inner core of the infant travel carrier.

FIG. 3c shows a cross section of still another embodiment of the inner core of the infant travel carrier.

FIG. 3d shows a cross section of still another embodiment of the inner core of the infant travel carrier.

FIG. 4 shows a side view of a component of a further embodiment of an infant travel carrier.

FIG. 5a shows a side view of another component of a further embodiment of an infant travel carrier.

FIG. 5b shows a side view of still another component of a further embodiment of an infant travel carrier.

FIG. 6a shows a top view of a further embodiment of an infant travel carrier.

FIG. 6b shows a bottom view of a further embodiment of an infant travel carrier.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

An infant travel carrier, generally identified by reference numeral 10, is illustrated in the FIGS. 1-2. To provide comfort and stability to a child travel, as well as to the traveling individual, the travel carrier 10 may comprise a viscoelastic memory foam or other suitable material known to one having ordinary skill in the art. Additionally, the travel carrier 10 may be covered with a fabric sheath 15. For example, the fabric sheath 15 may include animal skin, nylon, micro fiber, suede, velvet, cotton, flannel or other suitable materials known to one having ordinary skill in the art. As shown in FIGS. 1-2, the carrier 10 comprises an adjustable strap 20, a pouch 30, a first securing strap 40, and a second securing strap 45, a foam core 150 having a first surface 51, a second surface 53, a head end 57, a foot end 59, a length 1, a width w, a mat pad 55, and a raised sidewall 60.

In construction, the mat pad 55 may be secured to the first surface of the foam core 50 or the fabric sheath 15 using fabric hook and loop fasteners 52, however any other suitable means of securing the mat pad 55 to the foam core 150 may be used.

A pouch 30 having a first surface 31 and a second surface 33 is also provided. The second surface 33 may comprise at least one pocket 35. The pocket 35 may be used to store child care products. For example, diapers may by stored in pocket 35 to adjust the height of the pouch 30 within the travel carrier 10. By increasing the number of diapers stored in pocket 35, the level of the first surface 31 of the pouch 30 is raised relative to the first surface of the foam core 150. The pouch 30 may be secured to the mat pad 55 at the head end 57 or foot end 59 of the foam core 150, using hook and loop fasteners, zippers, buttons, or any other means known to a person having ordinary skill in the art. Additionally the pouch 30 may be secured to the fabric sheath 15 or foam core 150.

A first securing strap 40 having a first mating buckle member 42a may be fastened to the sidewall 60 at the midpoint of one side of the length 1 of the core 150. Similarly, a second securing strap 45 having a second mating buckle member 42b, may be fastened to the sidewall 60 at the midpoint of the other side of the length 1 of the core 150. In operation, the first mating buckle member 42a may selectively cooperate with the second mating buckle member 42b, joining the first securing strap 40 with the second securing strap 45 to create a unitary strap which may be used to secure a child in the travel carrier 10.

As shown in FIGS. 1-2, the raised sidewall 60 extends upward from the foam core 150 surrounding the perimeter of the foam core 150. The raised sidewall 60 may have a first accessory pocket 63 and a second accessory pocket 64 for storing miscellaneous child care products. The raised sidewall 60 may be used to secure a child within the travel carrier 10 while traveling. The sidewall 60 may comprise at least one grommet 62 or other reinforced aperture which may be used to secure toys or other child-oriented devices.

An adjustable strap 20 may be fastened to the foam core 150, the fabric sheath 15, or the raised sidewall 60 at the head end 57 and the foot end 59 of one side of the length 1 of the travel carrier 10 using hook an loop fasteners, zippers, buttons, or any other means known to a person having ordinary skill in the art. The adjustable strap 20 comprises a moveable adjustable strap pad 25. In operation, the adjustable strap 20 may be positioned behind the traveling individual to secure the travel carrier 10 during travel.

In a further non-limiting embodiment, the travel carrier 10 may comprise a foam core 150, a fabric sheath 15, an adjustable strap 20, a pouch 30, a first securing strap 40, and a second securing strap 45, an oval mat 50 having a first surface 51, a second surface 53, a head end 57, a foot end 59, a length 1, a width w, a mat pad 55, and a raised sidewall 60.

In construction, the foam core 150 may comprise a viscoelastic memory foam or other suitable material known to one having ordinary skill in the art. As shown in FIG. 3, the foam core 150 may have a first surface 71 and a second surface 72, wherein the first surface 71 may have a raised side wall 60. In operation, the raised side wall 60 may be used to create a comfort zone generally identified by reference numeral 80 and to encourage consistent placement of an infant. The second surface 72 may have a shoulder 79. In operation, the shoulder 79 allows the infant carrier 10 to maintain a stable position. For example, when a caregiver using the infant carrier 10 is in a position where their knees are lower than their hips, the shoulder 79 will be placed closest to the knees, ensuring the infant carrier 10 is in the stable position. The shoulder 79 may be connected to the second surface using hook and loop fasteners, zippers, buttons, or any other means known to a person having ordinary skill in the art.

In a further non-limiting embodiment, the foam core 150 may comprise a single segment 73, wherein the single segment 73 may comprise a shoulder 79 as shown in FIG. 3b.

In another non limiting embodiment, the foam core 150 may comprise at least two segments as shown in FIG. 3c. This embodiment may comprise a top segment 74 comprising a less firm memory foam, thus providing additional comfort to an infant using the infant carrier 10. This embodiment may further comprise at least one middle segment 75 comprising a memory foam more firm than the foam used in the top segment 74.

