US20190350379A1 - Adjustable child carrier - Google Patents
Adjustable child carrier Download PDFInfo
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- US20190350379A1 US20190350379A1 US16/401,344 US201916401344A US2019350379A1 US 20190350379 A1 US20190350379 A1 US 20190350379A1 US 201916401344 A US201916401344 A US 201916401344A US 2019350379 A1 US2019350379 A1 US 2019350379A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- carrier
- child
- waist belt
- support
- adjustable seat
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- 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.)
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- 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
Abstract
A system and method of supporting a child in a carrier is presented in embodiments herein. The carrier comprises an adjustable seat that may be adjusted to support a child from infancy to toddlerhood. The adjustable seat may provide support from a left popliteal fossa to a right popliteal fossa providing knee-to-knee support and support to a child in an M-position. The carrier may further comprise support extensions to extend the adjustable seat to provide knee-to-knee support to larger children beyond the adjustable seat alone.
Description
- This non-provisional patent application claims priority benefit, with regard to all common subject matter, of earlier-filed U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/674,198, filed May 21, 2018, and entitled “ADJUSTABLE CHILD CARRIER.” The identified earlier-filed provisional patent application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety into the present application.
- Embodiments of the invention relate to child carriers. More specifically, embodiments of the invention relate to adjustable child carriers for adjusting to the changing size of a child.
- Child carriers are common for carrying children that range from newborns to toddlers. Some carriers are adjustable to allow for multiple configurations to accommodate different sizes and shapes of children. The problems with current child carriers is that the adjustability of the carriers is limited. The limitations of the current carriers provide adjustments that jump between predefined settings when using attachments such as button, snaps, or other permanent location attachments. The adjustments may also be limited by the size of the carrier in that a larger child may become too large for the carrier at a premature age.
- Typical carriers in the current market lack continuous adjustability for growing children. As a child grows, typical current carriers only offer intermediate changes. This results in a growing child being supported in a carrier that may be configured for a smaller or larger child and not providing full support from a popliteal fossa region on one leg to the popliteal fossa on the other leg (knee-to-knee support).
- Unborn babies in the womb are positioned with the legs pulled up such that the knees are proximate the chest and head and the feet are proximate the buttocks. During the first few months of a baby's life, the baby's joints need time to stretch from this position or the baby may be in danger of dip dysplasia or hip dislocation. One problem with typical carriers in the current market is that they do not provide continuous support for a growing child.
- Current carriers use inserts or fabric to prop up smaller children. The fabric under the child propping the child does not offer total leg support from knee to knee. Children should be supported with legs flexed (knees bent) abducted (away from midline) position supporting the hip and the spine as would be when a child is properly held by an adult. To achieve this position, fabric must extend all the way to the back of the knee. What is needed is a carrier that supports the child from knee to knee and further in the proper M-position.
- What is needed is a proper multidimensional (height and width) adjustability providing full knee-to-knee support for many sizes and shapes of children that support the children in the proper M-position. In some embodiments described herein, a carrier for supporting a baby which supports proximate a left popliteal fossa region to proximate a right popliteal fossa region is discussed. Further, in some embodiments, the carrier may be configured to provide support for the popliteal fossa regions at a position higher than the buttocks of the child while the child's legs are wrapped around a portion of the torso of the user such that the child is supported totally form knee-to-knee in the M-position. Further still, what is needed is long lasting easily and quickly micro-adjustable straps and attachments that provide continuous multidimensional adjustability for both height and width for providing security and comfort for the child from knee to knee in the M-position.
- Embodiments of the invention solve the above-mentioned problems by providing systems and methods of a floor assembly that reduce labor time and technical skill required to install the floor assembly.
- A first embodiment of the invention is directed to a carrier for supporting a child therein, the carrier comprising a body of the carrier attached to at least one shoulder strap and comprising an adjustable seat, wherein the at least one shoulder strap is configured to rest on a torso of the user and support the body of the carrier, a waist belt attached to the body of the carrier, wherein the waist belt is configured to wrap around the torso of the user, wherein the waist belt comprises a waist belt strap, at least one attachment loop attached to the adjustable seat and configured for the waist belt strap to slide therethrough providing adjustability to a width of the adjustable seat, wherein the at least one attachment loop is configured to attach to the waist belt to secure the adjustable seat width to support the child.
- A second embodiment of the invention is directed to a carrier configured to attach to a user and support a child therein, the carrier comprising a body of the carrier attached to at least one shoulder strap and comprising an adjustable seat, wherein the at least one shoulder strap is configured to rest on a shoulder of the user and support the body of the carrier, a waist belt comprising a waist belt strap configured to wrap around a torso of the user, at least one extension attachment for attaching at least one support extension, and at least one attachment loop attached to the adjustable seat and configured for the waist belt strap to slide therethrough for adjusting a width of the adjustable seat, wherein the at least one attachment loop is configured to attach to the waist belt to secure the adjustable seat at a width for supporting the child.
- A third embodiment of the invention is directed to a method for adjusting an adjustable seat on a carrier for supporting a child therein, the method comprising the steps of sliding an attachment loop along a waist belt strap, wherein the attachment loop is disposed on the adjustable seat on a body of the carrier, wherein the waist belt strap is disposed on a waist belt, and attaching the attachment loop to the waist belt to support the child in the adjustable seat.
