CA1332928C - Baby carrier - Google Patents
Baby carrierInfo
- Publication number
- CA1332928C CA1332928C CA000604381A CA604381A CA1332928C CA 1332928 C CA1332928 C CA 1332928C CA 000604381 A CA000604381 A CA 000604381A CA 604381 A CA604381 A CA 604381A CA 1332928 C CA1332928 C CA 1332928C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- main panel
- carrier
- baby
- shoulder strap
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47D—FURNITURE SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CHILDREN
- A47D13/00—Other nursery furniture
- A47D13/02—Baby-carriers; Carry-cots
- A47D13/025—Baby-carriers; Carry-cots for carrying children in seated position
Landscapes
- Undergarments, Swaddling Clothes, Handkerchiefs Or Underwear Materials (AREA)
Abstract
Many baby carriers available utilize straps which are adjustable and which use a pair of slip rings through which the strap is moved or, alternatively, utilize a buckle type adjustment both of which of which are difficult to adjust particularly if the carrier person has to use one hand to support the baby and the other hand to adjust the straps. The present carrier uses both ring and snap swivel type adjusters together with hook and loop type fasteners such as VELCRO?.
Furthermore, the crotch area is padded as are the boun-daries of this area through which the legs of the baby engage. The crotch is also adjustable in width depending upon the age of the baby and whether or not it is facing to the carrier person or away. Another advantage is the relatively large pocket formed on the back of the body panel which can be used for carrying small items when the carrier is in use. However when not in use, the bottom of the pocket is grasped internally and pulled upwardly thus turning the pocket inside out whereupon the straps are folded and placed within the pocket thus enclosing the complete carrier which can then be carried from place to place by means of a small loop handle secured to the upper edge of the pocket.
Furthermore, the crotch area is padded as are the boun-daries of this area through which the legs of the baby engage. The crotch is also adjustable in width depending upon the age of the baby and whether or not it is facing to the carrier person or away. Another advantage is the relatively large pocket formed on the back of the body panel which can be used for carrying small items when the carrier is in use. However when not in use, the bottom of the pocket is grasped internally and pulled upwardly thus turning the pocket inside out whereupon the straps are folded and placed within the pocket thus enclosing the complete carrier which can then be carried from place to place by means of a small loop handle secured to the upper edge of the pocket.
Description
BABY CARRIER
This invention relates to new and useful l)rovelllents in baby carriers.
Many soft carriers for babies are cu~re~ y available. These may include a pocket or sling that engages the child and shoulder straps and a waistband that support the carrier on an adult weaDng the carrier.
The known carriers suffer from certain disadvantages. A primary one of these is discomfort to both the adult wearer and the infant being carried. This usually arises beca--qe of high pressure points where the straps engage the wearer or, in the case of the child, along the legs, the back of the head or wherever the edges of the pocket or sling contact the child's body.
Another difficulty with the known carriers is that of putting on and taking off the carrier. The use of either buckles and straps or pairs of slip ring for fastening the carrier shoulder straps and waistband requires the use of both hands to adjust the strap, which can be awkward and sometimes dangerous to the baby in the carrier.
Many carriers also suffer from a lack of versatility in that they do not allow caIIying the child in a number of di~erenl positions, for example, facing forwards, facing to the rear, on the back or on the front of the adult weaDng the carrier.The present invention aids in mitig~ting one or more of the disadvantages of the known carriers.
According to the present invention there is provided a baby carrier compri~ing a main panel formed from a soft flexible m~t~rial and having a substantially q~la~lrilatpral configuration with spaced and parallel upper and lower edges, with the upper edge being longer than the lower edge whereby the side edges extend from the ends of the upper edge, dowl,w~dly and inwardly towards the endsof the lower edge, the main panel having internal pad-lin~ extenllin~ along the side edges;
a soft flexible waistband secured to the lower edge of the main panel and having end portions extçn~lin~ oulwardly upon either side thereof, the waistband having intem~l pall~lin~ across the lower edge of the main panel;
f~t~ning means on the end portions of the waistband for adjustable connection of the end portions;
a soft shoulder strap exten~ling across and secured to the upper edge of said main panel with end portions of the shoulder strap extPn(ling oulw~ly from the respective ends of the upper edge of the main panel, the shoulder strap having int~rn~l pall~lin~ across the upper edge of the main panel;
a plurality of first shoulder strap fastener components secured to each end portion of the shoulder strap in spaced relationship along the length thereof; and second shoulder strap fastener components secured to the respective side edges of the main panel for selectively en~ging any one of the first shoulder strap f~t~ner components.
With this arrangement, all of the edges of the carrier that contact the child are fully padded, including the side edges of the main panel, the shoulder strap where it crosses the top of the main panel and contacts the child at the back of the head, on the neck or in the lower face and chin area.
In ~lcrcllcd embo-liment~ of the invention, the lower portion of the main panel includes a wrap-around f~tçnin~ tabs that will gather this part of the main panel and hold it in a somewhat gathered state. This part of the main panel serves as a crotch support for the infant. When the infant is facing inwards towards the we~lcr, a wide crotch support is al)propliate, but with the child facing in the opposite direction, the main panel extçn(ls between the child's legs, from the rear to the front. The ç.~t~n~ed panel will cause oulw~d pressure on the legs and consequent ch~fing Another characteristic of the invention is the use of hook and loop fastener m~tçri~l to fasten the waistband in place. This ensures that the waistband can be fitted as desired to the wearer regardless of its position on the wedl~;l's body and regardless of the size of the wearer. It can also be fastened in place quickly and with a ~of manipulation and effort on the part of the wearer, thus ...i~ i7in~ the difficulty of putting on the carrier and taking it off.
