Abstract:
A side seating infant carrier which is adapted to support an infant or young child on an adult wearer&#39;s hip and is provided with a retention strap arrangement which is specifically adapted to hold the infant or young child within a seat portion defined by the carrier. As a supplement to the retention strap, the carrier is also provided with a pair of leg straps which are extensible about respective ones of the infant&#39;s legs. The infant carrier of the present invention is further provided with a waist belt arrangement adapted to provide optimal support to the lower back/lumbar of the wearer, as well as an adjustable shoulder strap arrangement which is configured to promote enhanced comfort and sizing flexibility.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/749,063 entitled SIDE SEATING INFANT CARRIER filed May 15, 2007, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not Applicable 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0004]    The present invention relates generally to carriers adapted to be worn by an adult in order to support and carry an infant or young child. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a side seating infant carrier which is adapted to support an infant or young child upon one of the hip regions of an adult while being held by the one of the adult&#39;s arms. 
         [0005]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0006]    As is well known to parents of infants or young children, shoulder-supported infant carriers are extremely popular and commonly used to transport an infant or young child. Shoulder supported infant carriers as currently known in the art come in a wide range of designs and styles. A common attribute of these carriers is that they offer “hands free” operation, and allow the adult wearer to carry the infant while performing other activities. One currently known infant carrier is a frame-type carrier which typically supports the infant on the back of the wearer. Currently more popular than frame-type carriers are frameless or soft-sided carriers which typically support the infant on the front or chest of the adult wearer. However, there is also know in the prior art soft-sided carriers which are adapted to support an infant on the back or on one of the hips of the adult wearer. Still further, there has also been developed in the prior art convertible carriers which are configured to allow the infant to be supported in alternate carrying positions, including the front or back of the wearer, and the front or hip of the wearer. 
         [0007]    In currently known infant carriers, those which are configured specifically for or convertible to a hip-carrying position are becoming increasingly popular since the positioning of the infant or young child on the hip of the wearer generally mimics the carrying position and weight distribution which adults frequently use to transport their children without the aid of a carrier. Additionally, by supporting the infant or young child upon one of the hips, the wearer is typically able to move at least one arm and hand freely to accomplish other tasks. 
         [0008]    Examples of currently known frameless infant hip carriers are found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,813,580 to Fair; U.S. Pat. No. 5,492,256 to Ive; U.S. Pat. No. 5,224,637 to Columbo; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,901,898 to Columbo. Another currently known hip carrier is sold by Playtex under the trademark Hip Hammock® and is shown in U.S. Pat. No. D425,696. Though each of these currently known hip carriers provides certain ones of the advantages highlighted above, they all possess certain deficiencies which detract from their overall utility. One such deficiency lies in the absence of retention straps which are adapted to maintain the infant or young child within the main body of the carrier to prevent inadvertent falls from therewithin. Another deficiency lies in the absence of structures which provide optimal support and comfort to the lower back/lumbar of the adult wearer. The present invention addresses and overcomes these deficiencies by providing a side seating infant carrier which is adapted to support an infant or young child on an adult wearer&#39;s hip and is provided with a retention strap arrangement which is specifically adapted to hold the infant or young child within a seat portion defined by the carrier. The infant carrier of the present invention is further provided with a waist belt arrangement adapted to provide optimal support to the lower back/lumbar of the wearer. These and other advantages attendant to the present invention will be described in more detail below. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a side seating infant carrier which is adapted to support an infant or young child on an adult wearer&#39;s hip. The carrier of the present invention is provided with a uniquely configured retention strap arrangement which is cooperatively engaged to the inner surface of the main panel thereof, and is specifically adapted to hold the infant or young child within a seat portion defined by the main panel when the same is positioned against the wearer in a prescribed manner. As a supplement to the retention strap, the carrier is also provided with a pair of leg straps which are extensible about respective ones of the infant&#39;s legs. The infant carrier of the present invention is further provided with an adjustable waist belt arrangement adapted to provide optimal support to the lower back/lumbar of the wearer, as well as an adjustable shoulder strap arrangement which is interfaced to the main panel of the carrier in a manner promoting enhanced comfort and sizing flexibility. 
