US20210145188A1

US20210145188A1 - Combination multi-use backpack and child carrier

Info

Publication number: US20210145188A1
Application number: US16/952,874
Authority: US
Inventors: Jaclyn Thatcher; Jacob Thatcher
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2019-11-19
Filing date: 2020-11-19
Publication date: 2021-05-20

Abstract

A child carry system includes a bag structure having a first shoulder strap, a second shoulder strap, and a removably attachable pouch. The removably attachable pouch has a saddle panel that is coupleable to the bag structure. The saddle panel is coupled to, and contained in, the pouch and may be extendable and coupled to the first and second shoulder straps. When the saddle panel is extended and secured, a child may be placed on the saddle panel. A user may not only carry the child in the saddle panel but may also carry numerous accessories in the bag structure.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/937,620, filed on Nov. 19, 2019, which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a child carrier. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a multi-use backpack with a removably attachable child carry system.

BACKGROUND

There are numerous diaper bags and child carriers available on the market today. Between the normal obligations and ambitions of life, these two accessories allow a user to continue the active, busy lifestyle they desire, while still having children. Typical carriers consist of a myriad of straps and buckles that, when attached to each other, can harness a child, allowing the child to be comfortably attached to the guardian. In addition, some carriers are limited on the number of pockets, with a majority of carriers not having any pockets to store essential items. Without an infant carrier, the user would either have to carry the child in their arms or carry the child in a car seat. When the user carries a child in their arms or in a car seat for an extended period of time, it can cause strain on the guardian's body.
Further, diaper bags have become an integral part of caring for a child. The modern-day diaper bag consists of a myriad of pouches and can hold almost anything a parent would want to take along. For example, some of these items could include several diapers, wipes, a changing pad, a change of clothes, snacks, a bottle, a small toy or book, a cell phone, keys, a wallet, or other items. The user will often carry a diaper bag and a child at the same time, which is burdensome and, at times, frustrating. As described above, there have been many attempts to create a child carrier that frees a guardian's arms to hold essential items. However, there have been few attempts to combine a child carrier and a diaper bag into a single unit for carrying a child and any necessary items.
Unfortunately, there are no known successful diaper bag and child carry combinations available on the market, most likely due to their flawed designs. Many guardians attempt to wear a separate baby carrier and diaper bag backpack, but this requires the wearer to support four shoulder straps. Further, many carriers on the market are complicated and difficult to put on while balancing, holding, or watching a child. For example, some of the carriers require a user to reach behind their back to clip a strap between the scapulae. In fact, many carriers may require a second adult to attach the carrier and insert the child. This occurs because a lot of the infant carriers are placed on the back and/or secured on the back of a person. Thus, the carriers on the market are bulky, ineffective, sit on the back or side of a guardian, and do not adjust to the numerous shapes and sizes of the user and the child.
Accordingly, there is a need for a simple and safe system that combines a backpack and a child carrier to create a carrying system that is practical, lightweight, durable, comfortable, easy to assemble (requiring only one user), and carries a child on the front of a user. The present disclosure seeks to solve these and other problems.

SUMMARY OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

In one embodiment, a combination multi-use backpack and child carrier (also referred to herein as a “child carry system”) comprises a bag structure having a first shoulder strap, a second shoulder strap, and a removably attachable pouch. The removably attachable pouch comprises a saddle panel that is coupleable to the bag structure. The saddle panel is coupled to, and contained in, the removably attachable pouch and may be extendable and coupled to the first and second shoulder straps. When the saddle panel is extended and secured, a child may be placed on the saddle panel. A user may not only carry the child in the saddle panel, but may also carry numerous accessories in the bag structure.
In one embodiment, a child carry system comprises a bag structure having a first shoulder strap and a second shoulder strap that are adjustable to fit any user, and a removably attachable saddle that may couple to the first and second shoulder straps.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a front, side perspective view of a bag structure of a child carry system;

