BABY CARRIER

Abstract

A baby carrier comprising: a tie panel; a first bandolier sling in which a baby may be held, the sling having two ends attached to the tie panel; and a second bandolier that crosses over the first bandolier sling and has two ends that are attached to the tie panel.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the invention relate to baby carriers

BACKGROUND

Various types of wearable baby carriers that are configured to enable a person to wear the carriers comfortably and safely carry a baby therein are known. Among the various types of wearable baby carriers are front and back carriers comprising a seat or “pouch” for holding the baby on the chest or back of a person wearing the carrier, and an arrangement of straps and/or belts attached to the pouch for securing the pouch to the wearer. Typically the straps and/or belts comprise shoulder straps that are looped over the wearer's shoulder and a belt strap that is buckled around the wearer's waist. U.S. Pat. No. 6,098,857 describes a backpack type baby carrier. US Design Patent D509,056 shows a front-pack baby carrier.

Sling baby carriers usually comprise a “bandolier” sling of material that is slung over a shoulder to form a “hammock” into which a baby may be placed to be held on the wearer's chest. U.S. Pat. No. 5,950,887 describes a sling baby carrier having a set of rings through which an end of the sling is looped so that its length is adjustable. U.S. Pat. No. 6,595,396 describes a sling baby carrier formed with a seat region and a cord for securing a baby in the seat.

SUMMARY

An aspect of some embodiments of the invention relates to providing a sling baby carrier that provides enhanced support for a baby held in the carrier.

An aspect of some embodiments of the invention relates to providing a sling baby carrier that provides improved distribution of a baby's weight on the body of a person carrying the baby in the carrier.

An aspect of some embodiments of the invention relates to providing a bandolier sling for holding and carrying a baby having an improved contour for securely holding a baby.

In an embodiment of the invention, a sling baby carrier, hereinafter also referred to as a “LoopiX” baby carrier, comprises two crossed bandolier slings of material suitable for cradling a baby that are joined at a junction. Optionally, the bandolier slings are attached to a same “tie panel” at the junction. Optionally, each bandolier comprises a single length of material, optionally the material comprises a knit and/or an elastic cloth.

A wearer carrying a baby in the LoopiX baby carrier optionally wears the baby carrier with the tie panel on the wearer's back. Each bandolier extends from the tie panel over a different shoulder to cross over the wearer's chest, and pass under the arm of an opposite shoulder back to the tie panel. One of the bandoliers lies closer to the wearer's chest and holds the baby, optionally hammock-like. The other of the bandoliers crosses over the closer bandolier and aids in holding and/or enwrapping the baby and securing the baby in place in the first bandolier. In some situations, a wearer may choose to wear the LoopiX carrier with the tie panel on his or her chest and the baby held in the nearer of the bandolier slings on the wearer's back.

In some embodiments of the invention, rather than the crossed bandolier slings being attached to a same tie panel, the bandoliers are fastened to each other along a region where they cross, overlap and/or abut each other. For example, the bandoliers may be sewn or knotted together along a region where they cross each other.

In some embodiments of the invention a tie panel is formed having a pouch into which the bandolier slings may be inserted and stored for convenience when the LoopiX baby carrier is not in use. Optionally, two substantially congruent pieces of material, such as a fabric or suitable flexible plastic, are joined together, for example by sewing, around their edges to form a tie panel having a carrying pouch. A portion of the edges are not joined to leave an opening for the pouch. Optionally, the pouch is a “zipper pouch”, formed from a tie panel and a piece of material, substantially congruent with the tie panel, which are permanently joined only along relatively short portions of their edges. The remaining portions of their edges are reversibly joined by at least one fastener, for example, by a zipper, or by a hook and loop fastener, such as a Velcro fastener, to form a pouch for enclosing the bandolier slings.

By holding and securing the baby using crossed bandoliers of material that pass over different shoulders, a LoopiX baby carrier, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, distributes the weight of the baby to both of a wearer's shoulders rather than one shoulder, as is common with many conventional sling baby carriers. The crossed bandolier slings also contribute to maintaining the baby securely in place and allow the wearer greater freedom of motion and use of his or her hands than a conventional sling carrier.

