CN115399601A - Baby carrier - Google Patents

Abstract

A baby carrier system is disclosed herein. The baby carrier system includes a baby carrier and a waist belt. The baby carrier includes a main body, a baby securing system and shoulder straps. The waist belt is preferably detachable and adjustable. In some embodiments, the infant carrier system may be a multi-function infant carrier system including a multi-function infant carrier configured to be used as a car seat insert, wherein the multi-function infant carrier includes a fastener slot that allows a car seat belt to secure an infant when the fastener slot is loosened.

Description

Baby harness

Cross Reference to Related Applications

This application claims priority from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/652,093, filed on 12/10/2021, which was a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/334,654, filed on 28/5/2021, which was filed on 22/2/2022.

This application is also related to, but not claimed as priority for, U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 17/149, 711, 16/286, 584, 2019, 26, 2, and 584, 2017, PCT 2017, 8, 26, PCT/US2017/048784, and 62/379.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to baby carriers.

Background

Back pain is a significant cause of morbidity in the united states and worldwide. In the 2010 global disease burden study, lumbago was found to cause more global disability than any of the other 290 diseases studied (Hoy, D, et al, "global burden of lumbago: estimate of the 2010 global disease burden study," ann. Cold. Dis.,2014 3 months). Back pain is very common during and after pregnancy because 49% of women experience back pain at some point during pregnancy (Ostgaard, h.c. et al, "prevalence of back pain during pregnancy", spine, 5 months 1991, 549-52) and about 40% of women experience postpartum back pain (Ostgaard, h.c. et al, "lower back pain after delivery", spine,1 month 1992, 53-5).

The high incidence of back pain during and after pregnancy can be better understood in view of the physiological changes that occur to the female body during pregnancy. As the body grows to accommodate the growth of the fetus, the abdominal muscles stretch. This often results in splitting or separation of the rectus abdominis muscle. These abdominal muscles are essential for the stabilization of the spine. In addition, the ligaments of the lumbar spine and pelvis relax to allow the infant to safely pass through the birth canal at birth. This reduces the intrinsic stability of the spine. Further, the S-shaped curve of the back increases, causing additional pressure on the lumbar spine. In addition, the pelvic floor muscles become stretched and often weakened. These muscles serve as the important basis for the body's core musculature, and this muscular weakening leads to a cascade of effects that affect the strength and stability of the spine. Finally, women are getting older and more pregnant, and the pregnancy rate of multiple fetuses (twins, triplets, etc.) is increasing nationwide. ) Thus, the baseline risk of back pain during and after pregnancy is increasing. These factors increase the risk of women suffering from chronic back pain if their problems are not solved early (see Fitzgerald, c. Et al, "relationship between pelvic girdle pain and pelvic floor muscle function during pregnancy", int. Urology j.,2012, 7 months, 893-8 ritchae, j. "orthopedic considerations during pregnancy", clinical gynaecology, 6 months 2003, pages 456-66). In view of these risk factors, women should be encouraged to minimize activities that increase the risk of back injuries during postpartum periods.

Although it is certainly convenient to use a multi-function infant car seat, it can be removed from the car for use as an infant carrier, which greatly increases the risk of postpartum back injury for women. The average weight of the infant car seat is about 15 pounds. A length in excess of 2 feet and a width in excess of 18 inches. When using a multi-function infant car seat, the caregiver is tasked with moving the infant car seat into and out of the car while the infant remains on the car seat.

The physical assessment of lift demonstrates the importance of these weights and the potential damage caused thereby. The further an object is from the center of gravity of the person lifting the object, the greater the force required to lift the object — a force that produces a moment that is a multiple of the distance of the object from the center of gravity of the object and the weight of the object. The weight of the infant car seat plus the weight of the infant, as this weight moves further away from the body, results in increased pressure through the spinal disc. Furthermore, people often place infant car seats in front of or slightly to the side of the body, resulting in increased forces on the intervertebral discs in the front of the lumbar spine, thereby increasing the risk of herniated or injured intervertebral discs. The spine and abdominal muscles need to use very large forces to balance the forward forces caused by the weight of the object. These muscles have become weak and stretched during the postpartum period and thus the risk of injury increases. Furthermore, the weight of an infant car seat carried on one arm increases the risk of injury to the parent carrying the arm. Furthermore, infants without car seats are at increased risk for carpal tunnel syndrome and other upper arm disorders.

The current trend in infant car seat manufacture is focused on producing car seats that not only have increased safety and stability in collisions, but also have increased versatility and ease of transport. These two considerations are often contradictory. Furthermore, the fact that the infant car seat is easily removed from the vehicle itself increases the risk of the infant in a collision. Furthermore, the detachability of the infant car seat leads to an increased risk of incorrect mounting or incorrect use. A study by the national highway Traffic safety administration in 2009 showed that 73% Of car seats were improperly installed, and nearly 84% Of infant car seats were improperly installed (see "Child restraint Misuse", www. NHTSA. Gov/About + NHTSA/trafficc + tech/current/missuse + Of + Child + constraints).

Baby carriers are used to carry babies and toddlers on the body, with or without the need to carry them by hand. However, it is well known that long term use of Baby carriers can also lead to Back Pain (see, for example, "how to Prevent Baby carrier Back Pain" www. The tot. Com/Baby/7-tips-to-present-Back-Pain-from-Baby-bathing /).

U.S. patent No. 8,464,919 to Goozdich discloses an infant carrier system comprising adjustable straps for connecting an infant carrier. U.S. patent No. 9,480,344 to Vialpando et al discloses a bimodal infant carrier suitable for use in a car seat. U.S. patent application publication No. 2008/0313812 to Reeves et al discloses an infant carrier that may be used in an automobile seat.

