Baby bag convertible into baby carrier

A baby bag that is convertible to a baby carrier includes a base that is movable between a folded configuration for storage and transport of the baby bag, and an unfolded configuration for receiving a baby. In an embodiment, a harness is connected to the base for restraining a baby received upon the base such that a back of the baby is maintained in close proximity to the base. In the same or another embodiment, a shoulder strap is attached to the base for suspension of the base, whereby a baby received upon the base may be carried by a person utilizing the shoulder strap.

COPYRIGHT STATEMENT

All of the material in this patent document is subject to copyright protection under the copyright laws of the United States and of other countries. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A variety of bags intended for use in carrying childcare accessories is commercially available. Available bags are useful for storing and transporting accessories and can be seen in many public environments where care providers such as parents and young children are seen. For example, young mothers carrying children and bags of diaper-changing supplies can often be seen in shopping districts, public parks, and in public transportation facilities. A care provider can face considerable physical prowess and balance challenges in carrying both a child and a typical care accessory bag throughout the course of any typical daily outing. Yet other challenges arise when a diaper needs to be changed. Even if a diaper changing station is available, such as in a public restroom, a parent may have difficulty while trying to comfort and securely hold a child on the hard surface of such a station while fumbling through a bag to find needed supplies. The cleanliness of such a surface and the overall public restroom environment is yet another concern for such a parent and carrying a pad or the like to isolate the child and the supplies only adds further burden in carrying and placing the pad. Indeed, often are seen awkward ad hoc situations in automobiles and lobbies where diaper changing stations are unavailable and a care provider struggles to feed a child or change a diaper without a convenient platform for the execution of the task. Child carriers are available to securely cradle a child but typical carriers are fashioned such that a child essentially must be removed from the carrier for a diaper changing, further complicating the balancing and juggling actions of the care provider.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention includes many aspects and features. Moreover, while many aspects and features relate to a bag and a carrier, and are described herein in the context of a baby bag that is convertible to a baby carrier, the present invention is not limited to use only in transporting a bag, contents thereof, and a baby. For example, when a bag according to the present invention is converted to a carrier, the carrier is useful as a baby bed and as a diaper changing station without regard to whether a baby is actually carried about or transported, as will become apparent from the following summaries and detailed descriptions of aspects, features, and one or more embodiments of the present invention.

Accordingly, a first aspect of the present invention relates to a baby bag that is convertible to a baby carrier. In one or more examples, a baby bag includes a base and a harness connected to the base. Furthermore, the base is movable between a folded configuration for storage and transport of the baby bag, and an unfolded configuration for receiving a baby, and the harness is configured to restrain a baby received upon the base.

Several variations according to the first aspect relate to the base having a first member hingedly attached to a second member. In one or more examples, moving the base from the folded configuration to the unfolded configuration includes rotating the first and second base members relative to one another. Optionally, overextension of the base is prevented by abutment of a portion of the first base member with the second base member. In another option, an angle of greater than ninety degrees is defined between the first base member and the second base member when the base is in the unfolded configuration.

Another variation relates to a shoulder strap that is removably attached to the base.

Another variation relates to a base member being cushioned for receiving a baby in comfort.

Other variations relate to pockets. In one or more examples, the baby bag includes a plurality of pockets, one of which may be disposed on a member that is connected to the base for hinging movement. Optionally, a pocket is dimensioned to receive a mobile phone. In another option, a pocket dimensioned to receive a baby bottle is disposed on the outside of the baby bag when the base is in the folded configuration. In yet another option, a pocket is dimensioned to receive an umbrella when the base is in the unfolded configuration for shading a baby.

Another variation relates to a canopy for covering a baby when received on the base.

Another variation relates to a collapsible wall attached to and extending around the perimeter of the base for encircling a baby received upon the base when the base is in the unfolded configuration, the wall collapsing toward the base when the base is moved into the folded configuration. In at least one example, the collapsible wall includes sections comprising mesh.

