Infant Carrier

Abstract

An infant or baby carrier system 100 may comprise a baby containment envelope 200 comprising a front side and back side, with lateral vertical baby hip areas 250 to define an upper baby arm loop area 230 and a lower baby leg loop area 240. The two baby hip areas comprise fasteners 270 and 274 in slidable attachment to flexible straps with the two hip area fasteners in releasable attachment to first 442 and second 462 proximal fasteners fixed to a first 450 and second 480 main strap so as to prevent an infant from slipping out of the carrier. Other attachment components and fasteners provide simple but effective means of securing an infant to an adult such that the center of gravity of the infant is at or near the hip attachment area. Neoprene is used to ensure that the carrier maintains structural integrity when wet.

Description

COPYRIGHT AND TRADEMARK NOTICE

[0001] This application includes material which is subject or may be subject to copyright and/or trademark protection. The copyright and trademark owner(s) has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by any of the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright and trademark rights whatsoever.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(1) Field of the Invention

[0002] The invention generally relates to infant carrier systems. More particularly, the invention relates to means and methods of creating and using an infant carrier with a new configuration of straps and other means of support and containment.

(2) Description of the Related Art

[0003] The known related art fails to anticipate or disclose the principles of the present invention.

[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 5,848,741 by Fair is unduly complex, difficult to use and fails to conveniently secure an infant in an outward facing position.

[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 5,570,823 by Lindy is another inward facing system, but the center of attachment is very low as compared to a higher center of infant gravity, posing a risk of the infant toppling over backwards.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,791,535 by Roan et al provides a bulky lower portion to define leg voids.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 9,750,353 by Antunovic provides an interesting foot stirrup system, but adds unneeded bulk and complexity to the art.

[0008] In the related art, general infant carriers are known, but fail to provide the configuration of straps and supports of the present embodiments.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention overcomes shortfalls in the related art by presenting an unobvious and unique combination and configuration of methods and components to artfully support, contain and transport an infant with a new combination of straps and supports.

[0010] The disclosed embodiments provide a unique baby containment envelope that defines unique features such as baby arm loop and baby leg loop areas that support an infant to comport with the infant's center of gravity without presenting an unduly complicated strap system. The disclosed embodiments present a pair of main straps that provide multiple functions and efficient means of attachment by, inter alia, using fasteners proximal, medially and distal from a waist strap with such fasteners attached perpendicularly and longitudinally upon the main straps and attached upon different sides of the main straps. Thus, multiple attachment points and features are executed by the artful configuration of the two main straps and by features of the baby containment envelope. Moreover, a top flap may be fastened or otherwise disposed in a downward position to protect the infant's neck and head from the seams of the upper part of the containment envelope.

[0011] Various disclosed embodiments are intended for use in water and have various components made of neoprene to ensure that the baby carrier maintains structural integrity when submerged in water. The artful combination of strap configurations and use of neoprene overcome shortfalls in the art by ensuring that the carrier is both resistant and safe for us while in the water.

[0012] These and other objects and advantages will be made apparent when considering the following detailed specification when taken in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] FIG. 1 depicts a front view of a disclosed embodiment

[0014] FIG. 2 depicts a back view of a disclosed embodiment

[0015] FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of a wet bag

[0016] FIG. 4 depicts a front view with various straps attached

[0017] FIG. 5 depicts a front view

[0018] FIG. 6 depicts a back view

[0019] FIG. 7 depicts a back view with various straps spaced apart

[0020] FIG. 8 depicts perspective view of an embodiment in use

[0021] FIG. 9 depicts a perspective front view with various straps spread apart

[0022] FIG. 10 depicts a back view

[0023] FIG. 11 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment in use

[0024] FIG. 12 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment in use

[0025] FIG. 13 depicts two side views of an embodiment in use

REFERENCE NUMERALS IN THE DRAWINGS

[0026] 100 a disclosed embodiment in general

[0027] 200 baby containment envelope

[0028] 203 front side of baby containment envelope

[0029] 205 back side or parent side of baby containment envelope

[0030] 210 top flap of baby containment envelope

[0031] 211 top flap in a closed position

[0032] 212 fastener of top flap 210

[0033] 213 fastener mate of fastener 212 of top flap 210

[0034] 215 pocket enclosure fastened to baby containment envelope

[0035] 220 top head flap width area

[0036] 222 top head flap height area

[0037] 230 baby arm loop area

[0038] 240 baby leg loop area or void

[0039] 250 vertical baby hip area or void

[0040] 252 first hook and loop fastener area on back side of baby hip area

[0041] 254 second hook and loop fastener area on back side of baby hip area

[0042] 260 first superior male faster in slidable attachment to a superior shoulder section of the baby containment envelope, on either side of the top head flap width area 220

[0043] 264 second superior male faster in slidable attachment to a superior section of the baby containment envelope, on either side of the top head flap width area 220 of the baby containment envelope 200

[0044] 270 first medial male fastener in slidable attachment to a medial section or baby hip area of the baby containment envelope 200

