CHILD CARRIER

Abstract

A waistless baby carrier is described, which beneficially includes multiple positions for carrying a baby, including on the caregiver's chest or on the caregiver's back. The carrier may include one or more closures on each side to allow the sides of the carrier to be selectively at least partially closed so the carrier may be safely used with a small infant.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to a baby or child carrier. More specifically, the present invention relates to a baby carrier having shoulder straps only, i.e., lacking a waist strap, and formed of a single piece of cloth such that the carrier is continuously adjustable based on the size of the baby. The carrier may include a connector at each side edge to selectively partially close each side edge.

BACKGROUND

Many child carriers are available which allow a caregiver to carry a child and still have use of their hands. Such carriers often have fairly complicated designs and can be bulky, require inserts for use with different sized babies, etc., resulting in an unpleasing aesthetic and difficultly of use for the caregiver. Waistless baby carriers, often called “onbuhimo”-style carriers, may be popular for their ease of use and aesthetic. A waistless style carrier also may allow the baby to be held in a high back carry position compared to a carrier with a waist. However, such waistless carriers cannot be used with small infants because they lack sufficient support and/or structures to keep a small infant in place in the carrier.

Thus, there is a need for a baby carrier which may be adjusted to allow for multiple types of carrying positions and sizes of babies. It may also be advantageous if the baby carrier allows for ergonomic positioning for the baby and the caregiver in the various carrying positions, including use of the carrier with small infants.

SUMMARY

A baby carrier is described herein, and may include: a main panel, the main panel forming a child carrying area in cooperation with a wearer's torso, the main panel formed of a piece of continuous material, and the main panel having an inner surface, an outer surface, a first side edge, a second side edge, a top edge, and a bottom edge; the main panel having a back support portion extending from the top edge downwardly, and a bottom support portion extending from the bottom edge upwardly; a first pair of connectors located on the inner surface of the main panel proximal to the first side edge, the first pair of connectors comprising a first connector proximal to the first side edge in the back support portion and a second connector proximal to the first side edge in the bottom support portion; a second pair of connectors located on the inner surface of the main panel proximal to the second side edge, the second pair of connectors comprising a third connector proximal to the second side edge in the back support portion and a fourth connector proximal to the second side edge in the bottom support portion; the main panel having no connectors on the outer surface, and the child carrier lacking a waist belt; and a left and right shoulder strap attached to the main panel, the left and right shoulder straps co-joined by a chest strap, the chest strap comprising a first side slidably mounted onto the right shoulder strap and a second side slidably mounted onto the left shoulder strap.

In some configurations, the first and second connectors may be selectively connected to partially close the first side edge, and the third and fourth connectors may be selectively connected to partially close the second side edge.

According to another aspect, the carrier may further comprise a width adjusting mechanism at the inner surface of the main panel. The width adjustment mechanism may be capable of decreasing a width from the first side edge to the second side edge.

According to another aspect, the carrier may comprise a first padded portion proximal to the first side edge, the first padded portion extending from the back support portion to the bottom support portion. The carrier may also have a second padded portion proximal to the second side edge, the second padded portion extending from the back support portion to the bottom support portion.

In some configurations, the carrier may have a simple design with no additional connectors. For example, the main panel may have no additional connectors except the first, second, third, and fourth, connectors.

In other configurations, a waistless child carrier may include: a main panel, the main panel forming a child carrying area in cooperation with a wearer's torso, the main panel formed of a first continuous piece of material sewn to a second piece of continuous material, forming a 2-layered main panel, the main panel having an outer surface of the first continuous piece of material, an inner surface of the second piece of continuous material, a right side edge, a left side edge, a top edge, and a bottom edge; the main panel having a back support portion extending from the top edge downwardly, and a bottom support portion extending from the bottom edge upwardly; a first pair of connectors located on the inner surface of the main panel proximal to the right side edge, the first pair of connectors comprising a first connector proximal to the right side edge in the back support portion and a second connector proximal to the right side edge in the bottom support portion; a second pair of connectors located on the inner surface of the main panel proximal to the left side edge, the second pair of connectors comprising a third connector proximal to the left side edge in the back support portion and a fourth connector proximal to the left side edge in the bottom support portion; the main panel having no additional connectors except the first, second, third, and fourth connectors; a left and right shoulder strap attached to the main panel, the left and right shoulder straps co-joined by a chest strap.

