Multifunctional child carrier

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a multifunctional child carrier. In one embodiment, the multifunctional child carrier is transitionable between front and side carrying positions on a wearer, and has a carrier body with a bottom section having a support sleeve, a lumbar belt configured to extend through the support sleeve and about the body of the wearer, and a pair of adjustable shoulder straps extensible over the wearer's shoulders. In another embodiment, the multifunctional carrier is transitionable between upright and sling carrying positions on a wearer, and the carrier body has both a front sleeve and at least two opposing side sleeves. In yet another embodiment, a lumbar belt for use with the child carrier includes a contoured lumbar panel configured to support the lumbar region of the wearer's back.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]Not Applicable.STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH / DEVELOPMENT[0002]Not ApplicableBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]1. Technical Field[0004]The present invention relates generally to carriers adapted to be worn by an adult in order to support and carry an infant or other young child. More particularly, in at least one aspect, the present invention is directed to an improved multifunctional child carrier that accommodates the carrying of a child in either a front or side carrying position. The multifunctional carrier may also optionally accommodate carrying of a child in a sling position. In another aspect, the present invention is directed to an improved lumbar belt for use with the multifunctional carrier or other child carrier.[0005]2. Related Art[0006]Shoulder-supported child carriers are commonly used by parents and child caregivers to carry and transport infants and other young children. A common attribute of these carriers is ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012]The present invention specifically addresses and alleviates the above-identified deficiencies in the art. In this regard, the present invention is directed to a multifunctional child carrier that provides for improved versatility in the carrying of a child in a number of different positions that are generally convenient and comfortable for both the child and the wearer. In one embodiment of the invention, the child carrier is transitionable between front and side carrying positions on a wearer. In this embodiment, the child carrier has a carrier body configured to support a child therein that has a bottom section configured to pass between the legs of the child held in the carrier body to support the child thereon. The bottom section of the ...

Problems solved by technology

However, a problem with current child carriers is that they typically are not capable of providing both front and side carrying functionality, and are thus limited in terms of the options they provide for carrying and transporting children.

As these carriers generally are not readily transitionable between front and side carrying positions, a parent or child caregiver is required to purchase at least one of each, and even multiple carriers if they wish to have the option to carry the child in both front and side positions.

Yet another problem with current child carriers is that they typically are not capable of readily transitioning from front and / or side carrying positions to a sling carrying position.

However, such currently available slings nonetheless do not allow for conversion to more secure and / or more conventional front or side upright carriers, and as such they can be limited in their use.

Still another problem with currently available child carriers is that they frequently do not provide adequate back support to the adult wearer.

In particular, certain child carrier designs can unacceptably strain the wearer's back, which can make wearing of the child carrier uncomfortable.

While such belts often include padded sections intended to cushion and lessen the strain on the lumbar region of the wearer's back, they nonetheless can become uncomfortable to the wearer, especially over long periods of time.

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