In an embodiment of the invention, a bandolier sling in a LoopiX baby carrier comprises a length of soft material formed having a relatively narrow stiffened longitudinal region, hereinafter also referred to as a “spine line”, extending along its length substantially in the middle of the bandolier. The spine line aids in centering and cupping a baby hammock-like in the sling. Optionally, the bandolier is formed from an elastic cloth. Optionally, the stiffened region is provided by inserting a stay formed by way of example from a plastic, rubber, or stiffened cloth. In some embodiments of the invention a bandolier sling spine line is formed by sewing a “seam”, for example a double stitched seam, into the bandolier sling, or stiffening a region of the bandolier sling by impregnating the region with a stiffening material such as a starch.

In some embodiments of the invention, location of a spine line of a bandolier sling is distinguished by a marking, a “spine line marker”, such as by a contrasting color, which indicates the location of the spine line. The marking aids in properly positioning a baby in the bandolier sling. In some embodiments of the invention, a bandolier sling comprises a spine line marker but not an actual spine line. The spine line marker indicates a central longitudinal region of the bandolier to aid a wearer in positioning a baby in the bandolier.

There is therefore provided in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, a baby carrier comprising: a tie panel; a first bandolier sling in which a baby may be held, the sling having two ends attached to the tie panel; and a second bandolier that crosses over the first bandolier sling and has two ends that are attached to the tie panel. Optionally, at least one of the bandolier slings comprises a soft pliable material. Optionally, the bandolier sling comprises a relatively stiff, central, longitudinal region extending lengthwise along at least a portion of the length of the bandolier sling. Optionally, the stiffened region comprises a stay inserted into the bandolier sling. Optionally, the stay is formed from a plastic. Optionally, the stay is formed from a rubber. Optionally, the stay is formed form a stiffened cloth. The stiffened region optionally comprises a region of the bandolier sling impregnated with a stiffener. Optionally, the stiffener comprises a starch.

In some embodiments of the invention, an end of at least one of the bandolier slings is permanently attached to the tie panel.

In some embodiments of the invention, an end of at least one of the bandolier slings is attached to the panel by a fastener that enables the sling length of the bandolier sling to be adjusted. Optionally, the fastener comprises a tie down ring pair. Additionally or alternatively, the fastener optionally comprises a buckle. In some embodiments of the invention, the fastener comprises a configuration of eyelets and a cord. In some embodiments of the invention, the fastener comprises a Velcro fastener.

In some embodiments of the invention, the fastener comprises a configuration of eyelets in the bandolier sling and/or panel and a component for coupling to the eyelets. Optionally, the component for coupling to the eyelets comprises a cord. Additionally or alternatively, the component for coupling to the eyelets optionally comprises a hook.

In some embodiments of the invention, the tie panel comprises a pliable material. Optionally, the tie panel is formed from leather. Additionally or alternatively, the tie panel is optionally formed from a plastic.

In some embodiments of the invention, the tie panel is formed from a fabric.

In some embodiments of the invention, the tie panel is contoured to provide support for a wearer's back. Optionally, the tie panel comprises a relatively soft material having inserts that provide it with a contour configured to support a wearer's back.

In some embodiments of the invention, the bandolier slings and tie panel are formed as a unitary piece. Optionally, the baby carrier is formed from a knit material.

In some embodiments of the invention, at least one of the first and second bandolier slings comprises a marking that indicates a central, longitudinal region of the bandolier sling.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

Non-limiting examples of embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to figures attached hereto that are listed following this paragraph. Identical structures, elements or parts that appear in more than one figure are generally labeled with a same numeral in all the figures in which they appear. Dimensions of components and features shown in the figures are chosen for convenience and clarity of presentation and are not necessarily shown to scale.

FIGS. 1A-1C schematically show perspective views of LoopiX baby carriers in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 2A-2C schematically show a woman carrying her baby in a LoopiX baby carrier in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3A schematically shows another LoopiX baby carrier, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3B schematically shows yet another configuration of a LoopiX baby carrier in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 4A-4C schematically show a LoopiX baby carrier comprising a pouch for storage of the baby carrier, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and

FIGS. 5A-5C schematically show a LoopiX baby carrier comprising a “zipper pouch” for storage of the baby carrier, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1A schematically shows a LoopiX baby carrier 20 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Baby carrier 20 optionally comprises, a first, inner bandolier sling 41 of material attached to a tie panel 30 and a second, outer bandolier sling 42 of material attached to the tie panel.

