Abstract:
A carrier is provided for carrying an infant, a baby, or a small animal. The carrier includes a pouch that is formed from a main bottom panel and side panels attached to the main bottom panel in which the infant, the baby, or the small animal may sit. The side panels form a resting notch which may be v-shaped at a top edge of at least one of the side panels. Two or more straps are attached to opposite side panels of the pouch and are formed to extend over a wearer&#39;s shoulders. The carrier further includes a sleeve disposed underneath the pouch and attached to the pouch. The sleeve allows the wearer&#39;s hand or arm to extend therethrough. When the wearer uses the sleeve, the wearer may provide added comfort and support to the infant, baby, or small animal being carried.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     1. Field 
     The disclosed embodiments relate carriers. More specifically, the disclosed embodiments relate to wearable infant, toddler, or pet carriers. 
     2. Related Art 
     In society, past and present, it has been customary for parents and caregivers, to carry their infant children, babies, or small animal pets, against their body, side, chest or back, using a sling-like arrangement of fabric, woven fiber or the like. Over the last few years, interest in the traditional practice of carrying an infant, baby, or small animal with the convenience of being hands free has become considerably heightened in the United States and around the world. It has become increasingly recognized that the practice has advantages for the infant, baby, or small animal, as well as for the caregiver. 
     With a well-designed body worn carrying apparatus or sling like carrier, a person is largely free to go about her or his business while carrying, comforting or transporting the infant, baby, or small animal with them. This may allow them to introduce and teach them about their surroundings, while offering them a level of protection and safety. The infant, baby, or small animal being carried has an improved state of well-being from being closely associated with carrier. Further, the infant, baby, or small animal may be prevented from being overwhelmed by a feeling of separation or of being alone in the world and may have enhanced visual and auditory experiences. The infant, baby, or small animal is also protected and removed from potential situations and surrounding elements that may harm them. 
     Some traditional baby carrier slings are designed for supporting the infant, baby, or small animal on the carrier&#39;s hip, while others are designed for supporting the infant, baby, or small animal on the carrier&#39;s back or chest. Sometimes, it is obvious from the way that the infant is twisting her neck about that she would rather be looking out at what is going on around her than to be faced with the relative sameness of their carrier&#39;s back or chest. Similarly, the infant, baby, or small pet may want to look from one side or another. However, traditional worn sling-type carriers fail to provide an infant, baby, or small animal with the choice of either left, right, front, or back facing positions. Further, known carriers fail to provide accommodating areas for an infant, baby, or small animal&#39;s head or other body parts to easily rest and be supported in each of these directions. 
     Also, traditional carriers are typically configured to be worn in one predetermined way. Thus, the carrier has one, predefined look, and accommodates the infant, baby, or small pet only in the predefined configuration. Often sling-type carriers are difficult to assemble, adjust, and put on. Further, many carriers and must be partially or completely disassembled in order to insert and remove the infant, baby, or small animal, when loading and unloading them into the carrying pouch. Further, sling-type carriers with a single strap may be difficult and uncomfortable for a wearer such as when the wearer is seated or in another position. This may create tension in the wearer&#39;s neck and back making it necessary to disturb and remove the infant, baby, or small animal held inside the carrier pouch. 
     While the benefit of traditional carriers allows the wearer to carry the infant, baby, or small animal hands-free, often the wearer wishes to place their hand or hands somewhere in contact with the infant, baby, or small animal, as a safety or comfort measure for the baby, infant, or small animal. Further, the wearer may move and position the carrier in relation to her or his body. This may be to sooth, support, comfort, or otherwise provide emotional and physical reassurance to the wearer and the infant, baby, or small animal. Often, this may also simply be for the wearer or wearer&#39;s hands and arms, to be in a more comfortable position while walking or in a standing or sitting position. Typical carriers, however, fail to provide an easy way for the wearer to interact with the carrier as described above. 
     SUMMARY 
     The disclosed embodiments have been developed in light of the above. The embodiments thus may include a method and design for a body worn carrying apparatus to help a wearer hold, carry, or transport an infant, baby, or small animal with or without the use of their arms and/or hands. The wearer may use the carrier hands free or may use her or his arms in a variety of positions that allows the wearer to lift, soothe, bond and comfort the infant, baby, or small animal. In one embodiment, the carrier may include a support sleeve disposed on a carrying pouch. The wearer may thus insert her or his hands and/or arms into the support sleeve on the pouch, while the infant, baby, or small animal is suspended in the apparatus. 
