GB2624079A

GB2624079A - An infant carrier

Info

Publication number: GB2624079A
Application number: GB2313933.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Rajan Beatrice
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2022-11-02
Filing date: 2023-09-13
Publication date: 2024-05-08
Anticipated expiration: 2043-09-13
Also published as: GB2624079B; GB202313933D0; GB202216247D0

Abstract

An infant carrier 100 has a seat 10 with two leg apertures 11 and a waist belt 20 which when fastened about a wearer 300 by a releasable connection means supports a child occupant 200 in a seated position against the user. The sling 100 has a support panel 40 extending from the seat to support the baby. A shoulder strap assembly 30 has a first end extending from the panel 40 and passing over the wearer’s shoulders in use, and has two distal connectors 32, 33 (figure 6) at a second end that connect to at least two receiving portions 35 on a front region of the belt 20. Each receiving portion may be arranged within a pocket (23, figure 5). At least one elastic safety loop (21A, figure 5) may be provided adjacent to a receiving portion 35, distal connector 32, 33 or belt connection means.

Description

AN INFANT CARRIER

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an infant carrier, in particular a carrier for a wearer carrying an infant; more particularly but not exclusively a carrier that enables the infant to be safely supported with only the waist belt connected.

Background

It is important to have bodily or close contact with infants as they grow. As a result, many people may choose to use a baby carrier instead of a pram or stroller when transporting their infants from place to place, particularly when the infant is small. Using a baby carrier also has the advantage of keeping the user's hands free, giving greater freedom to conduct other actions or activities whilst carrying the child.

It can be difficult to fit a carrier and arrange an infant safely in place. Also, as the infant grows, this can become increasingly difficult, as baby carriers tend 20 to be bulky, heavy, and inflexible.

The present invention provides a carrier that is easy to fit and provides comprehensive support of the infant without connection of shoulder straps.

Prior Art

CA 3 026 547 (MUSIIWA) discloses an infant carrier comprising: a wrap panel sized for supporting a child to be carried on a wearer.

US 2017 0 013 971 (HARRIS) discloses a baby carrier, comprising: a main body comprising a rectangular panel sized and configured for supporting a child to be carried.

US 2010 0 200 626 (MOFTAKHAR) discloses a baby carrier, comprising: a rectangular body having a top edge, a bottom edge, and opposed side edges.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an infant carrier comprising a seat with two leg apertures and a waist belt which when fastened about a wearer by a first releasable connection means supports the infant in a seated position against the wearer; a support panel extending from the seat to support the infant; a shoulder strap assembly with a first end that extends from the support panel, passing over a wearer's shoulders in use, with at least two distal connectors at a second end that connect to at least two receiving portions provided on a front region of the waist belt.

In this way the carrier can be fitted about a wearer's waist to provide a secure inward or outward facing seat that an infant is received into that is against the wearer's torso. As the infant is held securely in the seat a wearer is free to use both their hands to position the shoulder strap assembly without risk of the infant falling from the seat. With the shoulder strap assembly also connected the infant is held very securely allowing a wearer to be more active whilst fully supporting the infant. For example, the wearer may exercise whilst carrying the infant in the carrier. It is also appreciated that the infant may be supported in just the seat for some occasions where more substantial support is not required.

A front region of the waist belt is a part of the waist belt that lies across the front of the wearer when donned, so that a wearer can more easily insert the distal connectors to the receiving portions as they can observe the receiving portion and do not need to position their hands behind their back to achieve the connection.

The seat and leg apertures depend below the waist belt so that the infant is supported in a pouch that provides the seat. Advantages of the seat is preferably shaped and dimensioned so that the infant's hips are in the paediatric recommended M' position which is a natural position for a baby that keeps their knees above hip and bottom (when seated) whilst providing support to their thighs.

The waist belt is passed around a wearer's waist and connects by a first releasable connection means, such as a buckle or interlocking clip.

The connection means of the waist belt are arranged at the wearer's back 10 when worn. In this way the connection means are not in contact with the seat and thereby the infant, the connection means can be adjusted easily at any time.

In a preferred embodiment the waist belt is wider at a mid-region and tapers to 15 the ends where the connection means are provided. This shaping provides comfort and support to the wearer.

The seat extends downwards from the waist belt and the seat can be opened to receive the infant whilst the waist belt is already secured around the 20 wearer.