By way of example, tie panel 30 is X-shaped and has a pair of diagonally opposite edges 31 and 33 and a pair of diagonally opposite edges 32 and 34. Optionally, tie panel 30 is formed from a soft cloth or canvas material. In some embodiments of the invention, tie panel 30 is formed from a relatively stiff but pliable material, such as leather and/or a pliable plastic. Optionally, the stiff but pliable material is covered with cloth or canvas. In some embodiments of the invention, tie panel 30 is configured to provide added support for a wearer's back. For example the tie panel may comprise stays or contoured inserts that stiffen the tie panel and/or provide it with a contour configured to add to user comfort and reduce back fatigue.

Inner bandolier sling 41 optionally comprises a single length of material having ends 43 and 45 attached respectively to edges 31 and 33 of tie panel 30. Inner bandolier sling 41 is formed from a material suitable for cradling a baby, such as a soft natural and/or synthetic cloth, and/or knit, and/or canvas material. Optionally the bandolier sling material comprises an elastic material. Similarly, outer bandolier sling 42 comprises an optionally single length of material having ends 44 and 46 attached respectively to edges 32 and 34 of tie panel 30. Optionally, outer bandolier sling 42 is formed from a same material from which inner bandolier sling 41 is formed.

Any of various methods and techniques known in the art may be used to attach bandolier slings 41 and 42 to tie panel 30. Inner bandolier sling 41 and/or outer bandolier sling 42 may be attached to tie panel 30 by sewing, or in the case of synthetic materials, by welding or bonding. Optionally, inner bandolier sling 41 and/or outer bandolier sling 42 is attached to tie panel 30 using hook and loop fasteners, such as Velcro fasteners. Whereas tie panel 30 shown in FIG. 1A has an “X” shape, the tie panel is not limited to such a shape and may have any of various other shapes such as, by way of example, a square, hexagonal or round shape. FIG. 1B schematically shows an LoopiX baby carrier 21 having a circular tie panel 36.

It is noted that whereas in FIGS. 1A and 1B, LoopiX baby carriers are shown having bandolier slings attached to a tie panel, which is originally not connected to the bandolier slings, in some embodiments of the invention, a LoopiX baby carrier is formed as a unitary piece, for example by knitting.

In some embodiments of the invention, at least inner bandolier sling 41 is formed having a central longitudinal region 50, i.e. a spine line, which is marked or otherwise differentiated relative to the material from which the bandolier sling is formed. By way of example, in FIGS. 1A and 1B both bandolier slings are shown having a spine line 50. Optionally, the spine lines are formed by inserting a stay (not shown) formed from a suitable, material, such as, by way of example, a plastic, rubber or canvas, into the bandolier sling. Optionally, spine lines 50 are formed by impregnating the material from which the bandolier slings are formed with a dye or starch. In some embodiments of the invention, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, spine lines 50 are formed by stitching a longitudinal seam into bandolier slings 41 and 42.

In some embodiments of the invention, a LoopiX baby carrier comprises bandolier slings that can be adjusted to accommodate different size wearers and different size babies. FIG. 1C schematically shows a LoopiX baby carrier 120 having adjustable inner and outer bandolier slings 141 and 142 respectively attached to a tie panel 136. Tie panel 136 optionally comprises two pairs 150 of tie down rings 151. Each bandolier sling optionally has a first end 143 permanently attached to tie panel 136 and a second adjustable end 144. Adjustable end 144 of each bandolier sling 141 and 142 is looped through a corresponding tie down ring-pair 150 by a length which leaves a desired length, hereinafter “sling length”, of the bandolier sling on a side of tie down panel 136 opposite to that on which ring-pairs 150 are located. By looping a longer or a shorter length of a bandolier sling 141 or 142 of Loopi X baby carrier 120, the sling length of the bandolier sling can be adjusted to accommodate respectively a smaller or larger wearer and/or a smaller or larger baby to be carried in the baby.