- An alternative embodiment of the invention is directed to a carrier for supporting a child therein, the carrier comprising a body of the carrier attached to two shoulder straps and comprising an adjustable seat, wherein the at least one shoulder strap is configured to rest on a torso of the user and support the body of the carrier, a waist belt attached to the body of the carrier, wherein the waist belt is configured to wrap around the torso of the user, wherein the waist belt comprises a waist belt strap, at least one attachment loop attached to the adjustable seat and configured for the waist belt strap to slide therethrough providing adjustability to a width of the adjustable seat, wherein the at least one attachment loop is configured to attach to the waist belt to secure the adjustable seat width to support the child.
- An alternative embodiment of the invention is directed to a carrier configured to attach to a user and support a child therein, the carrier comprising a body of the carrier attached to two shoulder straps and comprising an adjustable seat, wherein the at least one shoulder strap is configured to rest on a shoulder of the user and support the body of the carrier, a waist belt comprising a waist belt strap configured to wrap around a torso of the user, at least one extension attachment for attaching at least one support extension, and at least one attachment loop attached to the adjustable seat and configured for the waist belt strap to slide therethrough for adjusting a width of the adjustable seat, wherein the at least one attachment loop is configured to attach to the waist belt to secure the adjustable seat at a width for supporting the child, wherein the adjustable seat is configured to provide support to the child from a first popliteal fossa of the child to a second popliteal fossa of the child, and wherein the adjustable seat is further configured to support the first popliteal fossa and the second popliteal fossa at a height higher than a buttocks of the child.
- An alternative embodiment of the invention is directed to a carrier for supporting a child therein, the carrier comprising a body of the carrier attached to two shoulder straps and comprising an adjustable seat, wherein the at least one shoulder strap is configured to rest on a torso of the user and support the body of the carrier, a waist belt attached to the body of the carrier, wherein the waist belt is configured to wrap around the torso of the user, wherein the waist belt comprises a waist belt strap, at least one attachment loop attached to the adjustable seat and configured for the waist belt strap to slide therethrough providing adjustability to a width of the adjustable seat, wherein the at least one attachment loop is configured to attach to the waist belt to secure the adjustable seat width to support the child, wherein the adjustable seat is configured to provide support to the child from a first popliteal fossa of the child to a second popliteal fossa of the child, and wherein the adjustable seat is further configured to support the first popliteal fossa and the second popliteal fossa at a height higher than a buttocks of the child providing an M-position for the child.
- An alternative embodiment of the invention is directed to a carrier for supporting a child therein, the carrier comprising a body of the carrier attached to two shoulder straps and comprising an adjustable seat, wherein the at least one shoulder strap is configured to rest on a torso of the user and support the body of the carrier, a waist belt attached to the body of the carrier, wherein the waist belt is configured to wrap around the torso of the user, wherein the waist belt comprises a waist belt strap, at least one attachment loop attached to the adjustable seat and configured for the waist belt strap to slide therethrough providing adjustability to a width of the adjustable seat, wherein the at least one attachment loop is configured to attach to the waist belt to secure the adjustable seat width to support the child, wherein the adjustable seat is configured to provide support to the child from a first popliteal fossa of the child to a second popliteal fossa of the child, wherein the adjustable seat is further configured to support the first popliteal fossa and the second popliteal fossa at a height higher than a buttocks of the child providing an M-position for the child, wherein the adjustable seat is adjusted such that a left side of the adjustable seat and a right side of the adjustable seat is proximate the center of the waist belt for supporting a small child.
- An alternative embodiment of the invention is directed to a carrier for supporting a child therein, the carrier comprising a body of the carrier attached to two shoulder straps and comprising an adjustable seat, wherein the at least one shoulder strap is configured to rest on a torso of the user and support the body of the carrier, a waist belt attached to the body of the carrier, wherein the waist belt is configured to wrap around the torso of the user, wherein the waist belt comprises a waist belt strap, at least one attachment loop attached to the adjustable seat and configured for the waist belt strap to slide therethrough providing adjustability to a width of the adjustable seat, wherein the at least one attachment loop is configured to attach to the waist belt to secure the adjustable seat width to support the child, wherein the adjustable seat is configured to provide support to the child from a first popliteal fossa of the child to a second popliteal fossa of the child, wherein the adjustable seat is further configured to support the first popliteal fossa and the second popliteal fossa at a height higher than a buttocks of the child providing an M-position for the child, wherein the adjustable seat is adjusted such that a left side of the adjustable seat and a right side of the adjustable seat are continuously adjustable along the waist belt.
- This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Other aspects and advantages will be apparent from the following detailed description of the embodiments and the accompanying drawing figures.
- Embodiments of this disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein:
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FIG. 1 depicts an embodiment of the interior of a carrier; -
FIG. 2 depicts a close up of an embodiment of the interior of the carrier; -
FIG. 3 depicts a close up of an embodiment of a waist belt of the carrier; -
FIG. 4 depicts an embodiment of the interior of the carrier configured fora small child; -
FIG. 5 depicts an embodiment of the interior of the carrier configured for a toddler; -
FIG. 6 depicts an embodiment of the carrier on a user and carrying a toddler; -
FIG. 7 depicts an embodiment of the carrier configured with support extensions; -
FIG. 8 depicts an embodiment of the carrier with support extensions; -
FIG. 9 depicts an embodiment of the exterior of the carrier with an adjustable height and the support extensions; and -
FIG. 10 depicts an exemplary flow diagram for methods of adjusting the carrier to support a child. - The drawing figures do not limit the invention to the specific embodiments disclosed and described herein. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the invention.