         [0010]    The present invention is best understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]    These, as well as other features of the present invention, will become more apparent upon reference to the drawings wherein: 
           [0012]      FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of the side seating infant carrier constructed in accordance with the present invention, the broken lines showing an infant and adult to illustrate an exemplary manner of using the present infant carrier; 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is a rear perspective view of the infant carrier of the present invention; 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is a front elevational view of the infant carrier of the present invention; 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is a rear elevational view of the infant carrier of the present invention; 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  is a rear perspective view of a side seating infant carrier constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the infant carrier shown in  FIG. 5  taken along axis A-A of  FIG. 5 , illustrating an adjustable length coupling strip of the infant carrier in a first, retracted configuration; and 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view similar to  FIG. 6  but illustrating the adjustable length coupling strip in a second, extended configuration. 
       
    
    
       [0019]    Common reference numerals are used throughout the drawings and detailed description to indicate like elements. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0020]    Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings for the purposes of illustrating a preferred embodiment of the present invention only, and not for purposes of limiting the same,  FIGS. 1-4  depict a side seating infant carrier  10  which is specifically adapted to support an infant or young child  12  (shown in phantom  FIG. 1 ) on either the right or left hip of an adult wearer  14  (also shown in phantom  FIG. 1 ). 
         [0021]    The carrier  10  comprises a main body or panel  16  which defines an arcuate top edge  18  and an opposed bottom edge  20 . Extending between the top and bottom edges  18 ,  20  are first and second side edges  22 ,  24  which extend in spaced relation to each other. The main panel  16  further defines an inner surface  26  and an opposed outer surface  28 . In the carrier  10 , the main panel  16 , and in particular the inner and outer surfaces  26 ,  28  thereof, are defined by stitching various strips of material to each other in a prescribed pattern or arrangement. The material for the main panel  16  is selected such that substantially the entire inner surface  26  and portions of the outer surface  28  are fabricated from a breathable, mesh-like material. In addition, the main panel  16  is preferably fabricated such that a layer of sponge-like cushioning material is captured between the inner and outer surfaces  26 ,  28 , thus imparting a soft, padded quality to the main panel  16 . As best seen in  FIG. 3 , the outer surface  28  of the main panel  16  includes a pocket  25 , the open end of which may be selectively closed through the use of a zipper or similar closure mechanism. 
         [0022]    The main panel further includes a fold seam  27  which extends between the first and second side edges  22 ,  24  in spaced generally parallel relation to the bottom edge  20 . The fold seam  27  is also disposed in relative close proximity to the bottom edge  20 , with a lower panel section  29  of the main panel being defined between the bottom edge  20  and fold seam  27 . As seen in  FIGS. 1-4 , when the carrier  10  is configured for proper fitting on the wearer  14 , the main panel  16  is folded along the fold seam  27  in a manner which causes that portion of the inner surface  26  defined by the lower panel section  29  to directly face a portion of the remainder of the inner surface  26 . The advantages attendant to folding the main panel  16  along the fold seam  27  will be discussed in more detail below. 
         [0023]    Secured to the upper portion of the first side edge  22  is a sleeve  30  of the carrier  10 . The sleeve  30  defines a distal, open end  32  which provides access into a hollow interior compartment defined by the sleeve  30 . As is best seen in  FIG. 1 , the sleeve  30  is attached to the first side edge  22  such that one side of the sleeve  30  extends in substantially continuous relation to the top edge  18  of the main panel  16 . 
         [0024]    Attached to the upper portion of the second side edge  24  of the main panel  16  is the proximal end of an elongate shoulder strap  34  of the carrier  10 . The attachment location of the shoulder strap  34  to the second side edge  24  essentially mirrors the attachment location of the sleeve  30  to the first side edge  22 . In this regard, one side of the shoulder strap  34  extends in substantially continuous relation to the top edge  18  of the main panel  16 . 