FIG. 2 illustrates a front, side perspective view of a bag structure of a child carry system;

FIG. 3 illustrates a top plan view of a bag structure with a large pocket of a child carry system in an open position;

FIG. 4 illustrates a top plan view of a bag structure with a large pocket of a child carry system in a closed position;

FIG. 5 illustrates a rear elevation view of a bag structure of a child carry system;

FIG. 6 illustrates a rear elevation view of a bag structure with hip belts of a child carry system;

FIG. 7 illustrates a front elevation view of removably attachable pouch of a child carry system;

FIG. 8 illustrates a rear elevation view of a removably attachable pouch coupled to a bag structure of a child carry system;

FIG. 9 illustrates a top perspective view of a removably attachable pouch of a child carry system;

FIG. 10 illustrates a front elevation view of a removably attachable pouch and saddle panel of a child carry system;

FIG. 11 illustrates a rear elevation view of a bag structure with a saddle panel of a child carry system;

FIG. 12 illustrates a top perspective view of a saddle panel of a child carry system;

FIG. 13 illustrates a side perspective view of a child carry system with a child positioned therein;

FIG. 14 illustrates a rear elevation view of a child carry system with a child positioned therein;

FIG. 15 illustrates a front, side perspective view of a child carry system with a user and a child;

FIG. 16 illustrates a front perspective view of a child carry system with a user and a child;

FIG. 17 illustrates a front elevation view of a bag structure of a child carry system;

FIG. 18 illustrates a rear, perspective view of a child carry system;

FIG. 19 illustrates a rear elevation view of a child carry system; and

FIG. 20 illustrates a rear perspective view of a child carry system with a face shield extended.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

