HYBRID BABY WRAP AND CARRIER
A wearable hybrid baby wrap and carrier includes a flexible support panel disposable on a back of a user. A first baby supporting strap extends from the support panel and over a first shoulder and chest of the user. A first attachment mechanism is attached to the support panel and receives the first baby supporting strap. A second baby supporting strap extends from the support panel so as to extend over a second shoulder and the chest to at least the waist of the user, the second baby supporting strap crossing over the first baby supporting strap. A second attachment mechanism is attached to the support panel in spaced relation to the first attachment mechanism and receives the second baby supporting strap. The first and second baby supporting straps cooperatively wrap around a baby and hold the baby against the user.
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The present invention generally relates to baby carriers. More particularly, the present invention relates to a wearable hybrid baby wrap and carrier which wraps around the baby and holds the baby against the parent or user so that the baby can be conveniently and comfortably carried for prolonged periods of time.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONThere are many instances when carrying a baby or child is necessary. This may be around the house, from the car when running errands and shopping, traveling, etc. There are instances where the parent will carry the child as either the child is tired, needs to be consoled, or merely to increase the bonding experience between the baby and his or her parent. This is particularly the case when the baby or child is not old enough to walk.
However, holding and carrying infants and small children comfortably and securely is a problem faced by nearly all parents and caregivers. Holding a child can be difficult if the child is heavy. Even holding a small child or infant becomes difficult after prolonged periods of time, such as when shopping, traveling or the like. The parent or caregiver often resorts to moving the child or infant from one arm to the other, supporting the infant or child on a hip, etc. in order to alleviate the discomfort.
To ease the burden on the parent or caregiver, wearable child carriers have been devised and employed to hold and transport infants and small children. The use of fabric shoulder slings, wherein a loop of fabric extends over the user's shoulder to a hip of the user, where the baby or infant is cradled, dates back hundreds or even thousands of years. Over the years, various refinements have been made to such a carrier.
There also exist back carriers which are much like a backpack wherein the child is placed in a seat-like device which is worn on the back of the user's torso. Problems arise with such backpack carriers in that the parent or caregiver is not able to see the infant or child. If the infant or child becomes upset and cries, it is difficult for the parent or caregiver to attend to the infant's needs by giving him or her a bottle, food, etc., and often the baby or infant must be removed from the backpack carrier device to be held and consoled.
There also exist structured front carriers, like the Baby Bjorn™ carriers, which allow the user to carry an infant or child in front of the user's torso in a vertical inward-facing or outward-facing position. Another front carrier device is the Baby K'Tan™. However these devices can be fairly complicated to be placed on the parent or caregiver and used. These often require a fair amount of pre-planning in order to adjust the device to the size of the parent or caregiver, and then can be difficult to adjust to securely hold the baby or child therein.
Accordingly, there remains a need for a wearable hybrid baby wrap and carrier which is portable, allows for hands-free carrying, is easy to put on and take off unassisted, is comfortable for both the user as well as the baby. There is also a need for a baby wrap and carrier that can be easily adjusted to fit users and babies or children of various sizes. These needs, and other related advantages, are met by the present invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention resides in a wearable hybrid baby wrap and carrier which provides many advantages over existing baby wraps and carriers. The baby wrap and carrier generally comprises a flexible support panel disposable on a back of a user. The support panel extends across a substantial portion of the user's back. The support panel may extend between the first and second shoulders of the user at an upper portion thereof and extend towards a waist of the user at a lower portion thereof.
A first baby supporting strap extends from the support panel so as to extend over a shoulder and chest to at least a waist of the user. A second baby supporting strap extends from a support panel in spaced relation to the first baby supporting strap so as to extend over a second shoulder and the chest to at least a waist of the user. The first and second baby supporting straps may be comprised of a fabric. Such fabric may have a width of at least four inches and a length of at least two feet.