Another variation relates to a cushion for partially surrounding a baby's head when received upon the base. In at least one example, the cushion is removably attached to the base via hook-and-loop fasteners.

Another variation relates to a blanket for covering a baby received upon the base. In at least one example, the blanket is removably attached to the base via hook-and-loop fasteners.

Another variation relates to an anchor strap connected to the base for receipt therethrough of a belt.

A second aspect of the present invention relates to a method of using the convertible baby bag of the first aspect for carrying a baby. This method includes converting the baby bag to the baby carrier in the unfolded configuration, placing a baby upon the base, restraining the baby to the base using the harness, and carrying the base with the baby restrained to the base.

A third aspect of the present invention relates to a baby bag that is convertible to a baby carrier. In one or more examples, a baby bag includes a base and a shoulder strap attached to the base. Furthermore, the base is movable between a folded configuration for storage and transport of the baby bag, and an unfolded configuration for receiving a baby. Moreover, a baby received upon the base may be carried by a person utilizing the shoulder strap.

A fourth aspect of the present invention relates to a method of using the convertible baby bag of the third aspect for carrying a baby. This method includes converting the baby bag to the baby carrier by moving the base into the unfolded configuration, placing the baby upon the base, and suspending the base and the baby by the shoulder strap.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by one having ordinary skill in the relevant art (“Ordinary Artisan”) that the present invention has broad utility and application. Other embodiments also may be discussed for additional illustrative purposes in providing a full and enabling disclosure of the present invention. Moreover, many embodiments, such as adaptations, variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be implicitly disclosed by the embodiments described herein and fall within the scope of the present invention.

Turning now to the drawings, a first embodiment of a baby bag10that is convertible into a baby carrier is shown in various views inFIGS. 1-6. A first side12, a first end14, a top16, and purse straps18are shown inFIG. 1. The top16having purse straps are shown inFIG. 2. The top16has a pocket20attached thereto and a pocket closure22such as an area of hook-and-loop fasteners. In one embodiment, the pocket20is specifically dimensioned to receive a mobile phone in snug fit therein. In another embodiment, the pocket20is specifically dimensioned to receive a baby bottle in snug fit therein. A bottom24is shown inFIG. 2Ahaving a pocket26attached thereto and a pocket closure28such as an area of hook-and-loop fasteners. A second side30is shown inFIG. 3. The top16is hingedly attached to the second side30defining an opening and closing top of the bag for accessing the major interior thereof. The first side12is shown inFIG. 4having a pocket32attached thereto and pocket closures34,36such as areas of hook-and-loop fasteners. A second end38is shown inFIG. 5having first and second members40,42thereof that are joinable by a connector44such as a zipper. The first member40of the second end38is hingedly attached to the first side12and the second member42is hingedly attached to the second side30. The first end14is shown inFIG. 6having first and second members46,48thereof that are joinable by a connector50such as a zipper. The first member46of the second end14is hingedly attached to the first side12and the second member48is hingedly attached to the second side30.

When the first and second members46,48of the first end14are joined by the connector50as shown inFIG. 6, and the first and second members40,42of the second end38are joined by the connector44as shown inFIG. 5, the bag10is configured as a generally rectangular bag having multiple outer pockets having pocket closures. The bag is generally carried by purse straps18. The major interior of the bag is accessible by hinging the top16about its attachment to the second side30. Articles such as diapers and cleaning cloths optionally stored in the various outer pockets are accessible without unfolding the bag and without reaching deeply into the major interior of the bag.

The baby bag is convertible to a baby carrier as shown in various views inFIGS. 7-15. InFIG. 7, the connectors48,50are released for separation, respectively, of the first and second members40,42of the second end38and of the first and second members46,48of the first end14, thereby allowing conversion of the baby bag into the baby carrier by unfolding of the baby bag. The configuration shown inFIG. 1is referred to nominally herein as a folded configuration for storage and transport of the baby bag. The configuration shown inFIG. 8is referred to nominally herein as an unfolded configuration defining a baby carrier10for receiving a baby.FIG. 7shows the act of converting the baby bag10ofFIGS. 1-6into the baby carrier10ofFIGS. 8-9.