There remains a need for a baby carrier that reduces the risk of injury to pregnant and postpartum women, while also providing safety and convenience to the baby carried therein.

Disclosure of Invention

A baby carrier system is disclosed herein. The baby carrier system includes a baby carrier and a waist belt. The baby carrier includes a main body, a baby securing system and shoulder straps. The baby carrier may be a front-attached baby carrier, a backpack baby carrier, a dual mode front-attached or backpack baby carrier, or a carry-on baby carrier.

In some preferred embodiments, the belt may be detachable. In an alternative embodiment, the waistband may be permanently attached to the infant harness. The waistband is preferably adjustable. In some preferred embodiments, the infant carrier system may include a belt and a multi-functional infant carrier that is also configured to be used as a car seat insert.

In such embodiments, the main body of the multi-functional infant carrier includes a fastener slot that, when loosened, allows a car seat belt (e.g., a five-point belt) to secure an infant. The multi-functional infant carrier serves as an infant carrier adapted to be worn on the body of a person, such as a caregiver, when the infant carrier is removed from the car seat. When the infant is removed from the car seat in the infant carrier, the infant's arms slide out of the unbuckled car seat belt, which is preferably retained in the car seat, and when the infant carrier is lifted out of the car seat, the infant is safely lifted into the infant carrier while remaining secured therein. The fastener slots may then be zipped or otherwise fastened so that the multi-functional infant carrier may be adjusted according to the caregiver or infant's preference. In some preferred embodiments, the waist belt may preferably be a detachable and adjustable stand-alone component of the baby carrier system, such that the multi-function baby carrier may be releasably connected to the waist belt, and the waist belt may also be adjustable.

Drawings

FIG. 1 illustrates an interior view of one embodiment of an infant carrier.

Fig. 2 shows a side view of the embodiment shown in fig. 1.

Fig. 3 shows an embodiment of a detachable pouch attachment.

Figure 4 illustrates an embodiment of a head support pillow.

Fig. 5 shows an embodiment of a head support pillow secured to a baby carrier.

FIG. 6 illustrates an interior view of one embodiment of the disclosed canoe type baby carrier.

Fig. 7 shows a side view of the embodiment shown in fig. 6.

Fig. 8 shows an embodiment of a head support pillow secured to a baby carrier in the form of a canoe.

FIG. 9 shows an interior view of one embodiment of a baby carrier system.

Fig. 10 shows an external view of the embodiment of fig. 9.

Fig. 11 shows a side view of the embodiment of fig. 9.

FIG. 12 illustrates an interior view of one embodiment of a baby carrier system.

FIG. 13 shows an interior view of the embodiment of FIG. 12 with shoulder straps not shown.

FIG. 14 illustrates an interior view of one embodiment of the multi-function baby carrier.

FIG. 15 illustrates an embodiment of a detachable waist belt that may be attached to the embodiment of the baby carrier shown in FIG. 14 to form an embodiment of a baby carrier system.

Fig. 16 shows how the baby carrier shown in fig. 14 is fastened to a car seat.

Fig. 17 shows an infant secured in the car seat of the infant carrier of fig. 14.

Fig. 18A-B illustrate how an infant can be safely removed from the car seat by grasping the infant and the shoulder strap connector of the shoulder strap of the infant carrier of fig. 14.

FIG. 19 illustrates how the main body and belt magnetic components are connected when the infant is carried in the infant carrier shown in FIG. 14 and the belt shown in FIG. 15 is worn by the caregiver.

Fig. 20A illustrates a horizontal stabilizing bar that provides semi-rigidity to the main body of the baby carrier shown in fig. 14 in an area adjacent to the main body magnetic component.

Fig. 20B shows how the horizontal stabilizer bar shown in fig. 20A facilitates M-shaped relative positioning of the infant's hips and thighs when the infant is carried in the infant carrier.

FIG. 21 shows a waist belt securement system of the baby carrier of FIG. 14.

FIGS. 22A-C illustrate the T-strap of the baby carrier of FIG. 14 secured by a T-strap fastening system.

FIG. 23 shows a primary stitch and a reinforced secondary stitch securing the shoulder strap connectors to the lower shoulder strap stabilizer of the baby carrier of FIG. 14.

Figure 24 shows a detachable pouch attachment.

FIG. 25 shows an embodiment of a multi-function baby carrier having an upper shoulder car seat fastener that can also be used as a carrier.

Figures 26A-B illustrate an embodiment of the multi-function baby carrier of figure 25.

FIG. 26C shows a close-up view of the upper shoulder car seat fastener of the embodiment of FIGS. 26A-B

FIG. 27 illustrates the embodiment shown in FIG. 25, wherein the upper shoulder belt car seat fasteners are combined to form an adjustable harness.

Detailed Description

A baby carrier system is disclosed herein. The baby carrier system includes a baby carrier and a waist belt. The baby carrier includes a main body, a baby securing system and shoulder straps. The baby carrier may be a front-attached baby carrier, a backpack baby carrier, a dual mode front-attached or backpack baby carrier, or a carry-on baby carrier.

In some preferred embodiments, the belt may be detachable. In an alternative embodiment, the waistband may be permanently attached to the infant harness. The waistband is preferably adjustable. In some preferred embodiments, the infant carrier system may include a belt and a multi-function infant carrier that is also configured to be used as a car seat insert.