Preferably the waist belt is adjustable in length by an adjustment means so that it can be adjusted to fit any wearer. The adjustment means also helps to close the opening of the seat to the infant.

Typically the waist belt is non-elastic and the length is adjusted by the adjustment means. Preferably the seat is made from a flexible, elastic material which stretches slightly as the waist belt and/or shoulder straps are tightened so that the infant becomes more securely held without significantly altering the pouch in which the infant is seated. Advantageously this enables a wearer to tighten the waist belt or the shoulder straps for some situations such as when exercising to hold the infant more closely to them.

By having the option to securely seat an infant in the carrier with only the waist belt secured about a wearer, the infant is in close contact with the wearer and in a position that may permit feeding and nursing whilst the infant is securely supported. This configuration also means that there is no pressure on the back and shoulders.

The support panel extends from the seat providing a support for the infants head and/or back or chest depending on the size and orientation of the infant. The support panel may be a flexible sheet that can be pulled upwards to cup the infants head and shoulders when in an inward facing position providing additional support, comfort, and protection. The support panel can be pulled downwards for an outward facing infant so that the chest is supported but the face is not covered.

In some embodiments at least part of the support panel may be padded or include rigid or semi-rigid portions to provide additional structure and support.

In a preferred embodiment the support panel is permanently connected to the shoulder strap assembly so that it cannot be separated. For example the parts may be connected by stitching. In some embodiments the support panel may be displaceable, being connected by a connection means such as press studs.

At least part of the support panel may be rearranged from a first position to a 25 second position, in order to uncover part of the infant, for example to allow access to the infant, to allow cooling of the infant and wearer, or to allow an infant to support their own head or to move their arms more freely.

In a preferred embodiment the support panel includes fastening means adapted to fasten at least some of the support panel in a second position so that the infant is less covered by the support panel. For example part of the support panel may be folded down and fastened to the support panel and/or seat.

The shoulder strap assembly extends from at least the support panel so that the support panel is held in position to support the infant when the shoulder strap assembly is in use and connected to receiving portions on the waist belt. In this way an infant can be first positioned in the seat and the support panel 5 that is connected to the shoulder strap assembly is only located to a supporting position when the shoulder strap assembly is passed over the wearer's head to rest over the wearer's shoulders and secured by connectors provided on straps at the second end of the shoulder strap assembly. When not in use the shoulder strap assembly may be folded in front of a user, so 10 that when required it can be easily deployed and connected.

In some embodiments the shoulder strap assembly may also be connected to the seat, so that it extends from the seat and the support panel for a more secure and supportive connection.

In a preferred embodiment a first end of the shoulder strap assembly extends from the support panel, and when used is passed over a wearer's shoulders and then secured to the waist belt. The shoulder strap assembly has two straps that pass over each of a wearer's shoulders and at least two connectors at a second distal end of the shoulder strap assembly that are secured to the waist belt to further attach the carrier to the wearer.

Once the shoulder strap assembly is connected over a wearer's shoulders this helps to spread the weight of the infant in a comfortable and safe way to minimise pressure to the wearer's back. The two distal connectors at the second end of the shoulder strap assembly connect to two receiving portions provided on a front region of the waist belt which also acts to further close the seat opening more securely around the infant. In this way the infant is held more securely than when only the waist belt is connected.

The receiving portions are provided at a front region of the waist belt so as to be easy to connect and disconnect. The receiving portions are arranged on the waist belt so that the straps can be adjusted to tighten the shoulder straps without significantly altering the seat space (pouch). Preferably the seat is made from a flexible material which stretches slightly as the shoulder straps are tightened so that the infant becomes more securely held without significantly altering the pouch in which the infant is seated. Advantageously this enables a wearer to tighten the shoulder straps for some situations such as when exercising to hold the infant more closely to them.

The shoulder strap assembly may be provided in different forms, to include separate straps, or joined straps.

In a preferred embodiments the shoulder strap assembly has two shoulder straps extending from the support panel that lead to a racer back form from which two strap ends extend from a second end of the shoulder strap assembly and connect to receiving portions provided on the front region of the seat. In this way a wearer has greater freedom to move their shoulders when wearing the carrier. Advantageously this arrangement also makes it easier when fitting the carrier as straps can be connected at the front of a wearer and also permits the wearer to exercise more easily whilst carrying an infant.