     In other embodiments, the body worn carrying apparatus may include dual straps and a pouch comprised of overlapping slanting panels. The pouch may be assembled to provide head and body resting notches that also create storage pockets on all sides of the carrier. 
     In another exemplary embodiment, a carrier is provided for carrying an infant, a baby, or a small animal. The carrier includes a pouch that is formed from a main bottom panel and side panels attached to the main bottom panel in which the infant, the baby, or the small animal may sit. The side panels form a resting notch at a top edge of at least one of the side panels. Two or more straps are attached to opposite side panels of the pouch and are formed to extend over a wearer&#39;s shoulders. The carrier further includes a sleeve disposed underneath the pouch and attached to the pouch. The sleeve allows the wearer&#39;s hand or arm to extend therethrough. When the wearer uses the sleeve, the wearer may provide added comfort and support to the infant, baby, or small animal being carried. 
     In the above-described carrier, at least one of the side panels may comprise overlapping panels. The overlapping panels have a diagonal top edge. The diagonal top edge of the overlapping panels may thus form the resting notch as a v-shaped notch. The overlapping panels may also form a storage compartment between the overlapping panels. 
     The two or more straps may be configured to be adjustable. The sleeve may be disposed to extend from under the pouch to at least partially up the opposite side panels. The straps may connect to the side panels via hoops. 
     In yet another exemplary embodiment, a carrier for carrying an infant, a baby, or a small animal may include a pouch that has a main bottom panel and side panels in which the infant, the baby, or the small animal may sit. At least one strap is attached to opposite side panels, and a sleeve is disposed underneath the pouch and is attached to the pouch. 
     In this carrier, the side panels may include front, rear, and lateral panels, and the straps may attach to the lateral panels. The side panels include overlapping panels having a diagonal top surface, the side panels forming a v-shaped notch. The side panels may also include a storage pocket between the overlapping panels. 
     The strap may be adjustable in length. A first side of the strap may be connected to the side panels via a hoop and a second side of the strap may be integrally formed with the side panels. In other embodiments, both sides of the strap may be connected to the side panels via hoops. The sleeve may be formed to extend from under the pouch to at least partially up the opposite side panels. 
     In another embodiment, there is a carrier for carrying an infant, a baby, or a small animal that includes a pouch having a main bottom panel and side panels attached to the main bottom panel. The side panels extend upwards from the main panel to form the pouch in which the infant, the baby, or the small animal may sit. The carrier has at least one strap attached to opposite side panels. The side panels form a resting notch at a top edge of at least one of the side panels. 
     The above carrier may have two straps that are configured to be worn with both straps on one shoulder or with one strap on each shoulder. The carrier may also have a sleeve disposed underneath the pouch and attached to the pouch. The sleeve may be formed to extend from under the pouch to at least partially up the opposite side panels. The side panels may include overlapping panels with diagonal top edges, the overlapping panels forming the resting notch as a v-shaped notch. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows a side view of a carrier for an infant, baby, or small animal, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  shows a front view of a carrier for an infant, baby, or small animal, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  shows an unassembled, exploded view of a carrier for an infant, baby, or small animal, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 4  shows a carrier for an infant, baby, or small animal being worn by a user, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
     
    
    
     The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. In the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     The disclosed embodiments relate to infant, baby, or small animal sling-type carriers. More particularly the disclosed embodiments relate to infant, baby, or small animal carriers having two independently functioning adjustable straps that can be placed to on the wearer to alter the look and carrying positions, that is assembled with diagonal edged layers in an opposite, overlapping fashion, that creates head and body resting notches and storage pockets, and that comprises a support sleeve assembled with or attached to the pouch of the carrier to provide emotional and physical support and assistance. 
