BABY CARRIER

Abstract

A baby carrier has a support panel for supporting a baby, shoulder straps each having a first end connected to an upper portion of the support panel and a second end including a shoulder strap connector, side connectors connected to the sides of the support panel and being selectively connectable to at least one of shoulder strap connectors, and a waist belt connected to a lower portion of the support panel, the waist belt having waist belt connectors being selectively connectable to at least one of the shoulder strap connectors. The baby carrier has at least first and second configurations, the first configuration being different from the second configuration. In the first configuration of the baby carrier, the shoulder strap connectors are connected to the side connectors, and in the second configuration of the baby carrier, the shoulder strap connectors are connected to the waist belt connectors.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/934,724, filed Nov. 13, 2019, entitled “Baby Carrier”, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

The present technology relates to baby carriers.

BACKGROUND

Different baby carriers have been developed for allowing a user to conveniently and safely carry a baby or a child that is in the early stages of his/her development. Some baby carriers are adapted to carry the baby while positioned on the chest and abdomen of the user. In such baby carriers, the baby is close to the user and feels more secure, and the user has convenient access to the baby.

Some jurisdictions have regulations which require that retaining straps extend on either side of the baby to retain the baby laterally in the baby carrier. However, the retaining strap extending on either side of the baby may cause the baby's torso to be undesirably compressed or restrained against that of the user. This is especially undesirable when newborn babies are carried in a baby carrier. Furthermore, the retaining straps may cause, under some circumstances, the baby to have a posture that is uncomfortable while being carried in the baby carrier.

Furthermore, baby carriers are often adapted for carrying a baby that is aged between 3 months and 9 months to 12 months, but not so well adapted to carry a baby that is less than 3 months old, or older than 12 months. Therefore, different baby carriers are needed depending on the stage of development of the baby.

There is therefore a desire for baby carriers that are constructed to mitigate at least one of these issues.

SUMMARY

It is an object of the present technology to ameliorate at least some of the inconveniences present in the prior art.

In some circumstances, the present technology promotes selecting the configuration of the baby carrier that is best adapted for different activities the user practices, the mood of the baby, and the stage of development of the baby. The baby carrier can also be adapted to comply with regulations in force in different jurisdictions. The baby carrier thus provides the user with flexibility regarding the choice of the configuration, and further permits the adjustment of the height and width of the seat of the baby carrier depending on the needs of the user and of the baby. These features and additional features of the present technology will be described in more details below.

In accordance with one aspect of the present technology, there is provided a baby carrier having a support panel for supporting a baby, a first shoulder strap having a first end connected to an upper portion of the support panel and a second end including a first shoulder strap connector, a second shoulder strap having a first end connected to the upper portion of the support panel and a second end including a second shoulder strap connector, a first side connector connected to a first side of the support panel, the first side connector being selectively connectable to at least one of the first and second shoulder strap connectors, a second side connector connected to a second side of the support panel, the second side connector being selectively connectable to at least another one of the first and second shoulder strap connectors, and a waist belt connected to a lower portion of the support panel. The waist belt has a first waist belt connector being selectively connectable to at least one of the first and second shoulder strap connectors, and a second waist belt connector being selectively connectable to at least another one of the first and second shoulder strap connectors. The baby carrier has at least first and second configurations, the first configuration being different from the second configuration. In the first configuration of the baby carrier, the first shoulder strap connector is connected to the first side connector and the second shoulder strap connector is connected to the second side connector. In the second configuration of the baby carrier, the first shoulder strap connector is connected to the first waist belt connector and the second shoulder strap connector is connected to the second waist belt connector.

In some embodiments, the baby carrier further has an extension strap having first and second ends. A first extension strap connector is connected to the first end of the extension strap, the first extension strap connector being connectable to at least one of the first side connector, the first waist belt connector, the second side connector and the second waist belt connector. A second extension strap connector is connected to the second end of the extension strap, the second extension strap connector being connectable to at least another one of the first side connector, the first waist belt connector, the second side connector and the second waist belt connector. When the baby carrier is in the second configuration, the first extension strap connector is connected to the first side connector, and the second extension strap connector is connected to the second side connector.

In some embodiments, the first and second shoulder strap connectors are male connectors, the first and second side connectors are female connectors, the first and second waist belt connectors are female connectors, and the first and second extension strap connectors are male connectors.

In some embodiments, when the baby carrier is in the first configuration, the first extension strap connector is connected to the first waist belt connector, and the second extension strap connector is connected to the second waist belt connector.

In some embodiments, the baby carrier further has at least one band connected to a lower portion of the support panel and forming a loop wound around the waist belt, the at least one band having an inner surface. When the baby carrier is in the first configuration, the extension strap is inserted between the waist belt and the inner surface of the at least one band.

In some embodiments, the baby carrier further has a headrest panel connected to the upper portion of the support panel. The headrest panel includes first and second attachment members, the first attachment member being selectively connected to a first receiving member of a plurality of first receiving members connected to the first shoulder strap, and the second attachment member being selectively connected to a second receiving member of a plurality of second receiving members connected to the second shoulder strap.

In some embodiments, the first shoulder strap has a first length defined between the first and second ends, and the first shoulder strap has at least one adjustor for adjusting the first length, and the second shoulder strap has a second length defined between the first and second ends, and the second shoulder strap has at least one adjustor for adjusting the second length.