In such embodiments, the main body of the multi-functional infant carrier includes a fastener slot that, when loosened, allows a car seat belt (e.g., a five-point belt) to secure an infant. The multi-functional infant carrier serves as an infant carrier adapted to be worn on the body of a person, such as a caregiver, when the infant carrier is removed from the car seat. When the infant is removed from the car seat in the infant carrier, the arms of the infant slide out of the unbuckled car seat harness, which is preferably held in the car seat, and when the infant carrier is lifted out of the car seat, the infant is safely lifted into the infant carrier while remaining secured therein. The fastener slots may then be zipped or otherwise fastened so that the multi-functional infant carrier may be adjusted according to the preference of the caregiver or infant. When the fastener slots are tightened, the infant will be held close to the caregiver. This provides additional support for the infant and may be particularly suitable for smaller infants who benefit from the additional support and safety provided thereby. When the fastener slits are loosened, operability in the infant harness is increased. This may be particularly suitable for larger infants. In some preferred embodiments, the waist belt may preferably be a detachable and adjustable stand-alone component of the baby carrier system, such that the multi-function baby carrier may be releasably connected to the waist belt, and the waist belt may also be adjustable.

In some preferred embodiments, the fastener slots can be fastened and unfastened with a slot fastener system. The fastener slot may preferably be positioned at an inter-shoulder distance of a five-point harness of a car seat, which may allow a car seat belt including a harness fastener to secure an infant in the car seat when the slot is released. After the harness fastener is loosened, the baby carrier can be removed from the car seat. When the infant carrier is removed from the car seat, the infant's arms slide out of the released car seat belt, while the belt remains in the car seat. The baby can thus be lifted safely in the baby carrier.

In some embodiments, the slit fastener system may include a zipper. In other embodiments, a slit fastener system may include

In other embodiments, the slot fastener system may include one or more buttons.

When the multi-functional infant carrier is used as an infant carrier, the fastener slots may optionally be closed to provide additional support, such as may be required by an infant, or may be allowed to remain open to allow additional freedom of movement and proper positioning to provide optimal hip support for an infant, such as may be preferred for larger infants.

The baby carrier includes a baby securing system. In some embodiments, the baby securing system is permanently secured to the main body of the baby carrier. In other embodiments, the infant securing system is releasably secured to the body of the infant carrier. In other embodiments, one or more components of the baby securing system are permanently secured to the main body of the baby carrier and one or more components of the baby securing system are removably secured to the main body of the baby carrier.

The infant securing system is configured to secure a torso of an infant between the infant securing system and a body of the infant carrier. In some embodiments, the infant securing system may include one or more body straps to secure the torso of the infant, wherein the body straps may include body strap fasteners to secure the body straps, and may further include T-shaped straps to secure the waist and legs of the infant. In some preferred embodiments, the infant securing system may be comprised of a T-strap without a body strap, wherein the T-strap is configured to fully secure the infant in the infant carrier by securing the torso of the infant between the T-strap and the body of the infant carrier.

The T-strap is comprised of a T-strap connector and one or more T-strap fasteners. In some embodiments, the T-strap is comprised of a single T-strap fastener and a T-strap connector. In some alternative embodiments, the T-strap is comprised of two T-strap fasteners and one T-strap connector. In other alternative embodiments, the T-strap is constructed from another suitable combination of T-strap fasteners and T-strap connectors. The one or more T-strap fasteners may be one or more straps or other suitable fasteners that may be connected to the T-strap connector by a T-strap fastener receiver secured to and forming part of the T-strap connector. One or more T-strap fasteners and T-strap fastener receivers together form a T-strap fastening system. The main body of the infant carrier may include a tunnel overlay, wherein one or more T-strap fasteners may pass through any of a plurality of tunnels in the tunnel overlay to adjust the T-strap for the height of the waist of the infant. In embodiments having only a single T-strap fastener, the T-strap fastener may be secured to the self-tightening strapA body and a T-strap connector. The T-strap connector is preferably permanently secured to the main body of the baby carrier at the T-strap connector connection point. In embodiments having multiple T-strap fasteners, the T-strap fasteners may be permanently secured to the main body of the baby carrier. The one or more T-strap fasteners may be, for example, one or more

A belt. One or more

The belt may preferably have double sides at one or both ends

In some preferred embodiments, the body of the infant carrier includes a tunnel covering and the T-strap is comprised of (I) a single T-strap fastener having double sides at one end and (ii) a T-strap connector

Has a single face at the other end

The T-shaped belt connector comprises

A completed T-strap fastener receptacle. In such an embodiment, to secure the T-strap, the T-strap fastener is first threaded through the tunnel of the tunnel overlay, and then the double-sided T-strap fastener is threaded

The first side of the end being fastened to

T-strap fastener receivers and then applying the T-strap fasteners to the blind

Double-sided end-fastened to T-strap fastener

A second side of the end opposite the first side. In such embodiments, all or substantially all

The surfaces are secured to each other, thereby minimizing the possibility of snagging.

The band may also preferably be soft and non-irritating to the infant.

In some alternative embodiments, the T-strap fastener may include a buckle for fastening the T-strap.

The baby carrier further comprises a shoulder strap. The shoulder strap may preferably be used as a handle which can be gripped by a caregiver (e.g. a parent) when lifting the baby in the baby carrier. Each shoulder strap may include an upper shoulder strap with a pad that is the primary contact area with the caregiver when the baby carrier is worn by the caregiver and a shoulder strap connector, which may be a non-padded strap, such as nylon or other suitable strap, that extends between a portion of the pad and the lower end of the baby carrier body. The shoulder strap connector may optionally include a permanent or removable pad covering a portion of the webbing. Each shoulder strap connector may be connected to a shoulder strap adjuster, or each upper shoulder strap may be connected to a shoulder strap adjuster. In an alternative embodiment, each shoulder strap connector may be directly connected to its corresponding upper shoulder strap. In some preferred embodiments, the shoulder strap may be releasably divided into an upper shoulder strap and a shoulder strap connector.