         [0025]    In the carrier  10 , the shoulder strap  34  defines a distal end  36  which is that end opposite to the proximal end attached to the second side edge  24 . The distal end  36  is advanced through a buckle  38  which is secured to the interior of the sleeve  30  and protrudes slightly from the open end  32  thereof. Additionally, attached to the shoulder strap  34  in relative close proximity to the distal end  36  thereof is a male connector  40  which is sized and configured to be releasably engageable to a corresponding, complementary female connector  42  attached to the shoulder strap  34  at a location which is somewhat centrally disposed between the distal end  36  and the proximal end attached to the second side edge  24 . In the carrier  10 , the female connector  42  is permanently affixed to a prescribed location of the shoulder strap  34 . In contrast, the male connector  40  is adapted to be adjustable, and thus positionable anywhere along that portion of the shoulder strap  34  extending between the buckle  38  and the distal end  36 . The releasable connection of the male and female connectors to each other after the distal end  36  has been advanced through the buckle  38  effectively maintains the shoulder strap  34  in a looped configuration about the neck and one shoulder of the wearer  14  in the manner best shown in  FIG. 1 . The male connector  40  may be selectively positioned along the section of the shoulder strap  34  extending between the buckle  38  and the distal end  36  as needed to accommodate the particular size and body type of the wearer  14 . 
         [0026]    The shoulder strap  34  of the carrier  10  further preferably comprises an elongate, padded sleeve  44  which is advanced over portion of the shoulder strap  34  extending between the female connector  42  and the proximal end attached to the second side edge  24 . The sleeve  44  is partially fabricated from a layer of breathable, mesh-like material which is backed by a sponge-like, cushioning layer. The sleeve  44  is adjustable, and may be selectively positioned anywhere along the length of that section of the shoulder strap  34  extending between the female connector  42  and the proximal end attached to the second side edge  24  to provide enhanced comfort to the shoulder and neck of the wearer  14  when the shoulder strap  34  is advanced there over as also shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0027]    As is best seen in  FIGS. 2-4 , secured to the lower portions of respective ones of the first and second side edges  22 ,  24  is a pair of elongate lower flap portions  46  which extend in opposed relation to each other. More particularly, the lower flap portions  46  are attached to respective ones of the first and second side edges  22 ,  24  such that one side of each of the lower flap portions  46  extends in substantially continuous relation to the bottom edge  20  of the main panel  16 . Additionally, one side of each of the lower flap portions  46  opposite that extending in continuous relation to the bottom edge  20  extends in substantially aligned relation to the fold seam  27  of the main panel  16 . 
         [0028]    Attached to the inner surface of that lower flap portion  46  protruding from the first side edge  22  is a female connector  48 . Additionally, attached to the inner surface of the lower flap portion  46  protruding from the second side edge  24  is the proximal end of an elongate waist belt  50  of the carrier  10 . In addition to the proximal end, the waist belt  50  defines a distal end  52  and includes a male connector  54  which is attached thereto in relative close proximity to the distal end  52  thereof. The male connector  54  is sized and configured to be releasably engageable to the corresponding, complementary female connector  48  attached to the other lower flap portion  46 . Though the female connector  48  is permanently affixed to a prescribed location on the inner surface the lower flap portion  46  protruding from the first side edge  22 , the male connector  54  is adapted to be adjustable and thus selectively positionable along the waist belt  50 . The releasable connection of the male and female connectors  54 ,  48  to each other effectively maintains the waist belt  50  in a looped configuration about the waist of the wearer  14  in the manner also shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0029]    As indicated above, in the carrier  10 , the male connector  54  of the waist belt  50  may be selectively positioned along the waist belt  50  as needed to accommodate the waist size of the wearer  14 . To provide a further measure of adjustability, it is further contemplated that the waist belt  50  may comprise separate first and second waist belt sections  50   a ,  50   b  which are cooperatively engaged to each other by a buckle  56 . The first waist belt section  50   a  defines the proximal end of the waist belt  50  which is attached to the inner surface of that lower flap portion  46  protruding from the second side edge  24 . The end of the first waist belt section  50   a  opposite that attached to the lower flap portion  46  is itself advanced through the buckle  56 . The second waist belt section  50   b  defines the distal end  52  of the waist belt  50 , with that end of the second waist belt section  50   b  opposite that defining the distal end  52  itself being permanently attached to the buckle  56 . Thus, the adjustability of the orientation of the buckle  56  relative to the first waist belt section  50   a  coupled with the adjustability of the orientation of the male connector  54  relative to the second waist belt section  50   b  allows the waist belt  50 , as a whole, to be manipulated into any one of a wide range of different sizes as needed to accommodate the waist size of the wearer  14 . 