In some embodiments, the baby carrier further has a back panel removably connected to the support panel and covering at least a portion of the support panel when connected.

In some embodiments, the baby carrier further has first and second clasp lockers removably connecting first and second sides respectively of the back panel to the support panel.

In some embodiments, the baby carrier has third and fourth configurations, the third configuration being different from the first, second and fourth configurations, the fourth configuration being different from the first, second and third configurations. In the third configuration, the first shoulder strap connector is connected to the second side connector and the second shoulder strap connector is connected to the first side connector. In the fourth configuration, the first shoulder strap connector is connected to the second waist belt connector and the second shoulder strap connector is connected to the first waist belt connector.

According to another aspect of the present technology, there is provided a baby-carrier including a support panel for supporting a baby, at least one band connected to a lower portion of the support panel and forming a loop, the at least one band having an inner surface, a waist belt passing through the loop formed by the at least one band, the waist belt and the lower portion of the support panel defining a seat of the baby carrier, the waist belt having at least one outer surface, the at least one band being selectively rotatable around the waist belt between a first configuration and a second configuration. When the at least one band is in the first configuration, a first portion of the inner surface of the at least one band is selectively connected to at least one outer surface of the waist belt, and the seat of the baby carrier has a first height. When the at least one band is in the second configuration, a second portion of the inner surface of the at least one band is selectively connected to at least one outer surface of the waist belt, and the seat of the baby carrier has a second height being different from the first height.

In some embodiments, when the at least one band is in the first configuration, the first portion of the inner surface is selectively connected to the outer surface of the waist belt in at least one of a first and a second positions. When the first portion of the inner surface is selectively connected to the outer surface of the waist belt in the first position, the seat of the baby carrier has a first width. When the first portion of the inner surface is selectively connected to the outer surface of the waist belt in the second position, the seat of the baby carrier has a second width being different from the first width. When the at least one band is in the second configuration, the second portion of the inner surface is selectively connected to the outer surface of the waist belt in at least one of the first and second positions. When the second portion of the inner surface is selectively connected to the outer surface of the waist belt in the first position, the seat of the baby carrier has the first width. When the second portion is selectively connected to the outer surface of the waist belt in the second position, the seat of the baby carrier has the second width.

In some embodiments, the baby carrier further has band connectors connected to the inner surface of the at least one band, and belt connectors connected to the at least one outer surface of the waist belt. The belt connectors are removably connectable to the band connectors of the at least one band.

In some embodiments, the at least one outer surface of the waist belt includes a body-facing surface of the waist belt, and the body-facing surface of the waist belt includes the belt connectors.

In some embodiments, the baby carrier further has a waist belt cover panel selectively covering the belt connectors.

In some embodiments, the waist belt cover panel is removably connected to the belt connectors of the waist belt.

In some embodiments, the belt connectors and the band connectors form touch fasteners.

In some embodiments, the at least one band includes a first band and a second band. The first band is spaced from the second band.

In some embodiments, the belt connectors include first belt connectors and second belt connectors, the first belt connectors being spaced from the second belt connectors.

In some embodiments, the first belt connectors are wider than the first band, and the second belt connectors are wider than the second band.

In some embodiments, the baby carrier further has first and second shoulder straps connected to an upper portion of the support panel.

In some embodiments, the baby carrier further includes a headrest panel connected to the upper portion of the support panel. The headrest panel includes first and second attachment members, the first attachment member being selectively connected to a first receiving member of a plurality of first receiving members connected to the first shoulder strap, and the second attachment member being selectively connected to a second receiving member of a plurality of second receiving members connected to the second shoulder strap.

For the purposes of the present application, terms related to spatial orientation such as front, rear, left and right should be understood as they would normally be understood by a user of the baby carrier wearing the baby carrier on his/her chest and abdomen (i.e. the front portion of the torso).

Embodiments of the present technology each have at least one of the above-mentioned object and/or aspects, but do not necessarily have all of them. It should be understood that some aspects of the present technology that have resulted from attempting to attain the above-mentioned object may not satisfy this object and/or may satisfy other objects not specifically recited herein.

Additional and/or alternative features, aspects and advantages of embodiments of the present technology will become apparent from the following description, the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the present technology, as well as other aspects and further features thereof, reference is made to the following description which is to be used in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, where:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view taken from a front, right side of a user carrying a baby using a baby carrier according to one embodiment of the present technology;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view taken from a rear, left side of the baby carrier of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3A is a perspective view taken from a front, left side of the baby carrier of FIG. 1, with a back panel connected to a support panel of the baby carrier;

FIG. 3B is a close-up, perspective view taken from a front, left side of the baby carrier of FIG. 1, with an extension strap inserted between a left band and the waist belt;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view taken from a rear, right side of the baby carrier of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 5 is a front view of the baby carrier of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a front view of an extension strap connectable to the baby carrier of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7A is a schematic, perspective view taken from a rear, right side of the user wearing the baby carrier of FIG. 1, with the shoulder straps being parallel and with the extension strap of FIG. 6 connected to the side connectors;

FIG. 7B is a schematic, perspective view taken from a rear, right side of the user wearing the baby carrier of FIG. 1, with the shoulder straps crossed and with the extension strap of FIG. 6 connected to the side connectors;