A carrier constructed according to the plc;r~lled embodiment of the invention allows a baby to be carried at the front of the wearer either facing in or out. The baby can be worn on either hip either in front of the hip or behind. The carrier can be worn with ~e baby in a nursing posi~on. The baby can also ride on the back of ~e wearer facing either in or out.
With the foregoing in view, and other advantages as will become a~arel-t to those skilled in the art to which this invention relates as this specification proceeds, the invention is herein described by reference to the accol~ing drawings forminga part hereof, which includes a description of the best mode known to the applicant and of the plefelled typical embodiment of the principles of the present invention, in which:
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWlNGS
Figure 1 is a rear elevation of the baby carrier exten~le~l in a planar position to show the various components and configurations thereof.
Figure 2 is a reverse view of Figure 1 showing the inside of the carrier.
Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure 1 but showing the crotch adj~lstment strapsor tabs engaged.
Figure 4 is a reverse view of Figure 3.
Figure 4A is a fr~gment~ry isometric view of the crotch area u-~re~llicted.
Figure 5 shows a view of the carrier attached tc the front of a carrier person shown schematically.
Figure 6 shows a rear view of Figure 5 with the shoulder straps criss-crossing the back of the carrier person.
Figure 7 is a view similar to Figure 5 but showing the carrier on one hip with one shoulder strap disengaged.
Figure 8 is a rear view of Figure 7.
Figure 9 is a side elevation of Figure 5 and appears with Figures 3, 4 and 4A.
Figure 9A is a view similar to Figure 9 but with the baby at the rear of the carrier person and appears with Figures 10-12.
Figure 10 is a view of the carrier suspended by the upper edge thereof and ready for moving to the storage position.
Figure 11 shows the bag formed by the carrier panel and the pocket panel turned inside out.
Figure 12 is the same as Figure 11 but reversed with the soulder s~raps and waistband stored inside th~ bzg formed by the carrier and pocket panel and suspended by the hand loop.
In the drawings like characters of reference indicate corresponding parts in the different figures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Proceeding therefore to describe the invention in detail, reference should first be made to Figures 1 and 2 in which reference character 20 shows the main carrier panel made of cloth or synthetic plastic fabric and having a quadrilateral configuration with the upper edge 21 being parallel to the lower edge 22 and with the upper edge being wider than the lower edge 22 so that the side edges 23 and 23A extend downwardly and inwardly from the ends of the upper edge 21 to the ends of the lower edge 22.
Internal padding, not illustrated, is indicated by reference characters 24 and 24A and extends from the upper edge to the lower edge parallel to the side edges 23 and 23A and being situated on each side of the verti-cal centre line indicated by reference character 25.
This padding preferably terminates just to each side of the centre line 25.
A small flexible tab 26 is secured as by sewing 27 to each side edge of the panel and extends outwardly therefrom and a conventional swivel snap hook component 28 is secured to each of these tabs 26 and on the outer ends thereof as clearly shown in Figure 1.
A shoulder strap collectively designated 29 is secured by the centre thereof, to the upper edge 21 of the panel 20 and corner gussets 30 are provided for strengthening purposes between the edges 23 and 23A and the portions 31 and 3lA of the shoulder strap which extend outwardly upon each side of the central portion 32. This shoulder strap, although a flexible material, extends substantially perpendicular to the centre line 25 as clearly shown and is internally padded clear across the centre section 32 and part way along the portions 31 and 3lA.
Towards the distal ends 33 and 33A of this strap there is provided a plurality of D-rings 34 in spaced relationship with one another and secured as by stitching, by the crossbar 35 of the D-rings and these D-rings are selectively snap engagable with the snap hook components 24 and 24A as will hereinafter be described.
A waistband or strap collectively designated 36, is secured by the central section or portion 37 thereof across the lower edge 22 of the panel 20 with the two outer portions 38 and 38A also extending outwardly substantially perpendicular to the centre line 25. This central portion 37 is also internally padded and this padding extends part way along the portions 38 and 38A.
The distal end portions 39 of this strap or waistband 36 are provided with hook and loop strips 40 and 41 such as manufactured under the trademark "VELCRO"
and these portions, when in overlapping relationship, selectively engage to detachably secure the end portions together.
Extending outwardly from the side edges 23 and 23A, is a further pair of flexible tabs 41 and 41A
situated between the snap hook components 28 and the lower edge 22 of the panel. These tabs are also stitched to the panel as indicated by reference character 42 and the tabs are provided with hook and loop components 43 and 43A which once again may engage one another in over-lapping securing relationship as will hereinafter be described.
In operation as a carrier, and assuming use in the front of the carrier person as shown in Figures 5, 6 and 9, the waistband 36 is engaged around the waist or hip area of the carrier person with the panel 20 hanging downwardly therefrom. The waistband is adjusted until it is snug around the waist or hip area with the hook and loop portions 40 overlapping one another to hold this waistband snugly in position.
The baby is then placed on the chest of the carrier person facing the carrier person whereupon the main panel is pulled upwardly between the baby's legs and over the back thereof so that he is seated in the area indicated by reference character 44 in Figure 4A with his legs extending over the curved padded edge portions 45 of the crotch area indicated by reference character 46.
The two ends 31 and 3lA of the shoulder strap are then tossed over the shoulders of the carrier person with one hand, the other hand supporting the baby, where-upon they are crossed over the back of the shoulder person and brought around to the front so that one of the D-rings 34 may snap engage the opposite snap hook component 26.
