US20140231473A1

US20140231473A1 - Baby carrier

Info

Publication number: US20140231473A1
Application number: US14/184,486
Authority: US
Inventors: Kellyn Bailey; Ashley Christensen
Original assignee: Tomy International Inc
Current assignee: Tomy International Inc
Priority date: 2013-02-21
Filing date: 2014-02-19
Publication date: 2014-08-21
Also published as: CA2843564A1

Abstract

A baby carrier including a back panel, a first strap, and a second strap. The first strap extends from a first upper location of the back panel to a first lower location of the back panel. Similarly, the second strap extends for a second upper location of the back panel to a second lower location of the back panel. The back panel, the first strap, and the second strap define a garment configured to be worn by a user. The back panel, the first strap, and the second strap define a cavity that is configured to receive and secure a baby between the user and the first and the second straps.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a non-provisional of and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/767,660, filed Feb. 21, 2013, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventional baby carriers often include complex configurations that are complicated to put on and adjust. Also, conventional baby carriers may include securement mechanisms (i.e., buckles, clips, snaps, etc.) for positioning the baby in various positions, which only add to the complexity of the carrier. Conventional baby wraps include long strips of fabric that adults tie around themselves in complicated knots.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an improved baby carrier. In particular, the present invention relates to a wearable baby carrier.
In one embodiment, the invention provides a baby carrier including a back panel, a first strap, and a second strap. The first strap extends from a first upper location of the back panel to a first lower location of the back panel. The second strap extends for a second upper location of the back panel to a second lower location of the back panel. The back panel, the first strap, and the second strap define a garment configured to be worn by a user. The back panel, the first strap, and the second strap define a cavity that is configured to receive and secure a baby between the user and the first and the second straps.
In another embodiment the invention provides a baby carrier including a back panel, a first strap, and a second strap. The first strap extends from a first upper location of the back panel to a first lower location of the back panel. The second strap extends for a second upper location of the back panel to a second lower location of the back panel. A first opening is defined between the back panel, a first portion of the first strap, and a first portion of the second strap. A second opening is defined between the back panel, a second portion of the first strap, and a second portion of the second strap. The back panel, the first strap, and the second strap define a garment configured to be worn by a user. The back panel, the first strap, and the second strap are configured to receive and secure a baby between the user and the first and the second straps.
Other aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a rear perspective view of the baby carrier according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 1B is a front perspective view of the baby carrier illustrated in FIG. 1A securing a baby in a first position.

FIG. 1C is a front perspective view of the baby carrier of FIG. 1A and including a removable strap.

FIG. 1D is a front perspective view of the baby carrier of FIG. 1A securing a baby in another position and including the removable strap illustrated in FIG. 1C.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the baby carrier including the removable strap in use.