FIG. 8A is a schematic, perspective view taken from a rear, right side of the user wearing the baby carrier of FIG. 1, with the shoulder straps being parallel and being respectively connected to the side connectors;

FIG. 8B is a schematic, perspective view taken from a rear, right side of the user wearing the baby carrier of FIG. 1, with the shoulder straps being crossed and being respectively connected to the side connectors;

FIG. 9 is a schematic, front view of the user wearing the baby carrier of FIG. 1, with the baby carrier configured for front carry of a baby;

FIG. 10 is a schematic, perspective view taken from a front, left side of the user and baby carrier of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a schematic, perspective view taken from a front, left side of the user and baby carrier of FIG. 9, with a headrest panel extending over the head of the baby and with the headrest panel being attached to the shoulder straps;

FIG. 12 is a schematic, front view of the user wearing the baby carrier of FIG. 1, with the baby carrier configured for hip carry of a baby;

FIG. 13 is a schematic, front view of the user wearing the baby carrier of FIG. 1, with the baby carrier configured for hip carry of a baby but without using the shoulder straps;

FIG. 14 is a schematic, front view of the user wearing the baby carrier of FIG. 1, with the baby carrier configured for front carry of a baby without using the shoulder straps;

FIG. 15 is a schematic, front view of the user wearing the baby carrier of FIG. 1, with the baby carrier configured for front carry of a baby, with the baby facing out;

FIG. 16 is a schematic, front view of the user wearing the baby carrier of FIG. 1, with the baby carrier configured for back carry of a baby;

FIG. 17A is a schematic, rear view of the baby carrier of FIG. 1, with a seat of the baby carrier having a first height and a first width;

FIG. 17B is a schematic, close-up rear view of the baby carrier of FIG. 17A, with a right band of the baby carrier being moved leftwards for having a portion of the band connectors of the right band selectively connected to a different portion of belt connectors;

FIG. 17C is a schematic, close-up rear view of the baby carrier of FIG. 17A, with a right band of the baby carrier being rotated for having a portion the belt connectors connected to a different portion of the band connectors of the right band;

FIG. 17D is a schematic rear view of the baby carrier of FIG. 17A, with the seat of the baby carrier having a second height and a second width, and with a belt cover panel disconnected from the belt connectors;

FIG. 17E is a schematic, fragmented, front view of the baby carrier of FIG. 1, with the right shoulder strap having a first length; and

FIG. 17F is a schematic, fragmented, front view of the baby carrier of FIG. 1, with the right shoulder strap having a second length.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a baby carrier 20 being worn by a user 22. The baby carrier 20 is used to carry a baby 24. In FIGS. 1 to 11, the baby carrier 20 is configured for a front carry of the baby 24. The baby carrier 20 can be also configured otherwise. Different configurations will be described below with reference to FIGS. 12 to 16.

Generally described and with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5, the baby carrier 20 has a support panel 30 structured and dimensioned for supporting the baby 24. The support panel 30 is made of soft, biological cotton, but could be made of other materials in other embodiments. The support panel 30 includes a mesh portion 32 that allows airflow therethrough. Referring to FIG. 3A, a back panel 34 is removably connected to the support panel 30. When connected, the back panel 34 covers the mesh portion 32 of the support panel 30. As best seen in FIGS. 3A and 5, the baby carrier 20 has left and right clasp lockers 36 removably connecting left and right sides 38 respectively of the back panel 34 to the support panel 30. In the present embodiment, the left and right clasp lockers 36 are zippers. In some embodiments, the back panel 34 is reversible and can have different colors or patterns on the front and rear faces thereof to change the look of the baby carrier 20.

Still referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, the baby carrier 20 further has a left shoulder strap 40l having an end 42l connected to an upper portion 44 of the support panel 30, and another end 44l including a left shoulder strap connector 46l. Two adjustors 48l are provided on the left shoulder strap 40l for adjusting a length 49l of the left shoulder strap 40l illustrated as a double arrow in FIG. 3A. The two adjustors 48l facilitate adjustment of the length 49l of the shoulder strap 40l in the different configurations the baby carrier 20 can have. The adjustors 48l also permit adjustment of the positioning of the upper portion 44 of the support panel 32 on the back of the baby 24. The baby carrier 20 also has a right shoulder strap 40r having an end 42r connected to the upper portion 44 of the support panel 30, and another end 44r including a right shoulder strap connector 46r (FIG. 4). The left and right shoulder strap connectors 46l, 46r are male connectors. Two adjustors 48r are also provided on the right shoulder strap 40r for adjusting a length 49r of the right shoulder strap 40r (illustrated as a double arrow in FIG. 4). The two adjustors 48r also facilitate adjustment of the length 49r of the shoulder strap 40r in the different configurations the baby carrier 20 can have. The adjustors 48r also permit adjustment of the positioning of the upper portion 44 of the support panel 32 on the back of the baby 24, as indicated by arrow 49b in FIGS. 17E and 17F. The left and right shoulder straps 40l, 40r include padded portions for enhancing comfort of the user 22. It is to be noted that the user 22 can, for example, select different lengths 49l, 49r of the left and right shoulder straps 40l, 40r respectively for facilitating breastfeeding of the baby 24 while being carried in the baby carrier 20. In addition, a left torso band 40a with a connector 42a is connected to the left shoulder strap 40l, and a right torso band 40b with a connector 42b is connected to the right shoulder strap 40r. When the connector 42a is selectively connected to the connector 42b, the left and right torso bands 40a, 40b further the secure the left and right shoulder straps 40l, 40r on the shoulders of the user 22. It is to be noted that, in the illustrated embodiment, the connectors 42a, 42b, 46l, 46r are quick release buckle clips, but could differ in other embodiments. A left side connector 50l (FIG. 2) is connected to a left side 52l of the support panel 30 via a left side band 54l. The left side connector 50l is a female connector and is selectively connectable to the left shoulder strap connector 46l or the right shoulder strap connector 46r. The left side connector 50l has an adjustor 56 for adjusting a length of the left side band 54l. Similarly, a right side connector 50r (FIGS. 4, 7A to 8B) is connected to a right side 52r of the support panel 30 via a right side band 54r. The right side connector 50r is a female connector and is selectively connectable to the left shoulder strap connector 46l or the right shoulder strap connector 46r. The right side connector 50r also has an adjustor 56 for adjusting a length of the right side band 54r. The connectors 50l, 50r are also quick release buckle clips.