The other end is similarly adjusted and snap hook engaged with the swivel hook component on the opposite side.
Any necessary adjustments can then be made readily and easily until the baby and carrier person are in a comfortable relationship one with the other.
If it is desired to move the baby to the hip area, and assuming the baby is relatively small, it is merely necessary to swing the carrier to one side adjusting the length of the shoulder straps as this is done .
If however the baby is relatively large, the carrier person's arm on the side at which it is desired to place the baby, may be disengaged from the shoulder strap portion and the necessary adjustments made so that the baby can be situated in front, on or just behind the hip or can be adjustably supported in a nursing position, particularly if breast feeding is being used.
To position the baby facing forwardly, it will of course be appreciated that the baby must be suffi-ciently mature in order to support its own head.
The procedure is the same as above except that the baby faces forwardly on your chest as the panel is brought up over the front of the baby. It is sometimes desirable to turn down the upper edge 21 of the panel so that the straps will go under the baby's arms, over the shoulders of the carrier person and then across the back to be fastened to the snap hook components 28 in a manner similar to that hereinbefore described.
Under these circumstances, the wider portion of the crotch area may place undue outward pressure upon the baby's legs extending on either side thereof and/or cause chaffing to occur so that it is desirable to narrow this area by overlapping the tabs 41 and 4lA to the inside of the panel and then engage the hook and loop components 43 and 43A to hold the crotch area in the narrowed position shown in Figures 3 and 4. This also causes a further layer of padded material to engage against the legs of the baby.
Another disadvantage of many carriers made specifically to carry the baby on the back of the carrier person, is that most of them are frame type packs and are therefore unwieldly and difficult to store. This also means that they are difficult to take along when travelling.
They also have a tendency to chafe the back and shoulders of the wearer and put strain on the lower back as the baby is usually positioned too high and relatively far away from the back of the carrier person. Also the baby is usually only restrained by a relatively thin strap and some enterprising babies can of course undo the buckle of such strap and literally climb out so that most people who buy a front pack will, at some later date, also purchase a back pack thereby doubling the costs.
One of the principal advantages of the present carrier is that it can be worn on the back of the carrier person whereby the baby is held close to the person's back which provides support for the back while at the same time the material of the pack or carrier is swaddling the baby in such a way that it would be impos-sible for the baby to climb out.
Also because there is no unwieldy metal or 1~
plastic frame on the carrier person, the person is able to for example, work around the house, with the baby safely at the back of the carrier person away from, for example, hot stoves or sharp knives and yet there is no frame to make it awkward for the carrier person to turn quickly when necessary.
There are two methods of engaging the baby within the pack to be worn at the back of the carrier person. In both instances, the waistband is adjusted and secured and the snap hook components are engaged to the corresponding D-rings on the same side rather than on the opposite sides without crossing same.
In the first instance, and depending upon circumstances and the size of the baby, the carrier may then be moved around to the rear of the carrier person and the baby is placed on the back in the form of a piggyback position whereupon the baby's back is held with one hand and the other hand pulls the carrier up through the baby's legs and over his or her back. At this point, the carrier person's arms are slipped through the fastened shoulder straps one at a time and the necessary adjustments are made.
In the second method, the carrier person sits down on a bed or chair and moves the pack around to the back with of course the waist band being adjusted and secured and the snap hook components engaged as herein before described, on the same side rather than on the opposite side and without crossing same.
The sling is lying on the chair seat at this point behind the wearer whereupon the baby is stood up straddling the crotch area, the wearer then slips his or her arms through the loops of the straps thus enclosing the baby, whereupon the wearer may stand with the baby firmly engaged within the sling and snuggled to the back of the carrier person.
Reference to Figures 1 and 5 will show a pocket panel 47 having ~lmensions similar to the main panel 20 and secured to the outer surface of the main panel around the periphery thereof leaving the upper edge 48 open and this open upper edge may be elasticized if desired.
The pocket so formed by the main panel 20 and the pocket panel 47 may be used to carry diapers and small items when a baby is being carried by a carrier person as hereinbefore described.
However, when it is desired to store the baby carrier, this bag may be utilized and reference should be made to Figures 10 through 12.
Figure 10 shows the carrier freely supported by ~-3 the upper edge 21 of the main panel by means of hand 49 with the straps 29 and 36 hanging downwardly therefrom.
The opposite hand (not illustrated) is then engaged within the opening 50 until the crotch area 46 may be grasped whereupon the "bag" is turned inside out and takes up the position shown in Figure 11 with the straps 29 and 36 aimed downwardly therefrom as clearly shown.
The bag is then reversed and the straps folded and placed within the bag so that it can be carried by small handle loop 51 secured just inside the upper edge 48 of the pocket panel 47. Also it will be noted that the inner surface of the main panel is protected against contamination or dampness due to rain.
It will also be noted that a further small pocket panel 53 is secured to the main pocket panel 47 adjacent the upper edge 48 which can be used for keys or the like when the carrier itself is being carried as shown in Figure 12.
Advantages over conventional carriers include the following:
Comfort to the carrier person is ensured by the heavily padded width of the should strap plus the six point attachment system which distributes the weight of the baby evenly between the shoulders, hips and back.
The attachment system allows the carrier person to don and remove the carrier in seconds, an important aspect in the case of emergency or if the baby is asleep and it is not desirable to wake him or her.
The carrier is comfortable for babies in a variety of positions. Young babies can face their mothers and receive maximum head support while older babies may face outwardly and enjoy the view. Also the versatility of the carrier is shown by its ability to be used as a back pack and a hip sling as well as a front carrier which is done by simply adjusting the straps.