The following descriptions depict only example embodiments and are not to be considered limiting in scope. Any reference herein to “the invention” is not intended to restrict or limit the invention to exact features or steps of any one or more of the exemplary embodiments disclosed in the present specification. References to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “various embodiments,” and the like, may indicate that the embodiment(s) so described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in one embodiment,” or “in an embodiment,” do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although they may.
Reference to the drawings is done throughout the disclosure using various numbers. The numbers used are for the convenience of the drafter only and the absence of numbers in an apparent sequence should not be considered limiting and does not imply that additional parts of that particular embodiment exist. Numbering patterns from one embodiment to the other need not imply that each embodiment has similar parts, although it may.
Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of the invention, which is to be given the full breadth of the appended claims and any and all equivalents thereof. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Unless otherwise expressly defined herein, such terms are intended to be given their broad, ordinary, and customary meaning not inconsistent with that applicable in the relevant industry and without restriction to any specific embodiment hereinafter described. As used herein, the article “a” is intended to include one or more items. When used herein to join a list of items, the term “or” denotes at least one of the items, but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. For exemplary methods or processes, the sequence and/or arrangement of steps described herein are illustrative and not restrictive.
It should be understood that the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being carried out in any particular sequence, arrangement, or with any particular graphics or interface. Indeed, the steps of the disclosed processes or methods generally may be carried out in various sequences and arrangements while still falling within the scope of the present invention.
The term “coupled” may mean that two or more elements are in direct physical contact. However, “coupled” may also mean that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other, but yet still cooperate or interact with each other.
The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and the like, as used with respect to embodiments, are synonymous, and are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including, but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes, but is not limited to,” etc.).
It will also be appreciated that systems and methods according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure may include, incorporate, or otherwise comprise properties or features (e.g., components, members, elements, parts, and/or portions) described in other embodiments. Accordingly, the various features of certain embodiments can be compatible with, combined with, included in, and/or incorporated into other embodiments of the present disclosure. Thus, disclosure of certain features relative to a specific embodiment of the present disclosure should not be construed as limiting application or inclusion of said features to the specific embodiment unless so stated. Rather, it will be appreciated that other embodiments can also include said features, members, elements, parts, and/or portions without necessarily departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
Moreover, unless a feature is described as requiring another feature in combination therewith, any feature herein may be combined with any other feature of a same or different embodiment disclosed herein. Furthermore, various well-known aspects of illustrative systems, methods, apparatus, and the like are not described herein in particular detail in order to avoid obscuring aspects of the example embodiments. Such aspects are, however, also contemplated herein.
As previously discussed, there is a need for a simple and safe system that combines a backpack and a child carrier to create a carrying system that is practical, light weight, durable, comfortable, easy to assemble requiring only one user, and carries a child on the front of a user. The present disclosure seeks to solve these and other problems.
As shown and described herein, a child carry system is important in assisting users by carrying many essential items for a child and carrying the child in a comfortable manner. A bag structure (e.g., a backpack) allows the user to store many necessary items, such as diapers, wipes, a change of clothes, snacks, a bottle, toys, etc. Often, the bag is also used to store the user's items, including a smartphone, keys, and a wallet. The bag structure allows the user to store and organize the many items that are needed on a daily basis, whether going to the store or on a hike. The bag structure has shoulder straps that may be placed over each shoulder to carry the load placed therein.
Moreover, a removably attachable pouch may be coupled to a rear of the bag structure and rest on a user's abdomen, similar to a fanny pack. The removably attachable pouch connects to existing features of the bag structure to save on cost and to create a simple, efficient system. The removably attachable pouch has a saddle panel that is attached to the inside of the removably attachable pouch. When a user wants to carry the bag structure and child at the same time, the user can couple the removably attachable pouch to the bag structure via buckles on a set of hip belts. The user can then remove the saddle panel from the removably attachable pouch, coupling it to the bag structure at the shoulder straps, and providing a secure location to place a child.