The first and second connectors may be configured to mate to at least partially close the right side edge, and the third and fourth connectors configured to mate to at least partially close the left side edge. The closure of the first and second connectors may form a right side edge leg opening and the closure of the third and fourth connectors forms a left side edge leg opening.

The carrier may further comprise a first padded portion proximal to the right side edge, the first padded portion extending from the back support portion to the bottom support portion; and a second padded portion proximal to the left side edge, the second padded portion extending from the back support portion to the bottom support portion.

A waistless child carrier may further comprise a width adjusting mechanism at the inner surface of the main panel. The width adjustment mechanism is capable of decreasing a width from the first side edge to the second side edge. According to another aspect, the main panel may have a generally rectangular shape.

According to yet another aspect, a waistless child carrier may comprise: a main panel, the main panel forming a child carrying area in cooperation with a wearer's torso, the main panel formed of a first continuous piece of material sewn to a second piece of continuous material, forming a 2-layered main panel, the main panel having an outer surface of the first continuous piece of material, an inner surface of the second piece of continuous material, a right side edge, a left side edge, a top edge, and a bottom edge; the main panel having a back support portion extending from the top edge downwardly, and a bottom support portion extending from the bottom edge upwardly; a first pair of connectors located on the inner surface of the main panel proximal to the right side edge, the first pair of connectors comprising a first connector proximal to the right side edge in the back support portion and a second connector proximal to the right side edge in the bottom support portion; a second pair of connectors located on the inner surface of the main panel proximal to the left side edge, the second pair of connectors comprising a third connector proximal to the left side edge in the back support portion and a fourth connector proximal to the left side edge in the bottom support portion; the main panel having no connectors on the outer surface; a left and right shoulder strap attached to the main panel, the left and right shoulder straps co-joined by a chest strap.

In some configurations, the first and second connectors may be provided for connection together to selectively partially close the first side edge, and the third and fourth connectors for connection together to selectively partially close the second side edge. Some embodiments may include a width adjusting mechanism at the inner surface of the main panel.

A waistless child carrier may further comprise: a first padded portion proximal to the right side edge, the first padded portion extending from the back support portion to the bottom support portion; and a second padded portion proximal to the left side edge, the second padded portion extending from the back support portion to the bottom support portion. In some configurations, the chest strap includes a first side slidably mounted onto the right shoulder strap and a second side slidably mounted onto the left shoulder strap.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The following drawings illustrate what are currently considered to be specific representative configurations for carrying out the invention and are not limiting as to embodiments which may be made in accordance with the present invention. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale relative to each other. Like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

The drawings are illustrative and not limiting of the scope of the invention which is defined by the appended claims. The various elements of the invention accomplish various aspects and objects of the invention. Not every element of the invention can be clearly displayed in a single drawing, and as such not every drawing shows each element of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a baby carrier as disclosed herein, as worn by a caregiver to carry a baby.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the front side of a baby carrier disclosed herein.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the back side of the baby carrier of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the back side of a baby carrier with the width adjusting mechanism tightened to decrease the width of the main panel.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of the back side of the baby carrier of FIG. 4, with an infant in place as they would be carried facing a caregiver's chest.

FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of the baby carrier of FIG. 5 with the infant in place in the carrier as they would be carried facing a caregiver's chest.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following provides a detailed description of particular embodiments of the present invention. Reference will now be made to the drawings in which the various elements of the illustrated configurations will be given numerical designations and in which the invention will be discussed so as to enable one skilled in the art to make and use the invention. It is to be understood that the following description is only exemplary of the principles of the present invention, and should not be viewed as narrowing the scope of the claims which follow, which claims define the full scope of the invention.

All examples given herein are principally intended expressly to be only for pedagogical purposes to aid the reader in understanding the principles of the invention and the concepts contributed by the inventor to furthering the art, and are to be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the invention, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.

Reference in the specification to “one configuration” “one embodiment,” “a configuration” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the configuration is included in at least one configuration, but is not a requirement that such feature, structure or characteristic be present in any particular configuration unless expressly set forth in the claims as being present. The appearances of the phrase “in one configuration” in various places may not necessarily limit the inclusion of a particular element of the invention to a single configuration, rather the element may be included in other or all configurations discussed herein.

Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics of configurations of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more configurations. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of products or manufacturing techniques that may be used, to provide a thorough understanding of configurations of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that configurations of the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention. The present disclosure is not limited to any particular structures, process steps, or materials discussed or disclosed herein, but is extended to include equivalents thereof as would be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the relevant art.

It should also be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, singular forms such as “a,” “an,” and “the” may include the plural unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a connector” may include one or more of such connectors, and reference to “the shoulder strap” may include reference to one or more of such shoulder straps.

As used herein the term “generally” refers to something that is more of the designated adjective than not, or the converse if used in the negative. For example, something maybe said to be generally rectangular even if it lacks four right angles. As used herein, the term “about” is used to provide flexibility to a numerical range endpoint by providing that a given value may be “a little above” or “a little below” the endpoint while still accomplishing the function associated with the range.

As used herein, a plurality of items, structural elements, compositional elements, and/or materials may be presented in a common list for convenience. These lists should be construed as though each member of the list is individually identified as a separate and unique member. Sizes, proportions and other numerical data may be expressed or presented herein in a range format. Such a range format is used merely for convenience and brevity and thus should be interpreted flexibly to include not only the numerical values explicitly recited as the limits of the range, but also to include all the individual numerical values or sub-ranges encompassed within that range as if each numerical value and sub-range is explicitly recited. As an illustration, a numerical range of “about 1 to about 5” should be interpreted to include not only the explicitly recited values of about 1 to about 5, but also include individual values and sub-ranges within the indicated range. Thus, included in this numerical range are individual values such as 2, 3, and 4 and sub-ranges such as from 1-3, from 2-4, and from 3-5, etc., as well as 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, individually. This same principle applies to ranges reciting only one numerical value as a minimum or a maximum. Furthermore, such an interpretation should apply regardless of the breadth of the range or the characteristics being described.

The present invention generally relates to a waistless baby carrier that includes one or more sets of connectors to close open sides of the baby carrier. Although the carrier is generally referred to herein as a “baby” carrier because it is often used to carry babies, the term “baby” is used for ease of references and is not limiting. The carrier can be used to carry infants, babies, toddlers, and children, and “baby” as used herein refers to all infants, babies, toddlers, children, etc., who may be carried in the carrier. As used herein, the term “outer surface” refers to portions of the baby carrier that are seen by a third person viewing the baby carrier as it is worn on a caregiver. As used herein, the term “inner surface” refers to portions of the baby carrier that face the baby as the baby is placed in the baby carrier.

One embodiment of the present disclosure is shown and described in the baby carrier of FIGS. 1-3. The baby carrier 12 generally includes a main panel 10, a first shoulder strap 55 and second shoulder strap 60, each of the shoulder straps attached at two points to the main panel 10. The main panel 10 may be formed of a single continuous piece of material, and comprises a back support portion 45 that is designed to support the back of the baby, and a bottom support portion 50 that is designed to support the bottom/thighs of the baby, with at least a portion of the bottom support portion 50 sandwiched between the baby and the body of the caregiver.

Turning now to FIG. 2, a plan view of the outer surface 20 of the baby carrier 12 is shown. The main panel 10 may have a generally elongated rectangular shape. Main panel 10 may be comprised of an inner surface 15 and an outer surface 20, a first side edge or right side edge 24, a second side edge or left side edge 29, a top edge 34, and a bottom edge 40. In some configurations, main panel 10 can have a curved shape that narrows toward the bottom edge 40. As will be seen below, because the bottom edge 40 will be placed between the baby and the caregiver, this shape may lend well to providing the necessary support without unnecessary bulk. In other configurations, the main panel 10 may have other shapes and sizes depending on the desired use. For example, the main panel 10 may be generally ovular, rectangular, etc.