Each shoulder strap is preferably permanently secured to the body of the infant carrier at or near the top of the body. Each shoulder strap is also secured, directly or indirectly, to the main body of the baby carrier at or near the bottom of the main body. In embodiments where each shoulder strap is secured indirectly to the body of the infant carrier at or near the bottom of the body, the shoulder straps may be secured to lower shoulder strap stabilizers that are secured to the body at lower shoulder strap stabilizer attachment points. The shoulder straps may be permanently secured to the lower shoulder strap stabilizer or may be releasably secured to the lower shoulder strap stabilizer.

In some preferred embodiments, the shoulder straps may be indirectly secured to the lower end of the baby carrier body in close proximity to each other. The lower shoulder strap stabilizers may further secure the shoulder straps to each other and to the lower end of the baby carrier body. The main body of the infant carrier may include a horizontal stabilizer bar, discussed further below, that is located near the lower end of the main body and provides a wide support base for the hips and thighs of the infant when carried in the infant carrier. The lower shoulder strap stabilizer is attached to the lower end of the main body of the baby carrier and the horizontal bar is located between the attachment point of the lower shoulder strap stabilizer and the attachment point of the T-strap connector. As a result, a baby secured in the baby carrier and placed against the caretaker's body will automatically assume a position in which the baby's buttocks are in a properly bent and abducted position. This may reduce the risk of hip dysplasia in infants. In some preferred embodiments, the lower shoulder strap stabilizer may be permanently secured to the lower end of the baby carrier body.

In some preferred embodiments, the lower shoulder strap stabilizer and the shoulder strap connector together form a Y-shaped member, also referred to as a Y-shaped strap. In such an embodiment, each shoulder strap is connected to the lower shoulder strap stabilizer by its shoulder strap connector.

In some embodiments, the shoulder strap connectors are detachable from the lower shoulder strap stabilizer. In such embodiments, the body of the infant carrier may also include a shoulder strap side connector on each side of its lower end. After being detached from the lower shoulder strap stabilizer, the shoulder strap connectors can be reconnected to the main body of the baby carrier by means of the shoulder strap side connectors. This provides an alternative positioning of the shoulder straps to maximise support and comfort over a longer period of use of the baby carrier.

In some preferred embodiments, shoulder strap adjusters may be used to adjust the operating length of the shoulder straps. As used herein, the term "working length" refers to the effective length of the component in use, not the actual overall length. Thus, any extra length of unused components is not considered part of the run length.

In some preferred embodiments, each upper shoulder strap has a shoulder strap connector attachment that connects the upper shoulder strap to its corresponding shoulder strap connector. The shoulder strap connector attachment may be attached to the shoulder strap fastener or may pass through the shoulder strap adjuster. The shoulder strap connector attachment may be formed from a linerless strap, such as a nylon or other suitable strap.

In some embodiments, the operating length of the shoulder straps is adjusted by adjusting the operating length of their shoulder strap connectors using shoulder strap adjusters. In an alternative embodiment, the operating length of the shoulder strap is adjusted by adjusting the operating length of the shoulder strap connector attachment using the shoulder strap adjuster, rather than by adjusting the operating length of the shoulder strap connector.

In some embodiments, the upper shoulder strap is detachable from the shoulder strap connector. In such embodiments, each shoulder strap adjuster may include a shoulder strap fastener insert or a shoulder strap fastener receiver. The shoulder strap fastener insert and the shoulder strap fastener receiver may be joined to form a releasably securable shoulder strap fastener. The shoulder strap fastener may be a combination of a trifurcated clip and trifurcated clip receiver, or may be any other suitable fastener.

The shoulder strap adjuster may preferably be connected to a shoulder strap fastener insert, which may be a male trident clip, as an integrally molded component. Thus, the shoulder strap adjuster and shoulder strap fastener insert may be one piece of the same two-piece shoulder strap fastener, which includes (1) the shoulder strap adjuster as part of the shoulder strap fastener insert, and (2) the shoulder strap fastener receiver. In such an embodiment, in a configuration in which shoulder strap adjusters are used to adjust the operating length of the shoulder strap connectors, the shoulder strap connectors pass through the respective shoulder strap adjusters and the shoulder strap fastener receivers are connected to the ends of the shoulder strap connector attachments of the upper shoulder straps. Alternatively, in a configuration in which the shoulder strap adjuster is used to adjust the operating length of the upper shoulder strap, the shoulder strap connector attachment passes through the corresponding shoulder strap adjuster, and the shoulder strap fastener receiver is connected to the end of the shoulder strap connector.

In some embodiments, the upper shoulder straps may be secured to the handles of the infant car seat using upper shoulder strap car seat fasteners. In some such embodiments, the upper shoulder straps may be detachable from the shoulder strap connectors, as described above. In such embodiments, the upper shoulder strap is detached from the shoulder strap connector prior to securing the upper shoulder strap to the handle of the vehicle seat. The upper shoulder belt car seat fastener may be

Fasteners, snaps, trident clamping fasteners, or any other suitable fasteners. When an infant sits in the infant carrier in a car seat insertion mode secured in the car seat, the separate shoulder strap connectors may be tucked under the infant's legs so that they do not become loose. Alternatively, the baby carrier may include one or two shoulder strap connector securing attachments to secure the shoulder strap connectors to the baby carrier.