FIG. 3A is a front view of an exterior layer of a back panel of the baby carrier illustrated in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 3B is a front view of an interior layer of a back panel of the baby carrier illustrated in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 3C is a front view of a first strap and a second strap of the baby carrier illustrated in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 3D is a front view of a removable strap useable with the baby carrier illustrated in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 4A is a rear view of the baby carrier illustrated in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 4B is a front view of a first strap and a second strap of the baby carrier illustrated in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 4C is a front view of a removable strap useable with the baby carrier illustrated in FIG. 1A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways.
In one embodiment, the invention provides a simple baby carrier that is worn like a garment. The baby carrier includes a back panel, a first strap, and a second strap. The baby carrier creates a cavity between the back panel and the first and second straps. The cavity receives and secures the baby against the body of the adult. The baby carrier accommodates the baby in a variety of positions. The baby carrier includes a removable strap for ensuring the baby is secured against the body of the adult.
As discussed in greater detail below, the present invention relates to a baby carrier that includes a wrapless wrap, a breathable back panel with mesh on interior of panel, and an optional waist strap. The baby carrier includes straps on the front and the straps are gathered on the shoulders and a bottom end of the panel. Additionally, the baby carrier easily slips on like a t-shirt, evenly distributes the weight of baby, fits babies 8-35 lbs., and accommodates multiple positions of baby.
FIGS. 1-4 illustrate a baby carrier 10 according to one embodiment of the invention. With reference to FIGS. 1A-D, the baby carrier 10 includes a generally Y-shaped back panel 14. A first strap 18 of the baby carrier 10 extends between a first upper location 16 of the back panel 14 and a first lower location 20 of the back panel 14. Similarly, a second strap 22 of the baby carrier 10 extends between a second upper location 24 of the pack panel 14 and a second lower location 28 of the back panel 14. The first upper location 16 is located opposite the second upper location 24, and the first lower location 20 is located opposite the second lower location 28. As such, the first and the second straps cross one another at a location in front of the back panel. The back panel 14, the first strap 18, and the second strap 22 form a single piece. In other words, the first strap 18 and the second strap 22 are sewn, stitched, fused, or otherwise permanently coupled to the back panel 14. As also illustrated in the figures, the fabric material is gathered or bunched together at the first upper location 16, the first lower location 20, the second upper location 24 and the second lower location 28.
The baby carrier 10 includes a first opening 26 and a second opening 30 disposed between the first and second straps. In particular, the first opening 26 is defined between the back panel 14, a first portion of the first strap 18, and a first portion of the second strap 22. The first opening 26 is opposite the second opening 30. A cavity 34 is created between the back panel 14 and the first and the second straps 18, 22. The cavity 34 further includes a third opening 24 and a fourth opening 28, which will be described below.
With continued reference to FIGS. 1A-1D, the baby carrier 10 is worn like a garment (i.e., a shirt) and slips over the user or adult's head. As illustrated and when in use, the third opening 24 is situated substantially about the adult's waist (i.e., torso), while the neck and head of the adult extends through the fourth opening 28. As such, the back panel 14 is situated against the back of the adult while the first and second straps 18, 22 extend between the shoulders and the waist of the adult. The arms of the adult extend through the first and second openings 26, 30. The first strap 18 overlaps the second strap 22 across the front of the adult.
The cavity 34 is configured to receive a baby in one of a plurality of positions. A removable strap 38 may be used to ensure that the baby is further secured in the baby carrier 10. The baby carrier 10 may cradle the baby entirely within the cavity 34 (FIGS. 1B-D). Alternatively, the baby may sit within the cavity 34 facing toward (FIGS. 1B-C) or away from (FIG. 1D) the body of the adult such that the legs of the baby extend through the openings 26, 30. In any configuration, the removable strap 38 may be wrapped around both the adult and the baby in order to further secure the baby against the body of the adult. The removable strap 38 is configured to be secured by knotting opposite ends thereof. The removable strap 38, which is also adjustable,provides variable support to the baby carrier 10. The removable strap 38 may also include a pocket 42 (FIG. 3D), which can be used to hold personal items.
With reference to FIGS. 3A-3D, in one embodiment, the back panel 14 includes an interior portion or layer 54 constructed from, for example, a mesh material 56 while an exterior portion or layer 50 is constructed from an elastic material 52 (e.g., stretch cotton spandex or other suitable flexible material) that is elastically deformable. Together, the mesh and elastic materials 52, 56 of the back panel 14 increase breathability and airflow through the materials. Additionally, the back panel 14 may include padding or be at least partially padded to help distribute the baby's weight comfortably and therefore, provide additional support to the back and shoulders of the adult. The first strap 18, the second strap 22, and the removable strap 38 are comprised of the elastic material 52 as the exterior of the back panel 14. The elasticity of the straps 18, 22 allows the straps 18, 22 to be adjusted relative to the shoulders of the adult in order to distribute the baby's weight evenly across the back and shoulders of the adult. In other words, the elasticity of the back panel 14 and the straps 12, 22, 38 enables the cavity 34 to be adjustable. The elasticity of the back panel 14 and the straps 12, 22, 38 ensures a secure fit for securing the baby closely to the body of the adult. Additional or alternative embodiments may include other materials or combinations of materials for the back panel and each of the straps.
The baby carrier 10 is configured to fit adults of all shapes and sizes. With respect to FIG. 4A, a height H of the back panel 14 ranges from between approximately 10 inches to approximately 12 inches. In other embodiments, the height H varies between approximately 10.25 inches to approximately 11 inches. A first, inner distance Z between the first and the second upper locations of the back panel 14, which is also a minimum width of the back panel 14, is between approximately 6 inches to approximately 8 inches. In other embodiments, the distance Z varies between approximately 6.25 inches to approximately 7 inches. A first, outer distance Y between the first and the second upper locations of the back panel 14, which is also a maximum width of the back panel 14, is between approximately 12 inches to approximately 15 inches. In other embodiments, the distance Y varies between approximately 12.25 inches to approximately 14.5 inches. A width X of the first and the second upper locations and a height X′ of the first and the second lower locations (i.e., where the first and the second straps 18, 22 attach to the back panel) range from between approximately 3.5 inches to approximately 5 inches. In other embodiments, the distance X, X′ varies between approximately 4 inches to approximately 5 inches.
With respect to FIG. 4B, a width K of the first strap and the second strap 18, 22 ranges from between approximately 19 inches to approximately 21 inches. In one embodiment, K is approximately 20 inches. The width of each of the first and the second straps 18, 22 tapers from the maximum width K to a minimum width M, which ranges from between approximately 3.5 and approximately 5 inches but is preferably between approximately 4 inches and approximately 4.5 inches. The minimum width M of each of the first and the second straps 18, 22 is substantially equal to the widths X, X′, which is where the straps 18, 22 are coupled to the back panel 14. A length L of each of the first and the second straps 18, 22 ranges from approximately 30 inches to approximately 42 inches. In other embodiments, the distance L varies between approximately 32 inches to approximately 41 inches.
With respect to FIG. 4C, a maximum width A of the reinforcement strap 38 ranges from between approximately 8 inches to approximately 9 inches. In one embodiment, the width A is approximately 8.5 inches. The maximum width A may also correspond to a range of heights for the pocket 42. The width of the pocket 42 is approximately 11.5 inches but may range between 11 inches and approximately 12 inches. The width of each of the reinforcement straps 38 tapers from the maximum width A to a minimum width B, which ranges from between approximately 2 inches and approximately 2.5 inches. In other embodiments, the minimum width B is approximately 2.25 inches. The reinforcement strap 38 includes a length C that ranges from approximately 85 inches to approximately 110 inches. In other embodiments, the length C varies between approximately 88 inches and approximately 106 inches.
In one particular embodiment, the dimensions of the baby carrier 10 include the following:
H is approximately 10.25 inches
Z is approximately 6.25 inches
Y is approximately 12.5 inches
X is approximately 4.0 inches
X′ is approximately 4.5 inches
K is approximately 20.0 inches
M is approximately 4.0 inches
L is approximately 32.0 inches
A is approximately 8.5 inches
B is approximately 11.5 inches
C is approximately 88.0 inches
In another embodiment, the dimensions of the baby carrier 10 include the following:
H is approximately 10.5 inches
Z is approximately 6.5 inches
Y is approximately 13.0 inches
X is approximately 4.0 inches
X′ is approximately 4.5 inches
K is approximately 20.0 inches
M is approximately 4.0 inches
L is approximately 35.0 inches
A is approximately 8.5 inches
B is approximately 11.5 inches
C is approximately 94.0 inches
In yet another embodiment, the dimensions of the baby carrier 10 include the following:
H is approximately 10.75 inches
Z is approximately 6.75 inches
Y is approximately 13.75 inches
X is approximately 4.0 inches
X′ is approximately 4.5 inches
K is approximately 20.0 inches
M is approximately 4.0 inches
L is approximately 38.0 inches
A is approximately 8.5 inches
B is approximately 11.5 inches
C is approximately 100.0 inches
In a further embodiment, the dimensions of the baby carrier 10 include the following:
H is approximately 11.0 inches
Z is approximately 7.0 inches
Y is approximately 14.5 inches
X is approximately 4.5 inches
X′ is approximately 5.0 inches
K is approximately 20 inches
M is approximately 4.5 inches
L is approximately 41.0 inches
A is approximately 8.5 inches
B is approximately 11.5 inches
C is approximately 106.0 inches
Each of these sized embodiments is intended to correspond to a particular common size such as small, medium, large, or extra large. These varying sizes accommodate many different people and sizes of babies.
Thus, the invention provides, among other things, a simple baby carrier for securing a baby in a variety of positions that is easy to use. The baby carrier includes a back panel, a first strap, a second strap, and a removable strap. The baby carrier is lightweight, breathable, flexible/stretchable, and comfortable. The baby carrier also ensures even weight distribution of the baby.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A baby carrier comprising:

a back panel;

a first strap that extends from a first upper location of the back panel to a first lower location of the back panel; and

a second strap that extends from a second upper location of the back panel to a second lower location of the back panel;

wherein the back panel, the first strap and the second strap define a garment configured to be worn by a user;

wherein the back panel, the first strap, and the second strap define a cavity, the cavity configured to receive and secure a baby between the user and the first strap and the second strap.

2. The baby carrier of claim 1, wherein the back panel, the first strap, and the second strap form a single piece.

3. The baby carrier of claim 1, wherein one of the first strap and the second strap overlaps the other of the first strap or the second strap.

4. The baby carrier of claim 1, wherein the first strap and the second strap are stitched to the back panel.

5. The baby carrier of claim 1, wherein a size of the cavity is adjustable.

6. The baby carrier of claim 1, further comprising a reinforcing strap.

7. The baby carrier of claim 6, wherein the reinforcing strap is adjustable.

8. The baby carrier of claim 6 wherein the reinforcing strap is removable.

9. The baby carrier of claim 1, wherein the back panel is at least partially padded.

10. The baby carrier of claim 1, wherein each of the first strap and the second strap is elastically deformable.

11. A baby carrier comprising:

a back panel;

a first strap that extends from a first upper location of the back panel to a first lower location of the back panel;

a first opening defined between the back panel, a first portion of the first strap, and a first portion of the second strap;

a second opening defined between the back panel, a second portion of the first strap, and a second portion of the second strap;

wherein the back panel, the first strap, and the second strap define a garment configured to be worn by a user;

wherein the back panel, the first strap, and the second strap are configured to receive and secure a baby between the user and the first and the second straps.

12. The baby carrier of claim 11, wherein the back panel, the first strap, and the second strap form a single piece.

13. The baby carrier of claim 11, wherein one of the first strap and the second strap overlaps the other of the first strap or the second strap.

14. The baby carrier of claim 11, wherein the first strap and the second strap are permanently coupled to the back panel.

15. The baby carrier of claim 1, wherein the back panel, the first strap, and the second strap define a cavity that is adjustable.

16. The baby carrier of claim 1, further comprising a reinforcing strap.

17. The baby carrier of claim 6, wherein the reinforcing strap is adjustable.

18. The baby carrier of claim 6 wherein the reinforcing strap is removable.

19. The baby carrier of claim 1, wherein the back panel is at least partially padded.

20. The baby carrier of claim 1, wherein each of the first strap and the second strap is elastically deformable.