The main panel 10 may be formed of a single thickness of material, with the material having an inner surface 15 and an outer surface 20. In other configurations, the main panel 10 may be formed of two layers of material sewn together such that main panel 10 has a double thickness. One of the layers, or both of the layers, may be linen to provide flexibility and strength to the main panel 10. Other types of material may be used and are contemplated. In some configurations, whether the main panel 10 is formed of a single layer or of two layers, each layer is a single continuous piece of fabric. In such configurations the main panel 10 does not have any additional pieces of fabric, straps, or side portions attached or connected to it.

The length of the main panel 10 from the top edge 34 to the bottom edge 40 can be selected to allow the main panel 10 to provide a back support portion 45 that supports a small baby's spine and neck and provides a head rest area for infants, as well as a bottom support portion 50 that supports the thighs/bottom of the baby and extends between the caregiver and the baby. Larger babies do not need neck support and/or a head rest, and thus as the baby grows and becomes too tall for their neck to be supported by the back support portion 45, they will naturally not require as much support. Their neck, head, and shoulders may be extend safely above the top edge 34 due to their natural head and neck strength. The width of the main panel 10 from the first side edge 24 to the second side edge 29 can be selected so that the panel provides sides which may be closed when used for an infant, as described in more detail below.

The back support portion 45 of the main panel 10 may extend from the top edge 34 downwardly, and may provide support the back of a baby, and support to the back and neck/head of an infant. The bottom support portion 50 of the main panel 10 may extend from the bottom edge 40 upwardly and support the bottom/thighs of the baby. In use, a portion of the bottom support portion 50 is held between the baby and the caregiver (i.e., is clamped between the baby and the body of the caregiver). Depending on the size of the baby, more or less of the bottom support portion 50 may be between the baby and the caregiver. In general, as the baby grows, more of the bottom support portion is used to support the baby's bottom and thighs and less will be between the baby and the caregiver. Placing more or less of the bottom support portion 50 between the baby and the caregiver can also allow for a great deal of flexibility in placement of the baby within the carrier, depending on the preferred carrying positions for the comfort of the caregiver. For example, a caregiver may prefer that the baby's arms pass over the top edge 34 of the carrier, and thus may place more of the bottom support portion 50 between the baby and the caregiver to “shorten” the back support portion 45. Alternatively, a caregiver may prefer that the baby's arms pass under the top edge 34 of the carrier, and thus may place less of the bottom support portion 50 between the baby and the caregiver to “lengthen” the back support portion 45. The caregiver's preferences for placement of the baby, as well as the size of the baby and their need for head and neck support, will determine the amount of fabric of the bottom support portion 50 to be placed between the baby and the caregiver.

A first shoulder strap 55 and a second shoulder strap 60 are attached to the main panel 10. Each of the shoulder straps may have an adjustable length to allow the caregiver to wear the carrier at the desired height, as caregivers vary in size and height as well as preferences for positions of the carrier. In some configurations, each of the shoulder straps has an upper end connected to the main panel 10 at the top edge 34, and a lower end connected to the main panel at a side edge. First shoulder strap 55 may have an upper end 55a connected to the main panel 10 at the top edge 34, and a lower end 55b connected to the main panel 10 at the first side edge 24 proximal to the bottom support portion 50, or within the bottom support portion 50. This allows the lower end 55b of the first shoulder strap 55 to be positioned below the baby's bottom/thighs.

Similarly, second shoulder strap 60 may have an upper end 60a connected to the main panel 10 at the top edge 34, and a lower end 60b connected to the main panel 10 at the second side edge 29 proximal to the bottom support portion 50, or within the bottom support portion 50. This allows the lower end 60b of the second shoulder strap 60 to be positioned below the baby's bottoms/thighs when the baby is in the carrier 12.

Each of the shoulder straps may have an adjustable length to allow for a plurality of carrying positions, different sizes of babies, and different sizes of caregivers. For example, the shoulder straps may comprise a webbing and a buckle, the webbing passing through the buckle to adjust the length of the webbing. When worn by a caregiver, the shoulder straps 55, 60 may be co-joined by a chest strap. The chest strap may be slidably mounted on the inner edge of each of the shoulder straps, so that it may be adjusted by the user for increased comfort. The first side 66a (FIG. 3) of chest strap may be slidably mounted to the inner edge of first shoulder strap 55, and the second side 66b of chest strap 66 may be slidably mounted to the inner edge of the second shoulder strap 60. Each of the first side 66a and second side 66b of the chest strap may have a connector, such as a buckle, to removably attach the first side 66a to the second side 66b. When first side 66a and second side 66b are attached, the chest strap co-joins the shoulder straps 55, 60. It will be appreciated that while the chest strap is referred to herein as a “chest” strap, it is not always worn over the caregiver's chest. With the baby on the caregiver's back, the chest strap crosses the caregiver's chest. With the baby on the caregiver's chest, the chest strap crosses the caregiver's back.