A first attachment mechanism is attached to the support panel for coupling the first baby supporting strap thereto. A second attachment mechanism is attached to the support panel in spaced relation to the first attachment mechanism for coupling the second baby supporting strap thereto. The first and second attachment mechanisms may be adjustable so as to permit adjustment of the length of the first or second baby supporting strap between the adjustment mechanism and its connection point to the support panel. The first and second adjustment mechanisms may each comprise a double loop buckle. The double loop buckle may comprise first and second rings in pivotal relationship so as to come together in a clamping position as the first or second supporting strap is weaved therethrough and tightened.
The first and second baby supporting straps have a free end generally opposite the support panel. The first baby supporting strap and the second baby supporting strap cross over one another to cooperatively wrap around a baby and hold the baby against the user. A third baby supporting strap may be wrapped around a lower portion of the baby to further support the baby against the user. Alternatively, one of the first or second baby supporting straps includes an elongated portion that wraps around a lower portion of the baby to further support the baby against the user.
In use, the baby wrap and carrier is placed onto the user such that the flexible support panel is positioned on the user's back. The first baby supporting strap extends over a first shoulder and a chest to at least a waist of the user, and the second baby supporting strap extends over a second shoulder and the chest to at least the waist of the user. A baby is placed within the first and second baby supporting straps adjacent to a chest of the user. This may include placing a portion of the first baby supporting strap between the support panel and the first attachment mechanism over a bottom and torso of the baby. Similarly, a portion of the second baby supporting strap between the support panel and the second attachment mechanism is placed over a bottom and a torso of the baby. The first and second baby supporting straps are comprised of a fabric having a sufficient width to securely cradle the baby therein. The first and/or second attachment mechanisms may be manipulated to adjust the first and second baby supporting straps so that the baby is supported against the user.
A third baby supporting strap may be wrapped around a lower portion of the baby to further support and hold the baby against the user. Alternatively, one of the first or second baby supporting straps that includes the elongated portion is wrapped around a lower portion of the baby to further support and hold the baby against the user.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.
The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention. In such drawings:
The present invention, as shown in the accompanying drawings, for purposes of illustration, is related to a wearable hybrid baby wrap and carrier, referred to generally by the reference number 10. The baby wrap and carrier is wearable by a user, such as a parent or caregiver of the baby or child. The baby wrap and carrier 10 of the present invention is designed to hold small infant babies to small children, collectively referred to herein as “baby”, so as to be carried by their parent or caregiver. The baby wrap and carrier 10 is easy for a single individual to place on himself or herself so as to wear the baby wrap and carrier 10, and is also easy to place a baby therein and make adjustments, as needed, to securely hold the baby against the user. The baby wrap and carrier 10 is fashionable so as to be worn without a baby therein, yet can be easily folded for storage and transportation.
With reference to
With continuing reference to
The first baby supporting strap 20 is comprised of a soft and flexible material, such as fabric which may comprise cotton or the like. The first baby supporting strap 20 is also of a sufficient width so as to properly cradle and hold the baby, at least at the portion of the strap 20 which holds and supports the baby. As such, the first baby supporting strap 20 is typically at least four inches in width at the baby supporting location, and typically along the length thereof, as illustrated.
A free end 22 of the first baby supporting strap 20 is coupled to a first attachment mechanism 24 which may be configured to be adjustable so as to enable adjustment of the length of the first baby supporting strap 20 between the attachment mechanism 24 and the support panel 12 so as to accommodate the size of the user as well as securely holding the baby against the user when the baby wrap and carrier 10 is in use. Typically, as illustrated, the attachment mechanism 24 is attached to the support panel 12 at the lower portion 18 thereof generally opposite the upper portion 14 of the support panel so that the strap 20 goes over the first shoulder 4 and crosses the chest 9 of the user.