Preferably the shoulder strap assembly also has an adjustment means to adjust length to fit a wearer.

In some embodiments the carrier includes elastic safety loops at each connection means and/or at the receiving portions and/or distal connectors as a secondary connection in case any of the first connection is not properly connected or fails. The elastic safety loops also help to locate the connection means or receiving portions and distal connectors so that the connecting points can be positioned together and then more easily connected. For example, in a preferred embodiment an elastic safety loop may be provided at the receiving portions for the shoulder straps. The elastic safety loop may be stretched to receive the distal connectors on the shoulder strap, such as a clip on the distal end of the shoulder strap so that this is held in position next to the receiving portion into which the clip is received. In this way both parts (distal connectors and receiving portion) are held together by the elastic safety loop and a wearer can easily connect the parts.

It is appreciated that the elastic safety loop may be hooked around the 5 connection means, receiving portion or distal connector. For example the elastic safety loop may be located over and behind the length of the strap is returned through the clip.

In preferred embodiments a band is provided to secure ends of straps so that 10 they are secured and do not dangle and risk becoming caught. In this way ends of straps, which for example may be a length of webbing can be folded or rolled and secured by a band such as an elastic band.

In some embodiments a pad may be provided underneath a connection means so that the pad is arranged between the connection means and the wearer for additional comfort so that the attachment means is not in direct contact with the wearer. The pad or pads may be shaped and dimensioned to correspond to the shape of the connection means.

When the infant is in the seat and the shoulder strap assembly is not in use, the shoulder strap assembly and support panel may be rolled, folded, or scrunched and secured by connecting the shoulder straps to the receiving portions to ensure enhanced safety so that no parts are hanging down that may restrict movement or become caught.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the Figures in which:

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of the carrier donned by a wearer and carrying an infant with part of the support panel folded down; Figure 2 shows a first embodiment of the carrier donned by a wearer and carrying an infant with part of the support panel pulled up to cover the infant's head; Figure 3 shows a rear view of a wearer donning the carrier; Figure 4 shows the first embodiment of the carrier shown in Figures 1 and 2 with the shoulder strap assembly folded down; Figure 5 shows a front view of the carrier; and Figure 6 shows a rear view of the carrier.

Detailed Description of Ficiures

Figures 1 to 6 show a preferred embodiment of the carrier 100. The carrier 15 100 has a seat 10 with leg apertures 11 into which an infant 200 is seated. The seat 10 has a waist belt 20 that is secured around a wearer's 300 waist by a first connection means 21, 22.

The seat 10 is a flexible pouch into which an infant 200 is seated and their legs pass through the leg apertures 11. The seat 10 comprises flexible 20 material that may be elasticated or include elasticated portions for additional infant comfort.

The seat 10 extends below the waist belt 20 in use so that the infant 200 is carried in a seat that is below the waist belt 20 and is therefore more secure 25 when the shoulder straps 30 are disconnected.

The pouch format of the seat 10 means that part of the seat 10 is connected directly to the waist belt 20 and part of the seat extends outwards away from the waist belt 20 so that an infant 200 is received through an opening 12 into 30 the pouch of the seat 10 (see Figure 4).

The waist belt 20 is padded to provide back support for a wearer 300, to help to maintain the position of the waist belt 20 in use and for comfort.

The seat 10 is connected to part of the waist belt 20 so that when the waist belt 20 is connected around the wearer 300, the seat 10 opening 12 remains, 5 but wraps around the infant 200 to support and hold the infant 200 against a wearer's torso.

In the pictured embodiment the waist belt 20 is fastened by the first connection means 21, 22 in a position against a wearer's back (see Figure 3). It is appreciated that the waist belt 20 can be fastened at the front and then 10 rotated to the back of the wearer 200 for ease of use.

The connection means 21, 22 are a releasable interlocking clip (see Figures 5 and 6). Part 21 has an elastic safety loop21Afor receiving the connection means 22 so that it is held in position by the elastic safety loop prior to connection, making it easier for the wearer to handle and connect the connection means as the parts are arranged in close proximity.

The seat 10 is connected to the support panel 40 that is connected by stitching 50 to shoulder straps 30 that further secure the carrier 100 to the wearer 300 and help distribute weight of the infant 200.