FIG. 3 shows a plan view of the inner surface 15 of the baby carrier shown in FIG. 2. The inner surface 15 may include a width adjusting mechanism 71 that allows the width of the main panel 10 to be decreased. FIG. 4 shows a view of the width adjusting mechanism 71 tightened so the width of the main panel has been decreased. The width adjusting mechanism 71 may be any suitable mechanism known. For example, the width adjusting mechanism 71 may comprise a webbing sewn to the main panel with a plurality of slots, and a hook that may be placed in any of the plurality of slots. The width adjusting mechanism 71 may be helpful in holding smaller babies. In other configurations, the width adjusting mechanism 71 is not included.

In some configurations, the inner surface 15 of the main panel further comprises two pairs of connectors proximal to the outer side edges to close the outer side edges of the main panel. A first pair of mating connectors 75a, 75b may be attached to the inner surface 15 of the main panel proximal to the first side edge 24. A second pair of mating connectors 80a, 80b may be attached to the inner surface of the main panel 10 proximal to the second side edge 29. The first pair of mating connectors comprises a first connector 75a and a second connector 75b. The first connector 75a of the first pair of mating connectors may be placed proximal to the first side edge 24 and in the back support portion 45 of the main panel, with the second connector 75b placed proximal to the first side edge 24 and in the bottom support portion 50 of the main panel 10. This may allow the open edge of the carrier to be closed, as described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 5-6 below.

Similarly, the second pair of mating connectors may comprise a third connector 80a and a fourth connector 80b. Third connector 80a may be placed proximal to the second side edge 29 and in the back support portion 45 of the main panel, with the fourth connector 80b placed proximal to the second side edge 29 and in the bottom support portion 50 of the main panel 10.

The pair of mating connectors may have different placement as desired, and in some configurations, a plurality of mating connectors may be provided for a variety of connected positions. The mating connectors may include any suitable connectors, such as snap fasteners, plastic snaps, buttons, hook and eye fasteners, Velcro, clasps, or other mechanisms. In one configuration, the main panel 10 is provided with two pairs of mating connectors, and no additional connectors. This may provide for a simplified design that is easier for users and provides a better aesthetic compared to carriers with a plurality of straps, hooks, snaps, etc. In other configurations, other types of closures may be used to provide at least some closure of the first side edge 24 and the second side edge 29 such that the carrier may be used for a small infant. With such a closure, the carrier may be used for infants as small as 7 pounds. For larger babies or children, the closure need not be used. Closure of the first side edge 24 and second side edge 29 allows the carrier to be safely used with small infants.

A carrier as shown in FIGS. 2-3 was submitted to an independent lab for testing for compliance with the requirements of ASTM F2236-16A for Soft Infant and Toddler Carriers safety. The carrier passed all applicable requirements. ASTM F2236-16A is hereby incorporated, in its entirety, by reference. ASTM F2236-16A requires, among other things, specific testing for leg openings, dynamic and static load, structural integrity, support/shoulder strap slippage, unbounded leg openings, and fastener strength and strap retention. Many traditional waistless carriers without any closure along the side edges cannot pass the leg opening test. The carrier as shown in FIGS. 2-3 passed all relevant tests. See Table 1.