The multi-function infant carrier may be worn by a caregiver, such as a parent, as an infant carrier while the infant remains secured therein. Thus, after removing the infant from the car seat, the caregiver does not have to remove the infant from the infant carrier when securing the infant carrier to his or her body. The caregiver can thus reduce the disturbance to the infant, for example when the infant is sleeping or tired. In some cases, the caregiver may not have to remove the blanket or other accessory, which may reduce exposure of the infant to adverse weather conditions when the infant is removed from the car seat in undesirable weather. Furthermore, since the infant is already securely fastened within the infant harness, the caregiver does not need to secure the infant within the harness after the infant is removed from the car seat. This further reduces the disturbance to the infant.

In some preferred embodiments, the infant carrier may include an external handle that may be held by the caregiver when the caregiver lifts the infant secured therein.

In some preferred embodiments, the waistband is adjustable. The waist belt is configured for use by a caregiver to secure the baby carrier to the caregiver's body. The adjustable waist belt preferably includes a waist belt fastener system including a waist belt fastener and a waist belt fastener receiver. In some embodiments, the belt may also include a removable lumbar support for use therewith.

The waistband is preferably detachable. In embodiments where the infant carrier is a multi-functional infant carrier, this reduces bulk when the infant carrier is used as a car seat insert in a car seat, because the waist belt is not connected to the infant carrier when the infant carrier is inserted into the car seat. The removability of the waist belt also facilitates the use of the multi-function baby carrier as an easy-to-use baby carrier.

In an alternative embodiment, the detachable waist belt is configured to be detachably connected to a baby carrier that does not include features that allow the baby carrier to be used as a car seat insert.

The detachable waist belt may be detachably secured to the main body of the baby carrier using a waist belt securement system. The belt securement system may include a magnetic attachment system with a mechanical release, such as a fidloc magnetic fastener system. The magnetic attachment system may include a main body magnetic component and a belt magnetic component that may be securely connected and subsequently separated only by application of mechanical force to a mechanical release device. Although the main body magnetic component and the belt magnetic component are initially coupled by magnetic attraction between the components, the coupling components create a mechanical connection therebetween. Due to this mechanical connection, the separation of the main magnetic component and the waistband magnetic component requires a mechanical force rather than the reversal of a simple magnetic connection. Thus, the possibility of accidental separation is minimized. The mechanical release may be a pull-off release that requires the application of a moderate force to cause the magnetic attachment system to separate the waistband from the main body of the baby carrier. Therefore, the main body of the baby carrier is highly unlikely to be accidentally detached from the waistband, which enhances safety.

The body magnetic component may be supported by a horizontal stabilizer bar connected to the baby carrier body. The horizontal stabilizer bar provides a broad base of support for the infant's hips and thighs when the infant is placed in the infant carrier. The horizontal stabilizer bar positions the infant carrier to allow the main body of the infant carrier to support the hips and thighs of the infant, thereby facilitating an M-shaped relative positioning of the hips and thighs of the infant, facilitating support of the infant in an anatomically optimal position, and preventing long term use of the infant carrier from causing medical conditions of the infant, such as hip dysplasia. The horizontal stabilizer bar may preferably be filled for buffering.

In some embodiments, the detachable waist belt provides lower back support when worn separately or attached to the main body of the baby carrier. For comfort, the waistband may preferably include padding.

In embodiments where the infant carrier is a multi-functional infant carrier, the caregiver will optimally grasp the infant and the shoulder strap connector when using the infant carrier to remove the infant from the car seat. In an alternative embodiment, the detachable waist belt is configured to be detachably connected to an infant carrier that does not include features that allow the infant carrier to be used as a car seat insert in which a caregiver secures an infant prior to lifting the infant carrier. In such an alternative embodiment, the caregiver would still best hold the infant and shoulder strap connector.

When the caregiver holds the infant and the shoulder strap connectors when lifting the infant carrier, the horizontal stabilizer bar separates the thighs of the infant, the main body magnetic part is in an upright position, and the main body magnetic part and the shoulder straps are properly positioned when the main body of the infant carrier is close to the waist belt to connect to the waist belt. In addition, the connection of the lower shoulder strap stabilizer to the lower end of the main body of the baby carrier is a failsafe, protecting the baby from falling if the magnetic connection system fails or the baby carrier accidentally disengages from the waist belt. If the caregiver only uses the shoulder strap to carry the infant, the infant will not fall off the infant carrier. The caregiver will have sufficient time to reattach the main body magnetic component to the belt magnetic component without endangering the infant. While the waistband is intended to enhance comfortable carrying and proper hip support for the infant, this back-up safety mechanism provides additional safety in the event of a mechanical failure.

In some preferred embodiments, the baby carrier may comprise an adjustable carrier that can be used by a caregiver to secure the baby carrier to his or her body. In some embodiments, the adjustable harness may include a comfort pad.

In some highly preferred embodiments, the baby carrier may include an adjustable waist belt and an adjustable harness with which the caregiver can secure the baby carrier on his or her body.

In some embodiments, the upper shoulder car seat fasteners may also be fastened together to form an adjustable harness.

The infant carrier may be constructed of a thin, strong fabric, such as performance fabric or upholstery fabric, to minimize bulk. This relieves the burden on the caregiver carrying the infant in the infant carrier. In embodiments where the infant carrier is a multi-functional infant carrier, this also facilitates insertion of the infant carrier into the car seat without compromising safety.

In some embodiments, the infant carrier may also include an infant head support stabilizer that stabilizes the head of the infant when the infant is secured in the infant carrier and lifted by an adult or other caregiver. The infant head support stabilizer may preferably be adjustable to accommodate infants of different sizes and ages. In some embodiments, the infant head support stabilizer may be adjusted using a fastener such as a tether and a fastener lock such as a slotted button.

The body of the infant carrier may additionally include a substantially semi-rigid infant support member that may further support the infant's head and torso and promote the structural integrity of the infant carrier as the infant is lifted by a caregiver therein. This may reduce the risk of the baby's neck being over-bent or over-stretched when the baby is lifted by a caregiver in the baby carrier.