A triangle of stitching 50A is included where the support panel 40 is connected 20 to the shoulder straps 30 which provides a strengthened connection that also helps to maintain shape following repeated use over time (see Figures 5 and 6).

A cross formation of stitching 50B is also provided where padded portions join webbing straps for a strengthened connection For example at straps 32, 33 25 and on the waist belt (see Figures 5 and 6).

The shoulder straps 30 have a racer back 31, with two securing straps 32, 33 that have a second connection means 34 that enables connection of a distal end of the securing straps 32, 33 to be engaged with a receiving portion 35.

The racer back 31 defines a head hole 37 for the wearer 300 so that the shoulder straps 30 and racer back 31 are lifted up and over a wearer's head to be fitted.

The shoulder straps 30 have D-rings 36 that provide a securing point for connecting items to be carried. It is appreciated that in some embodiments the securing point may be a fabric strip to provide a hook location or loop is provided to receive items, rather than a D-ring which is typically rigid.

The receiving portion 35 is contained within a padded pocket 23 on the waist belt 20. The padded pocket 23 provides the receiving potion 35 in a fixed orientation for receiving the distal ends of the securing straps 32, 33.

The padded pocket 23 also encloses the receiving potion 35 that is rigid so that it does not dig in to the wearer 300 and cause discomfort. The padded pocket 23 also serves to orientate the receiving portion 35 so that it is held in the correct orientation to receiving the corresponding connector and does not need to be positioned by the wearer 300.

The seat 10 is connected to the support panel 40 that extends from the seat 10 providing a support for the infant's head and/or back or chest depending on the size and orientation of the infant 200. Figures 1, 2 and 4 show an infant in an inward facing position so that the back and head can be supported by the support panel 40 as shown in Figures 1 and 2. The support panel 40 may be a flexible sheet as shown in Figure 2 that can be pulled upwards to cup the infant's head and shoulders.

In the pictured embodiment 100 the support panel 40 is permanently 30 connected to the shoulder strap assembly by stitching 50 so that it cannot be separated.

The support panel 40 includes fastening means 41 adapted to fasten at least some of the support panel 40 in a second position when the support panel 40 is not pulled up over the infant's shoulders and head but is secured at a lower location (see Figure 1). A first position of the support panel 40 is shown in Figure 2.

The fastening means 41 are press studs for quick and easy reusable connection and disconnection.

The support panel 40 may comprise an elasticated fabric so as to provide a comfortable support for the infant's head when in the first position. supported 10 by the straps 30 The pictured support panel 40 has a zip closed pocket 42 providing additional easy access storage Preferably the infant carrier is formed in flexible fabric such as cotton webbing, having connection means 21, 22, 34, 35 formed from synthetic plastics such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) or similar.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be 20 appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of protection as defined by the claims.

Claims

Claims 1 An infant carrier comprising a seat with two leg apertures and a waist belt which when fastened about a wearer by a first releasable connection means supports the infant in a seated position against the wearer; a support panel extending from the seat to support the infant; a shoulder strap assembly with a first end that extends from the support panel, passing over a wearer's shoulders in use, with at least two distal connectors at a second end that connect to at least two receiving portions provided on a front region of the waist belt.
2. An infant carrier according to claim 1 wherein the shoulder strap assembly extends from the seat and the support panel.
3. An infant carrier according to any preceding claim wherein the support panel is permanently connected to the shoulder strap assembly.
4. An infant carrier according to any preceding claim wherein the support panel comprises fastening means adapted to fasten at least some of the support panel in a second position.
5. An infant carrier according to any preceding claim wherein the waist belt is adjustable in length by an adjustment means.
6. An infant carrier according to any preceding claim wherein the shoulder strap assembly has an adjustment means to adjust length to fit a wearer.
7. An infant carrier according to any preceding claim wherein the shoulder strap assembly includes a racer back with a head hole for the wearer.
8. An infant carrier according to any preceding claim wherein each receiving portion is arranged within a pocket.
9. An infant carrier according to any preceding claim including at least one elastic safety loop provided adjacent to the receiving portion and/or distal connectors or connection means.
10.An infant carrier according to any preceding claim wherein the seat is formed from an elastic material and the waist belt is from a non-elastic material.
11.An infant carrier according to any preceding claim wherein the waist belt is wider at a mid-region and tapers towards ends with the connection means.
12.An infant carrier according to any preceding claim including at least one pad at a connection means.