As illustrated in FIG. 3d, an additional embodiment of the foam core 150 may comprise a first segment 76 and a second segment 77, wherein the first segment 76 comprises a firm memory foam and the second segment 77 comprises a less firm memory foam. The second segment 77 may form an outer layer encompassing the first segment 76.

In yet a further non limiting embodiment, the fabric sheath 15 may comprise a durable, washable, aesthetic material. In operation the fabric sheath 15 may be used to cover the foam core 70, thus protecting the foam core 150 from any unusual wear.

In a non-limiting alternate embodiment, the fabric sheath 15 may comprise a shoulder 79 comprising memory foam. Still further, the shoulder 79 may be fastened to the fabric sheath 15 using hook and loop fasteners or using any other means known to a person having ordinary skill in the art. In operation, the fabric sheath 15 comprising the shoulder 79 may be used to cover a foam core 70 not having the shoulder 79.

A further non-limiting embodiment, the travel carrier 10 may include a utility bag 90. As shown in FIGS. 4-5, the utility bag 90 may comprise a surface 91, an open end 92, a closure device 93, a selectively removable attachment member 94, a attachment member 95, a securing strap 96. In construction, the closure device 93 may be attached to or made part of the open end 92. In operation, a user can pull the closure device 93 to close the open end 92, thus preventing items from disbursing from the utility bag 90. The attachment member 95 may be attached to or made part of the utility bag 90. In operation a user may attach items like a pacifier to the utility bag 90, using the attachment member 95 to secure the items. The removable attachment member 94 may be attached to or made part of the utility bag 90. In operation a user may attach the utility bag 90, to an airplane tray table or the back of an airplane seat. In operation, the securing strap 96 may be used to carry the utility bag 90 separate from the travel carrier 10 or the securing strap 96 may be used to carrier the utility bag 90 and the travel carrier 10 jointly.

In a further non-limiting embodiment, the utility bag 90, may have at least one storage compartment 97, wherein the storage compartment 97 may be attached to or made part of the surface 91. The storage compartment 97 may be used to partition the open end 93 of the utility bag 90. In operation, the partitioning of the open end 93 will assist users to organize contents stored in the utility bag 90.

In another non-limiting embodiment, the utility bag 90 may be secured to the travel carrier 10 to become a full diaper bag 100 as shown in FIG. 5b. The utility bag 90 may be fastened to the travel carrier 10 using at least one mating member 102 or by any means known to a person having ordinary skill in the art.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

Claims

1-16. (canceled)

17. A carrier comprising:

a core having a first end and a second end, the first and second end having an axis therebetween, a top, a bottom, and a shoulder extending downwardly from the bottom; and

a first strap having a first strap end attached to the first end of the core and a second strap end attached to the second end of core.

18. The carrier according to claim 17 further comprising a sheath encompassing the core.

19. The carrier according to claim 17, wherein the shoulder is substantially parallel to the axis and oriented along one edge of the bottom of the core.

20. The carrier according to claim 17 further comprising a second strap attached to the core, wherein the second strap spans the top of the core and is substantially perpendicular to the axis.

21. The carrier according to claim 20, wherein the second strap includes a first end and a second end, the first end and second end each having a mating buckle member, such that the second strap forms a closed loop when the mating buckle member of the first end locks with the mating buckle member of the second end.

22. The carrier according to claim 17 further comprising a pad attached to the top of the core.

23. The carrier according to claim 17 further comprising a pouch selectively attached to the core.

24. The carrier according to claim 17, wherein the length of the first strap is adjustable.

25. The carrier according to claim 20, wherein the length of the second strap is adjustable.

26. The carrier according to claim 17, wherein the core is made from a viscoelastic material.

27. The carrier according to claim 17 further comprising a pair of side walls extending upwardly from the top of the core along opposite edges of the core.

28. The carrier according to claim 27 further comprising a second pair of side walls extending upwardly from the top of the core along opposite edges of the core and oriented substantially perpendicularly to the first pair of side walls.

29. A carrier comprising:

a core having a pair of opposite ends defining an axis therebetween, a top, and a bottom;

a first sheath encompassing the core;

a shoulder selectively attached to the bottom of the core substantially parallel to the axis and oriented along one edge of the core; and

a first strap attached to the pair of opposite ends of the core.

30. The carrier according to claim 29, wherein the shoulder is selectively attached by hook and loop fasteners.

31. The carrier according to claim 29 further comprising a second sheath encompassing the shoulder.

32. The carrier according to claim 29 further comprising a second strap attached to the core, wherein the second strap spans the top of the core and is substantially perpendicular to the axis.

33. The carrier according to claim 32, wherein the second strap includes a first end and a second end, the first end and second end having a mating locking member, such that the second strap forms a closed loop when the mating locking member of the first end locks with the mating locking member of the second end.

34. The carrier according to claim 29 further comprising a pad selectively attached to the top of the core.

35. The carrier according to claim 29, wherein the core is made from a viscoelastic material.

36. A carrier comprising:

a viscoelastic core having a first end and a second end, the first and second end having an axis therebetween, a top, a bottom, and a shoulder extending downwardly from the bottom of the core and oriented substantially parallel to the axis and along one edge of the core;

a first strap having a first strap end attached to the first end of the core and a second strap end attached to the second end of core;

a second strap attached to the core, wherein the second strap spans the top of the core and is substantially perpendicular to the axis; and

a sheath encompassing the core,

wherein the core includes an inner segment enveloped by an outer segment, further wherein the inner segment is firmer than the outer segment.