Whereas, in FIG. 1C each bandolier sling 141 and 142 is attached to tie panel by a single ring-pair at only one of its ends, a bandolier sling, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, may of course be attached to a tie panel by a ring-pair at each of its ends. Additionally, an adjustable bandolier sling may be attached to a tie panel, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, with other than a pair of tie down ring-pair. For example an adjustable bandolier sling may be attached to a tie panel with a knot, a buckle, a Velcro® fastener, a configuration of eyelets in the bandolier sling and/or panel and a cord, or hook.

FIGS. 2A -2C schematically show a mother 100 carrying her child 101 in various position in an LoopiX baby carrier 20 similar to that shown in FIG. 1A, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

In FIG. 2A the mother has the baby cradled hammock-like inside inner bandolier sling 41 with its head near her left shoulder. To cradle the baby comfortably in the orientation shown in FIG. 2, LoopiX baby carrier 20 is worn with inner bandolier 41 slung over her left shoulder. If the mother prefers to have the baby oriented with its head near her right shoulder, all the mother has to do is wear LoopiX rotated by 90° relative to the orientation of LoopiX baby carrier 20 shown in FIG. 2A. Rotating LoopiX 20 by 90° orients LoopiX so that inner bandolier sling 41 loops over the mother's right shoulder. FIG. 2B schematically shows mother 100 cradling her baby hammock-like in LoopiX baby carrier 20 with the baby's head near her right shoulder.

Whereas FIGS. 2A and 2B schematically show baby 101 held hammock-like in LoopiX baby carrier 20, an LoopiX baby carrier in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is not limited to holding a baby in a hammock-like position. FIG. 2C schematically shows baby 101 being held by its mother 100 in an upright sitting position.

It is noted that in the positions shown in FIGS. 2A-2C, the crossed bandolier slings of an LoopiX baby carrier provide for carrying a baby with enhanced stability and security. In addition, the crossed bandolier slings distribute a baby's weight more symmetrically on the wearer's body than conventional sling carriers to provide greater wearer comfort and reduce wearer fatigue when carrying a baby.

Whereas FIGS. 1A-2C schematically show an LoopiX baby carrier comprising a tie panel, an LoopiX baby carrier can be configured without a tie panel, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 3A schematically shows a LoopiX baby carrier 22 having crossed bandolier slings 61 and 62 that are joined by sewing them together at a junction 70 instead of attaching them to a tie panel. FIG. 3B schematically shows an LoopiX baby carrier 23 comprising bandolier slings 63 and 64 that are joined by knotting at a junction 71.

FIGS. 4A-4C schematically show a LoopiX baby carrier 220 comprising inner and outer bandolier slings 241 and 242 fastened to a tie panel 230 constructed, to form a pouch for storing and carrying the baby carrier when it is not in use, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Tie panel 230 is hereinafter also referred to as pouch 230. Pouch 230 is optionally formed from two pieces 231 and 232 of fabric that are fastened together along most, but not all, of the lengths of their edges 233. Portions 234, of the edges are not joined so as to leave an opening 235 for the pouch. The figures schematically show LoopiX baby carrier 220 in different dispositions that illustrate functioning of the pouch.

In FIG. 4A LoopiX baby carrier 220 is shown “unpacked” and ready for being worn to carry a baby. In FIG. 4B a user of the baby carrier is preparing to pack the baby carrier into pouch 230 for convenient storage and carrying. To store the baby carrier in pouch 230, the user inserts his or her hand into the pouch to turn it inside out and enclose thereby bandolier slings 241 and 242. In FIG. 4B, a portion of the users hand that is inside pouch 230 is indicated by being drawn in dashed lines. FIG. 4C schematically shows LoopiX baby carrier 220 after the user has completely turned the pouch inside out to enclose bandolier slings 241 and 242. Optionally, pouch 230 has a handle 236, which is exposed to enable easy carrying of the pouch when the bandolier slings are stored.