Referring now to FIGS. 1-5, in one embodiment, a child carry system 100 comprises a bag structure 102 having a first shoulder strap 104 and a second shoulder strap 106 that are adjustable to fit many users. While there may be a first and a second shoulder strap 104, 106, it will be appreciated that the child carry system 100 may have one shoulder strap. The first and second shoulder straps 102, 104 comprise a first shoulder strap coupler 108 (FIG. 5) and a second shoulder strap coupler 110. The bag structure 102, in some embodiments, may be a similar to a standard backpack comprising a plurality of pockets with a variety of closure mechanisms, wherein a user can store essential items for a child, such as diapers, wipes, a change of clothes, snacks, a bottle, toys, etc. However, it will be understood that the bag structure 102 may be a satchel or any other type of carrying structure. The plurality of pockets 112 may comprise a large, main pocket 116 (open in FIG. 3) and many other pockets of varying size and use. Further, a closure mechanism 114 of the main pocket 116 may be a drawstring 118 with a locking mechanism 120 (e.g., a drawstring toggle spring-stop); however, it could be envisioned that the closure mechanism 114 could be zippers, magnets, hook and loop, or any other mechanism to close a pocket or bag opening. The first and second shoulder strap couplers 108, 110 may be, for example, 360-degree center release swivel buckles. Alternatively, the first and second shoulder strap couplers 108, 110 could be typical side release buckles or cam buckles.
Once a user places the first and second shoulder straps 104, 106 over their shoulders, the user may then attach a first torso strap 122 (FIG. 5) having a first torso strap coupler 124 to a second torso strap 126 having a second torso strap coupler 128. The first and second torso straps 122, 126 with the first and second torso strap couplers 124, 128 prevent the first and second shoulder straps 104, 106 from falling off the shoulders and can distribute the weight to other portions of the body when coupled. The first and second torso strap couplers 122, 128 may be male and female side release buckles. Alternatively, the first and second torso strap couplers 122, 128 may also be cam buckles, magnetic release buckles, center release buckles, snaps, hook and loop fasteners, etc.
As shown in FIG. 6, the child carry system 100 may comprise a first hip belt strap 130 having a first hip belt coupler 132 and a second hip belt strap 134 having a second hip belt coupler 136. When using the bag structure 102 alone, the first and second hip belt couplers 132, 136 (e.g., side release buckles with a male and female portion) may be attached and the first and second hip belt straps 130, 134 may be adjusted to fit the user and distribute weight onto the hips. While a user may couple the first and second hip belt couplers 132, 136 directly to each other, the user may also attach a removably attachable pouch (shown in FIG. 7) 138 to the first and second hip belt couplers 132, 136, which then rests on the abdomen, similar to a fanny pack. It will be appreciated that the first and second hip belt straps 130, 134 remain adjustable after the removably attachable pouch 138 is attached so as to accommodate a user's specific size and shape. Additionally, the first and second hip belt straps 130, 134 can be completely removed from the bag structure 102 (e.g., backpack) if the hip belt and carrying system is not wanted or needed.
Referring to FIGS. 8-9, the removably attachable pouch 138 may be coupleable to the bag structure 102 via a first pouch coupler 140 and a second pouch coupler 142. It will be appreciated that the first and second pouch couplers 140, 142 are compatible with the first and second hip belt couplers 132, 136, allowing the user to quickly connect and disconnect the removably attachable pouch 138. For example, the first hip belt coupler 132 may be a male release buckle and the first pouch coupler 140 may be a female release buckle, while the second hip belt coupler 136 may be a female release buckle and the second pouch coupler 142 may be a male release buckle. The removably attachable pouch 138 may be quickly coupled to the bag structure 102 or stored in the bag structure 102 when not in use. After the removably attachable pouch couplers 140, 142 and the hip belt couplers 132, 136 are coupled, a user can then utilize the child carrying attributes of the child carry system 100, as discussed next.
The removably attachable pouch 138 comprises a saddle panel 144 that is contained in, and coupled to, the removably attachable pouch 138 and can be extended to create a location to carry a child. The removably attachable pouch 138 also includes a pouch closure 146, which may be a zipper. However, it will be appreciated that the pouch closure 146 may also be magnets, hook and loop, or any other closure mechanism that can contain the saddle panel 144 and be easily opened by the user. When the user has coupled the removably attachable pouch 138 to the first and second hip belt couplers 132, 136, the user can open the pouch closure 146 so as to remove the saddle panel 144. In addition, the removably attachable pouch 138 may be padded or comprise a removably attachable pad that further supports the weight of a child and creates a comfortable location to sit; however, it will be understood that the removably attachable pouch 138 may not be padded or comprise a removably attachable pad.