As shown in
A second baby supporting strap 32 extends from the support panel 12, and more particularly the second upper portion 16 of the support panel 12 so as to extend over the second shoulder 6 of the user 2, as illustrated in
Similar to the first baby supporting strap 20, the second baby supporting strap 32 is coupled to a second attachment mechanism 36, which is attached to the support panel 12 in spaced relation to the first attachment mechanism 24. The second attachment mechanism 36 may be configured to adjustably receive the second baby supporting strap 32 therein and allow adjustment of the length thereof between the attachment mechanism 36 and the support panel 12. The second attachment mechanism 36 is typically attached to a lower portion 18 of the support panel 12 in a spaced apart and generally opposite location of the first attachment mechanism 24 and across from the second upper portion 16 of the support panel 12 such that the first and second baby supporting straps 20 and 32 cross over one another in the front portion of the torso of the user 2, such as at the chest or abdomen of the user 2. The second attachment mechanism 36 may also comprise a double loop buckle having a strap 26 defining a loop retaining two rings 28 and 30 which are pivotal with respect to one another within the loop strap 26 so as to be pivoted away from one another, and thus opening the buckle for adjustment of the strap 32 or brought towards one another in a clamping position, such as when the strap 32 is tightened.
The attachment mechanisms 24 and/or 36 may be configured to be adjustable, as illustrated, or may be fixed. A benefit of an adjustable attachment mechanism is that the baby wrap and carrier can be created in a one size fits all, or fewer sizes, whereas a fixed attachment mechanism may require different pre-fit sizes for the baby wrap and carrier. The attachment mechanisms 24 and/or 36 may be in the form of buckles, knobs, or any other attachment mechanism suitable for the purposes herein. The attachment mechanisms may be placed on the sides of the user, but also may be placed in other locations, such as on the front or back.
The method for carrying a baby, in accordance with the present invention, includes the step of placing the baby wrap and carrier 10 onto a user such that the flexible support panel 12 is positioned on the user's back, as illustrated in
More particularly, with continuing reference to
The free ends 22 and 34 of the baby supporting straps 20 and 32 may be allowed to hang at the side of the user 2, as illustrated in
With reference to
The third baby supporting strap 38 is also of a sufficient width so as to extend across at least a portion of the baby, such as a bottom, back, or a substantial portion of the baby, as illustrated in
With reference now to
After placing and securing the baby 100 against the user 2 within the first and second baby supporting straps 20 and 32, at the portion between the support panel 12 and the attachment mechanisms 24 and 36, generally at the abdomen or chest of the user, as illustrated and described above, the elongated baby supporting strap is brought up upwardly so that the elongated portion 40 is wrapped around the baby 100, as illustrated in
Although several embodiments have been described in detail for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited, except as by the appended claims.
Claims
1. A hybrid baby wrap and carrier, comprising:
- a flexible support panel disposable on a back of a user wherein the support panel extends between the first and second shoulders of the user at an upper portion thereof and extends towards the waist of the user at a lower portion thereof;
- a first baby supporting strap extending from the upper portion of the support panel so as to extend over a first shoulder and a chest to at least a waist of the user;
- a second baby supporting strap extending from the upper portion of the support panel in spaced relation to the first baby supporting strap so as to extend over a second shoulder and the chest to at least the waist of the user;
- a first attachment mechanism attached to the lower portion of the support panel for coupling the first baby supporting strap thereto; and
- a second attachment mechanism attached to the lower portion of the support panel in spaced relation to the first attachment mechanism for coupling the second baby supporting strap thereto;
- wherein the first baby supporting strap and the second baby supporting strap cross over one another to cooperatively wrap around a baby and hold the baby against the user.
2. The baby wrap and carrier of claim 1, further comprising a third baby supporting strap for wrapping around a lower portion of the baby to further support the baby against the user.
3. (canceled)
4. (canceled)
5. The baby wrap and carrier of claim 1, wherein the first and second baby supporting straps are comprised of a fabric having a width of at least four inches and a length of at least two feet.
6. The baby wrap and carrier of claim 1, wherein the first and second attachment mechanisms are each adjustable to permit adjustment of a length of the first or second baby supporting strap between the first or second attachment mechanism and the support panel.
7. The baby wrap and carrier of claim 6, wherein the first and second attachment mechanisms each comprise a double loop buckle.
8. The baby wrap and carrier of claim 7, wherein the double loop buckle comprises first and second rings in pivotal relationship so as to come together in a clamping position as the first or second supporting strap is weaved therethrough and tightened.