- Some embodiments of the invention solve the above-mentioned problems and provide a distinct advance in the art by providing a child carrier that includes an adjustable seat that is easily adjustable, long lasting, and provides support through full coverage and optimal positioning of a growing child. The carrier also provides custom fitting (without inserts) from newborns to toddlers. The adjustable seat may be quickly adjustable and quickly lockable such that the carrier is customizable and adapts concisely to the size of the child. The child carrier provides an adjustable seat that adapts to a child's seat requirements for custom knee-to-knee support and optimal child M-positioning. Further, support extensions may be added to the body of the carrier providing extra surface area and support for larger children extending the life of the carrier.
- The following description of embodiments of the invention references the accompanying illustrations that illustrate specific embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. The embodiments are intended to describe aspects of the invention in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Other embodiments can be utilized and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.
- In this description, references to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “embodiments”, “various embodiments”, “certain embodiments”, “some embodiments”, or “other embodiments” mean that the feature or features being referred to are included in at least one embodiment of the technology. Separate references to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “embodiments”, “various embodiments”, “certain embodiments”, “some embodiments”, or “other embodiments” in this description do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment and are also not mutually exclusive unless so stated and/or except as will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the description. For example, a feature, structure, act, etc. described in one embodiment may also be included in other embodiments, but is not necessarily included. Thus, the current technology can include a variety of combinations and/or integrations of the embodiments described herein.
- Turning first to an embodiment of the
carrier 100 presented inFIG. 1 in which an interior 102 of thecarrier 100 is presented and configured for carrying a toddler. Thecarrier 100 may comprise abody 104 featuring anadjustable seat 106, awaist belt 108,shoulder straps 110, and a head andneck support region 112. In some embodiments, theshoulder straps 110 may loop around a user's arms and be supported by the user's shoulders and back.Shoulder strap attachments 114 may be disposed on adjustable shoulder strap attachment straps 116 for attaching theshoulder straps 110 to one another around the user's torso.Pockets 118 may be disposed on thebody 104 providingextension attachments 120 therein for securing seat extensions (not shown) for larger sized children such as toddlers. - The shoulder straps 110 may be attached to the
body 104 at shoulder strap attachment points 122 by buttons, snaps, sewing, hook and loop fasteners, or adhesive. In some embodiments, the shoulder strap attachments points 122 may be permanent or temporary attachments and may be configured to attach to the opposite side of thebody 104 where the straps cross the user's torso. - In some embodiments, the
waist belt 108 comprises awaist belt strap 124 andwaist belt attachments 126 for wrapping around and securing thecarrier 100 to the user's torso. Thewaist belt strap 124 provides adjustability for securing to a variety of sizes and shapes of users. - The interior 102 is the side of the
carrier 100 adjacent the user and thebody 104 of thecarrier 100 is configured such that a child may rest comfortably between the interior 102 of thebody 104 of thecarrier 100 and the user's torso in theadjustable seat 106. Thebody 104 of thecarrier 100 may be supported from above by the above-mentionedshoulder straps 110 and from below by thewaist belt 108. - In some embodiments, the
carrier 100 is adjustable such that theadjustable seat 106 is attached to or comprises thebody 104 of thecarrier 100 and may slide along and attach to thewaist belt 108 or components thereof. In some embodiments theadjustable seat 106 of thecarrier 100 is alower portion 128 of thebody 104 proximate thewaist belt 108. It should be noted that theadjustable seat 106 may not be a separate component but thebody 104 may comprise theadjustable seat 106 which may be adjustable by sliding thelower portion 128 of theadjustable seat 106 proximate thewaist belt 108 along thewaist belt strap 124. Further, theadjustable seat 106 may be secured by attaching thelower portion 128 of theadjustable seat 106 proximate thewaist belt 108 to thewaist belt 108 using a seat attachment (not shown). The seat attachment may provide a quick-lock system by pressing a hand under thewaist belt 108 to secure thebody 104 at any point along the length of thewaist belt 108. This creates adjustability such that thecarrier 100 may be adjusted to the size of a child without the restrictions of predetermined gaps between attachments that may be caused by using buttons or snaps. The seat attachments, in some embodiments referenced as attachment loops, are discussed in more detail below. - Further, in some embodiments, support extensions may be added between the
body 104 and thewaist belt 124 providing further support for larger children, thus broadening the range of children that may be supported by thecarrier 100. The support extensions may be added at theextension attachments 120 disposed in thepockets 118 on thebody 104 as described above. The extension systems and methods are discussed in greater detail below. -