The carrier is also adaptable for breast feeding.
The large pocket formed by the pocket panel and the main panel is handy for carrying the carrier person's belongings such as wallets, or the baby's belongings such as diapers, wallets and the like and finally the carrier may be turned inside out so that the pocket becomes a small carrying case for the assembly with the straps stored inside and a small handle available for carrying purposes.
The leg holes of the carrier are positioned to be comfortable for babies of all ages and sizes and are padded as is the shoulder and waist strap and it should be stressed that the hook and loop type strap fasteners and the snap hook component type fasteners can be undone in an emergency and in a hurry readily and easily.
Since various modifications can be made in my invention as hereinabove described, and many apparently widely different embodiments of same made within the spirit and scope of the claims without departing from such spirit and scope, it is intended that all matter contained in the accompanying specification shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not in a limiting sense.
This invention relates to new and useful l)rovelllents in baby carriers.
Many soft carriers for babies are cu~re~ y available. These may include a pocket or sling that engages the child and shoulder straps and a waistband that support the carrier on an adult weaDng the carrier.
The known carriers suffer from certain disadvantages. A primary one of these is discomfort to both the adult wearer and the infant being carried. This usually arises beca--qe of high pressure points where the straps engage the wearer or, in the case of the child, along the legs, the back of the head or wherever the edges of the pocket or sling contact the child's body.
Another difficulty with the known carriers is that of putting on and taking off the carrier. The use of either buckles and straps or pairs of slip ring for fastening the carrier shoulder straps and waistband requires the use of both hands to adjust the strap, which can be awkward and sometimes dangerous to the baby in the carrier.
Many carriers also suffer from a lack of versatility in that they do not allow caIIying the child in a number of di~erenl positions, for example, facing forwards, facing to the rear, on the back or on the front of the adult weaDng the carrier.The present invention aids in mitig~ting one or more of the disadvantages of the known carriers.
According to the present invention there is provided a baby carrier compri~ing a main panel formed from a soft flexible m~t~rial and having a substantially q~la~lrilatpral configuration with spaced and parallel upper and lower edges, with the upper edge being longer than the lower edge whereby the side edges extend from the ends of the upper edge, dowl,w~dly and inwardly towards the endsof the lower edge, the main panel having internal pad-lin~ extenllin~ along the side edges;
a soft flexible waistband secured to the lower edge of the main panel and having end portions extçn~lin~ oulwardly upon either side thereof, the waistband having intem~l pall~lin~ across the lower edge of the main panel;
f~t~ning means on the end portions of the waistband for adjustable connection of the end portions;
a soft shoulder strap exten~ling across and secured to the upper edge of said main panel with end portions of the shoulder strap extPn(ling oulw~ly from the respective ends of the upper edge of the main panel, the shoulder strap having int~rn~l pall~lin~ across the upper edge of the main panel;
a plurality of first shoulder strap fastener components secured to each end portion of the shoulder strap in spaced relationship along the length thereof; and second shoulder strap fastener components secured to the respective side edges of the main panel for selectively en~ging any one of the first shoulder strap f~t~ner components.
With this arrangement, all of the edges of the carrier that contact the child are fully padded, including the side edges of the main panel, the shoulder strap where it crosses the top of the main panel and contacts the child at the back of the head, on the neck or in the lower face and chin area.
In ~lcrcllcd embo-liment~ of the invention, the lower portion of the main panel includes a wrap-around f~tçnin~ tabs that will gather this part of the main panel and hold it in a somewhat gathered state. This part of the main panel serves as a crotch support for the infant. When the infant is facing inwards towards the we~lcr, a wide crotch support is al)propliate, but with the child facing in the opposite direction, the main panel extçn(ls between the child's legs, from the rear to the front. The ç.~t~n~ed panel will cause oulw~d pressure on the legs and consequent ch~fing Another characteristic of the invention is the use of hook and loop fastener m~tçri~l to fasten the waistband in place. This ensures that the waistband can be fitted as desired to the wearer regardless of its position on the wedl~;l's body and regardless of the size of the wearer. It can also be fastened in place quickly and with a ~of manipulation and effort on the part of the wearer, thus ...i~ i7in~ the difficulty of putting on the carrier and taking it off.
A carrier constructed according to the plc;r~lled embodiment of the invention allows a baby to be carried at the front of the wearer either facing in or out. The baby can be worn on either hip either in front of the hip or behind. The carrier can be worn with ~e baby in a nursing posi~on. The baby can also ride on the back of ~e wearer facing either in or out.
With the foregoing in view, and other advantages as will become a~arel-t to those skilled in the art to which this invention relates as this specification proceeds, the invention is herein described by reference to the accol~ing drawings forminga part hereof, which includes a description of the best mode known to the applicant and of the plefelled typical embodiment of the principles of the present invention, in which:
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWlNGS
Figure 1 is a rear elevation of the baby carrier exten~le~l in a planar position to show the various components and configurations thereof.
Figure 2 is a reverse view of Figure 1 showing the inside of the carrier.
Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure 1 but showing the crotch adj~lstment strapsor tabs engaged.
Figure 4 is a reverse view of Figure 3.
Figure 4A is a fr~gment~ry isometric view of the crotch area u-~re~llicted.
Figure 5 shows a view of the carrier attached tc the front of a carrier person shown schematically.
Figure 6 shows a rear view of Figure 5 with the shoulder straps criss-crossing the back of the carrier person.
Figure 7 is a view similar to Figure 5 but showing the carrier on one hip with one shoulder strap disengaged.
Figure 8 is a rear view of Figure 7.
