1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a baby carrier with means to accommodate a seat insert to improve seating comfort for baby.
2. Discussion of Prior Art
The classic baby carrier consists of a main carrier, shoulder straps and waist belt connected together to accomplish its usability. There is a general concern around the notion of using baby carriers that do not have sufficient width along the bottom aspect of the panel, of which the baby's weight is being suspended. Baby carriers with crotch suspensions are being penalized for their lack of hip support causing a mechanical anomaly called hip dysplasia. These carriers with narrow suspensions also cause obstruction of blood flow to the legs when they are being dangled downwards near the hip region. Wider crotch support carrier, provides a better support to the hips. However, the weight of the baby is consequently transferred to the sacrum and the mid thighs of the baby. As the baby grows bigger and heavier, the suspension-type support of the carrier begins to add discomfort to the baby. While being suspended, most of the added weight is centered on the sacrum, creating unnecessary stress on the sacroiliac joint of the baby. As the baby grows, the edges of main panel that cradles the baby's bottom travels closer towards the hip region. This creates a blood flow obstruction along the posterior thigh as the lower leg dangles downward with more weight. The suspension, therefore, creates an uncomfortable seating for the baby. This problem is accentuated when the baby is in a front facing position.
A solid seat added to the baby carrier will assist with improving the weight support for the baby. The added solid seat will create a better sitting posture for the baby by providing a better pelvic and spine alignment as the baby goes through the neuro-musculoskeletal development phase.
The present invention relates to a baby carrier consisting of shoulder straps and a main panel. More related to the invention, the lower aspect of the main panel consists of a seat compartment. The seat compartment can be part of the main panel or part of the waist belt construction. The purpose of the seat compartment is to fit a seat insert to support the baby's weight when being carried in the carrier, promoting better support and alignment of the pelvis and spine. The seat compartment can be further secured onto the user by way of a waist belt, to reduce excess movement of the baby during carrying. Further weight distribution can also be achieved with a waist belt consisting of lumbar support.
The seat compartment can be fitted into the main panel as part of the main panel or be attached to the main panel by an intricate interlocking mechanism, to become removable. The interlocking mechanism can be of any fitting locking systems such as Velcro, buckle, buttons, zippers and loop hook. The interlocking mechanism can also be spread out onto various locations throughout the lower panel at different positions, to reach the optimal suspension. A waist belt is further extended to the ends of the seat compartment of the maw panel to further secure the carrier to the user.
In another embodiment of the invention, the waist belt, in its entirety, can also be attached to and detached from the main panel using the interlocking mechanism. By having this type of system, it allows a variety of waist belts of different size and types to be attached to the carrier to fit the user. Waist belts can be of different sizes and designs to fit the user, medically or cosmetically. Waist belts can also have lumbar supports to provide a better weight distribution of baby throughout the user's back, to minimize back strain.
In another embodiment, the seat compartment can also be part of the waist belt construction, with an interlocking mechanism to attach to the bottom of the main panel. With this design, the waist belt with seat compartment can be used with the main panel, or be used independently as a seat support for the baby to be carried in the front or the side of the user.
Another embodiment of the invention is that the seat insert can be extended farther into the main panel in form of a full or partial back rest, to create more support for the baby.
Once the seat is removed, the baby carrier can be used as a normal, traditional carrier. The seat can be of any shape, size and design; and can be hollow for storage, or simply as means to reduce the weight of the seat.
The present invention relates to a baby carrier with a seat insert. Traditional baby carrier comes without seat compartment as shown in
The main panel is, to a certain extent, a multi-sided shaped fabric with flexibility to conform to the baby's torso during use. The main panel is also sturdy and tough to withstand the weight of baby and wash ability. The main panel can also comprise of breathable mess materials to allow ventilation, as well as multiple layers for heat insulation. The upper corners of the said main panels consist of attachments to the shoulder straps. Together, the main panel and shoulder straps operates as a sling to cradle the baby against the user's body.
More related to this invention, the lower aspect of the main panel consist of a compartment 30. The purpose of the seat compartment 30 is to enclose a seat insert 40, shown in
The baby carrier can also be in a front carrying position with the seat compartment 30 resting, comfortably on the user's abdomen, shown in
The shoulder straps 20 are displaced, in general, around the corners of each top edges of the main panel 10. The pair of said shoulder straps 20 is adequately padded to reduce pressure and strain on the user's shoulder while using, the carrier. Where each padded shoulder strap 20 is attached to the main panel, a belt strap 21 is attached below it, along, the same side of the main panel 10. Each padded shoulder strap 20 will have one end attached to the top side corner of the main panel 10, and then loops around to have the other end meet the belt strap 21.
Fasteners are used to connect the padded shoulder straps 20 and the belt straps 21. These fasteners such as, but not limited to, the buckle style, can adjust the length of the shoulder straps looped around the users. The fastener arrangements of can be seen in
Closer examination of the seat insert 40 in
The seat insert 40 is placed in the seat compartment 30 located at the lower aspect of the main panel 10 by way of an opening, prior to the baby carrier being used, shown in
It is to be noted that when the seat insert 40 is not installed in the seat compartment, the baby carrier can be used like a traditional carrier. This is shown in
It is to be noted that an alternate embodiment to the intervention wherein the waist belt 56 can be removed from the main panel 10, shown in
Another embodiment of the invention, shown in
It is to be noted that another alternate embodiment of the seat insert can be designed to have additional back support inserted into the main panel 10, as noted in
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Number | Date | Country | |
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20150282639 A1 | Oct 2015 | US |