9. The baby wrap and carrier of claim 1, wherein one of the first or second baby supporting straps includes an elongated portion that wraps around a lower portion of the baby to further support the baby against the user.
10. The baby wrap and carrier of claim 1, wherein the first and second baby supporting straps have a free end generally opposite the support panel disposed at or below a waist of the user.
11. A hybrid baby wrap and carrier, comprising:
- a flexible support panel disposable on a back of a user so as to extend between first and second shoulders of a user at an upper portion thereof and extend towards a waist of the user at a lower end thereof;
- a first baby supporting strap extending from the upper portion of the support panel so as to extend over the first shoulder and a chest to a free end disposed at least to the waist of the user;
- a second baby supporting strap extending from the upper portion of the support panel in spaced relation to the first baby supporting strap so as to extend over the second shoulder and the chest to a free end disposed at least to the waist of the user;
- a first adjustable attachment mechanism attached to the lower portion of the support panel for adjustably receiving the first baby supporting strap therein; and
- a second adjustable attachment mechanism attached to the lower portion of the support panel in spaced relation to the first adjustment mechanism for adjustably receiving the second baby supporting strap therein;
- a third baby supporting strap for wrapping around the user and a lower portion of the baby to further support the baby against the user;
- wherein the first and second baby supporting straps are comprised of a fabric having a width of at least four inches and a length of at least two feet; and
- wherein the first baby supporting strap and the second baby supporting strap cross over one another to cooperatively wrap around a baby and a length of the first and second baby supporting straps are adjusted to support and hold the baby against the user.
12. (canceled)
13. The baby wrap and carrier of claim 11, wherein one of the first or second baby supporting straps is of a greater length than the other first or second strap so as to includes an elongated portion that wraps around a lower portion of the baby to further support the baby against the user.
14. (canceled)
15. The baby wrap and carrier of claim 11, wherein the first and second adjustable attachment mechanisms each comprise a double loop buckle including first and second rings in pivotal relationship so as to come together in a clamping position as the first or second supporting strap is weaved therethrough and tightened.
16.-25. (canceled)
26. A hybrid baby wrap and carrier, comprising:
- a flexible support panel disposable on a back of a user so as to extend between first and second shoulders of a user at an upper portion thereof and extend towards a waist of the user at a lower end thereof;
- a first baby supporting strap extending from the upper portion of the support panel so as to extend over the first shoulder and a chest to a free end disposed at least to the waist of the user;
- a second baby supporting strap extending from the upper portion of the support panel in spaced relation to the first baby supporting strap so as to extend over the second shoulder and the chest to a free end disposed at least to the waist of the user;
- a first adjustable attachment mechanism attached to the lower portion of the support panel for adjustably receiving the first baby supporting strap therein; and
- a second adjustable attachment mechanism attached to the lower portion of the support panel in spaced relation to the first adjustment mechanism for adjustably receiving the second baby supporting strap therein;
- wherein the first and second baby supporting straps are comprised of a fabric having a width of at least four inches and a length of at least two feet;
- wherein one of the first or second baby supporting straps is of a greater length than the other first or second strap so as to include an elongated portion that wraps around a lower portion of the baby to further support the baby against the user; and
- wherein the first baby supporting strap and the second baby supporting strap cross over one another to cooperatively wrap around a baby and a length of the first and second baby supporting straps are adjusted to support and hold the baby against the user.
27. The baby wrap and carrier of claim 26, further comprising a third baby supporting strap for wrapping around the user and a lower portion of the baby to further support the baby against the user.
28. The baby wrap and carrier of claim 26, wherein the first and second adjustable attachment mechanisms each comprise a double loop buckle including first and second rings in pivotal relationship so as to come together in a clamping position as the first or second supporting strap is weaved therethrough and tightened.
Type: Application
Filed: Oct 31, 2017
Publication Date: May 2, 2019
Applicant:
Inventor: Marta Sala Rothwell (Wilton, CA)
Application Number: 15/799,634