As best seen in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the left and right side connectors 50l, 50r and the left and right should strap connectors 46 allow the user 22 to wear the baby carrier 20 in different configurations. In FIG. 8A, there is shown a configuration where the shoulder straps 40l, 40r extend generally parallel and are connected to the left and right side connectors 50l, 50r respectively. In FIG. 8B, there is shown another configuration where the shoulder straps 40l, 40r are crossed and where the left shoulder strap connector 46l is connected to the right side connector 50r, and where the right shoulder strap connector 46r is connected to the left side connector 50l. It is to be noted that when the shoulder straps 40l, 40r are crossed, the connector 42a is disconnected from the connector 42b, and each of the torso bands 40a, 40b can be rolled around its respective shoulder strap 40l, 40r as shown.

Referring back to FIGS. 1 to 5, the baby carrier 20 further has a waist belt 60 connected to a lower portion 62 of the support panel 30. More particularly, the waist belt 60 passes through left and right, spaced apart bands 64l, 64r connected to the lower portion 62 of the support panel 30. The bands 64l, 64r form loops 66l, 66r through which the waist belt 60 passes. In other words, the bands 64l, 64r are wound around the waist belt 60. It is contemplated that in different embodiments, the baby carrier 20 could have a single band instead of left and right bands 64l, 64r for connecting the waist belt 60 to the lower portion 62 of the support panel 30. In yet other embodiments, more than two bands could be provided for connecting the waist belt 60 to the lower portion 62 of the support panel 30. The waist belt 60 and the lower portion 62 of the support panel define a seat 68 of the baby carrier 20.

The waist belt 60 has an end 70 including a male belt buckle connector 72, and an opposite end 74 including a female belt buckle connector 76. The male belt buckle connector 72 is selectively connected to the female belt buckle connector 76. Each one of the buckle connectors 72, 76 has an adjustor 78 permitting adjustment of the length of the waist belt 60 around the waist of the user 22.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, a left waist belt connector 80l is connected to the waist belt 60 via a left waist band 82l. The left waist belt connector 80l is a female quick release buckle clip connector and is selectively connectable to the left shoulder strap connector 46l or to the right shoulder strap connector 46r. The left waist belt connector 80l has an adjustor 84 for adjusting a length of the left waist band 82l. A right waist belt connector 80r, best seen in FIGS. 4, and 7A to 8B, is connected to the waist belt 60 via a right waist band 82r. The right waist belt connector 80r is also a female quick release buckle clip connector and is also selectively connectable to the left shoulder strap connector 46l or to the right shoulder strap connector 46r. As best seen in FIG. 2, the right waist belt connector 80r also has an adjustor 84 for adjusting a length of the right waist band 82r.

Referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B, the left and right waist belt connectors 80l, 80r and the left and right should strap connectors 46 allow the user 22 to wear the baby carrier 20 in additional configurations. In FIG. 7A, there is shown a configuration where the shoulder straps 40l, 40r extend generally parallel, and where the shoulder strap connectors 46l, 46r are respectively connected to the left and right waist belt connectors 80l, 80r. In FIG. 7B, there is shown yet another configuration where the shoulder straps 40l, 40r are crossed and where the left shoulder strap connector 46l is connected to the right waist belt connector 80r, and where the right shoulder strap connector 46r is connected to the left waist belt connector 80l.

Referring to FIG. 6, the baby carrier 20 further includes an extension strap 90 having left and right ends 92l, 92r. A left extension strap connector 94l is connected to the left end 92l of the extension strap 90. The left extension strap connector 94l has an adjustor 96 for adjusting a length of the extension strap 90. The left extension strap connector 94l is a male quick release buckle clip connector selectively connectable to any one of the left side connector 50l, the right side connector 50r, the left waist belt connector 80l and the right waist belt connector 80r. Similarly, a right extension strap connector 94r is connected to the right end 92r of the extension strap 90. The right extension strap connector 94r has an adjustor 96 for adjusting a length of the extension strap 90. The right extension strap connector 94r is a male quick release buckle clip connector selectively connectable to any other one of the left side connector 50l, the right side connector 50r, the left waist belt connector 80l and the right waist belt connector 80r.