In some embodiments, the baby carrier may further comprise an accessory connector ring and an accessory connector latch, whereby a detachable pouch accessory may be attached to the baby carrier using the accessory connector latch. In some embodiments, the detachable pouch attachment may have a pocket on one or both sides.

In some preferred embodiments, the baby carrier may further comprise a head support pillow.

In some embodiments, the baby carrier may also include detachable cross straps to facilitate portability.

Fig. 1 shows a medial side view of an embodiment 100 of the multi-functional baby carrier of the baby carrier system disclosed herein, having fastener slits 101, a removable body strap 102, an inner bottom adjustable T-shaped strap 103, primary stitches 104, and reinforced secondary stitches 105. The body harness 102 shown in fig. 1 is tightened.

Fig. 2 shows a side view of the embodiment 100 shown in fig. 1, including the shoulder straps 106, the zipper fasteners 107, the accessory connector ring 108, the accessory connector latch 109, and the detachable pouch accessories 110. In some embodiments, the zipper may preferably be a coil zipper, and may also preferably be a 7-8 gauge. In some embodiments, the detachable pouch attachment 110 may have a pocket 111 on one side, as shown in FIG. 3.

Fig. 4 illustrates an embodiment of the head support pillow 112. The head support pillow may include a coupler 113, and the coupler 113 may facilitate the connection of the head support pillow to the baby carrier when the baby carrier is placed on the floor.

Fig. 6 shows an inside view of an embodiment 200 of the multi-functional baby carrier system disclosed herein in the form of a canoe with fastener slots 201 and fasteners, namely, zipper 207, detachable body strap 202, inner bottom adjustable T-strap 203, primary suture 204, reinforced secondary suture 205 and D-shaped loop strap 214, D-shaped loop strap 214 with D-shaped loop 215 for securing a detachable cross strap (not shown).

Fig. 7 shows a side view of the embodiment 200 of fig. 6, including shoulder straps 206, zippers 207, removable bag attachments 210, D-rings 215, and removable cross-straps 216. In some embodiments, the zipper may preferably be a coil zipper, and may also preferably be a 7-8 gauge.

Fig. 8 shows an embodiment of a head support pillow 212 secured to the baby carrier 200.

Fig. 9 shows an interior view of an embodiment 300 of the multi-function baby carrier system disclosed herein with fastener slots 301 and fasteners being zippers 307, body straps 302, internal bottom adjustable T-straps 303, main stitches 304, shoulder straps 306, detachable pouch attachments 310, waist straps 317, waist strap fasteners 318, waist strap fastener adjusters 319, waist strap pockets 320, waist strap pocket fasteners 321, lower shoulder strap stabilizers 322. In some embodiments, the zippers may preferably be coil zippers and may also preferably be 7-8 gauge. In some embodiments, the detachable pouch attachment 310 may have a pocket 311 on one side.

Fig. 10 shows an external view of the embodiment 300 shown in fig. 9, with fastener slots 301, shoulder straps 306, detachable pouch attachments 310, waist belt 317, waist belt fasteners 318, waist belt fastener adjusters 319, lower shoulder strap stabilizers 322, external handles 323, adjustable braces 324, and infant head support stabilizers 325.

FIG. 11 shows a side view of the embodiment 300 shown in FIG. 9, with fastener slots 301, shoulder straps 306, accessory connector ring 308, accessory connector lock 309, detachable pouch attachment 310, waist belt 317, waist belt fastener 318, external handle 323, adjustable back strap 324, and infant head support stabilizer 325.

FIG. 12 shows an interior view of an embodiment 400 of the multi-function baby carrier system disclosed herein having a fastener slot 401, an interior bottom adjustable T-strap 403, shoulder straps 406, a waist belt 417, a waist belt fastener 418, a waist belt pocket 420, a waist belt pocket fastener 421, an exterior handle 423, an adjustable carrier 424, a shoulder strap adjuster 426, a shoulder strap connector 427, a carrier adjuster 429, a detachable lumbar support 430

Fig. 13 shows an interior view of embodiment 400, with shoulder straps not shown, including infant head support stabilizer 425, infant head support stabilizer fastener 431, and infant head support stabilizer fastener lock 432.

Fig. 14 shows an interior view of an embodiment 500 of the multi-function infant carrier of the infant carrier system disclosed herein, with fastener slots 501, adjustable T-straps 503, shoulder straps 506, lower shoulder strap stabilizers 522 connected to the body 570 of the infant carrier at lower shoulder strap stabilizer connection points 545, adjustable back straps 524, shoulder strap adjusters 526, shoulder strap connectors 527, removable shoulder strap connector pads 528, tunnel overlays 533, and

fig. 15 shows a detachable waist belt 517 that may be attached to the embodiment of the baby carrier shown in fig. 14 to form an embodiment of the baby carrier system. The detachable waist belt includes a waist belt adjuster 518, a waist belt pocket 520, a waist belt pocket fastener 521, and a waist belt magnetic component 535.

Fig. 16 shows how the infant carrier 500 shown in fig. 14 is secured in the car seat 590 with the fastener slots 501 open. Fig. 18A-B show how an infant 595 can be safely removed from a car seat 590 by grasping the infant 595 and the shoulder strap connector 527 of the shoulder straps 506 of the infant carrier 500.

Fig. 19 shows how the main body magnetic component 534 and the waistband magnetic component 535 are connected when the infant is carried in the infant carrier shown in fig. 14 and the waistband shown in fig. 15 is worn by the caregiver.