Referring to FIGS. 10-11, the saddle panel 144 comprises an upper portion 148 and a lower portion 150. The saddle panel 144 may be a mesh material, such as a nylon or polyester mesh. Alternatively, the saddle panel 144 may be a CORDURA®, poly-cotton blend, or any other natural or synthetic material or fabric. The saddle panel 144 may be curved and wider on the upper portion 148 to accommodate the child's chest and neck and tapering at the lower portion 150 to accommodate the child's pelvic area. To attach the upper portion 148 of the saddle panel 144, a user can couple a first saddle coupler 152 to the first shoulder strap coupler 108 and a second saddle coupler 154 to the second shoulder strap coupler 110. This creates a secure area on the front of a user where a child may be placed. The strength of the saddle panel 144 connection allows a user to carry children of varying heights and weights. Many carry systems in the prior art place the child on the back of a user, which can create difficulty when connecting the straps, placing the child in the carrier, and overall carrying the weight of the child. In contrast, the child carry system 100 places a child on the front of the user, which removes the difficulty of connecting the straps and placing the child. In addition, the child's weight is placed on the front of the user, providing a natural and comfortable way to carry the child.
Similar to the connection of the removably attachable pouch 138 and the first and second hip belt coupler 132, 136, the first and second saddle couplers 152, 154 and the first and second shoulder strap couplers 108, 110 may be, in some embodiments, male and female buckles. In one embodiment, the first and second strap couplers 108, 110 may be 360-degree center release swivel buckles or any other coupler, such as a side release buckle. It will be appreciated that the 360-degree center release swivel buckles allow the saddle panel 144 to move and adjust to the child and user. When the saddle panel 144 is not in use, other items may be attached to the first and second strap couplers 108, 110, such as cameras, GPS, phones, other accessory pouches and accessories, etc.
Further, it will be appreciated that the upper portion 148 of the saddle panel 144 may be adjusted by saddle adjustment straps 156 (FIG. 10) that are coupled to the first and second saddle couplers 152, 154. The saddle adjustment straps 156 allow a user to raise or lower the saddle panel 144 depending on the size of the child. For example, after a smaller child is placed in the saddle panel 144, a user would pull the saddle adjustment straps 156 to move the child up and closer to the user's body. The lower portion 150 of the saddle panel 144 is coupled to the inside of the removably attachable pouch 138 through sewn stitches 158. However, it will be appreciated that zippers, latches, buckles, or any other attachment mechanism may be used. In an alternate embodiment, the saddle panel 144 may be removably attachable to the inside of the removably attachable pouch 138 so that the pouch can be used for storing other items, instead of the saddle panel 144.
Further, the lower portion 150 comprises a pair of adjustable leg loops 162 that extend from a rear portion 160, which can allow children of different sizes and shapes to fit into the saddle panel 144. The pair of adjustable leg loops 162 are adjusted by using a first clip 164, a second clip 166, and an adjustment strip 168, wherein the adjustment strip 168 includes adjustment loops 170, 171. The adjustment strip 168 is positioned on a front of the lower portion 150. When a user wants to decrease the size of the pair of adjustable leg loops 162, the user can couple the first and second clips 164, 166 on a middle adjustment loop 170 positioned on the lower portion 150 located near the center of the saddle panel 144. On the other hand, to increase the size of the adjustable leg loops 162, a user would move the first and second clips 164, 166 away from the vertical center and couple to outer adjustment loops 171. It will be appreciated that the adjustable leg loops 162 may be stretchable material. In addition, the adjustable leg loops may be padded, which can keep the leg loops 162 open while placing a child. However, it will be appreciated that the pair of adjustable leg loops 162 are not limited to being stretchable and padded. The pair of adjustable leg loops 162 may also be non-stretchable and non-padded or any other combination.
As shown in FIG. 12, the lower portion 150 of the saddle panel 144 comprises a rear portion 160 that rests against the lower back of a child when the child is being carried. The rear portion may be a padded mesh, wherein the padded mesh maintains it rigidity so that a child may be inserted into the open saddle panel 144, without the rear portion folding over. While a padded mesh is used, other materials and paddings may be used, such as a padded cotton material. To use the child carry system 100, as shown in FIGS. 13-15, a user places the first shoulder strap 104 over one shoulder and the second shoulder strap 106 over the other, with the bag structure 102 resting on the back of the user. The user then couples the removably attachable pouch 138 and extends the saddle panel 144 to attach to the first and second shoulder straps 104, 106. A child is then placed in the saddle panel 144 and adjustments are made to properly fit the user and the child.