A base of the baby carrier is defined by the sides and bottom of the baby bag. The first side12and second side30are each hingedly attached to the bottom24such that the baby bag10(FIG. 6) is convertible to the baby carrier10(FIG. 8) by hinging of the first and second sides about the bottom. Thus, in the context of the baby bag10(FIG. 6) the items12,30, and24are referred to nominally herein respectively as the first side12, second side30, and bottom24of the baby bag10; and, in the context of the baby carrier10(FIG. 8) the same items are referred to as members of the base52.

As shown inFIG. 8, a collapsible wall53is attached to the base52and extends around the perimeter thereof. The wall53is shown as at least partially collapsed inFIG. 7. When the base52is in the unfolded configuration (FIG. 8), the collapsible wall53is generally upstanding from the base for encircling a baby received upon the base.

A pocket55is attached to the base52as show inFIG. 8and has a gathered elastic opening that opens away from a child received on the base (FIG. 13). The pocket55is positioned proximal the legs and under the feet of the child. A blanket, diapers, wipes, or other supplies and articles are optionally stored in the pocket55.

Also as shown inFIG. 8, a pocket155optionally is provided on collapsible wall53. Pocket155is specifically dimensioned to receive the base of an umbrella in snug fit therein for shading of a baby received within a harness70, which harness discussed in further detail below. The umbrella preferably is lightweight whereby the pocket155will support the umbrella in a desired position in order to provide the desired shade.

As shown inFIG. 9-11, the base52of the baby carrier10comprises rigid members that are hingedly attached together. A folded configuration of the base52is shown inFIG. 10, wherein rigid side members54,56are oriented essentially perpendicularly to a rigid central member58. The rigid side members54,56are each hingedly attached to the rigid central member58by flexible hinging members60such that overextension beyond an unfolded configuration of the base as shown inFIG. 111is prevented by the rigid members54,56,58. In particular, respective portions58a,58bof the rigid central member58extend beyond axes where the rigid side members54,56are hingedly attached to the rigid central member58. Overextension of the rigid side members beyond the unfolded configuration ofFIG. 11is prevented by abutment of the portions58a,58bwith the rigid side members54,56respectively.

In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 9-11, the flexible hinging members60comprise flexible portions of fabric that are bonded, adhered, sewn, or otherwise attached to the rigid members of the base while other hinging constructions comprising living hinges and hinges having axles are included in other embodiments. A cushion59(FIGS. 10-11) is provided for disposition between the rigid members54,56,58and a baby for comfort. Optionally, a washable removable fitted sheet (not shown) or other soft cover receives the cushion and rigid members to retain the cushion in abutment with the rigid members, to protect the cushion from soiling, and to further comfort the baby.

Another embodiment of an arrangement of rigid members of a base of a baby bag convertible to a baby carrier is partially shown inFIG. 12. In this embodiment, like that ofFIGS. 9-11, rigid side members62,64are each hingedly attached to a rigid central member66by flexible hinging members68such that overextension beyond an unfolded configuration is prevented by the rigid members62,64,66. In this embodiment, however, unlike that ofFIGS. 9-11, respective portions62a,64aof the rigid side members extend beyond axes where the rigid side members62,64are hingedly attached to the rigid central member66. Overextension of the rigid side members is prevented by abutment of the portions62a,64arespectively with the rigid central member66.

As shown inFIGS. 8 and 13, a harness70is connected to the base52of the baby carrier for restraining a baby received upon the base when the base is in the unfolded configuration. The harness is configured to restrain a baby such that the back of the baby is maintained in close proximity to the base. In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 8 and 13, the harness70comprises straps that extend from the base52, pass about the shoulders of the child, and connect to a groin area panel that passes between the legs of the child. A breast strap assembly passes across the breast of the child. The harness includes sliding adjusters for providing a comfortable fit about the child and release snaps for conveniently securing and releasing the child.