Fig. 20A shows a horizontal stabilizer bar 538, the stabilizer bar 538 providing semi-rigidity to the body region of the infant carrier shown in fig. 14, the region adjacent to the body magnetic component 534. As described above, the horizontal stabilizer bar provides a wide support base for the hips and thighs of an infant when carried in the infant carrier. Fig. 20B shows how the horizontal stabilizer bar shown in fig. 20A facilitates M-shaped relative positioning of the infant's hips and thighs when the infant is carried in the infant carrier.

FIG. 21 shows the main body magnetic component and the waist belt magnetic component of the baby carrier of FIG. 14 connected by magnetic attraction to form a waist belt securing system 536. The waistband fastening system can only be detached by applying a mechanical force to mechanical release 537.

Figures 22A-C show the T-belt 503 of the baby carrier 500 of figure 14 secured by a T-belt fastening system. The T-strap is made up of a T-strap fastener 541 and a T-strap connector 543. The T-strap fastening system is comprised of a T-strap fastener 541 and a T-strap fastener receiver 542,the T-strap fastener receiver 542 is permanently secured to and forms a part of the T-strap connector 543. The T-strap connector 543 is connected to the body of the infant carrier at the T-strap connector connection point 544. T-strap fastener 541 has double sides at one end of the strap

The other end of the belt has a single face

Such that the T-strap fastener 541 can be releasably secured to itself. The T-strap fastener 541 is secured to the body of the baby carrier by suitable tunnels through the tunnel overlay 533. In embodiment 500, T-strap fastener receiver 542 is also provided

And (4) forming.

Fig. 23 shows a primary stitch 504 and a reinforced secondary stitch 505 securing a shoulder strap connector 527 to the lower shoulder strap stabilizer 522 of the infant carrier of fig. 14.

In some embodiments, a removable bag accessory such as embodiment 510 shown in fig. 24 may be provided with embodiments 400 and 500.

Figure 25 shows an inside view of an embodiment 600 of a multi-function baby carrier having the same overall design as embodiment 500, except that the carrier of embodiment 500 has been replaced with upper shoulder car seat fasteners 647 which may be combined to form an adjustable carrier when the multi-function baby carrier is used as a baby carrier. The embodiment 600 has a fastener slot 601, an adjustable T-strap 603, a shoulder strap 606, a lower shoulder strap stabilizer 622 connected to an infant carrier body 670 at a lower shoulder strap stabilizer connection point 645, an adjustable shoulder strap formed by an upper shoulder strap car seat fastener 647, a shoulder strap adjuster 626, a shoulder strap connector 627, a removable shoulder strap connector pad 628, a tunnel overlay 633, and a body magnetic component 634.

26A-C illustrate an embodiment 600 in which the shoulder straps are divided into upper shoulder straps 645 and shoulder strap connectors 627, wherein the shoulder strap connectors 627 and lower shoulder strap stabilizers 622 together form a Y-shaped strap; fig. 26A-B illustrate how upper shoulder harness car seat fasteners 647 are used to fasten the upper shoulder harness 645 of the multi-function infant carrier 600 to the handle 692 of the infant car seat 690. Shoulder strap connector 627 is connected to lower shoulder strap stabilizer 622 and also passes through a shoulder strap adjuster having shoulder strap fastener insert 648 connected thereto as part of a one-piece component. Upper shoulder straps 645 have shoulder strap connector attachments 649 with shoulder strap fastener receivers 650 at their ends. When the multi-function baby carrier is used as a baby carrier, the shoulder strap connector attachments 649 are secured to the upper shoulder straps 645 and serve to secure the upper shoulder straps to the corresponding shoulder strap connectors 627.

Fig. 26C shows a close-up view of an upper shoulder belt car seat fastener 647 attached to an infant car seat handle 692 and thus securing a corresponding upper shoulder belt 645. The shoulder strap connector attachment is not shown in fig. 26C.

FIG. 27 illustrates an embodiment 600 in which the upper shoulder belt car seat fasteners are combined to form an adjustable harness 624. The upper shoulder belt automobile seat fastener is

A fastener. The adjustable harness 624 has a harness adjuster 651 for adjusting the harness as desired.

The multi-functional infant carrier disclosed herein is configured to be easily inserted into and removed from an infant car seat. In some embodiments, the multi-functional infant carrier may be secured directly into the infant car seat using the harness system of the infant car seat.

The disclosed multi-functional baby carrier solves the above-mentioned inherent ergonomic disadvantages of carrying a baby car seat. The disclosed multi-functional infant carrier is a single function, easy to use car seat insert and infant carrier intended to facilitate the movement of an infant into and out of a car seat and to provide appropriate support for a caregiver carrying the infant. By moving away from the current industry's concern for car seat versatility and shifting versatility to relatively very light infant carriers, the disclosed multi-function infant carrier allows the infant car seat manufacturer to focus on safety features and de-emphasize the overall weight of the product because of the separation of the car seat and infant carrier functions.

The weight of the disclosed multi-functional infant carrier is minimal compared to the weight of a car seat, allowing a caregiver to move an infant into and out of the car seat without increasing the weight and bulk of the infant car seat itself. Since the disclosed multi-functional baby carrier is soft and elastic, it more easily conforms to the body of a caregiver carrying a baby and allows the caregiver to mimic a conventional baby carrier, bringing the baby closer to the body and carrying it in a more natural posture. The softness and flexibility of the disclosed multi-purpose infant carrier also more readily conforms to and accommodates the growth of the infant. In addition, the multi-functional infant carrier increases the ease with which an infant can be transferred between a car seat and other infant products or desired locations (e.g., a stroller, crib, or other product or location).