When the baby carrier 20 is in the configurations shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the left extension strap connector 94l is connected to the left side connectors 50l, and the right extension strap connector 94r is connected to the right side connector 50r. It is understood that the extension strap connector 94l could be connected to the right side connector 50r, and the extension strap connector 94r could be connected to the left side connector 50l. Having the extension strap 90 connected to the left and right side connectors 50l, 50r render the baby carrier 20 compliant with some regulations and assist in further retaining the baby 24 in the baby carrier 20. Using the adjustors 56, the overall length of the left side band 54l, the extension strap 90 and the right side band 54r can be adjusted to avoid undesirable tension in the portion of the support panel 30 supporting the back of the baby 24, and/or to assist the user 22 in finding a posture for the baby 24 that is adapted to his/her development stage and mood.

When the baby carrier 20 is in the configurations shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B and the extension strap 90 is no longer needed, the extension strap 90 is inserted between the waist belt 60 and at least one of the inner surface 100l of the left band 64l (FIG. 2) and the inner surface 100r of the right band 64r (FIG. 3A). More particularly and referring to FIG. 3B, the extension strap 90 extends along a front-facing surface 121b of the waist belt 60. To further secure the extension strap 90 to the baby carrier 20, the left extension strap connector 94l is connected to the left waist belt connector 80l (as can be understood from the dotted line 98 in FIG. 3B), and similarly the right extension strap connector 94r is connected to the right waist belt connectors 80r. The extension strap 90 is used to configure the baby carrier 20 in various configurations that will be briefly described below with reference to FIGS. 12 to 16.

Before describing these configurations, a headrest panel 110 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2, 10 and 11. The headrest panel 110 is connected to the upper portion 44 of the support panel 30. More particularly, the headrest panel 110 is connected to the face of the support panel 30 facing the baby 24 and the user 22. The headrest panel 110 is used to maintain the head of the baby 24 against the user 22, for example when the baby 24 is sleeping. The headrest panel 110 has left and right attachment members 112l, 112r. When the headrest panel 110 is unused, the headrest panel 110 is rolled and the left and right attachment members 112l, 112r form bands keeping the headrest 110 rolled, as seen in FIGS. 2, 4 and 17D.

Referring to FIG. 11, when the headrest panel 110 is used, the left attachment member 112l is selectively connected to a receiving member 114l of a plurality of receiving members 114l connected to the left shoulder strap 40l, and the right attachment member 112r is selectively connected to a receiving member 114r of a plurality of receiving members 114r connected to the right shoulder strap 40r. The plurality of receiving members 114l, 114r permit adjustment of the tension in the headrest panel 110 when in use. In the illustrated embodiment, the attachment members 112l, 112r and the receiving members 114l, 114r form snap fasteners, but could differ in other embodiments.

Referring back to FIGS. 12 to 16, the different configurations of the baby carrier 20 will be briefly described. The user 22 can select any one of the following configurations depending, for example, on the activity that user 22 practices and/or the mood of the baby 24.

In FIG. 12, the baby carrier 20 is configured for hip carry, with the baby 24 facing the user 22. The waist belt 60 is attached using the buckle connectors 72, 76, the shoulder straps 40l, 40r are crossed in the back of the user 22 and attached to the left and right side connectors 50l, 50r. In this configuration, no extension strap 90 is needed.

In FIG. 13, the baby carrier 20 is configured for hip carry, with the baby 24 facing the user 22. The waist belt 60 is attached using the buckle connectors 72, 76, the shoulder straps 40l, 40r are not used, and the extension strap 90 extends around the user 22 and is connected to the left and right side connectors 50l, 50r. The support panel 30 is folded over and/or rolled to free a portion of the upper body of the baby 24.

In FIG. 14, the baby carrier 20 is configured for front carry, with the baby 24 facing the user 22. The waist belt 60 is attached using the buckle connectors 72, 76, the shoulder straps 40l, 40r are not used, and the extension strap 90 extends around the user 22 and is connected to the left and right side connectors 50l, 50r. The support panel 30 is folded over and/or rolled to free a portion of the upper body of the baby 24.

In FIG. 15, the baby carrier 20 is configured for front carry, with the baby 24 facing out. The legs of the baby 24 are supported by the support panel 30. The waist belt 60 is attached using the buckle connectors 72, 76. The shoulder straps 40l, 40r are crossed or parallel in the back of the user 22 and attached to the left and right side connectors 50l, 50r. The extension strap 90 is not used in the illustrated configuration, but it is contemplated that it could be provided.

In FIG. 16, the baby carrier 20 is configured for back carry, with the baby 24 facing the user 22. The waist belt 60 is attached using the buckle connectors 72, 76. The buckle connectors are now in front of the user 22. The shoulder straps 40l, 40r are generally parallel. Although not illustrated in FIG. 16, the shoulder strap connectors 46l, 46r are respectively connected to the left and right side connectors 50l, 50r, the extension strap 90 is inserted between the waist belt 60 and the left and right bands 64l, 64r and connected to the left and right waist belt connectors 80l, 80r. It is also contemplated that the the shoulder strap connectors 46l, 46r could be respectively connected to the left and right waist belt connectors 80l, 80r, and that the extension strap 90 could be used and have the left extension strap connector 94l connected to the left side connector 50l, and the right extension strap connector 94r connected to the right side connector 50r.