TABLE 1
					Not
6	Performance Requirements	Pass	Fail	N/A	Performed
6.1	Leg Openings	X
6.2	Dynamic and Static Load	X
6.2.1	Structural Integrity	X
6.2.2	Support/Shoulder Strap Slippage	X
6.3	Unbound Leg Opening	X
6.4	Fastener Strength and Strap	X
	Retention

In some configurations, it may be desirable to provide filling, padding, foam or other material within one or more sections of the baby carrier to aid in ergonomic positioning of the carrier both for the caregiver and for the infant, baby, toddler, or child. For example, shoulder straps may include a foam between two or more pieces of material that form the shoulder strap. According to one embodiment, two padded portions 82, 84 (shown in dashed lines in FIG. 3) may be provided at each side edge and may extend from the back support portion 45 to the bottom support portion 50. Padded portions 82, 84 are an area of increased padding positioned to fit under the baby's legs when in use and may provide additional structure and comfort in use of the carrier. Such padding may be useful in supporting the thighs of the baby, and may also provide further structure to the carrier. For example, foam such as expanded polystyrene, polyethylene, polyurethane, or any other suitable foam know in the art may be used. The foam may have any desired thickness, and in some configurations the foam may have a thickness of about 0.5 centimeters to about 2 centimeters.

In use, a caregiver or user may first decide if they wish the infant, baby, toddler, or child to be carried on their chest or carried on their back. For example, if the caregiver wants to carry an infant on their chest, the caregiver may lay the carrier on a safe flat surface with the inner surface 15 facing the caregiver (similar to the view in FIG. 3). Optionally, the caregiver may adjust the width adjusting mechanism 71 as desired to decrease the width of the main panel based on the size of the infant. This step is not necessary, and in configurations where a width adjusting mechanism 71 is not provided, this step need not be taken. Next, the caregiver may place the infant on the carrier, with the infant's back in the back support portion 45. With a newborn or younger infant, the feet of the infant can come together so that the infant is sitting in a position similar to a lotus position. The caregiver may then fold the bottom support portion 50 up towards the back support portion 45, and may secure the right side or first side edge 24 of the carrier at least partially closed by connecting the first connector 75a in the back support portion to the second connector 75b in the bottom support portion. Similarly, the caregiver may secure the left side or second side edge 29 of the carrier at least partially closed by connecting the third connector 80a in the back support portion to the fourth connector 80b in the bottom support portion. The infant in the carrier in this position is shown in FIG. 5. Because the side edges 24 and 29 are at least partially closed, a small infant cannot slide out the sides of the carrier.

The caregiver may then bring their chest towards the baby positioned in the carrier, and slip their arms through each of the shoulder straps and secure the chest strap at their back. As seen in the side view of FIG. 6, the side edges of the carrier are at least partially closed by the connection of the pairs of connectors 75a,b and 80a,b. The right side edge is at least partially closed as indicated by the connection at 75.

With a newborn or younger infant, the feet of the infant can come together so that the infant is sitting in a position similar to a lotus position, with the legs entirely inside the width of the main panel. The best position to promote healthy development of spine and hip for babies is the spread squat position because it stimulates the optimum growth of the hip joints. Providing connectors or fasteners to close the side edges encourages support of the baby's hips in the physiologically preferred spread-squat position.

However, as the infant grows older, the legs will naturally open. As this happens, the parent can position the legs in a spread position around the wearer. With the pair of connectors connected at each side edge to partially close the side edge, this may create a leg opening on each side edge (leg opening 88 is shown below the connection 75 in FIG. 6) for a larger baby's legs to pass through, while still providing the support and safety of a partially closed side edge. A fully open side edge may create a safety risk as a small baby or infant could fall through the open side edge. Until the baby is large enough for their legs to not be able to pass through the opening 88, the side edges may be partially closed via the connectors 75a,b and 80a,b.

If the caregiver wishes to have the infant, baby, toddler, or child to be carried on their back, they may similarly lay the carrier on a safe flat surface with the inner surface 15 facing the caregiver (similar to the view in FIG. 3). For a baby that can sit up safely on their own, the carrier may be placed on a surface such as a couch or chair. Optionally, the caregiver may adjust the width adjusting mechanism 71 to a desired width of the main panel based on the size of the baby. Next, the caregiver may place the baby on the carrier, with the baby's back in the back support portion 45. The caregiver may then fold the bottom support portion 50 up towards the back support portion 45, and may secure the right side or first side edge 24 of the carrier at least partially closed by connecting the first connector 75a in the back support portion to the second connector 75b in the bottom support portion. Similarly, the caregiver may secure the left side or second side edge 29 of the carrier at least partially closed by connecting the third connector 80a in the back support portion to the fourth connector 80b in the bottom support portion. The caregiver may place each of the baby's legs through the opening created directly below the attached connectors. The caregiver may then bring their back towards the baby positioned in the carrier (such as by crouching in front of the couch or chair) and slip their arms through each of the shoulder straps and secure the chest strap at their chest.