Figure 9 is a side elevation of Figure 5 and appears with Figures 3, 4 and 4A.
Figure 9A is a view similar to Figure 9 but with the baby at the rear of the carrier person and appears with Figures 10-12.
Figure 10 is a view of the carrier suspended by the upper edge thereof and ready for moving to the storage position.
Figure 11 shows the bag formed by the carrier panel and the pocket panel turned inside out.
Figure 12 is the same as Figure 11 but reversed with the soulder s~raps and waistband stored inside th~ bzg formed by the carrier and pocket panel and suspended by the hand loop.
In the drawings like characters of reference indicate corresponding parts in the different figures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Proceeding therefore to describe the invention in detail, reference should first be made to Figures 1 and 2 in which reference character 20 shows the main carrier panel made of cloth or synthetic plastic fabric and having a quadrilateral configuration with the upper edge 21 being parallel to the lower edge 22 and with the upper edge being wider than the lower edge 22 so that the side edges 23 and 23A extend downwardly and inwardly from the ends of the upper edge 21 to the ends of the lower edge 22.
Internal padding, not illustrated, is indicated by reference characters 24 and 24A and extends from the upper edge to the lower edge parallel to the side edges 23 and 23A and being situated on each side of the verti-cal centre line indicated by reference character 25.
This padding preferably terminates just to each side of the centre line 25.
A small flexible tab 26 is secured as by sewing 27 to each side edge of the panel and extends outwardly therefrom and a conventional swivel snap hook component 28 is secured to each of these tabs 26 and on the outer ends thereof as clearly shown in Figure 1.
A shoulder strap collectively designated 29 is secured by the centre thereof, to the upper edge 21 of the panel 20 and corner gussets 30 are provided for strengthening purposes between the edges 23 and 23A and the portions 31 and 3lA of the shoulder strap which extend outwardly upon each side of the central portion 32. This shoulder strap, although a flexible material, extends substantially perpendicular to the centre line 25 as clearly shown and is internally padded clear across the centre section 32 and part way along the portions 31 and 3lA.
Towards the distal ends 33 and 33A of this strap there is provided a plurality of D-rings 34 in spaced relationship with one another and secured as by stitching, by the crossbar 35 of the D-rings and these D-rings are selectively snap engagable with the snap hook components 24 and 24A as will hereinafter be described.
A waistband or strap collectively designated 36, is secured by the central section or portion 37 thereof across the lower edge 22 of the panel 20 with the two outer portions 38 and 38A also extending outwardly substantially perpendicular to the centre line 25. This central portion 37 is also internally padded and this padding extends part way along the portions 38 and 38A.
The distal end portions 39 of this strap or waistband 36 are provided with hook and loop strips 40 and 41 such as manufactured under the trademark "VELCRO"
and these portions, when in overlapping relationship, selectively engage to detachably secure the end portions together.
Extending outwardly from the side edges 23 and 23A, is a further pair of flexible tabs 41 and 41A
situated between the snap hook components 28 and the lower edge 22 of the panel. These tabs are also stitched to the panel as indicated by reference character 42 and the tabs are provided with hook and loop components 43 and 43A which once again may engage one another in over-lapping securing relationship as will hereinafter be described.
In operation as a carrier, and assuming use in the front of the carrier person as shown in Figures 5, 6 and 9, the waistband 36 is engaged around the waist or hip area of the carrier person with the panel 20 hanging downwardly therefrom. The waistband is adjusted until it is snug around the waist or hip area with the hook and loop portions 40 overlapping one another to hold this waistband snugly in position.
The baby is then placed on the chest of the carrier person facing the carrier person whereupon the main panel is pulled upwardly between the baby's legs and over the back thereof so that he is seated in the area indicated by reference character 44 in Figure 4A with his legs extending over the curved padded edge portions 45 of the crotch area indicated by reference character 46.
The two ends 31 and 3lA of the shoulder strap are then tossed over the shoulders of the carrier person with one hand, the other hand supporting the baby, where-upon they are crossed over the back of the shoulder person and brought around to the front so that one of the D-rings 34 may snap engage the opposite snap hook component 26.
The other end is similarly adjusted and snap hook engaged with the swivel hook component on the opposite side.
Any necessary adjustments can then be made readily and easily until the baby and carrier person are in a comfortable relationship one with the other.
If it is desired to move the baby to the hip area, and assuming the baby is relatively small, it is merely necessary to swing the carrier to one side adjusting the length of the shoulder straps as this is done .
If however the baby is relatively large, the carrier person's arm on the side at which it is desired to place the baby, may be disengaged from the shoulder strap portion and the necessary adjustments made so that the baby can be situated in front, on or just behind the hip or can be adjustably supported in a nursing position, particularly if breast feeding is being used.
To position the baby facing forwardly, it will of course be appreciated that the baby must be suffi-ciently mature in order to support its own head.
The procedure is the same as above except that the baby faces forwardly on your chest as the panel is brought up over the front of the baby. It is sometimes desirable to turn down the upper edge 21 of the panel so that the straps will go under the baby's arms, over the shoulders of the carrier person and then across the back to be fastened to the snap hook components 28 in a manner similar to that hereinbefore described.
Under these circumstances, the wider portion of the crotch area may place undue outward pressure upon the baby's legs extending on either side thereof and/or cause chaffing to occur so that it is desirable to narrow this area by overlapping the tabs 41 and 4lA to the inside of the panel and then engage the hook and loop components 43 and 43A to hold the crotch area in the narrowed position shown in Figures 3 and 4. This also causes a further layer of padded material to engage against the legs of the baby.