Turning now to FIGS. 17A to 17D, the adjustment of the seat 68 of the baby carrier 20 will be described. The seat 68 is adjustable in height and in width so as to make the baby carrier 20 adjusted to the development stage of the baby 24 that is to be carried. As described above, the left and right bands 64l, 64r connected to the lower portion 62 of the support panel 30 form the loops 66l, 66r. The left band 64l (FIG. 2) has the inner surface 100l, and the right band 64r (FIG. 3A) has the inner surface 100r. The inner surfaces 100l, 100r include band connectors 102l, 102r respectively (FIGS. 2 and 3A). The waist belt 60 has an outer surface 120 including a body-facing surface 121 facing the user 22 and the front-facing surface 121b, and the body-facing surface 121 includes left and right, spaced apart belt connectors 122l, 122r (FIGS. 17A and 17D). In other embodiments, belt connectors could be provided on the front-facing surface 121b of the waist belt 60.

Referring to FIG. 17D, a right portion of the left belt connectors 122l is shown in phantom line in the left band 64l, and a left portion of the right belt connectors 122r is shown in phantom line in the right band 64r. It is also shown that the left belt connectors 122l are wider than the left band 64l, and that the right belt connectors 122r are wider than the right band 64r.

The belt connectors 122l, 122r are removably connectable to the band connectors 102l, 102r respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, the belt connectors 122l, 122r and the band connectors 102l, 102r form touch fasteners. In the present embodiment, the touch fasteners are Velcro™. The belt connectors 122l, 122r are flexible strips of material forming hook fasteners, while the band connectors 102l, 102r are flexible strips of materials forming loop fasteners disposed in the left and right bands 64l, 64r respectively. The band connectors 102l, 102r and the belt connectors 122l, 122r could differ in other embodiments. For example, the band connectors 102l, 102r could be male snap connectors and the belt connectors 122l, 122r could be female snap connectors.

Still referring to FIGS. 17A to 17D, a waist belt cover panel 130 selectively covers the left and right belt connectors 122l, 122r. The waist belt cover 130 is positioned between the body-facing surface 121 of the waist belt 120 and the user 22. The waist belt cover panel 130 includes loop fasteners 132 (FIG. 17D) connectable to the belt connectors 122l, 122r. The loop fasteners 132 are provided on a face 134 of the waist belt cover panel 130 facing out (i.e. away from the user 22). Using the loop fasteners 132, the waist belt cover panel 130 is removably connected to the left and right belt connectors 122l, 122r. When connected, the waist belt cover panel 130 covers entirely the left and right belt connectors 122l, 122r and the left and right bands 64l, 64r. The waist belt cover panel 130 prevents the left and right belt connectors 122l, 122r from rubbing against the clothing or the skin of the user 22. In the illustrated embodiment, the waist belt cover panel 130 is further connected to the waist belt 60 through a seam 136 at one end thereof.

An illustrative scenario describing how the width and the height of the seat 68 are adjusted on the baby carrier 24 is now provided. Initially and referring to FIG. 17A, the seat 68 has a width 68a (referred to as the wide configuration) and height 69a. The left belt connectors 122l (shown in phantom lines in FIG. 17A and partially shown in phantom lines in 17D) have a central portion and a right portion overlapping and connected to left and central portions respectively of the band connectors 102l. The band connectors 102l also have portions disposed above and below the left and central portions, and not overlapping (nor connected to) the central portion and the right portion respectively of the left belt connectors 122l.

Similarly, the right belt connectors 122r (also shown in phantom lines in FIG. 17A and partially shown in phantom lines in 17D) have a central portion and a left portion overlapping and connected to right and central portions respectively of the band connectors 102r. The band connectors 102r also have portions disposed above and below the right and central portions, and not overlapping (nor connected to) the central portion and the left portion respectively of the right belt connectors 122r.