In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 16-17, a child carry system 200 comprises a bag structure 202 having a first shoulder strap 204 and a second shoulder strap 206 that are adjustable to fit any user, and a removably attachable saddle 208. The bag structure 202 may be a backpack, satchel, or any other type of carrying structure with one or more shoulder straps. The bag structure 202 may comprise a flap 210 with a flap pocket 212, a front pocket 214, and a main pocket 216 covered by the flap 210. The flap pocket 212 and the front pocket 214 may be opened and closed via a zipper; however, hook and loop, magnets, or any other closure mechanism may be used. The main pocket 216 may be opened and closed via a cord with a drawstring and a lock (e.g., a drawstring toggle spring-stop). Further, the flap 210 comprises a securement aperture 218 to receive a rod 220 so as to secure the flap 210 in place; however, other mechanisms may be used, such as snaps, buckles, zippers, hooks and loops, etc.
In particular, referring to FIG. 17, the bag structure 202 may comprise a cord 222 inserted into a cord holder 224 and a cord lock 226 (e.g., a drawstring toggle spring-stop). The cord lock 226 may be coupled to the bag structure 202 and is positioned lower in relation to the cord holder 224. Accordingly, the cord 222 is inserted into the cord lock 226 and extends through the cord holder 224. The cord 222, on an end opposite of the cord lock 226, receives the rod 220. To close and cover the main pocket 216, a user pulls the drawstring, thereby closing (e.g., cinching) the main pocket 216. Once the main pocket 216 is closed, the flap 210 is positioned over the main pocket 216 and secured in place by placing the rod 220 with the cord 222 through the securement aperture 218. The rod 220 is then positioned parallel to the flap 210, thereby preventing the rod 220 from exiting the securement aperture 218. As discussed earlier, it will be appreciated that the main pocket 216 may close and open by using a zipper, roll top with a buckle, or any other closure mechanism. It will further be appreciated that the flap pocket 212, front pocket 214, and main pocket 216 allow a user to store essential items for a child, such as diapers, wipes, a change of clothes, snacks, a bottle, toys, etc.
The bag structure 202 may further comprise a first handle 228 and a second handle 230, which may allow for easy transportation. While the first and second handles 228, 230 are shown, it could be envisioned that the bag structure 202 may comprise no handles or may have many. When the user desires to transport bottles, or other items, the user may utilize a first container pouch 232 and a second container pouch 234. The first and second container pouches 232, 234 may comprise a mesh material so as to allow condensation to exit therefrom. In an alternate embodiment, the first and second container pouches 232, 234 may be enclosed and insulated to keep liquids cool or warm.
As shown in FIGS. 18-20, the first shoulder strap 204 may comprise a first shoulder strap coupler 236, and the second shoulder strap 206 may comprise a second shoulder strap coupler 238. The shoulder strap couplers 236, 238 may be 360-degree center release swivel buckles or any other coupler, such as a side release buckle. The first and second shoulder straps 204, 206 may further comprise a first securement cable 240 and a second securement cable 242, respectively. The first and second shoulder straps 204, 206 may also have a first adjustment strap 244 coupled to the bag structure 202 and a first adjuster (not shown). A second adjustment strap 248 may comprise a second adjuster 250 and be coupled to the bag structure 202. When the bag structure 202 needs to be adjusted, the first and second adjustment straps 244, 248 may be pulled down, thereby moving the bag structure 202 up and closer to the user. It will be appreciated that the bag structure 202 may also be loosened by pulling up on the first and second adjusters 246, 250, increasing the distance of the first and second adjustment straps 244, 248 between the bag structure 202 and the first adjuster and the second adjuster 250. The first and second shoulder straps 204, 206 may be padded to provide comfort while carrying a child. In some embodiments, the first and second shoulder straps 204, 206 may comprise a first torso strap with a first torso coupler and a second torso strap with a second torso coupler, as shown in previous embodiments.
The bag structure 202 may comprise a first hip belt pad 252 with a first belt loop 254. A first hip belt strap 256 having a first hip belt coupler 258 may be inserted through the first belt loop 254. A second hip belt pad 260 with a second belt loop 262 may receive a second hip belt strap 264 having a second hip belt coupler 266. Further, the bag structure 202 may comprise a first saddle belt 268 and a second saddle belt 270, both of which are coupled to the bag structure 202. The first saddle belt 268 may comprise a first saddle belt coupler 272 (e.g., a male or female release buckle) and the second saddle belt 270 may comprise a second saddle belt coupler 274 (e.g., a male or female release buckle). It will be appreciated that the first and second saddle belts 268, 270 remain adjustable when the removably attachable saddle 208 is attached or detached so as to accommodate a user's specific size and shape. Additionally, in some embodiments, the first and second hip belts 256, 264 and the first and second saddle belts 268, 270 may be completely removed from the bag structure 202 if the hip belt and removably attachable saddle is not wanted or needed.
