Baby carrier

Abstract

The present application relates to a baby carrier comprising a seat shell formed to include a child receiving space configured to cradle a child, and a handle coupled to an outer surface of the seat shell outside of the child receiving space. The handle includes a U-shaped hand grip portion disposed to extend above the child receiving space and adapted to be grasped by a caregiver to lift the baby carrier, a first handle mount coupled to the outer surface on a first side edge of the seat shell, and a second handle mount coupled to the outer surface on an opposite second side edge of the seat shell.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 761273, filed February 21, 2025, the entire contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0003] This disclosure relates to child safety devices, and more specifically to child restraint devices. More specifically, this disclosure relates to an infant carrier. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to this disclosure, an infant carrier includes a seat shell and a handle. The seat shell is formed to include a child-accommodating space configured to support a child, and the handle is attached to an outer surface of the seat shell outside the child-accommodating space. The handle includes a U-shaped grip, a first handle mount, and a second handle mount. The U-shaped grip is configured to extend above the child-accommodating space and is adapted for a caregiver to grasp and lift the infant carrier. The first handle mount is attached to an outer surface on a first side of the seat shell, and the second handle mount is attached to an outer surface on an opposite second side of the seat shell.

[0005] In an exemplary embodiment, the first and second handle mounts each include a mount body and a finger grip portion. The mount body is coupled to the seat housing and is pivotable about a pivot axis. The finger grip portion is coupled to the lower end of the mount body and faces the outer surface of the seat housing. The finger grip portion is spaced apart from the outer surface of the seat housing and configured to accommodate the user's fingertips to assist in lifting the infant carrier.

[0006] In an exemplary embodiment, the first and second handle mounts each include an outer surface, an inner surface, a lower surface, and a finger-receiving surface. The outer surface faces away from the child-receiving space, the inner surface faces the child-receiving space and is fitted against the outer surface of the seat shell, the lower surface is connected to the lower end of the outer surface and faces away from the outer and inner surfaces, and the finger-receiving surface is connected to the lower end of the inner surface and spaced apart from the outer surface of the seat shell to provide a finger-receiving space between the finger-receiving surface and the outer surface of the seat shell, allowing the caregiver's fingers to be accommodated within the finger-receiving space and to fit against the finger-receiving surface when the caregiver lifts the infant carrier.

[0007] Other features of this disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of exemplary embodiments that embody the best mode of implementing this disclosure as currently contemplated. Attached Figure Description

[0008] The specific implementation method is described in particular with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1A perspective view of a caregiver holding an infant carrier using a woven holding method. The infant carrier includes a seat shell and a handle connected to the seat shell. The handle includes a U-shaped hand grip, a first handle mounting base connected to a first side of the seat shell, and a second handle mounting base connected to a second side of the seat shell. Figure 2 A front view of the first handle mount attached to the seat housing shows that the handle mount includes a mount body connected to a U-shaped hand grip and a finger grip connected to the lower end of the mount body. The finger grip is at least partially spaced from the outer surface of the seat housing to provide finger accommodation space between the two to assist caregivers in lifting the infant carrier in an interlocking grip manner. Figure 3 A front view showing the caregiver's hand holding the first handle mount and the caregiver's fingers extending into the finger receiving space and fitting against the finger receiving surface of the finger grip portion; Figure 4 The enlarged perspective view of the handle shows that the first handle mounting base includes outward-facing surfaces with upper and lower sections, which improves the caregiver's grip comfort when lifting the infant carrier in an interlocking grip manner. Figure 5 The enlarged perspective view of the handle portion shows that the first handle mounting base also includes an inward surface connected to the upper end of the finger receiving surface, and shows that the finger grip portion is formed to include a tip, through which the finger grip portion is divided into a first finger receiving area and a second finger receiving area. Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the handle, with the handle portion shown in dashed lines to highlight the first handle mounting base; Figure 7 This is a front view of the handle, with the handle portion shown in dashed lines to highlight the first handle mounting base; Figure 8 This is a rear view of the handle; the handle portion is shown in dashed lines to highlight the first handle mounting base. Figure 9 This is a first side view of the handle, with the handle portion shown in dashed lines to highlight the first handle mounting base; Figure 10 For along Figure 7 The sectional view along line 10-10 shows the handle portion in dashed lines to highlight the first handle mounting base; Figure 11 This is a top view of the handle; the handle portion is shown in dashed lines to highlight the first handle mounting base. Figure 12 This is a bottom view of the handle, with the handle portion shown in dashed lines to highlight the first handle mounting base; Figure 13A perspective view of a second embodiment of an infant carrier for caregivers to hold in an interlocking grip manner. The infant carrier includes a seat shell and a handle connected to the seat shell. The handle includes a U-shaped hand grip portion, a first handle mounting seat connected to a first side of the seat shell, and a second handle mounting seat connected to a second side of the seat shell. Figure 14 for Figure 13 The first handle mount is attached to the front view of the seat housing. The handle mount includes a mount body connected to a U-shaped hand grip and a finger grip connected to the lower end of the mount body. The finger grip is at least partially spaced from the outer surface of the seat housing to provide finger accommodation space between the two to assist caregivers in lifting the infant carrier in an interlocking grip manner. Figure 15 for Figure 13 A 3D view of the first handle mounting base of a baby carrier; Figure 16 A front view showing the caregiver's hand gripping the first handle mount and the caregiver's fingers extending into the finger-receiving space and fitting against the finger-receiving surface of the finger grip portion; and Figure 17 The perspective view shows a portion of the third embodiment of the handle, which includes a finger grip portion with multiple ribs. Detailed Implementation

[0009] The infant carrier 10 includes a seat shell 12 and a handle 16. The seat shell 12 is formed to include a child-accommodating space 14 configured to hold a child. The handle 16 is attached to an outer surface 18 of the seat shell 12 on the outside of the child-accommodating space 14. The seat shell 12 is configured to be attached to a seat base 11 mounted on a vehicle seat 13 within a vehicle, or it can be directly mounted on the vehicle seat 13. The infant carrier 10 is detachable from the seat base 11 and the vehicle seat 13, allowing a caregiver to remove the infant carrier 10 from the vehicle while the child is still in the child-accommodating space 14.