Referring to FIGS. 17B to 17D, in order to adjust the width of the seat 68 from the width 68a to a width 68b (seen in FIG. 17D and referred to as the narrow configuration), the user 22 first disconnects the waist belt cover panel 130 from the left and right belt connectors 122l, 122r so as to have it removed as shown in FIG. 17D. As seen in FIG. 17B, the user 22 then inserts one hand between the body-facing surface 121 of the waist belt 60 and the right band 64r in order to disconnect the central and left portions of the right belt connectors 122r from the right and central portions of the band connectors 102r. Once the right belt connectors 122r are disconnected from the band connectors 102r, the user 22 moves laterally (i.e. to the left in FIG. 17B) the right band 64r relative to the waist belt 60 as illustrated by arrow 140b in FIG. 17B until the left portion of the right belt connectors 122r is positioned adjacent the right portion of the band connectors 102r. The user 22 then connects the right belt connectors 122r to the band connectors 102r by pressing the right band 64r against the body-facing surface 121 of the waist belt 120, and thus forming the touch fasteners. The same steps are followed to move the left band 66l relative to the waist belt 60, but the user 22 moves the left band 64l laterally to the right relative to the waist belt 60 (as shown by arrow 140a in FIG. 17D) until the right portion of the left belt connectors 122l is positioned adjacent the left portion of the band connectors 102l. The user 22 then connects the left belt connectors 122l to the band connectors 102l by pressing the left band 64l against the body-facing surface 121 of the waist belt 120 and thus forming the touch fasteners. Having the left belt connectors 122l wider than the left band 64l (and thus wider than the band connectors 102l) and the right belt connectors 122r wider than the right band 64r (and thus wider thant the band connectors 102r) enables the user 22 to select a plurality of widths of the seat 68 suited for the development stage of the baby 24. In other words, since the belt connectors 122l, 122r and the band connectors 102l, 102r form touch fasteners, the width of the seat 68 can be selected to the desire of the user 22, and thus different widths than the widths 68a (wide configuration), 68b (narrow configuration) illustrated in the accompanying Figures can be selected. It is to be understood that in embodiments where the baby carrier 30 has a single band for connecting the waist belt 60 to the lower portion 62 of the support panel 30, the single band is wrinkled when the seat 68 is in the narrow configuration, and the single band includes band connectors disposed on the inner surface thereof and being connectable to corresponding belt connectors. In yet other embodiments where the baby carrier 20 has more than two bands for connecting the waist belt 60 to the lower portion 62 of the support panel 30, at least one of the bands includes band connectors disposed on the inner surface thereof and being connectable to corresponding belt connectors.

If the user 22 further desires to adjust the height of the seat 68 from the height 69a (FIG. 17A) to a height 69b (FIG. 17D), the user 22 first inserts one hand between the body-facing surface 121 of the waist belt 60 and the right band 64r in order to disconnect the left portion of the right belt connectors 122r from the the band connectors 102r. Once the right belt connectors 122r are disconnected from the band connectors 102r, the user 22 selectively rotates the right band 64r around the waist belt 60 from the configuration shown in FIG. 17B to the configuration shown in FIG. 17C as illustrated by the arrow 142 in FIG. 17C until another portion of the band connectors 102r that was previously not overlapped by the belt connectors 122r is positioned adjacent the left portion of the right belt connectors 122r. The user 22 then connects the right belt connectors 122r to the band connectors 102r by pressing the right band 64r against the body-facing surface 121 of the waist belt 120. In other words, when the right band 64 is disconnected from the waist belt 60, the right band 64r can be wound around itself and connected to the right belt connectors 122r to change the height of the seat 68 from the height 69a to the height 69b. The same steps are followed to adjust the left band 66l relative to the waist belt 60. The user 22 first disconnects the left belt connectors 122l from the band connectors 102l, and selectively rotates the left band 64l around the waist belt 60 from the configuration shown in FIG. 17A to the configuration shown in FIG. 17D until another portion of the band connectors 102l that was previously not overlapped by the belt connectors 122l is positioned adjacent the right portion of the left belt connectors 122l. The user 22 then connects the left belt connectors 122l to the band connectors 102l by pressing the left band 64l against the body-facing surface 121 of the waist belt 120. Furthermore, since the belt connectors 122l, 122r and the band connectors 102l, 102r form touch fasteners, the height of the seat 68 can be selected to the desire of the user 22, and thus different heights than the heights 69a, 69b shown in the accompanying Figures can be selected by the user 22.

Once the width and/or the height of the seat 68 has been adjusted, the waist belt cover panel 130 is connected back to the left and right belt connectors 122l, 122r as shown in FIG. 17A. It is to be understood that the width and the height of the seat 68 can be selected independent of one another.

Modifications and improvements to the above-described embodiments of the present technology may become apparent to those skilled in the art. The foregoing description is intended to be exemplary rather than limiting. The scope of the present technology is therefore intended to be limited solely by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A baby carrier comprising:

a support panel for supporting a baby,

a first shoulder strap having a first end connected to an upper portion of the support panel and a second end including a first shoulder strap connector,

a second shoulder strap having a first end connected to the upper portion of the support panel and a second end including a second shoulder strap connector,

a first side connector connected to a first side of the support panel, the first side connector being selectively connectable to at least one of the first and second shoulder strap connectors,

a second side connector connected to a second side of the support panel, the second side connector being selectively connectable to at least another one of the first and second shoulder strap connectors,

a waist belt connected to a lower portion of the support panel, the waist belt having: a first waist belt connector being selectively connectable to at least one of the first and second shoulder strap connectors, and a second waist belt connector being selectively connectable to at least another one of the first and second shoulder strap connectors,

the baby carrier having at least first and second configurations, the first configuration being different from the second configuration,

in the first configuration of the baby carrier, the first shoulder strap connector being connected to the first side connector and the second shoulder strap connector being connected to the second side connector, and

in the second configuration of the baby carrier, the first shoulder strap connector being connected to the first waist belt connector and the second shoulder strap connector being connected to the second waist belt connector.

2. The baby carrier of claim 1, further comprising:

an extension strap having first and second ends;

a first extension strap connector connected to the first end of the extension strap, the first extension strap connector being connectable to at least one of the first side connector, the first waist belt connector, the second side connector and the second waist belt connector,

a second extension strap connector connected to the second end of the extension strap, the second extension strap connector being connectable to at least another one of the first side connector, the first waist belt connector, the second side connector and the second waist belt connector, and

when the baby carrier is in the second configuration, the first extension strap connector is connected to the first side connector, and the second extension strap connector is connected to the second side connector.