[0045] 274 second medial male fastener in slidable attachment to a medial section or baby hip area of the baby containment envelope 200

[0046] 300 parent hip strap

[0047] 310 stationary female fastener of parent hip strap 300

[0048] 320 attachment strap attached to end of parent hip strap, used to hold slidable male fastener 325 of parent hip strap 300

[0049] 325 slidable male fastener slidably attached to attachment strap 320

[0050] 330 pull tab at end of attachment strap 320

[0051] 350 first angle strap in fixed attachment to hip strap 300

[0052] 353 first male fastener in slidable attachment to first angle strap 350

[0053] 355 first pull tab at distal end of first angle strap 350

[0054] 360 second angle strap in fixed attachment to hip strap 300

[0055] 363 second male fastener in slidable attachment to second angle strap 360

[0056] 365 second pull tab at distal end of second angle strap 360

[0057] 400 a pair of main straps

[0058] 410 a first main strap

[0059] 430 proximal attachment point of first main strap 410 to hip strap 300

[0060] 440 first protection pad attached to first main strap 410

[0061] 442 first proximal female fastener in fixed and perpendicular attachment to the first main strap 410

[0062] 445 first medial female fastener in longitudinal alignment and fixed attachment to the first main strap 410

[0063] 450 first distal female fastener in longitudinal alignment and fixed attachment to the distal end of the first main strap 410

[0064] 460 second main strap

[0065] 462 second proximal female fastener in fixed and perpendicular attachment to the second main strap 460

[0066] 463 proximal attachment point of second main strap 460 to hip strap 300

[0067] 470 first protection pad attached to second main strap 460

[0068] 475 second medial female fastener in longitudinal alignment and fixed attachment to the second main strap 460

[0069] 480 second distal female fastener in in longitudinal alignment and fixed attachment to the distal end of the second main strap 460

[0070] 500 wet bag

[0071] 600 adult or parent

[0072] 700 child

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0073] The following detailed description is directed to certain specific embodiments of the invention. However, the invention can be embodied in a multitude of different ways as defined and covered by the claims and their equivalents. In this description, reference is made to the drawings wherein like parts are designated with like numerals throughout.

[0074] Unless otherwise noted in this specification or in the claims, all of the terms used in the specification and the claims will have the meanings normally ascribed to these terms by workers in the art.

[0075] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words "comprise," "comprising" and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in a sense of "including, but not limited to." Words using the singular or plural number also include the plural or singular number, respectively. Additionally, the words "herein," "above," "below," and words of similar import, when used in this application, shall refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this application.

[0076] The disclosed fasteners are sometime referred to as "male" or "female" with the understanding that such fasteners may be reversed or substituted by other types of fasteners.

[0077] The figures presented herein disclose a new and unobvious combination of straps and restrains to more artfully carry and restrain in infant.

[0078] Referring to FIG. 1, a disclosed embodiment 100 in general may comprise a baby containment envelope 200 that may comprise a front side 203, a top flap 210 with a fastener 212 to sometimes secure the top flap in a closed position. The top flap overcomes shortfalls in the art by providing means of face protection for an infant (while in an open position) and when in a closed position, providing padding and protection from seams on the upper portions of the baby containment envelope.

[0079] The baby containment envelope provides novel and efficient means of containing an infant or baby by use of, inter alia, a vertical baby hip area 250 disposed or defined between a baby arm loop area 230 and a and a baby leg loop area 240. The hip area 250 is further enhanced by the use of a first medial faster 270 in slidable attachment to the hip area and by the use of a second medial fastener 274 in slidable attachment to the hip area. The fasteners, 270 and 274 are artfully configured as extending laterally for efficient attachment to the two laterally disposed or perpendicularly disposed fasteners 442 and 462 that are in fixed attachment to the first 410 and second 460 main straps. The connections of the fasteners are further improved or made baby safe by use of hook and loop covers 440 and 470 that are attached to the main straps. The main straps may be crossed over in use and in attachment to the baby containment envelope as shown in FIG. 11.

[0080] A baby or infant is further artfully restrained by use of a first distal female fastener 450 in longitudinal alignment and fixed attachment to the distal end of the first main strap 410 attached to a second male fastener 363 that is in slidable attachment to a second angle strap 363, the second angle strap 360 in fixed and angled attachment to the parent hip strap 300. The second angle strap 360 may be attached to the hip strap at a 45 degree angle to comport with the main strap being crossed when in use as shown in FIG. 11. A similar attachment occurs with mirrored components such as second main strap 460 in fixed attachment to a second distal female fastener 480 mating or otherwise in releasable attachment to a first male fastener 353, with the male fastener in slidable attachment to a first angle strap 320, with the first angle strap in fixed and angled (45 degrees) attachment to the hip strap.

[0081] Referring to FIG. 2, a back side of a disclosed embodiment, yet another artful attachment occurs with a second medial female fastener 475 in fixed attachment to a medial section of the back side of a second main strap with the second main strap being crossed and with the second medial female fastener 475 in releasable attachment to the first superior mail fastener 260, with the first superior mail fastener 260 in slidable connection with a strap, the strap attached to an upper or superior section of the baby containment envelope such that the strap is angled in the range of 30 to 60 degrees. A similar attachment occurs with mirrored components, such as the first medial female fastener 445 and the second superior mail fastener 264.

