Reversible infant carrier

Abstract

A reversible infant carrier adaptable for selectively carrying the infant in the front or the back of the wearer with proper back and abdomen support includes an anterior support panel and a posterior support panel linked thereto. There is further provided a pair of adjustable shoulder harnesses attached to the anterior support panel, and a support belt slidably extendible through the anterior support panel including a lumbar support pad and an abdomen support sleeve.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]Not ApplicableSTATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH / DEVELOPMENT[0002]Not ApplicableBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]1. Technical Field[0004]The present disclosure relates generally to carrying and support devices. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to shoulder harness devices for on-the-body carry of infants and small children. The present disclosure further relates to reversible infant carriers adaptable for carrying the infant on the front side or the back side of the wearer.[0005]2. Related Art[0006]It is common practice for parents and other caregivers to carry infants and toddlers, and there is a variety of well-known devices suitable to this end. Such infant-carrying devices include carriages, strollers, pushchairs, and car seats, which are separate units particularly configured for holding the infant or toddler independent of the parent / caregiver adult. The adult, in turn, holds and transports the device with ha...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012]According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a reversible infant carrying apparatus that is adapted to support an infant or toddler on an adult wearer. The carrying apparatus in accordance with such an embodiment includes an anterior support panel with a lateral sleeve. Furthermore, there is a posterior support panel that is linked to the anterior support panel. There are a pair of shoulder harnesses, with each defining opposed ends that are attached to the anterior support panel to define a loop relationship. Each shoulder harness is also engageable to the posterior support panel. Further included in the infant carrying apparatus is a support belt that is slidably extended through the lateral sleeve, with the support belt defining a first connector end engageable to an opposed second connector end. Thus, a looped configuration about the abdomen and back of the wearer is maintained. That the support is slidably extended achieves proper support for the wearer when carrying the infant in the front or the back. The anterior support panel, the posterior support panel, and the pair of shoulder harnesses collectively define a compartment within which the infant is supported.

Problems solved by technology

Earlier, in industrialized cultures, it was deemed to be detrimental to the development of the child to experience too much physical contact with the parents or caregivers.

However, these views are increasingly being challenged on the basis that there are numerous developmental benefits to the child.

Moreover, cumbersome and bulky strollers need not be deployed in potentially dangerous places such as crowded city sidewalks and public transportation systems.

Though simpler in construction, slings and wraps are not as popular as infant carriers that incorporate shoulder straps, due in part to the difficulty associated with proper wear.

However, due to increased exposure to hazards considering that the body of the parent / caregiver does not shield the child, it may be inappropriate in certain circumstances to carry the child in the front.

Unfortunately, existing infant carriers are lacking in a number of different respects, namely, the capability of interchangeably carrying the child in the front as well as the back in a desired orientation.

The level of discomfort experienced by those who utilize wearable infant carriers also represents yet another deficiency, in that there is placed a substantial load on the abdomen and back of the wearer with insufficient support.

Improper weight distribution puts a strain on the shoulders, and may lead to serious injury.

Along theses lines, discomfort to the child may result from an inadequate fit with the carrier.

Though large differences in the size of infants and toddlers may be accounted for by carriers of incrementally larger sizes, conventional infant carriers cannot be adjusted for minor shape and size differences.

This may result in chafing, strain, and discomfort, or worse, such as suffocation, or abnormal development of muscle and bone structures.

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