FIG. 2 depicts theinterior 102 of thecarrier 100 configured to support a small child or baby. In some embodiments, thecarrier 100 is configured with adjustments and attachments on each side of theadjustable seat 106. Aleft side 129 and aright side 130 of theadjustable seat 106 may be continually adjusted to support a growing child. Theright side 130 is discussed in detail below in reference toFIG. 3 . In some embodiments, theadjustable seat 106 may comprise thelower portion 128 of thebody 104 and, in some embodiments, adjustably slides along thewaist belt 108 as shown. Thelower portion 128 of theadjustable seat 106 may comprise an opening, or loop, that allows thewaist belt strap 124 to slide therethrough. In some embodiments, a width of the adjustable seat may be adjusted by moving theleft side 129 relative theright side 130, vice versa, or moving both theleft side 129 and theright side 130. - Looking at the
right side 130 of theadjustable seat 106, theadjustable seat 106 is attached to thebody 104 of thecarrier 100 at aleft attachment point 132 and aright attachment point 134. Providing the two attachment points, aloose section 136 of fabric is created between thefirst attachment point 132 and thesecond attachment point 134 when theadjustable seat 106 is adjusted towards thecenter 138 of thewaist belt 108. When theadjustable seat 106 is slid along thewaist belt strap 124 such that theleft attachment point 132 and theright attachment 134 are proximate thecenter 138 of thewaist belt 108, theloose section 136 creates anoutward fold 140 that may be laid flat for comfort when the child is seated in thecarrier 100. - The
adjustable seat 106 may be adjusted by adjusting aleft side 129 of theadjustable seat 106 and aright side 130 of theadjustable seat 106. Theadjustable seat 106 may be adjusted such that the child may be seated in theadjustable seat 106 and is supported by theadjustable seat 106 from a left popliteal fossa to a right popliteal fossa providing knee-to-knee support. Theadjustable seat 106 may be adjusted by sliding theleft side 129 and theright side 130 along thewaist belt strap 124 and the such that theadjustable seat 106 extends from the popliteal fossa of one leg to the popliteal fossa of the other leg of the child. This provides total knee-to-knee support for the child and support for the child in the M-position as discussed in detail in reference toFIG. 6 below. Total knee-to-knee support may be provided for children from newborns up to forty-five pounds in various configurations of embodiments of thecarrier 100. -
FIG. 3 presents an exemplary embodiment of thecarrier 100 depicting theright side 130 of theadjustable seat 106 with thewaist belt strap 124 running through an opening, or anattachment loop 142, in theright side 130 of theadjustable seat 106. Theright side 130 is discussed in detail, but it should be understood that, in embodiments, the left side of theadjustable seat 106 is symmetric to theright side 130 and any embodiments discussed regarding theright side 130 may be applied to theleft side 129 in a symmetric manner. As depicted inFIG. 3 , theadjustable seat 106 comprises seat attachments such as theattachment loop 142 that allows thewaist belt strap 124 to slide therethrough. Theattachment loop 142 may slide along thewaist belt strap 124 and, on aback side 144, comprise aloop fastener 146 that attaches to thewaist belt 108 at any location. Thewaist belt 108 may comprise awaist belt fastener 148 that is compatible to theloop fastener 146 such that thewaist belt fastener 148 may attach to theloop fastener 146 at any location along thewaist belt 108. In the exemplary embodiment depicted inFIG. 3 , theloop fastener 146 and thewaist belt fastener 148 are hook and loop fasteners providing continuous adjustment to the adjustable seat. Theloop fastener 146 allows the user to quickly and easily slide theattachment loop 142 along the length of thewaist belt strap 124 and press the loop fastener to thewaist belt fastener 148 when theadjustable seat 106 is in the proper configuration to provide total knee-to-knee support for the child. For example, a user may switch between a first child that may be, for example, 10 pounds, and a second child that may be, for example, 20 pounds. The user may simply slide theattachment loop 142 adjusting theadjustable seat 106 to the proper size and press theattachment loop 142 into place securing it with theloop fastener 146 to thewaist belt fastener 148. This may all be done in a matter of seconds without the need to remove thecarrier 100. This provides quick and easy continuous adjustment of the adjustable seat without removing the carrier from the user. - The
adjustable seat 106 may be adjusted to a position that best fits the child and is attached to thebody 104 by attachments on thewaist belt 108 and theattachment loop 142 of theadjustable seat 106. In some embodiments, theadjustable seat 106 may slide along thewaist belt strap 124 changing from a configuration where theleft side 129 andright side 130 of theadjustable seat 106 are proximate thecenter 138 of thewaist belt 108 configured to support a small child such as, for example, a baby to a configuration where theleft side 129 andright side 130 of theadjustable seat 106 are further from each other as depicted inFIG. 5 where theadjustable seat 106 is configured for supporting a larger child such as, for example a toddler. Theattachment loop 142 may also be connected at any point in between the two described configurations along thewaist belt strap 124 allowing continuous adjustment to fit any size child and allowing infinitely many configurations for the child. When theadjustable seat 106 is in the configuration where theleft side 129 and theright side 130 are proximate thecenter 138 of thewaist belt 108 as depicted inFIG. 3 , theadjustable seat 106 supports a smaller child such as, for example, an 8-pound baby. In the configuration where theadjustable seat 106 is spread to the outer limits of thebody 104 as depicted inFIG. 5 , theadjustable seat 106 may support a larger child such as, for example, a 20-pound toddler. - Further, the
adjustable seat 106 may be placed in any configuration between the two limits described above. Theadjustable seat 106 allows thecarrier 100 to be adjusted as a child grows. Thecarrier 100 may conform to the changing child rather than the child being positioned in a seat that is not optimal for intermediate sizes and weights such as with typical carriers that are not continuously adjustable. The adjustability provided by theadjustable seat 106 is not limited to predefined intermediate attachment points such as with buttons, snaps, clips, or any other attachment that may define non-adjustable attachment locations. - In some embodiments, the