         [0030]    The waist belt  50  of the carrier  10  further comprises an elongate, padded sleeve  58  which is advanced over a portion of the second waist belt section  50   b  between the buckle  56  and the distal end  52 . The sleeve  58 , like the above-described sleeve  44 , is also partially fabricated from a layer of breathable, mesh-like material which is backed by a sponge-like, cushioning layer. The sleeve  58  is also adjustable, and may be selectively positioned anywhere along the length of the second waist belt section  50   b  between the buckle  56  and the distal end  52 . Typically, it is contemplated that the sleeve  58  will be positioned so as to provide comfort and support to the lower back/lumbar region of the wearer  14  when the waist belt  50  is advanced about the waist of the wearer  14 . 
         [0031]    In the carrier  10 , the outer surfaces of the lower flap portions  46  are each defined by a layer of the breathable, mesh-like material which also defines the majority of the inner surface  26  of the main panel  16 , including that portion of the inner surface  26  which is defined by the lower panel section  29 . Additionally, that portion of the outer surface  28  of the main panel  16  defined by the lower panel section  29  is similarly preferably fabricated from such breathable, mesh-like material. In using the carrier  10  of the present invention, it is contemplated that the main panel  16  will be folded along the fold seam  27  in the above-described manner as a precursor to advancing the waist belt  50  about the waist of the wearer  14 . As indicated above, the folding of the main panel  16  along the fold seam  27  causes that portion of the inner surface  26  defined by the lower panel section  29  to directly face a portion of the remainder of the inner surface  26 . As a result, that portion of the outer surface  28  of the main panel  16  defined by the lower panel section  29  is presented for direct engagement to the wearer  14 , as are the outer surfaces of the lower flap sections  46 . In this regard, the female connector  48  and waist belt  50  which are attached to the inner surfaces of respective ones of the lower flap portions  46  are outwardly presented away from the wearer  14  as a result of the folding of the main panel  16  along the fold seam  27 . Thus, when the waist belt  50  is thereafter extended about the waist of the wearer  14  and the male connector  54  cooperatively engaged to the corresponding female connector  48 , the lower flap portions  46  provide an effective, padded barrier between the female connector  48  and the wearer  14 , and further between a proximal portion of the waist belt  50  (i.e. the first waist belt section  50   a ) and the wearer  14 . 
         [0032]    The carrier  10  of the present invention further comprises a pair of upper flap portions  60  which are best shown in  FIGS. 2 and 4 , and are attached to the main panel  16  so as to extend along portions of respective ones of the first and second side edges  22 ,  24  thereof. More particularly, one end of one of the upper flap portions  60  is attached to the main panel  16  so as to extend substantially along the length of the seam defined between the first side edge  22  and the sleeve  30 . Similarly, one end of the remaining one of the upper flap portions  60  is attached to the main panel  60  to extend substantially along the length of the seam defined between the second side edge  24  and the proximal end of the shoulder strap  34 . The inner surfaces of the upper flap portions  60  are each preferably defined by a layer of the aforementioned breathable, mesh-like material. 