FIG. 5A schematically shows another LoopiX baby carrier 320 comprising bandolier slings 341 and 342, and configured to have a zipper carrying pouch 330 for storage and easy carrying of the baby carrier, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The figure shows baby carrier 320 with pouch 330 unzipped, the baby carrier unpacked and ready to be worn with slings 341 and 342 extended.

Pouch 330 comprises a tie panel 331 and a matching cover panel 332. Bandolier slings 341 and 342 are attached, for example by sewing, on a first side 333 of tie panel 331. Tie panel 331 and cover panel 332 have edges 334 along which they are, optionally permanently, joined. The panels have edges 335, which are not permanently joined, but are fitted, optionally, with a zipper 350 so that tie panel 331 and cover panel 332 can be zipped together to close pouch 330 with bandolier slings 341 and 342 stored inside. Optionally, tie panel 331 and cover panel 332 are fitted with a fastener, such as a snap or hook and loop fastener, to hold cover panel 332 “flat” to tie panel 331 to prevent the cover panel from “flapping around” when baby carrier 320 is unpacked and in use. In FIG. 5A, tie panel 331 and cover panel 332 are schematically shown having respectively a band 361 of hooks and a matching band 362 of loops of a hook and loop fastener 363.

FIG. 5B schematically shows bandolier slings 341 and 342 twisted and folded onto tie panel 331 ready to be zipped inside pouch 330. FIG. 5C schematically shows pouch 330 zipped closed with slings 341 and 342 inside.

In the description and claims of the present application, each of the verbs, “comprise” “include” and “have”, and conjugates thereof, are used to indicate that the object or objects of the verb are not necessarily a complete listing of components, elements or parts of the subject or subjects of the verb.

Descriptions of embodiments of the invention in the present application are provided by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The described embodiments comprise different features, not all of which are required in all embodiments of the invention. Some embodiments utilize only some of the features or possible combinations of the features. Variations of embodiments of the invention that are described, and embodiments of the invention comprising different combinations of features noted in the described embodiments, will occur to persons of the art. The scope of the invention is limited only by the claims.

Claims

1. A baby carrier comprising:

a tie panel;

a first bandolier sling in which a baby may be held, the sling having two ends attached to the tie panel; and

a second bandolier that crosses over the first bandolier sling and has two ends that are attached to the tie panel;

wherein the tie panel comprises two pieces of material joined along edges to form a pouch into which the bandolier slings may be inserted.

2. (canceled)

3. A baby carrier in accordance with claim 1 wherein the bandolier sling comprises a relatively stiff, central, longitudinal region extending lengthwise along at least a portion of the length of the bandolier sling.

4. A baby carrier in accordance with claim 3, wherein the stiffened region comprises a stay inserted into the bandolier sling.

5. A baby carrier in accordance with claim 4, wherein the stay is formed from a plastic.

6. A baby carrier in accordance with claim 4, wherein the stay is formed from a rubber.

7. A baby carrier in accordance with claim 4, wherein the stay is formed form a stiffened cloth.

8. A baby carrier in accordance with claim 4, wherein the stiffened region comprises a region of the bandolier sling impregnated with a stiffener.

9. A baby carrier in accordance with claim 8, wherein the stiffener comprises a starch.

10. (canceled)

11. A baby carrier in accordance with claim 1, wherein an end of at least one of the bandolier slings is attached to the panel by a fastener that enables the sling length of the bandolier sling to be adjusted.

12-22. (canceled)

23. A baby carrier in accordance with claim 1 wherein the tie panel is contoured to provide support for a wearer's back.

24. A baby carrier in accordance with claim 23 wherein the tie panel comprises a relatively soft material having inserts that provide it with a contour configured to support a wearer's back.

25. A baby carrier in accordance with claim 1 wherein the bandolier slings and tie panel are formed as a unitary piece.

26-28. (canceled)

29. A baby carrier in accordance with claim 1 wherein the pouch comprises the tie panel and a piece of material joined to the tie panel.

30. A baby carrier in accordance with claim 1 wherein the tie panel and the piece of material are joined by a zipper.

31. A baby carrier in accordance with claim 1 wherein at least one of the first and second bandolier slings comprises a marking that indicates a central, longitudinal region of the bandolier sling.