Another disadvantage of many carriers made specifically to carry the baby on the back of the carrier person, is that most of them are frame type packs and are therefore unwieldly and difficult to store. This also means that they are difficult to take along when travelling.
They also have a tendency to chafe the back and shoulders of the wearer and put strain on the lower back as the baby is usually positioned too high and relatively far away from the back of the carrier person. Also the baby is usually only restrained by a relatively thin strap and some enterprising babies can of course undo the buckle of such strap and literally climb out so that most people who buy a front pack will, at some later date, also purchase a back pack thereby doubling the costs.
One of the principal advantages of the present carrier is that it can be worn on the back of the carrier person whereby the baby is held close to the person's back which provides support for the back while at the same time the material of the pack or carrier is swaddling the baby in such a way that it would be impos-sible for the baby to climb out.
Also because there is no unwieldy metal or 1~
plastic frame on the carrier person, the person is able to for example, work around the house, with the baby safely at the back of the carrier person away from, for example, hot stoves or sharp knives and yet there is no frame to make it awkward for the carrier person to turn quickly when necessary.
There are two methods of engaging the baby within the pack to be worn at the back of the carrier person. In both instances, the waistband is adjusted and secured and the snap hook components are engaged to the corresponding D-rings on the same side rather than on the opposite sides without crossing same.
In the first instance, and depending upon circumstances and the size of the baby, the carrier may then be moved around to the rear of the carrier person and the baby is placed on the back in the form of a piggyback position whereupon the baby's back is held with one hand and the other hand pulls the carrier up through the baby's legs and over his or her back. At this point, the carrier person's arms are slipped through the fastened shoulder straps one at a time and the necessary adjustments are made.
In the second method, the carrier person sits down on a bed or chair and moves the pack around to the back with of course the waist band being adjusted and secured and the snap hook components engaged as herein before described, on the same side rather than on the opposite side and without crossing same.
The sling is lying on the chair seat at this point behind the wearer whereupon the baby is stood up straddling the crotch area, the wearer then slips his or her arms through the loops of the straps thus enclosing the baby, whereupon the wearer may stand with the baby firmly engaged within the sling and snuggled to the back of the carrier person.
Reference to Figures 1 and 5 will show a pocket panel 47 having ~lmensions similar to the main panel 20 and secured to the outer surface of the main panel around the periphery thereof leaving the upper edge 48 open and this open upper edge may be elasticized if desired.
The pocket so formed by the main panel 20 and the pocket panel 47 may be used to carry diapers and small items when a baby is being carried by a carrier person as hereinbefore described.
However, when it is desired to store the baby carrier, this bag may be utilized and reference should be made to Figures 10 through 12.
Figure 10 shows the carrier freely supported by ~-3 the upper edge 21 of the main panel by means of hand 49 with the straps 29 and 36 hanging downwardly therefrom.
The opposite hand (not illustrated) is then engaged within the opening 50 until the crotch area 46 may be grasped whereupon the "bag" is turned inside out and takes up the position shown in Figure 11 with the straps 29 and 36 aimed downwardly therefrom as clearly shown.
The bag is then reversed and the straps folded and placed within the bag so that it can be carried by small handle loop 51 secured just inside the upper edge 48 of the pocket panel 47. Also it will be noted that the inner surface of the main panel is protected against contamination or dampness due to rain.
It will also be noted that a further small pocket panel 53 is secured to the main pocket panel 47 adjacent the upper edge 48 which can be used for keys or the like when the carrier itself is being carried as shown in Figure 12.
Advantages over conventional carriers include the following:
Comfort to the carrier person is ensured by the heavily padded width of the should strap plus the six point attachment system which distributes the weight of the baby evenly between the shoulders, hips and back.
The attachment system allows the carrier person to don and remove the carrier in seconds, an important aspect in the case of emergency or if the baby is asleep and it is not desirable to wake him or her.
The carrier is comfortable for babies in a variety of positions. Young babies can face their mothers and receive maximum head support while older babies may face outwardly and enjoy the view. Also the versatility of the carrier is shown by its ability to be used as a back pack and a hip sling as well as a front carrier which is done by simply adjusting the straps.
The carrier is also adaptable for breast feeding.
The large pocket formed by the pocket panel and the main panel is handy for carrying the carrier person's belongings such as wallets, or the baby's belongings such as diapers, wallets and the like and finally the carrier may be turned inside out so that the pocket becomes a small carrying case for the assembly with the straps stored inside and a small handle available for carrying purposes.
The leg holes of the carrier are positioned to be comfortable for babies of all ages and sizes and are padded as is the shoulder and waist strap and it should be stressed that the hook and loop type strap fasteners and the snap hook component type fasteners can be undone in an emergency and in a hurry readily and easily.
Since various modifications can be made in my invention as hereinabove described, and many apparently widely different embodiments of same made within the spirit and scope of the claims without departing from such spirit and scope, it is intended that all matter contained in the accompanying specification shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not in a limiting sense.