         [0033]    As is further shown in  FIGS. 2 and 4 , attached to the outer surface of that upper flap portion  60  disposed adjacent the shoulder strap  34  is a female connector  62 . Attached to the outer surface of the remaining upper flap potion  60  disposed adjacent the sleeve  30  is the proximal end of an elongate retention strap  64 . The retention strap  64  defines a distal end  66  which is that end opposite to the proximal end attached to the upper flap portion  60  disposed adjacent the sleeve  30 . Attached to the retention strap  64  in relative close proximity to the distal end  66  thereof is a male connector  68  which is sized and configured to be releasably engageable to the corresponding, complementary female connector  60  attached to the remaining upper flap portion  60 . In the carrier  10 , the female connector  62  is permanently affixed to a prescribed location on that upper flap portion  60  disposed adjacent the shoulder strap  34 . In contrast, the male connector  68  is adapted to be adjustable, and thus selectively positionable anywhere along that portion of the retention strap  64  extending between the distal end  66  and the opposed proximal end attached to the upper flap portion  60  disposed adjacent the sleeve  30 . In this regard, the male connector  68  may be selectively positioned along the retention strap  64  as needed to accommodate the infant  12  within the carrier  10  as will be described in more detail below. 
         [0034]    As indicated above, the carrier  10  is used by initially advancing the shoulder strap  34  about the neck and one shoulder of the wearer  14 , with the shoulder strap  34  being maintained in its looped configuration by the receipt of the male connector  40  thereof into the corresponding female connector  42 . Thereafter, the main panel  16  is folded along the fold seam  27  in the above-described manner, with the waist belt  50  thereafter being advanced about the waist of the wearer  14  and maintained in a looped arrangement about the waist of the wearer  14  as a result of the receipt of the male connector  54  into the corresponding female connector  48 . Upon both the shoulder strap  34  and waist belt  50  being cooperatively engaged to the wearer  14  in the aforementioned manner, the infant  12  may be placed between the body of the wearer  14  and the main panel  16  of the carrier  10 . Due to the arrangement of the carrier  10  upon the wearer  14 , the majority of the weight of the infant  12  within the carrier  10  is transferred to one of the hips of the wearer  14 . In this regard, a lower portion of the inner surface  26  of the main panel  16 , including that portion of the inner surface  26  which defines the lower panel section  29 , defines a seat portion  70  for the infant  12  within the carrier  10 , as is best shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0035]    Upon the infant  12  being positioned upon the seat portion  70  of the carrier  10 , the retention strap  64  is advanced over and along the chest of the infant  12 , with the male connector  68  thereafter being releasably secured to the corresponding female connector  62 . As will be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art, upon the engagement of the male and female connectors  68 ,  62  to each other, the retention strap  64 , which extends under the arms of the infant  12  within the carrier  10 , effectively prevents the infant  12  from inadvertently falling out of the carrier  10 . When the retention strap  64  is advanced over the infant  12  in the aforementioned manner, the inner surfaces of the upper flap portions  60  are typically brought into direct contact with the infant  12 , and provide a cushioned, padded barrier between the female connector  62  and the infant  12 , and further between the proximal portion of the retention strap  64  and the infant  12 . 
         [0036]    Referring now to  FIGS. 5-7 , there is shown a carrier  10   a  constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The carrier  10   a  is substantially similar in construction and function to the carrier  10  described above, with only the distinctions between the carriers  10   a ,  10  being highlighted below. 
         [0037]    As best seen in  FIG. 5 , the carrier  10   a  of the present invention comprises a pair of leg straps  72  which are attached to the main panel  16  in spaced relation to each other. Each of the leg straps  72  comprises an upper strap segment  74 , one end of which is rigidly attached to the inner surface  26  of the main panel  16 . More particularly, one end of the upper strap segment  74  of one of the leg straps  72  is attached to the inner surface  26  adjacent the first side edge  22 , with one end of the upper strap segment  74  of the remaining leg strap  72  being attached to the inner surface  26  adjacent the second side edge  24 . Attached to that end of each upper strap segment  74  opposite the end attached to the inner surface  26  of the main panel  16  is a male connector  76 . 