carrier 100 compriseselastic bands 150 for securingexcess strap lengths 152.Excess strap lengths 152 on typical carriers can get in the way of the user and the child and cause a nuisance when users are handling, for example, teething rings, books, play things, and mobile devices all while safely carrying a child. Securing theexcess strap lengths 152 out of the way is a convenient solution to this problem. Theexcess strap lengths 152 may be rolled up and theelastic band 150 may wrap around the rolled strap to secure theexcess strap length 152 in a small, out-of-the-way package. -
FIG. 4 presents an exemplary embodiment of thecarrier 100 with theadjustable seat 106 cinched into a narrow configuration for supporting a small child. Theright side 130 of the adjustable seat, as depicted inFIG. 4 , is secured proximate theleft side 129 of theadjustable seat 106. Theleft side 129 and theright side 130 are pulled together proximate thecenter 138 of thewaist belt 108 along thewaist belt strap 124. With theleft side 129 and theright side 130 of theadjustable seat 106 secured at positions proximate thecenter 138, theadjustable seat 106 is configured to comfortably seat a small child from knee-to-knee in the M-position. - The
right side 130 of theadjustable seat 106 is attached to thewaist belt 108 proximate thecenter 138 such that as theright side 130 is moved toward thecenter 138 of thewaist belt 108 theright side 130 of theadjustable seat 106 folds outward. Theoutward fold 140 is indicative of theright side 130 of theadjustable seat 106 moving relative to theleft attachment point 132 that is stationary with respect to thewaist belt 108 of thecarrier 100. Once theleft side 129 and theright side 130 of theadjustable seat 100 are in the proper position, theloop fastener 146 of theattachment loops 142 may be secured to thewaist belt fastener 148. In some embodiments, theloop fastener 146 and thewaist belt fastener 148 are hook and loop fasteners such that the user may simply apply pressure to secure the adjustable seat in the proper position. This may provide the adjustable seat an infinite number of positions to secure the adjustable seat providing continuous adjustment to the adjustable seat. - An embodiment depicted in
FIG. 5 presents a configuration of thecarrier 100 in which theadjustable seat 106 is extended to a position distal thecenter 138 for supporting larger children or toddlers. In some embodiments, thecarrier 100 in the configuration depicted inFIG. 5 is capable of supporting children up to forty-five pounds in either a front or back carry position. - Continuing with the embodiment depicted in
FIG. 5 presenting an exemplary embodiment of the user sliding theadjustable seat 106 into a position distal thecenter 138 using theattachment loop 142. Once the adjustable seat is in the proper position, theattachment loop 142 may be pressed to thewaist belt 108 attaching thewaist belt 108 to theattachment loop 142 as described above. In some embodiments, thecarrier 100 is not reliant on predefined intermediate attachment points making thecarrier 100 adjustable, providing optimal M-positioning with support from a popliteal fossa of one knee to the popliteal fossa of the other knee to provide knee-to-knee support for all stages from infancy extending into toddlerhood as shown inFIG. 6 . The configuration depicted inFIGS. 5-6 present thecarrier 100 for supporting a toddler prior to the toddler needing support extension. -
FIG. 6 depicts an embodiment of thecarrier 100 configured to support achild 154 from knee-to-knee in the M-position. Theuser 156 is pulling on the shoulder strap attachment straps 116 tightening theshoulder straps 110 around the user'storso 158 while carrying thechild 154. The shoulder strap attachment straps 116 are easily accessible in any configuration of thecarrier 100 and may be adjusted by theuser 156 to provide comfort and support for theuser 156 and thechild 154. - In the embodiment depicted in
FIG. 6 , thechild 154 is supported by theadjustable seat 106 from knee-to-knee in the M-position 160. Providing knee-to-knee support in the M-position as described herein may reduce the risk of hip dysplasia or hip dislocation. The M-position 160 is depicted inFIG. 6 . In some embodiments, thecarrier 100 is configured such that the child'slegs 162 wrap around theuser 156 and hang while being support totally up to the knee. The leg is supported up to the leftpopliteal fossa 164 and up to the rightpopliteal fossa 166. The child'slegs 162 are supported at a point higher than the child's buttocks inadjustable seat 106. The buttocks of thechild 154 are supported at a point either level with or lower than the leftpopliteal fossa 164 and the rightpopliteal fossa 166. This creates the M-position 160 for thechild 154 as shown inFIG. 6 . - In some embodiments, the
exterior 168 of thecarrier 100 presents anupper pocket 170 where ahood 172 may be stored. Thehood 172 may roll up, or fold up, and be stored in theupper pocket 170. In some embodiments, thehood 172 is secured to the interior of theupper pocket 170 with fasteners such as, for example, buttons, snaps, zippers, and hook and loop fasteners. Thehood 172 may be stored in theupper pocket 170 or may be removed. - An embodiment depicted in
FIG. 7 depicts a close-up view of the attachment between thebody 104 of thecarrier 100 and thewaist belt 108 withsupport extensions 174 attached therebetween. Thesupport extensions 174 may be attached to thebody 104 at a bodysupport extension attachment 176 disposed in thepocket 118 and a waist beltsupport extension attachment 178 disposed in thewaist belt 108. The bodysupport extension attachment 176 and the waist beltsupport extension attachment 178 as well as the coincidingsupport extension attachments 180 disposed on thesupport extensions 174 may be zippers as shown or may be any other attachment as described in embodiments above such as buttons, hook and loop, adhesive, or any type snap attachment. In some embodiments, thesupport extensions 174 may be permanently attached (e.g. sewn) to the body and the waist belt. In some embodiments, thesupport extension attachments 176, the waist beltsupport extension attachments 178, and thesupport extension attachments 180 may be referred to generally asextension attachments 120. - An exemplary embodiment presented in