3. The baby carrier of claim 2, wherein:

the first and second shoulder strap connectors are male connectors,

the first and second side connectors are female connectors,

the first and second waist belt connectors are female connectors, and

the first and second extension strap connectors are male connectors.

4. The baby carrier of claim 2, wherein, when the baby carrier is in the first configuration, the first extension strap connector is connected to the first waist belt connector, and the second extension strap connector is connected to the second waist belt connector.

5. The baby carrier of claim 2, further comprising at least one band connected to a lower portion of the support panel and forming a loop wound around the waist belt, the at least one band having an inner surface, and when the baby carrier is in the first configuration the extension strap is inserted between the waist belt and the inner surface of the at least one band.

6. The baby carrier of claim 1, further comprising a headrest panel connected to the upper portion of the support panel, the headrest panel comprising first and second attachment members, the first attachment member being selectively connected to a first receiving member of a plurality of first receiving members connected to the first shoulder strap, and the second attachment member being selectively connected to a second receiving member of a plurality of second receiving members connected to the second shoulder strap.

7. The baby carrier of claim 1, wherein:

the first shoulder strap has a first length defined between the first and second ends, and the first shoulder strap has at least one adjustor for adjusting the first length, and

the second shoulder strap has a second length defined between the first and second ends, and the second shoulder strap has at least one adjustor for adjusting the second length.

8. The baby carrier of claim 1, further comprising a back panel removably connected to the support panel and covering at least a portion of the support panel when connected.

9. The baby carrier of claim 8, further comprising first and second clasp lockers removably connecting first and second sides respectively of the back panel to the support panel.

10. The baby carrier of claim 1, wherein:

the baby carrier having third and fourth configurations, the third configuration being different from the first, second and fourth configurations, the fourth configuration being different from the first, second and third configurations,

in the third configuration, the first shoulder strap connector is connected to the second side connector and the second shoulder strap connector is connected to the first side connector, and

in the fourth configuration, the first shoulder strap connector is connected to the second waist belt connector and the second shoulder strap connector is connected to the first waist belt connector.

11. A baby-carrier comprising:

a support panel for supporting a baby;

at least one band connected to a lower portion of the support panel and forming a loop, the at least one band having an inner surface,

a waist belt passing through the loop formed by the at least one band, the waist belt and the lower portion of the support panel defining a seat of the baby carrier, the waist belt having at least one outer surface,

the at least one band being selectively rotatable around the waist belt between a first configuration and a second configuration,

when the at least one band is in the first configuration, a first portion of the inner surface of the at least one band is selectively connected to at least one outer surface of the waist belt, and the seat of the baby carrier has a first height; and

when the at least one band is in the second configuration, a second portion of the inner surface of the at least one band is selectively connected to at least one outer surface of the waist belt, and the seat of the baby carrier has a second height being different from the first height.

12. The baby-carrier of claim 11, wherein:

when the at least one band is in the first configuration, the first portion of the inner surface is selectively connected to the outer surface of the waist belt in at least one of a first and a second positions, when the first portion of the inner surface is selectively connected to the outer surface of the waist belt in the first position, the seat of the baby carrier has a first width, when the first portion of the inner surface is selectively connected to the outer surface of the waist belt in the second position, the seat of the baby carrier has a second width being different from the first width,

when the at least one band is in the second configuration, the second portion of the inner surface is selectively connected to the outer surface of the waist belt in at least one of the first and second positions, when the second portion of the inner surface is selectively connected to the outer surface of the waist belt in the first position, the seat of the baby carrier has the first width, and when the second portion is selectively connected to the outer surface of the waist belt in the second position, the seat of the baby carrier has the second width.

13. The baby-carrier of claim 11, further comprising:

band connectors connected to the inner surface of the at least one band; and

belt connectors connected to the at least one outer surface of the waist belt, the belt connectors being removably connectable to the band connectors of the at least one band.

14. The baby-carrier of claim 13, wherein the at least one outer surface of the waist belt includes a body-facing surface of the waist belt, and the body-facing surface of the waist belt includes the belt connectors.

15. The baby carrier of claim 13, further comprising a waist belt cover panel selectively covering the belt connectors.

16. The baby carrier of claim 13, wherein the belt connectors and the band connectors form touch fasteners.

17. The baby carrier of claim 13, wherein the at least one band includes a first band and a second band, the first band being spaced from the second band.

18. The baby carrier of claim 17, wherein the belt connectors include first belt connectors and second belt connectors, the first belt connectors being spaced from the second belt connectors.

19. The baby carrier of claim 18, wherein the first belt connectors are wider than the first band, and the second belt connectors are wider than the second band.

20. The baby carrier of claim 11, further comprising a headrest panel connected to an upper portion of the support panel, the headrest panel comprising first and second attachment members, the first attachment member being selectively connected to a first receiving member of a plurality of first receiving members connected to the first shoulder strap, and the second attachment member being selectively connected to a second receiving member of a plurality of second receiving members connected to the second shoulder strap.