     A carrier according to the disclosed embodiments allows a wearer to transport or carry an infant, baby, or small animal against the wearer&#39;s body, with or without the use of their hands. The wearer may hold the infant, baby, or small animal in a variety of positions allowing the user to emotionally and physically support and connect with the infant, baby, or small animal. The carrier further allows the wearer to support the infant, baby, or small animal with their hand, hands, arm, or arms inserted from one or both openings on either end of the support sleeve while the infant, baby, or small animal is suspended in the carrier. 
       FIG. 1  shows a side view of a carrier, and  FIG. 2  shows a front view of a carrier according to an exemplary embodiment. The carrier  10  comprises two length adjustable straps  110  that allow for easy loading and unloading of the infant, baby, or small animal into a pouch  100 . In addition, the two straps  110  are configured to allow the carrier to be worn in a number of positions when standing and when sitting. 
     For example, the straps  110  may be worn like a satchel on a single shoulder with the pouch  100  resting on an opposite hip area of the user (cross body right or left) or like a purse with the straps  110  on a single shoulder resting on the same hip area of the user (over the shoulder). The wearer may also wear the carrier  10  with the one strap  110  on each should with the pouch  100  worn against the front of the user&#39;s torso (front facing). While sitting, the carrier  10  may be worn cross body right, cross body left, or front facing. Further, the wearer may wear the carrier  10  cross body right or left with only one strap  110  on the shoulder, allowing easier access to the pouch  100  while sitting. 
     The straps  110  are adjustable in length and are wide for comfort and durability. For example, one end of the straps  110  may be threaded through a plastic or metal hoop, ring, or slot  114  and through a metal or plastic slide  116 . The length of the strap  110  may be adjusted by pulling or releasing the straps  110  through the slot  114  and slide  116 . 
     The straps  110  may be constructed of any suitable material to accommodate the desired ornamentation and comfort of the wearer. For example, the straps  110  may be formed of a soft foam interior, such as from a polyurethane foam, with a fabric lining surrounding the foam. Other padding or batting may also be incorporated to make the strap sufficiently comfortable. The fabric lining may be comprised of cotton, polyester, nylon, or any other now known or later developed material, or any combination of such materials. The straps  110  may also be formed without padding or batting, and may be comprised of, for example, a polyester webbing, a flexible plastic material, or the like. While two straps  110  are shown in this configuration, a single strap may also be used. 
     The hoop or slot  114  connects one end of the straps  110  to the pouch  100 . The other end of the straps  110  may be fixedly attached to the pouch  100  (see  FIG. 2 ) or may be releasably attached to the pouch  100 . For example, both ends of the straps  110  may attach to the pouch  100  via hoops or slots  114 . In one embodiment, the sliders  116  may be omitted where the straps  110  are connected to the pouch  100  on both ends by hoops  114 . Other releasable or permanent connections now known or later developed may be incorporated. 
     The pouch  100  is assembled with overlapping layers of diagonally edged panels sewn together in opposite facing directions. For example, the pouch comprises front and back panels  120 ,  122  and side panels  124 ,  126 . The diagonally edged panels  120 ,  122 ,  124 ,  126  create a resting place (resting notch) on which an infant, a baby, or a small animal&#39;s head or other body part may comfortably rest and be supported. In the embodiment shown, all four sides of the pouch include such a resting notch. The overlapping of the fabric panels  120 ,  122 ,  124 ,  126  on all sides provide extra support when assembled, and contribute to the overall shape and design of the carrier. Further, the overlapping panels  120 ,  122 ,  124 ,  126  create front and back storage pockets  128  between the panels  120 ,  122  and create side storage pockets  130  between the panels  124 ,  126 . 
     In some embodiments, the resting notch may be v-shaped as shown. However, the resting notch may also be formed, for example, in a U-shape. The resting notch may be formed only on one or some of the sides of the carrier  10 . For example, the resting notch may only be on the sides of the carrier  10 . Further, while overlapping panels  120 ,  122 ,  124 ,  126  are used in the above embodiment, the sides of the pouch  100  may be formed with a single panel on one or more sides of the pouch  100 . 
     The carrier  100  allows the wearer to support, lift, and bond with an infant, baby, or small animal through a support sleeve  142  disposed on the bottom of the carrying pouch  100 . The support sleeve  142  facilitates a user&#39;s hand and/or arm to be inserted through the sleeve  142 . The wearer thus may optionally provide emotional and physical support, stability, and assistance to the infant, baby, or small animal. This allows the wearer to pamper, connect, touch, lift, reassure and bond with the infant, baby, or small animal. 