         [0038]    In addition to the upper strap segment  74 , each of the leg straps  72  includes a lower strap segment  78 . As further seen  FIG. 5 , one end of each lower strap segment  78  is attached to the bottom edge  20  of the main panel  16 . Attached to that end of each lower strap segment  78  opposite the end attached to the bottom edge  20  is a female connector  80 . As will be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art, the male connector  76  of the upper strap segment  74  of each leg strap  72  is releasably engageable to the female connector  80  of the corresponding lower strap segment  78 . Advantageously, the releasable engagement of the male connectors  76  to respective ones of the female connectors  80  allows the leg straps  72  to be maintained in looped engagement about respective ones of the thighs of the legs of the infant  12  seated within the seat portion  70  of the carrier  10   a . In this regard, the looped leg straps  72  supplement the effect of the retention strap  64  and assist in effectively preventing the infant  12  from inadvertently falling out of the carrier  10   a.    
         [0039]    As seen in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , it is further contemplated that the main panel  16  of the carrier  10   a  may be configured to allow for a selective increase in the size of the seat portion  70  thereof as may be needed to accommodate a growing infant  12 . In this regard, the seat portion  70  of the carrier  10   a  may include an adjustable length coupling strip  82  which is interposed between the lower panel section  29  of the main panel  16  and the remainder of the main panel  16 . More particularly, the coupling strip  82  has a first edge which is attached to the inner surface  26  of the main panel  16 , and an opposed second edge which is attached to the lower panel section  29  of the main panel  16 . Thus, the second edge of the coupling strip  82  extends along the fold seam  27  normally defined between the lower panel section  29  of the main panel  16  and the remainder thereof. 
         [0040]    Integrated into the coupling strip  82  is an interlocking fastener, such as a zipper  84 . The zipper  84  includes two sets of teeth  86  which, when releasably secured to each other, are operative to maintain the coupling strip  82  in a first, retracted configuration as shown in  FIG. 6 . Conversely, when the zipper  84  is manipulated so as to release the two sets of teeth  86  from engagement to each other, the coupling strip  82  is capable of achieving a second, extended configuration as shown in  FIG. 7 . In the carrier  10   a , the movement of the coupling strip  82  from its retracted configuration to its extended configuration effectively increases the distance separating the opposed first and second edges thereof by approximately six inches, thus effectuating a corresponding six inch increase in the width of the seat portion  70  of the carrier  10   a  as may be needed to accommodate an infant  12  of increased size and weight. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that differing sizes for the coupling strip  82  other than for the six inch width highlighted above are considered to be within the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
         [0041]    To prevent any inadvertent expansion of the seat portion  70  as may occur if the zipper  84  were to fail, the main panel  16  of the carrier  10   a  is preferably provided with an auxiliary retention mechanism which includes a pair of snap connectors  88  which are attached to the inner surface  26  of the main panel  16  in relative close proximity to the first edge of the coupling strip  82  secured thereto. The coupling strip  82  itself includes a pair of snap connectors  90  attached thereto which are arranged so as to be releasably engageable to respective ones of the snap connectors  88  when the coupling strip  82  is in its retracted position as shown in  FIG. 6 . As will be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art, the snap connectors  90  will typically be disengaged form the snap connectors  88  as a precursor to the separation of the sets of teeth  86  of the zipper  84  from each other as needed to effectuate the expansion of the coupling strip  82  to its extended position as is shown in  FIG. 7 . 
         [0042]    This disclosure provides an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is not limited by this exemplary embodiment. Numerous variations, whether explicitly provided for by the specification or implied by the specification, such as variations in structure, dimension, type of material and manufacturing process may be implemented by one of skill in the art in view of this disclosure.