The removably attachable saddle 208 may be a mesh material, such as a nylon or polyester mesh. Alternatively, the removably attachable panel may be a CORDURA®, poly-cotton blend, or any other natural or synthetic material or fabric. The removably attachable saddle 208 may be curved and wider on an upper portion 209 to accommodate the child's chest and neck and tapering at a lower portion 211 to accommodate the child's pelvic region. Positioned at the lower portion 211, the removably attachable saddle 208 may comprise a first saddle coupler 276 and a second saddle coupler 278 attached to a padded panel 280, which is used as a cushion for the child. The first and second saddle couplers 276, 280 are compatible with the first and second hip belt couplers 258, 266 allowing the user to quickly connect and disconnect the removably attachable saddle 208. For example, in one embodiment, the first hip belt coupler 258 may be a female release buckle and the first saddle coupler 276 may be a male release buckle. The second hip belt coupler 266 may be a male release buckle and the second saddle coupler 280 may be a female release buckle.
Referring to FIG. 19, the removably attachable saddle 208 may further comprise a first saddle belt loop 282 and a second saddle belt loop 284, which may be manufactured from a stretchable or non-stretchable material. While multiple saddle belt loops are shown, it will be appreciated that the removably attachable saddle 208 may comprise none or many saddle belt loops. The first and second saddle belt loops 282, 284 are positioned at the waist of a child when the child is placed in the removably attachable saddle 208. The first and second belt loops may receive the first and second saddle belts 268, 270, which may be adjusted to secure the child more tightly or loosely to the user. The removably attachable saddle 208 may further comprise a first shoulder coupler 286 to couple to the first shoulder strap coupler 236 and a second shoulder coupler 288 to couple to the second shoulder strap coupler 238. The first and second shoulder couplers 286, 288 may be coupled to a first saddle adjustment strap 289 and a second saddle adjustment strap 291, respectively. The first and second saddle adjustment straps 289, 291 may allow the removably attachable saddle 208 to be pulled closer to the user or loosened and moved farther away from the user.
As a child is inserted into the removably attachable saddle 208, the child's right leg may be inserted into a first leg loop 290 and the child's left leg may be inserted into a second leg loop 292 (Shown in FIGS. 16 and 19). In some embodiments, the first and second leg loops 290, 292 are adjustable, which can allow children of different sizes and shapes to fit into the removably attachable saddle 208. It will be appreciated that the first and second leg loops 290, 292 may be stretchable material. In addition, the first and second leg loops 290, 292 may be padded, giving structure to the first and second leg loops 290, 292 so that the child may be easily placed in the removably attachable saddle. However, it will be appreciated that the first and second leg loops 290, 292 are not limited to being stretchable and padded. The first and second leg loops 290, 292 may also be non-stretchable and non-padded or any other combination.
As shown in FIGS. 19-20, to protect a child from the elements (e.g., sunlight, rain, snow), the removably attachable saddle 208 may comprise a face shield 294 coupled thereto. When a child needs protection from the elements, the user may release the face shield 294 by removing a face shield cable 296 from a shield hook 298. Once released, the face shield 294 may couple to the first and second securement cables 240, 242, thereby covering and providing protection for the child. The face shield 294 may be a breathable material, such as mesh. If protection of the child is not required, the user may roll the face shield 294 and pull the face shield cable 296 over the face shield 294 and couple it to the shield hook 298, securing the face shield 294 in a stowed position. While a cable and hook are shown, hook and loop, snaps, or any other securement mechanism may be used to secure the face shield.
It will be appreciated that the removably attachable saddle 208 may be quickly coupled to the bag structure 202 or quickly decoupled and stored in the bag structure 202 when not in use. The child carry system 200 provides a simple and effective way of carrying a child as well as essential items, while leaving the user's hands free. The child carry system 200 also places the child on the front of the user, creating easy access to the coupling mechanisms of the removably attachable saddle 208 as well as the child.
Accordingly, the child carry system 100, 200 disclosed herein solves the problems in the prior art by providing a bag structure 202 on the back of a user while providing for a child carry system (e.g., saddle 208) on the front. This frees the user's hands, allows the user to easily take care of the child, while allowing them to assemble and insert or remove the child without assistance. However, while discussed and shown with the child on the front and the bag structure for storage on the back, the reverse is also possible, with the child being positioned on a user's back and storage on the front.
As discussed, a system and method for carrying a child and various items comprises a child carry system 100, 200 having a bag structure positionable on the back of a user (e.g., a backpack) and a child carry system on an opposite, front side of the user. The child carry system generally comprises a removably attachable saddle for securing the child to the user. When not in use, the saddle may be stored on the child carry system or removed therefrom.
Exemplary embodiments are described above. No element, act, or instruction used in this description should be construed as important, necessary, critical, or essential unless explicitly described as such. Although only a few of the exemplary embodiments have been described in detail herein, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in these exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages herein. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A child carry system comprising:

a bag structure comprising one or more pockets, the bag structure configured to rest on a user's back;

a removably attachable saddle coupleable to the bag structure, the saddle configured to rest on the front of a user, the saddle further configured to receive a child therein.

2. The child carry system of claim 1, wherein the bag structure is a backpack.

3. The child carry system of claim 2, wherein the backpack comprises a first shoulder strap and a second shoulder strap.

4. The child carry system of claim 3, wherein the first shoulder strap comprises a first shoulder coupler, and the second shoulder strap comprises a second shoulder coupler.

5. The child carry system of claim 4, further comprising one or more saddle couplers and one or more shoulder couplers to attach the removably attachable saddle to the first and second shoulder straps of the bag structure.

6. The child carry system of claim 1, wherein the bag structure further comprises at least one container pouch.

7. The child carry system of claim 1, wherein the bag structure further comprises a flap pocket and a flap.

8. The child carry system of claim 6, wherein the flap comprises a securement aperture.

9. The child carry system of claim 1, wherein the one or more pockets comprise a flap pocket, a front pocket, and a main pocket.

10. The child carry system of claim 1, wherein the removably attachable saddle comprises a mesh material.

11. The child carry system of claim 1, wherein the bag structure further comprises a first hip belt strap with a first hip belt coupler.

12. The child carry system of claim 1, wherein the bag structure further comprises a first saddle belt with a first saddle belt coupler.

13. The child carry system of claim 1, further comprising a face shield.

14. A child carry system, comprising:

a bag structure comprising one or more pockets;

a removably attachable saddle coupleable to the bag structure, the removably attachable saddle comprising:

one or more saddle couplers and one or more shoulder couplers to attach the removably attachable saddle to the bag structure;

one or more saddle belt loops; and

a first leg loop and a second leg loop.

15. The child carry system of claim 14, wherein the bag structure further comprises a first shoulder strap and a second shoulder strap.

16. The child carry system of claim 15, wherein the first shoulder strap comprises a first shoulder coupler, and the second shoulder strap comprises a second shoulder coupler.

17. The child carry system of claim 14, wherein the bag structure further comprises a first hip belt strap with a first hip belt coupler, and a second hip belt strap with a second hip belt coupler.

18. The child carry system of claim 14, wherein the removably attachable cover further comprises a face shield.

19. The child carry system of claim 14, wherein the removeably attachable cover further comprises a face shield cable and a shield hook to secure the face shield.

20. A method of using a child carry system to carry a child, comprising:

placing a bag structure on a back of a user, the bag structure comprising at least one shoulder strap and one or more pockets for receiving goods;

attaching a removably attachable saddle to the at least one shoulder strap of the bag structure, the removably attachable saddle configured to rest on the front of a user; and

inserting a child into the removably attachable saddle.