     The sleeve  142  is formed from an additional panel  140  that is placed on the bottom of the pouch  100 . The panel  140  is formed to extend from one side of the pouch  100  along the bottom of the pouch  100  to the other side. The panel  140  is constructed of any suitable material provided sufficient strength and stretchability. Such material may include fabrics from synthetic fibers such as are known as Spandex, Lycra, or elastane, or a fabric containing a portion of such fibers. The panel  140  may also be constructed from a non-stretchy material where it is sewn onto the pouch leaving a sufficient space for the wearer&#39;s hand and/or arm. 
     The construction of the carrier  10  according to an exemplary embodiment is shown with reference to  FIG. 3 . In this embodiment, the carrier  10  is formed by four front/back panels  120 ,  122  and four side panels  124 ,  126 . The front and back panels  120 ,  122  are overlapped with one another so that the top diagonal edges of the panels  120 ,  122  form a v-shaped notch. Similarly, the side panels  124 ,  126  are overlapped with one another so that the top diagonal edges of the panels  124 ,  125  form a v-shaped notch. Here, the panels  126  are formed integrally with the straps  110 . However, the panels  126  could also be formed similar to panels  124  and separately attach to the straps  110 . 
     The side edges of the front panels  120 ,  122  are seamed together with the side edges of the side panels  124 ,  126  along the seam  132  (see  FIG. 2 ). A base panel  144  is then seamed to the bottom edges of the panels  120 ,  122 ,  124 ,  126  to form the pouch  100  with storage pockets  128 ,  130 . Of course, the base panel  144  may first be seamed to the bottom edges of the panels  120 ,  122 ,  124 ,  126  prior to seaming the side edges of the panels  120 ,  122 ,  124 ,  126 . 
     The sleeve  140  is then formed by seaming the sleeve panel  142  onto the bottom of the pouch along the seam  134 . In this embodiment, the sleeve  140  allows passage of the wearer&#39;s hand and arm all the way through the sleeve  140 . The rings  114  are attached to the top ends of the panels  124 . For example, the top of the panel  124  may be threaded through the rings  114 , folded over, and then seamed back onto the panel  114 . The straps  110  may then be threaded through the rings  114  and secured by the slide  116 . 
     The seaming to construct the carrier  10  may be done in any suitable manner such as by sewing, by using an adhesive, or by any other method or combination of methods. In other embodiments, fasteners may be used in place of or in addition to the sewing to provide an alternative look to the carrier  10 . 
       FIG. 4  shows an exemplary embodiment of the carrier  10  in use. The wearer B in  FIG. 4  has positioned the two straps  110  so that the carrier  10  is in the cross-body left position. In  FIG. 4 , a small animal A sits in the pouch, and the wearer B may carry the small animal hands free. With the sleeve  140 , the wearer B may optionally insert her or his hands into the sleeve  140  to provide additional support and comfort to the small animal A. 
     The above described carrier offers a number of advantages. The carrier is easy to use, versatile and designed for the comfort and convenience of the user and comfort and security of the infant, baby, or small animal. The carrier can be worn in a number of different positions by way of the two straps to suit the needs of the infant, baby, or small animal and for the style preferences of the wearer. The dual straps may also allow a user to remove one strap while in a sitting position to for allow easy access to the pouch. 
     Further, the overlapping panels allow, for example, a small dog to rest its head comfortably on the resting notch in any direction. This also helps such a small dog to be able to see out of the carrier. The overlapping panels also create a number of storage pockets for the wearer to store person items. 
     The added sleeve along the bottom of the carrier allows the wearer to easily switch from carrying the infant, baby, or small animal hand-free to supporting the infant, baby, or small animal with her or his arms or hands. The wearer may simply insert her or his arms through the sleeve to provide the extra support and/or comfort to the infant, baby, or small animal. 
     While various embodiments of the invention have been described, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scope of this invention. In addition, the various features, elements, and embodiments described herein may be claimed or combined in any combination or arrangement.