Furthermore, the baby carrier preferably includes a cushion for partially surrounding and supporting a baby's head when the baby is received on the base. In the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 8 and 13, the cushion72(FIG. 13) is removably attached to the base52via hook-and-loop fasteners74(FIG. 8). The cushion is provided for comfort and to control the position of the head of the child as may be needed with particular regard to young infants.

A blanket82is shown covering much of the child inFIG. 14. The blanket82is optionally removably attached to the base52via hook-and-loop fasteners (not shown). Securing pads84attached to the blanket are for securing a bottle support86(FIG. 15) to the blanket as shown inFIG. 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the securing pads84(FIG. 14) comprise hook-and-loop fasteners for engaging corresponding fasteners on the bottom of the bottle support. The bottle support86is shown inFIG. 16with a bottle therein such that the bottle is supported by the support and is retained by a strap88(FIG. 15) of the bottle support86such that the child may comfortably feed from the bottle.

A shoulder strap90is provided for suspension of the baby carrier10therefrom when the baby carrier is in the unfolded configuration as shown inFIGS. 17-18. The shoulder strap90is capable of being removably attached to the baby carrier, for example, by way of releasable clips9(FIG. 17) each located at an opposing end of the baby carrier10. A baby received by the baby carrier may be carried by a person utilizing the shoulder strap as shown inFIG. 18. Toys hanging on a cord may be attached to the shoulder strap, as shown inFIG. 17, which will swing and move for the amusement of the child as the baby carrier is carried.

Additionally or alternatively, a shoulder strap is removably attached to the baby carrier at opposing sides of the carrier such that the baby carrier may be carried by a person utilizing the shoulder strap, as shown inFIG. 19. In the arrangement ofFIG. 19, a shoulder strap is attached to the base of the carrier proximal the rigid central member58(FIGS.9,11) such that, upon lifting the carrier by the strap, biasing of the carrier toward the folded configuration is minimized or avoided. For additional security, a belt worn about the waist of the person utilizing the shoulder strap may be passed through an anchor strap91(FIG. 6) attached to the base of the carrier.

Additionally or alternatively, the baby carrier is capable of being supported by straps94as shown inFIG. 20. The straps94are attached to the base of the carrier proximal the rigid central member58(FIGS.9,11) such that, upon lifting the carrier by the straps as shown inFIG. 20, biasing of the carrier toward the folded configuration is minimized or avoided.

According to another embodiment of the invention as shown inFIGS. 21-25, a baby bag500(FIG. 23) is convertible to a baby carrier500(FIGS. 21,24-25) that comprises a base502having an unfolded configuration as shown in FIGS.21and24-25, and a folded configuration as shown inFIG. 22-23. The base502comprises a first member502afor receiving the head and upper torso of a baby, and a second member502bfor receiving the legs of a baby. A harness504is attached to each of the first member and second member for securing a baby when received by the base502in the unfolded configuration.

A hinge-control lever506extends from the base502along the axis along which the member502aand second member502bare hingedly attached. When the base502obtains the folded configuration (FIG. 22), the first member502aabuts the second member502b. When the base502obtains the unfolded configuration (FIG. 21), the first member502aand second member502bare disposed in an essentially coplanar relationship. The first member502aand second member502bare capable of any relative disposition between the unfolded configuration (FIG. 21) and the folded configuration (FIG. 22) when the hinge-control lever506is unlocked. For example, inFIG. 24the first member is slightly inclined from the completely unfolded configuration. Relative movement (hinging) between the first member and second member is arrested when the hinge-control lever is locked.

A first lateral member508is hingedly attached to the first member502aof the base and a second lateral member510is hingedly attached to the second member502bof the base. Each lateral member508,510includes a number of pockets512having optional closure elements such as buckles, zippers, and buttons. The pockets512are arranged on the faces of the lateral members that are readily accessible when either the folded configuration (FIG. 23) or the unfolded configuration (FIG. 21) of the base502is obtained. A pocket509attached to the first lateral member508may be specifically dimensioned to receive a mobile phone in snug fit therein. Alternatively, pocket509may be specifically dimensioned to receive a baby bottle in snug fit therein.