Embodiments of baby carriers described herein provide several advantages. Compared to previous onbuhimo-style carriers which were not safe for infants or babies weighing less than 15 pounds, embodiments described herein allow an infant or baby weighing as little as 7 pounds to be positioned front-to-front with its parent in an onbuhimo-style or waistless carrier. This can be a more convenient position for the parent and foster closeness. Previous onbuhimo-style carriers were not safe for infants or babies weighing less than 15 pounds because of the possibility for the baby to slip through the open sides of the carrier. Additionally, the side closures of the present disclosure may keep the spine of smaller infants in a proper ergonomic shape and prevent slumping. The infant is in a relative upright position with the carrier supporting the baby's spine, neck and legs. The baby's weight is distributed across the baby's bottom, thighs and back so that the sacrum does not bear too much weight and the infant can rest with a more naturally curved spine in a spread-squat-position that is believed to be better for pelvic and spinal development. Additionally, the carrier described herein may lack additional buttons, straps, and connectors in order to provide ease of use and improved aesthetics. For example, the carrier may lack a waist strap, the carrier may lack any connectors on the outer surface, and the carrier may lack any connectors on the inner surface in addition to the disclosed pair of mating connectors at each side edge.

In the foregoing specification, the disclosure has been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, as one skilled in the art can appreciate, embodiments of the carrier disclosed herein can be modified or otherwise implemented in many ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, this description is to be construed as illustrative only and is for the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art the manner of making and using embodiments of a carrier. It is to be understood that the forms of the disclosure herein shown and described are to be taken as exemplary embodiments. Equivalent elements or materials may be substituted for those illustrated and described herein. Moreover, certain features of the disclosure may be utilized independently of the use of other features, all as would be apparent to one skilled in the art after having the benefit of this description of the disclosure.

The various embodiments described above, including elements of the various embodiments described above, can be combined to provide further embodiments. All of the U.S. patents, U.S. patent application publications, U.S. patent applications, foreign patents, foreign patent applications and non-patent publications referred to in this specification and/or listed in the Application Data Sheet are incorporated herein by reference, in their entirety. Aspects of the embodiments can be modified, if necessary to employ concepts of the various patents, applications and publications to provide yet further embodiments. These and other changes can be made to the embodiments in light of the above-detailed description. In general, in the following claims, the terms used should not be construed to limit the claims to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and the claims, but should be construed to include all possible embodiments along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

Claims

1. A child carrier comprising:

a main panel, the main panel forming a child carrying area in cooperation with a wearer's torso, the main panel formed of a piece of continuous material, and the main panel having an inner surface, an outer surface, a first side edge, a second side edge, a top edge, and a bottom edge;

the main panel having a back support portion extending from the top edge downwardly, and a bottom support portion extending from the bottom edge upwardly;

a first pair of connectors located on the inner surface of the main panel proximal to the first side edge, the first pair of connectors comprising a first connector proximal to the first side edge in the back support portion and a second connector proximal to the first side edge in the bottom support portion;

a second pair of connectors located on the inner surface of the main panel proximal to the second side edge, the second pair of connectors comprising a third connector proximal to the second side edge in the back support portion and a fourth connector proximal to the second side edge in the bottom support portion;

the main panel having no connectors on the outer surface, and the child carrier lacking a waist belt; and

a left and right shoulder strap attached to the main panel, the left and right shoulder straps co-joined by a chest strap, the chest strap comprising a first side slidably mounted onto the right shoulder strap and a second side slidably mounted onto the left shoulder strap.

2. The child carrier of claim 1, the first and second connectors for connection together to selectively partially close the first side edge, and the third and fourth connectors for connection together to selectively partially close the second side edge.

3. The child carrier of claim 1, further comprising a width adjusting mechanism at the inner surface of the main panel.

4. The child carrier of claim 3, wherein the width adjustment mechanism is capable of decreasing a width from the first side edge to the second side edge.