Claims (5)
1. A baby carrier comprising:
a main panel formed from a soft flexible material and having a substantially quadrilateral configuration with spaced and parallel upper and lower edges, with the upper edge being longer than the lower edge whereby the side edges extend from the ends of the upper edge, downwardly and inwardly towards the ends of the lower edge, the main panel having internal padding extending along the side edges;
a soft flexible waistband secured to the lower edge of the main panel and having end portions extending outwardly upon either side thereof, the waistband having internal padding across the lower edge of the main panel;
fastening means on the end portions of the waistband for adjustable connection of the end portions;
a soft shoulder strap extending across and secured to the upper edge of said main panel with end portions of the shoulder strap extending outwardly from the respective ends of the upper edge of the main panel, the shoulder strap having internal padding across the upper edge of the main panel;
a plurality of first shoulder strap fastener components secured to each end portion of the shoulder strap in spaced relationship along the length thereof; and second shoulder strap fastener components secured to the respective side edges of the main panel for selectively engaging any one of the first shoulder strap fastener components.
a main panel formed from a soft flexible material and having a substantially quadrilateral configuration with spaced and parallel upper and lower edges, with the upper edge being longer than the lower edge whereby the side edges extend from the ends of the upper edge, downwardly and inwardly towards the ends of the lower edge, the main panel having internal padding extending along the side edges;
a soft flexible waistband secured to the lower edge of the main panel and having end portions extending outwardly upon either side thereof, the waistband having internal padding across the lower edge of the main panel;
fastening means on the end portions of the waistband for adjustable connection of the end portions;
a soft shoulder strap extending across and secured to the upper edge of said main panel with end portions of the shoulder strap extending outwardly from the respective ends of the upper edge of the main panel, the shoulder strap having internal padding across the upper edge of the main panel;
a plurality of first shoulder strap fastener components secured to each end portion of the shoulder strap in spaced relationship along the length thereof; and second shoulder strap fastener components secured to the respective side edges of the main panel for selectively engaging any one of the first shoulder strap fastener components.
2. The carrier according to claim 1 in which a lower portion of the main panel constitutes a crotch support portion, and including crotch adjustment means for adjusting the effective width of said crotch support portion.
3. The carrier according to claim 2 in which the crotch adjustment means includes a pair of flexible tabs secured to the main panel adjacent the side edges thereof, said tabs, when in use, wrapping around said side edges of said panel in overlapping relationship with one another, and fastening means on said tabs cooperating to detachably hold said tabs in said overlapping relationship thereby narrowing the crotch support portion of the main panel.
4. The carrier according to claim 1, 2 or 3 which includes a pocket panel of soft material secured to the outer side of the main panel so as to define a pocket with an open upper side extending across the main panel adjacent the upper edge thereof, and a carrying loop secured to the pocket panel adjacent the open upper side of the pocket, the pocket when turned inside out, being configured to store the waistband and shoulder strap therewithin.
5. The carrier according to claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein the fastening means on the end portions of the waistband comprise hook and loop fastening means engageable on face-to-face contact.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000604381A CA1332928C (en) | 1989-06-29 | 1989-06-29 | Baby carrier |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000604381A CA1332928C (en) | 1989-06-29 | 1989-06-29 | Baby carrier |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1332928C true CA1332928C (en) | 1994-11-08 |
Family
ID=4140280
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000604381A Expired - Fee Related CA1332928C (en) | 1989-06-29 | 1989-06-29 | Baby carrier |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1332928C (en) |
Cited By (14)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2010123446A1 (en) * | 2009-04-24 | 2010-10-28 | BabyBjörn AB | A baby carrier having means for facilitating the lifting of a child into and out of the same |
| NL2008730A (en) * | 2011-09-12 | 2013-03-13 | Minimonkey B V | Child carrier. |
| US8590757B2 (en) | 2003-09-10 | 2013-11-26 | The Ergo Baby Carrier, Inc. | Baby carrier |
| CN103799766A (en) * | 2014-01-02 | 2014-05-21 | 广东乐美达集团有限公司 | Multipurpose baby carrier |
| US9185993B2 (en) | 2013-03-13 | 2015-11-17 | The Ergo Baby Carrier, Inc. | Child carrier |
| CN109480543A (en) * | 2017-09-11 | 2019-03-19 | 蓝盒玩具厂有限公司 | Coated Baby carriers |
| US10426275B2 (en) | 2015-10-30 | 2019-10-01 | The Ergo Baby Carrier, Inc. | Adjustable child carrier |
| EP3556256A1 (en) * | 2018-04-19 | 2019-10-23 | Wonderland Switzerland AG | Child carrier |