FIG. 7 depicts thesupport extensions 174 connecting thewaist belt 108 to thebody 104 of thecarrier 100 at theadjustable seat 106. Thesupport extension attachments 180 may attach directly to thewaist belt 108 at atop portion 182 as depicted. Thesupport extensions 174 may increase the size of the seating area and add support for thechild 154 when thechild 154 is larger. Thesupport extensions 174 may functionally widen thebody 104 of thecarrier 100 in the region supporting thechild 154 providing more surface area, extended leg support, and adding a wider seat for sustained M-position 160 of thechild 154 than acarrier 100 configuration not including thesupport extensions 174. Thesupport extensions 174 may increase the range of child sizes that may be supported with knee-to-knee support throughout the child's growth. -
FIG. 8 depicts thechild 154 as a toddler in thecarrier 100 with thesupport extensions 174 providing full knee-to-knee support. Thecarrier 100 is attached to the user'storso 158 in a back carrying position with the toddler facing theuser 156. The shoulder straps 110 are wrapped around the shoulders and arms of theuser 156 and attached across the user's chest. The toddler is seated comfortably in theadjustable seat 106 which is extended by thesupport extensions 174. Thesupport extensions 174 extend fully to the toddler's popliteal fossa regions 184 providing total knee-to-knee support. - Turning now to an exemplary embodiment depicted in
FIG. 9 providing an exemplary height adjustment of thecarrier 100 creating a multidimensional adjustability to thecarrier 100.FIG. 9 depicts the exterior 168 (side facing away from the user 156) of thecarrier 100. Depicted is an exemplary embodiment in which theuser 156 is adjusting a rightheight adjustment strap 186 decreasing the height of thebody 104 of thecarrier 100. In some embodiments, the height adjustment, like theadjustable seat 106, is continuously adjustable in that the height is not limited to predefined locations using buttons, snaps, or other attachments. This makes the height customizable to the height and size of thechild 154 supported by thecarrier 100. - The height adjustment may provide a plurality of benefits. Though, both a left
height adjustment strap 188 and the rightheight adjustment strap 186 may be adjusted to the same length, in some embodiments, a unilateral adjustment, or one height adjustment strap of a different length than the other, may provide benefits for an arm out toddler or for coverage during nursing. Adjusting one strap may allow thechild 154 to view out of one side of thecarrier 100 or may cover a side of thechild 154 from the sun. Further, theuser 156 may increase the height of one side to protect the view of anursing child 154. - In some embodiments, a
storage pocket 190 may be disposed on thewaist belt 108 for storing personal objects such as, for example, a wallet, cell phone, teething rings, or any other personal item that theuser 156 may carry. Thestorage pocket 190 may be closed using fasteners such as, for example, buttons, snaps, zippers, and hook and loop fasteners or may remain open. Thestorage pocket 190 may be elastic such that it may stretch to allow objects to be inserted and may contract to hold the objects in place within thestorage pocket 190. In some embodiments, thestorage pocket 190 may comprise a draw string for cinching thestorage pocket 190 closed. Thestorage pocket 190 may be any size and shape and fasten closed using any fasteners described herein. -
FIG. 10 depicts an exemplary flow diagram 1000 presenting a method for securing thechild 154 in theadjustable seat carrier 100. AtStep 1002, the size of thechild 154 is determined for adjusting theadjustable seat 106 to an estimated size of thechild 154 to achieve a comfortable knee-to-knee support providing support from a leftpopliteal fossa 164 to the rightpopliteal fossa 166 in the M-position 160. In some embodiments, thechild 154 is a son or daughter and thecarrier 100 is already set to the dimensions of thechild 154, or thecarrier 100 is easily set because the size is known. In some embodiments, the size of thechild 154 is not exactly known and theadjustable seat 106 setting is estimated. If theadjustable seat 106 is set to a wrong position or configuration in this step, it should be obvious when thechild 154 is in thecarrier 100 and is not support totally from knee-to-knee. At this point thechild 154 should simply be taken out of thecarrier 100 and theadjustable seat 106 can be adjusted. In some embodiments, theadjustable seat 106 may be adjusted while thechild 154 is in the seat to ensure that thechild 154 is fully supported. - At a
Step 1004, it is determined whether thechild 154 needs thesupport extensions 174. If thecarrier 100 is configured such that theleft side 129 and theright side 130 are fully separated as described above and theadjustable seat 106 does not fully extend from the leftpopliteal fossa 164 to the rightpopliteal fossa 166, then thesupport extensions 174 should be attached to thecarrier 100body 104. If thesupport extensions 174 are required, theadjustable seat 106 is adjusted by sliding theattachment loops 142 along thewaist belt strap 124 to the outermost position as described in embodiments above. - Moving to a
Step 1006, if thesupport extensions 174 are not needed, theadjustable seat 106 is adjusted by sliding theattachment loop 142 along thewaist belt strap 124 to the desired position and applying pressure to secure theattachment loop 142 to thewaist belt 108 connecting theloop fasteners 146 with the compatiblewaist belt fasteners 148. This secures theadjustable seat 106 in the proper configuration to provide total knee-to-knee support as described in embodiments above. Theadjustable seat 106 is adjusted such that the smallest children are supported by theattachment loops 142 secured proximate thecenter 138 of thewaist belt 108 and as the size of thechild 154 grows, theattachment loops 142 are secured further from thecenter 138 of thewaist belt 108 until they reach the outermost position. - At a