The convertible baby bag500is configured as a bag with a bag-carrying strap assembly514inFIG. 23, wherein the first lateral member abuts the first member of the base and the second lateral member510abuts the second member of the base. Closure elements516attached to the lateral members and comprising straps and quick-release buckles are useful for securing the baby bag in the bag configuration shown inFIG. 23. The closure elements516are further useful for securing the lateral members in rolled configurations as shown inFIG. 24.

The convertible baby bag500includes a collapsible canopy518as shown inFIGS. 21 and 24. The collapsible canopy optionally hinges about the axis along which the first member and second member of the base are hingedly attached.

The convertible baby bag500is configured as a baby carrier with a shoulder strap assembly inFIGS. 24 and 25. The shoulder strap assembly has a single strap portion520and a double strap portion522. The double strap portion522is anchored to the first and second members of the base at spaced respective anchor points to assist in stabilizing the baby carrier when carried as shown inFIG. 25.

A collapsible wall524is attached to and extends around the perimeter of the base for encircling a baby received upon the base when the unfolded configuration (FIG. 24) is obtained. In the illustrated embodiment, the wall524includes sections526comprising mesh. The wall524collapses toward the base when the folded configuration is obtained (FIG. 23).

Within the convertible baby bag500shown inFIGS. 21-25, a hinging frame530as shown inFIGS. 26-28comprises a first frame member532for supporting the first member of the base, a second frame member534for supporting the second member of the base, and the hinge control lever506. The hinging frame530obtains: the unfolded configuration shown inFIG. 26when the base502(FIG. 21) obtains the unfolded configuration; the folded configuration shown inFIG. 27when the base502(FIG. 22) obtains the folded configuration; and, an intermediate inclined configuration as shown inFIG. 28when the base502obtains an inclined configuration. Relative movement (hinging) between the first frame member and second frame member is arrested when the hinge-control lever506is locked. Construction of the hinging frame530prevents overextension of the frame members beyond the unfolded configuration (FIG. 26).

Another embodiment of a frame for a convertible baby bag is shown inFIGS. 29-30. InFIG. 29, the hinging frame630includes a first frame member632, a second frame member634, a canopy support member636, and a bracket638about which the first frame member, the second frame member and the canopy support member rotate. A leg member640is hingedly attached to the first frame member632for supporting the first frame member in an inclined configuration as shown. Horizontal support members642depend from the bracket providing stability to the hinging frame when placed on a horizontal surface and preventing overextension of the first frame member and second frame member beyond the horizontal. The hinging frame630is shown inFIG. 29in an inclined configuration that is intermediate a folded configuration (not shown), wherein the first and second frame members are vertically disposed, and an unfolded configuration (not shown), wherein the first and second frame members are horizontally disposed.

As shown inFIG. 30, wherein the first and second frame members are maintained as inFIG. 29but wherein the bracket638is not shown, overextension of the first and second frame members632,634beyond a horizontal configuration is further prevented by respective abutting surfaces644,646that abut each other when the horizontal configuration is obtained.

In addition to the foregoing detailed description, it further is noted that the embodiment of the baby carrier as shown, for example, inFIG. 21includes feet555for elevation of the base of the baby carrier above a surface upon which the baby carrier may be placed. Elevation of the baby carrier is advantageous for insulating the baby carrier from heat exchange with the support surface. Feet556further are provided in the frame of, for example,FIG. 26for similarly elevating a base of a baby carrier. Moreover, the frame ofFIG. 26further defines openings557extending therethrough containing air for further insulating the base from any support surface upon which the base may be placed. Similarly, the frame of the embodiment of, for example,FIG. 30also includes feet558and openings559separated by support walls for elevating and insulating a base of a baby carrier.