5. The child carrier of claim 1, further comprising a first padded portion proximal to the first side edge, the first padded portion extending from the back support portion to the bottom support portion.

6. The child carrier of claim 1, further comprising a second padded portion proximal to the second side edge, the second padded portion extending from the back support portion to the bottom support portion.

7. The child carrier of claim 1, the main panel having no additional connectors except the first, second, third, and fourth, connectors.

8. A waistless child carrier comprising:

a main panel, the main panel forming a child carrying area in cooperation with a wearer's torso, the main panel formed of a first continuous piece of material sewn to a second piece of continuous material, forming a 2-layered main panel, the main panel having an outer surface of the first continuous piece of material, an inner surface of the second piece of continuous material, a right side edge, a left side edge, a top edge, and a bottom edge;

the main panel having a back support portion extending from the top edge downwardly, and a bottom support portion extending from the bottom edge upwardly;

a first pair of connectors located on the inner surface of the main panel proximal to the right side edge, the first pair of connectors comprising a first connector proximal to the right side edge in the back support portion and a second connector proximal to the right side edge in the bottom support portion;

a second pair of connectors located on the inner surface of the main panel proximal to the left side edge, the second pair of connectors comprising a third connector proximal to the left side edge in the back support portion and a fourth connector proximal to the left side edge in the bottom support portion;

the main panel having no additional connectors except the first, second, third, and fourth connectors;

a left and right shoulder strap attached to the main panel, the left and right shoulder straps co-joined by a chest strap.

9. The waistless child carrier of claim 8, wherein the first and second connectors are configured to mate to at least partially close the right side edge.

10. The waistless child carrier of claim 8, wherein the third and fourth connectors configured to mate to at least partially close the left side edge.

11. The waistless child carrier of claim 8, further comprising a first padded portion proximal to the right side edge, the first padded portion extending from the back support portion to the bottom support portion; and

a second padded portion proximal to the left side edge, the second padded portion extending from the back support portion to the bottom support portion.

12. The waistless child carrier of claim 10, wherein the closure of the first and second connectors forms a right side edge leg opening and wherein the closure of the third and fourth connectors forms a left side edge leg opening.

13. The waistless child carrier of claim 8, wherein the main panel has a generally rectangular shape.

14. The waistless child carrier of claim 8, further comprising a width adjusting mechanism at the inner surface of the main panel.

15. The waistless child carrier of claim 14, wherein the width adjustment mechanism is capable of decreasing a width from the first side edge to the second side edge.

16. A waistless child carrier comprising:

a main panel, the main panel forming a child carrying area in cooperation with a wearer's torso, the main panel formed of a first continuous piece of material sewn to a second piece of continuous material, forming a 2-layered main panel, the main panel having an outer surface of the first continuous piece of material, an inner surface of the second piece of continuous material, a right side edge, a left side edge, a top edge, and a bottom edge;

the main panel having a back support portion extending from the top edge downwardly, and a bottom support portion extending from the bottom edge upwardly;

a first pair of mating connectors located on the inner surface of the main panel proximal to the right side edge, the first pair of connectors comprising a first connector proximal to the right side edge in the back support portion and a second connector proximal to the right side edge in the bottom support portion;

a second pair of mating connectors located on the inner surface of the main panel proximal to the left side edge, the second pair of connectors comprising a third connector proximal to the left side edge in the back support portion and a fourth connector proximal to the left side edge in the bottom support portion;

the main panel having no connectors on the outer surface;

a left and right shoulder strap attached to the main panel, the left and right shoulder straps co-joined by a chest strap.

17. The waistless child carrier of claim 16, the first and second connectors for connection together to selectively partially close the first side edge, and the third and fourth connectors for connection together to selectively partially close the second side edge.

18. The waistless child carrier of claim 16, further comprising a width adjusting mechanism at the inner surface of the main panel.

19. The waistless child carrier of claim 16, further comprising:

a first padded portion proximal to the right side edge, the first padded portion extending from the back support portion to the bottom support portion; and

a second padded portion proximal to the left side edge, the second padded portion extending from the back support portion to the bottom support portion.

20. The waistless child carrier of claim 16, the chest strap comprising a first side slidably mounted onto the right shoulder strap and a second side slidably mounted onto the left shoulder strap.