Step 1008, theloop fasteners 146 are moved to the outermost position such that theleft side 129 and theright side 130 are furthest form thecenter 138. At the outermost position, thesupport extensions 174 may be added to support thechild 154. The seat adjustment may be performed while theuser 156 wears thecarrier 100 or, in some embodiments, not. - At a
Step 1010, in some embodiments, thesupport extensions 174 are attached to thebody 104 of thecarrier 100 at theadjustable seat 106 as well as thewaist belt 108 to provide a larger surface area for thechild 154. This provides knee-to-knee support for thechild 154 beyond the capabilities of theadjustable seat 106 alone. Thesupport extension attachments 174 on thesupport extensions 174 may attach to thebody 104 and thewaist belt 108 by zipper, hook and loop fastener, buttons, snaps, or any other method as described in embodiments above. - At a
Step 1012, thechild 154 may be placed in thecarrier 100. Once thechild 154 is securely in thecarrier 100, theuser 156 may check that the buttocks of thechild 154 are firmly in and resting in the center of theadjustable seat 106. Further, theuser 156 may check that theadjustable seat 106 and/or thesupport extensions 174 extend to the child's leftpopliteal fossa 164 and rightpopliteal fossa 166 providing knee-to-knee support and that thechild 154 is resting in the M-position 160 as described in embodiments above. - At a
Step 1014, theuser 156 may adjust any straps, such as, for example, the shoulder strap attachment straps 116 and the rightheight adjustment strap 156, to loosen or tighten thecarrier 100 around the user'storso 158 and thechild 154 to ensure that thechild 154 and theuser 156 is comfortable and secure as described in embodiments presented above. - In some embodiments, the
carrier 100 may be configured with attachments and/or fasteners. The attachments and/or fasteners may be buttons, snaps, clips, zippers, friction-based attachments, surface-area-based attachments, adhesive, or the components may be sewn. The attachments and/or fasteners may be different from one component of thecarrier 100 to the next. For example, as depicted in the figures above, the attachments for thesupport extensions 174 may be zippers and the attachments to connect thewaist belt 108 and theattachment loop 142 is a surface area attachment such as a hook and loop fastener (commonly known as Velcro®). Any combination of attachments and/or fasteners may be used. - The shoulder straps 110 and
waist belt strap 124 of thecarrier 100 may be adjustable using any webbing buckle, knob, tie, or any other type strap adjustment. This may provide versatility to thecarrier 100 to support different sized and shaped children. This may also provide versatility for thecarrier 100 to be worn in different manners by theuser 156. For example, with twoshoulder straps 110 thecarrier 100 may be worn with the front portion on the front of the user'storso 158 and thechild 154 facing towards theuser 156. In this configuration, thechild 154 may also be seated facing away from theuser 156. Alternatively, thecarrier 100 may be worn with oneshoulder strap 110 and theshoulder straps 110 and the waist belt straps 124 may be adjusted accordingly. In this configuration, thecarrier 100 may be worn on the front, back, or side of the user'storso 158. In the side position, thechild 154 may face theuser 156 with the child'slegs 162 wrapped around theuser 156 such that the user's hip helps support thechild 154. The different positions of thechild 154 may be based on thechild 154 age, weight, height or may be based on the configuration of thecarrier 100, the style of thecarrier 100, the size of thecarrier 100, or any combination thereof. - In some embodiments, the steps provided in the methods described above may be omitted or rearranged. Any method or process that may be performed using any systems as described herein may be added to the methods described above.
- Although embodiments of this disclosure have been described with reference to the illustrations in the attached drawing figures, it is noted that equivalents may be employed and substitutions made herein without departing from the scope hereof as recited in the claims.
Claims (20)
1. A carrier for supporting a child therein, the carrier comprising:
a body of the carrier attached to at least one shoulder strap and comprising an adjustable seat,
wherein the at least one shoulder strap is configured to rest on a torso of the user and support the body of the carrier;
a waist belt attached to the body of the carrier,
wherein the waist belt is configured to wrap around the torso of the user, wherein the waist belt comprises a waist belt strap; and
at least one attachment loop attached to the adjustable seat and configured for the waist belt strap to slide therethrough providing adjustability to a width of the adjustable seat,
wherein the at least one attachment loop is configured to attach to the waist belt to secure the adjustable seat width to support the child.
2. The carrier of claim 1 , wherein the adjustable seat extends to a left popliteal fossa and a right popliteal fossa of the child providing knee-to-knee support.
3. The carrier of claim 2 , wherein the at least one attachment loop comprises fasteners for attaching to the waist belt at a location that provides the knee-to-knee support for the child.
4. The carrier of claim 3 , further comprising a hook and loop fastener disposed on the waist belt for attaching the attachment loop providing continuous adjustment to the adjustable seat.
5. The carrier of claim 1 , further comprising support extensions attached to the carrier for providing support to the child.
6. The carrier of claim 5 , wherein the support extensions comprise a first set of extension attachments for attaching to the body of the carrier and a second set of extension attachments for attaching to the waist belt.
7. The carrier of claim 6 , wherein the support extensions extend from the body of the carrier to a popliteal fossa of the child for provide knee-to-knee support.
8. The carrier of claim 7 , wherein the carrier is configured to provide knee-to-knee support for children up to forty-five pounds.