[0082] A parent or adult hip strap 300 may be secured around the hip area of an adult. The hip strap may be in fixed attachment to a lower or inferior section of the baby containment envelope 200. The hip strap may be in fixed attachment to a first 410 and second 460 main strap. The hip strap features a first 350 and second 360 angle strap in fixed and angled attachment in the range of 30 to 60 degrees.

[0083] Referring to FIG. 3, disclosed embodiment may include a wet bag to store an infant carrier when not in use.

[0084] Referring to FIGS. 4 to 6, further features are shown.

[0085] Referring to FIG. 7 a back side view of a disclosed embodiment, a first hook and loop fastener 252 is shown with a second hook and loop fastener 254 the fasteners located on the back side of the baby containment envelope. Said fasteners may be in hook and loop attachment to hook and loop surfaces 440 and 470 as shown on FIG. 5. This hook and loop configuration helps to project a baby from the rough edges of the attachment pieces that are on or adjacent to the hook and loop systems, such as fasteners 442, 462 in releasable connection with fasteners, (see FIG. 4) 270 and 274.

[0086] FIG. 8 depicts an adult 600 wearing a disclosed embodiment while supporting a baby 700. Fasteners 475 and 264 are shown in releasable attachment.

[0087] FIG. 9 depicts a disclosed embodiment with straps at more relaxed angles.

[0088] FIG. 10 is a back side view of a disclosed embodiment featuring the hook and loop systems.

[0089] FIG. 11 shows main straps crossed and a connection with fasteners 450 and 353.

[0090] FIG. 12 depicts a front view of an adult wearing a disclosed embodiment and a releasable connection with fasteners 260 and 445.

[0091] FIG. 13 depicts two side views of a deployed embodiment and shows releasable connections between fasteners 260-445 and 270-462.

[0092] The above detailed description of embodiments of the invention is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed above. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, the invention are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the invention, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. For example, while steps are presented in a given order, alternative embodiments may perform routines having steps in a different order. The teachings of the invention provided herein can be applied to other systems, not only the systems described herein. The various embodiments described herein can be combined to provide further embodiments. These and other changes can be made to the invention in light of the detailed description.

[0093] Any and all the above references and U.S. patents and applications are incorporated herein by reference. Aspects of the invention can be modified, if necessary, to employ the systems, functions and concepts of the various patents and applications described above to provide yet further embodiments of the invention.

Claims

1. An infant carrier system (100), the system comprising: a) a baby containment envelope (200) comprising: i) a first and second vertical hip area (250) with each vertical hip area defining an upper end of a first and second baby leg loop void (270) and with each vertical hip area defining a lower end of a first and second baby arm loop void (230); ii) a first superior fastener (260) in slidable attachment to a first superior shoulder section strap with a first superior shoulder section defining upper bounds of the first baby arm loop void; iii) a second superior fastener (264) in slidable attachment to a second superior shoulder section strap with a second superior shoulder section defining upper bounds of the second baby arm loop void; iv) a top head flap width area (220) disposed between the first and second superior shoulder sections, with the top head flap width area comprising a top flap (210); v) a hip strap (300) attached to a lower portion of the baby containment envelope; an upper edge of the hip strap defining the lower boundaries of the first and second baby leg loop voids; b) the hip strap further comprising: i) a first angle strap (350) comprising a distal end, the distal end in fixed attachment to the hip strap at an angle in the range of 30 to 60 degrees, the first angle hip strap further comprising a first fastener (353) is slidable attachment to the first angle strap; ii) a second angle strap (360) comprising a distal end, the distal end in fixed attachment to the hip strap at an angle in the range of 30 to 60 degrees, the first angle hip strap further comprising a second fastener (353) is slidable attachment to the second angle strap; c) a main strap system (400) comprising: i) a first main strap (410) comprising a proximal end in fixed attachment to the lower portion of the baby containment envelope, the first main strap further comprising a first distal fastener (450) in longitudinal alignment with the first main strap, the first distal fastener in fixed attachment to a distal end of the first main strap; ii) a second main strap (460) comprising a proximal end in fixed attachment to the lower portion of the baby containment envelope, the second main strap further comprising a second distal fastener (480) in longitudinal alignment with the second main strap, the second distal fastener in fixed attachment to a distal end of the second main strap.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein: a) the first main strap further comprises a first proximal fastener (442) in fixed and perpendicular attachment to the first main strap and a first medial fastener (445) in longitudinal alignment and fixed attachment to a medial section of the first main strap; b) the second main strap further comprises a second proximal fastener (462) in fixed and perpendicular attachment to the second main strap and a second medial fastener (475) in longitudinal alignment and fixed attachment to a medial section of the second main strap.

3. The system of claim 1 wherein the baby containment envelope is made of neoprene.