| CN110384368A (en) * | 2018-04-19 | 2019-10-29 | 明门瑞士股份有限公司 | Child carrier |
| US10736436B2 (en) | 2016-10-28 | 2020-08-11 | The Ergo Baby Carrier, Inc. | Adjustable child carrier with multiple carry orientations |
| US11219317B2 (en) | 2018-11-26 | 2022-01-11 | The Ergo Baby Carrier, Inc. | Adjustable child carrier with enhanced freedom of movement |
| US11805921B2 (en) | 2020-06-19 | 2023-11-07 | The Ergo Baby Carrier, Inc. | Adjustable child carrier with multiple carry orientations |
| USD1010305S1 (en) | 2020-12-18 | 2024-01-09 | The Ergo Baby Carrier, Inc. | Child carrier |
| USD1024541S1 (en) | 2020-06-19 | 2024-04-30 | The Ergo Baby Carrier, Inc. | Child carrier |
-
1989
- 1989-06-29 CA CA000604381A patent/CA1332928C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Cited By (33)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US10159357B2 (en) | 2003-09-10 | 2018-12-25 | The Ergo Baby Carrier, Inc. | Baby carrier |
| US8590757B2 (en) | 2003-09-10 | 2013-11-26 | The Ergo Baby Carrier, Inc. | Baby carrier |
| US9022260B2 (en) | 2003-09-10 | 2015-05-05 | The Ergo Baby Carrier, Inc. | Baby carrier |
| WO2010123446A1 (en) * | 2009-04-24 | 2010-10-28 | BabyBjörn AB | A baby carrier having means for facilitating the lifting of a child into and out of the same |
| NL2008730A (en) * | 2011-09-12 | 2013-03-13 | Minimonkey B V | Child carrier. |
| WO2013037514A1 (en) * | 2011-09-12 | 2013-03-21 | Minimonkey Bv | Child carrier |
| US10506885B2 (en) | 2013-03-13 | 2019-12-17 | The Ergo Baby Carrier, Inc. | Child carrier |
| US11026521B2 (en) | 2013-03-13 | 2021-06-08 | The Ergo Baby Carrier Inc. | Child carrier |
| US9713391B2 (en) | 2013-03-13 | 2017-07-25 | The Ergo Baby Carrier, Inc. | Child carrier |
| US9955797B2 (en) | 2013-03-13 | 2018-05-01 | The Ergo Baby Carrier, Inc. | Child carrier |
| US9185993B2 (en) | 2013-03-13 | 2015-11-17 | The Ergo Baby Carrier, Inc. | Child carrier |
| US10172478B2 (en) | 2013-03-13 | 2019-01-08 | The Ergo Baby Carrier, Inc. | Child carrier |
| US9380888B2 (en) | 2013-03-13 | 2016-07-05 | The Ergo Baby Carrier, Inc. | Child carrier |
| CN103799766A (en) * | 2014-01-02 | 2014-05-21 | 广东乐美达集团有限公司 | Multipurpose baby carrier |
| US12016470B2 (en) | 2015-10-30 | 2024-06-25 | The Ergo Baby Carrier, Inc. | Adjustable child carrier |
| US11786055B2 (en) | 2015-10-30 | 2023-10-17 | The Ergo Baby Carrier, Inc. | Adjustable child carrier |
| US10426275B2 (en) | 2015-10-30 | 2019-10-01 | The Ergo Baby Carrier, Inc. | Adjustable child carrier |
| US11051634B2 (en) | 2015-10-30 | 2021-07-06 | The Ergo Baby Carrier, Inc. | Adjustable child carrier |
| US10736436B2 (en) | 2016-10-28 | 2020-08-11 | The Ergo Baby Carrier, Inc. | Adjustable child carrier with multiple carry orientations |
| US11297957B2 (en) | 2016-10-28 | 2022-04-12 | The Ergo Baby Carrier, Inc. | Adjustable child carrier with multiple carry orientations |
| CN109480543A (en) * | 2017-09-11 | 2019-03-19 | 蓝盒玩具厂有限公司 | Coated Baby carriers |
| US10905252B2 (en) | 2018-04-19 | 2021-02-02 | Wonderland Switzerland Ag | Child carrier |
| US11026519B2 (en) | 2018-04-19 | 2021-06-08 | Wonderland Switzerland Ag | Child carrier |
| US11039695B2 (en) | 2018-04-19 | 2021-06-22 | Wonderland Switzerland Ag | Child carrier |
| US11026520B2 (en) | 2018-04-19 | 2021-06-08 | Wonderland Switzerland Ag | Child carrier |
| US10905253B2 (en) | 2018-04-19 | 2021-02-02 | Wonderland Switzerland Ag | Child carrier |
| CN110384368A (en) * | 2018-04-19 | 2019-10-29 | 明门瑞士股份有限公司 | Child carrier |
| EP3556256A1 (en) * | 2018-04-19 | 2019-10-23 | Wonderland Switzerland AG | Child carrier |
| US11219317B2 (en) | 2018-11-26 | 2022-01-11 | The Ergo Baby Carrier, Inc. | Adjustable child carrier with enhanced freedom of movement |
| US11805921B2 (en) | 2020-06-19 | 2023-11-07 | The Ergo Baby Carrier, Inc. | Adjustable child carrier with multiple carry orientations |
| US11882943B2 (en) | 2020-06-19 | 2024-01-30 | The Ergo Baby Carrier, Inc. | Adjustable child carrier with multiple carry orientations |
| USD1024541S1 (en) | 2020-06-19 | 2024-04-30 | The Ergo Baby Carrier, Inc. | Child carrier |
| USD1010305S1 (en) | 2020-12-18 | 2024-01-09 | The Ergo Baby Carrier, Inc. | Child carrier |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| US10159357B2 (en) | Baby carrier | |
| US4009808A (en) | Baby pack | |
| US9750353B2 (en) | Child carrier and methods of use | |
| US4149687A (en) | Baby pouch | |
| US6409060B2 (en) | Child carrier with enhanced back and shoulder support and retractable infant seat | |
| KR200473013Y1 (en) | Hip seat carrier set | |
| US4579264A (en) | Baby carrying device | |
| US5246152A (en) | Baby carrier with head support | |
| US4757925A (en) | Baby carrier | |
| US6213362B1 (en) | Sling-type infant carrier | |
| US20110240693A1 (en) | Baby carrier with tie straps | |
| US20030178452A1 (en) | Infant carrier | |
| KR200477837Y1 (en) | Hip seat carrier set | |
| CA1332928C (en) | Baby carrier | |
| JP2001070107A (en) | Baby carrier with pad | |
| US11202520B2 (en) | Baby carrier | |
| US4458834A (en) | Infant carrier | |
| US3027058A (en) | Baby carrier | |
| KR200473475Y1 (en) | Baby hip seat carrier | |
| KR200312695Y1 (en) | Baby Carrier | |
| US20190246811A1 (en) | Infant carrier | |
| CA2204287C (en) | Child safety vest | |
| KR102684472B1 (en) | Baby carrier | |
| US20220022662A1 (en) | Wrap carrier | |
| KR101502580B1 (en) | Hip seat for infant |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKLA | Lapsed |