9. A carrier configured to attach to a user and support a child therein, the carrier comprising:
a body of the carrier attached to at least one shoulder strap and comprising an adjustable seat,
wherein the at least one shoulder strap is configured to rest on a shoulder of the user and support the body of the carrier;
a waist belt comprising a waist belt strap configured to wrap around a torso of the user;
at least one extension attachment for attaching at least one support extension; and
at least one attachment loop attached to the adjustable seat and configured for the waist belt strap to slide therethrough for adjusting a width of the adjustable seat,
wherein the at least one attachment loop is configured to attach to the waist belt to secure the adjustable seat at a width for supporting the child.
10. The carrier of claim 9 , wherein the adjustable seat is configured to extend proximate a left popliteal fossa to a right popliteal fossa of the child.
11. The carrier of claim 9 , wherein the at least one support extension is secured to the at least one extension attachment for providing knee-to-knee support for legs of the child.
12. The carrier of claim 11 , wherein the at least one support extension attaches to the at least one extension attachment and the waist belt.
13. The carrier of claim 12 , wherein the at least one support extension comprises a first zipper for attaching to the body of the carrier and a second zipper for attaching to the waist belt.
14. The method of claim 13 , wherein the at least one attachment loop is configured for looping around the waist belt strap and attaching to the waist belt via a hook and loop fastener providing continuous adjustment to the adjustable seat.
15. A method for adjusting an adjustable seat on a carrier for supporting a child therein, the method comprising the steps of:
sliding an attachment loop along a waist belt strap,
wherein the attachment loop is disposed on the adjustable seat on a body of the carrier,
wherein the waist belt strap is disposed on a waist belt; and
attaching the attachment loop to the waist belt to support the child in the adjustable seat.
16. The method of claim 15 , wherein the adjustable seat provides support for the child from a left popliteal fossa to a right popliteal fossa providing knee-to-knee support for the child positioned in the carrier.
17. The method of claim 16 , wherein the carrier is configured to be worn on a back of a torso of the user and the child is positioned facing the user.
18. The method of claim 16 , wherein the carrier is configured to be worn on a front of the torso of the user and the child is positioned facing the user.
19. The method of claim 16 , wherein the adjustable seat further supports the child in an M-position such that the left popliteal fossa and the right popliteal fossa are supported at a height higher than a height of buttocks of the child.
20. The method of claim 16 , further comprising the step of adjusting a height of the carrier such that a head of the child is supported by an upper portion of the body of the carrier.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US16/401,344 US20190350379A1 (en) | 2018-05-21 | 2019-05-02 | Adjustable child carrier |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201862674198P | 2018-05-21 | 2018-05-21 | |
US16/401,344 US20190350379A1 (en) | 2018-05-21 | 2019-05-02 | Adjustable child carrier |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20190350379A1 true US20190350379A1 (en) | 2019-11-21 |
Family
ID=68534595
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US16/401,344 Abandoned US20190350379A1 (en) | 2018-05-21 | 2019-05-02 | Adjustable child carrier |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20190350379A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2019226291A1 (en) |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20190328118A1 (en) * | 2018-04-29 | 2019-10-31 | Sak Labs LLC | Convertible infant carrier backpack system |
US11395551B2 (en) * | 2018-04-19 | 2022-07-26 | Wonderland Switzerland Ag | Child carrier |
US20230190009A1 (en) * | 2015-10-30 | 2023-06-22 | The Ergo Baby Carrier, Inc. | Adjustable child carrier |
US20230292933A1 (en) * | 2020-06-19 | 2023-09-21 | The Ergo Baby Carrier, Inc. | Adjustable child carrier with multiple carry orientations |
Family Cites Families (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20070278264A1 (en) * | 2006-06-02 | 2007-12-06 | Baby K'tan, Llc | Wearable carrier and method of carrying a child or animal |
RU119984U1 (en) * | 2012-04-16 | 2012-09-10 | Ольга Николаевна Борисова | DEVICE FOR CARRYING THE CHILD |
US9314111B2 (en) * | 2012-09-21 | 2016-04-19 | BityBean LLC | Convertible child carrier |
RU132321U1 (en) * | 2012-11-29 | 2013-09-20 | Ольга Николаевна Борисова | DEVICE FOR CARRYING THE CHILD |
-
2019
- 2019-05-02 WO PCT/US2019/030362 patent/WO2019226291A1/en active Application Filing
- 2019-05-02 US US16/401,344 patent/US20190350379A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20230190009A1 (en) * | 2015-10-30 | 2023-06-22 | The Ergo Baby Carrier, Inc. | Adjustable child carrier |
US11786055B2 (en) | 2015-10-30 | 2023-10-17 | The Ergo Baby Carrier, Inc. | Adjustable child carrier |
US11395551B2 (en) * | 2018-04-19 | 2022-07-26 | Wonderland Switzerland Ag | Child carrier |
US11406201B2 (en) * | 2018-04-19 | 2022-08-09 | Wonderland Switzerland Ag | Child carrier |
US20190328118A1 (en) * | 2018-04-29 | 2019-10-31 | Sak Labs LLC | Convertible infant carrier backpack system |
US10939744B2 (en) * | 2018-04-29 | 2021-03-09 | Sak Labs LLC | Convertible infant carrier backpack system |
US20230292933A1 (en) * | 2020-06-19 | 2023-09-21 | The Ergo Baby Carrier, Inc. | Adjustable child carrier with multiple carry orientations |
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 |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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WO2019226291A1 (en) | 2019-11-28 |
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