The disclosed infant carrier may be configured for a front, carrying-surface-inward mode in which a caregiver carries an infant facing the caregiver on the caregiver's front side. The disclosed infant carrier may also be optionally configured for a front-carrying out outward-facing mode, in which the caregiver carries the infant facing away from the caregiver on the caregiver's front, or a backpack mode, in which the caregiver carries the infant facing the caregiver on the caregiver's back. In embodiments where the infant carrier is a multi-functional infant carrier, the fastener slots may be closed in a front carrying out-facing mode and a backpack mode to enhance safety.

A method of lifting an infant secured in the infant carrier from a safe position and securing the infant in the infant carrier is also disclosed. The caregiver uses his waist, torso, shoulders and arms to secure the infant. The baby carrier has a main body and a shoulder strap connected to the main body, wherein the shoulder strap includes an upper shoulder strap and a shoulder strap connector. The baby carrier is part of a baby carrier system which further comprises a releasably securable waist belt, wherein the waist belt comprises a waist belt securing system. The method at least comprises the following steps in sequence:

a. tying the waistband on the body of the nursing staff;

b. grasping a shoulder strap connector;

c. lifting the infant in the infant harness while continuing to grasp the shoulder strap connector;

d. attaching the baby carrier to the waistband using a waistband fastening system; and

e. the shoulder straps are sleeved on the shoulders of the nursing personnel.

In some embodiments, the safe position may be a car seat with a five-point seat belt. In such embodiments, prior to step (b), the car seat is unsecured, for example by unbuckling the harness, and the harness is disconnected from the baby carrier by pulling the harness through the fastener slot.

The previous description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the invention disclosed herein. While various inventive aspects have been disclosed in the context of certain illustrated embodiments, implementations, and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the invention and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. In addition, while numerous variations of the various inventive aspects have been shown and described in detail, other modifications, which are within the scope of this invention, will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art based upon a review of this disclosure. It should also be understood that the scope of the present disclosure includes various combinations or sub-combinations of the specific features and aspects of the embodiments disclosed herein, such that various features, embodiments, and aspects of the disclosed subject matter can be combined with or substituted for one another. The general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Similarly, this disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that any claim set forth below requires more features than are expressly recited in that claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects may lie in less than all features of any single foregoing disclosed embodiment.

Each of the foregoing and various aspects, along with those set forth in the claims and summarized above or disclosed herein, including the drawings, may be combined without limitation to form claims for an apparatus, device, system, method of manufacture, and/or method of use.

All references cited herein are expressly incorporated herein by reference.

Claims (13)

1. A baby carrier system comprising:

baby braces; and

a waist belt which is provided with a belt body,

wherein the waist belt is releasably attachable to the baby carrier using a waist belt securing system.

2. The baby carrier system of claim 1, wherein the baby carrier comprises:

i. a body comprising a top and a bottom;

an infant securing system configured to secure a torso of an infant between the infant securing system and the body; and

one or more shoulder straps;

wherein each shoulder strap is permanently secured to the body at or near the top of the body, an

Wherein each shoulder strap is releasably or permanently secured to the body directly or indirectly at or near the bottom of the body.

3. The baby carrier system of claim 2, wherein the baby carrier is a multi-function baby carrier, wherein the main body of the baby carrier includes a fastener slot that enables the baby carrier to be releasably secured to a car seat.

4. The baby carrier system of claim 2 or 3, wherein the baby securing system comprises a T-strap comprising a T-strap connector and one or more T-strap fasteners, wherein the T-strap connector is secured to the body at a T-strap connector attachment point.

5. The baby carrier system of claim 4, wherein the baby carrier further comprises a lower shoulder strap stabilizer, wherein each shoulder strap is releasably or permanently secured to the lower shoulder strap stabilizer, and wherein the lower shoulder strap stabilizer is permanently secured to the main body near the bottom of the main body at a lower shoulder strap stabilizer attachment point, whereby each shoulder strap is indirectly secured to the main body.

6. The baby carrier system of claim 2, 3, 4 or 5, wherein the waistband fastening system comprises a magnetic attachment system.

7. The baby carrier system of claim 6, wherein the magnetic attachment system comprises a mechanical release.

8. The baby carrier system of claim 2, wherein the main body includes a horizontal stabilizing bar positioned near a bottom of the main body.

9. The baby carrier system of claim 5, 6, or 7, wherein the main body comprises a horizontal stabilizer bar positioned between the lower shoulder strap stabilizer attachment point and the T-strap connector attachment point.

10. The baby carrier system of claim 9, wherein the horizontal stabilizing bar is located near a bottom of the main body.

11. The baby carrier system of claim 10, wherein the magnetic attachment system comprises a magnetic clip positioned at a center of the horizontal stabilizing bar.

12. The baby carrier system of claim 4 or 5, wherein the body comprises a tunneling cover comprising two or more channels, wherein the T-strap comprises one T-strap fastener secured to the baby carrier by passing the baby carrier through a channel of the tunneling cover, and wherein the T-strap fastener is configured to secure to itself and the T-strap connector.

13. A method of a caregiver lifting an infant secured in an infant carrier from a secured position and securing the infant within the infant carrier, wherein the caregiver has a waist, torso, shoulders, and arms, and wherein the infant carrier has a main body and a shoulder strap connected to the main body, wherein the shoulder strap includes an upper shoulder strap and a shoulder strap connector, the method comprising:

a. attaching a belt to the caregiver, wherein the belt includes a belt securement system;

b. grasping a shoulder strap connector of the stroller;

c. lifting the baby in the baby carrier while continuing to grasp the shoulder strap connector;

d. attaching the baby carrier to the waist belt using the waist belt fastening system; and

e. for example, to place the shoulder straps of the infant carrier on the shoulders of the caregiver.

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