[0010] The handle 16 is mounted to the seat shell 12 and can pivot about the pivot axis 17, such as Figure 1 and Figure 6As shown, the handle 16 includes a U-shaped grip 20, a first handle mounting base 22, and a second handle mounting base 24. The U-shaped grip 20 is configured to extend above the child-accommodating space 14 and is suitable for a caregiver to grasp and lift the infant carrier 10. The first handle mounting base 22 is connected to the outer surface 18 of a first side of the seat housing 12, and the second handle mounting base 24 is connected to the outer surface 18 of the opposite second side of the seat housing 12. The caregiver can lift the infant carrier 10 using a hanging method via the U-shaped grip 20, or they can use an interlocking grip method by passing their arm under the U-shaped grip 20 and around to one of the handle mounting bases 22, 24, until their hand rests against and grasps one of the handle mounting bases 22, 24, as shown. Figure 1 As shown.

[0011] The first handle mount 22 and the second handle mount 24 are structurally similar; therefore, only one of the handle mounts 22 will be described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the description of the handle mount 22 in this disclosure also applies to the handle mount 24, except that the second handle mount 24 is connected to the opposite side of the seat housing 12. Each handle mount 22, 24 includes a mount body 26 connected to the seat housing 12 and a finger grip portion 28 connected to the lower end of the mount body 26. A pivot axis 17 passes through approximately the central region of the mount body 26. The finger grip portion 28 is spaced from the pivot axis 17 and configured such that when the handle 16 pivots about the pivot axis 17, the finger grip portion 28 can pivot with it about the pivot axis 17. In any orientation of the handle 16, the mount body 26 is located between the U-shaped hand grip portion 20 and the finger grip portion 28.

[0012] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the finger grip portion 28 is spaced apart from and faces the outer surface 18 of the seat shell 12. In other words, a finger receiving space 30 is provided between the finger grip portion 28 and the outer surface 18 of the seat shell 12. This finger receiving space 30 has sufficient clearance to accommodate at least the fingertips of a caregiver carrying the infant carrier 10, to assist in carrying the infant carrier 10. Other similar infant carriers, in pursuit of aesthetics or to reduce the risk of pinching fingers, minimize the space between the handle connector and the seat shell. In some embodiments, the finger grip portion 28 can be separated from and detachably attached to the mounting body 26.

[0013] like Figure 2As shown, each carry handle mount 22, 24 also includes an outer surface 32, an inner surface 34, a lower surface 36, and a finger-receiving surface 38. The outer surface 32 faces away from the child-receiving space 14 and the seat shell 12, and the inner surface 34 faces the child-receiving space 14 and fits against the outer surface 18 of the seat shell 12. The lower surface 36 is connected to the lower ends of the outer surface 32 and the finger-receiving surface 38 and faces away from the outer surface 32 and the inner surface 34. The finger-receiving surface 38 is connected to the lower end of the inner surface 34 and is at least partially spaced from the outer surface 18 of the seat shell 12 to provide a finger-receiving space 30 between the finger-receiving surface 38 and the outer surface 18 of the seat shell 12. In this way, the caregiver's fingers can be accommodated within the finger-receiving space 30 to fit against the finger-receiving surface 38 when the caregiver lifts the infant carrier 10.

[0014] In some embodiments, the finger-receiving space 30 has a depth 40 of at least 0.5 inches (1.27 cm) between the outer surface 18 of the seat shell 12 and the finger-receiving surface 38. In some embodiments, the depth 40 is at least 0.4 inches (1.016 cm). In some embodiments, the depth 40 is at least 0.3 inches (0.762 cm). In some embodiments, the depth 40 does not exceed 1.5 inches (3.81 cm). In some embodiments, the depth 40 does not exceed 1.25 inches (3.175 cm). In some embodiments, the depth 40 does not exceed 1 inch (2.54 cm). In some embodiments, the depth 40 does not exceed 0.9 inches (2.286 cm). In some embodiments, the depth 40 does not exceed 0.8 inches (2.032 cm). In some embodiments, the depth 40 does not exceed 0.7 inches (1.778 cm). Figure 2 as well as Figures 4 to 12 The handle or a portion thereof is shown to scale.

[0015] like Figure 2 As shown, the depth 40 is the depth of the finger-receiving space 30 near the entrance 31 of the downward-facing surface 36, and the depth 40 decreases as the finger-receiving surface 38 extends towards the inward-facing surface 34. The finger-receiving surface 38 includes a first transition surface 42 connected to the downward-facing surface 36, a second transition surface 44 connected to the inward-facing surface 34, and an intermediate surface 46 located between the first transition surface 42 and the second transition surface 44. The first transition surface 42 and the second transition surface 44 are convexly formed. Figure 2 As shown, when viewed from the front of the infant carrier, the intermediate surface 46 is generally planar or straight, or has a larger radius of curvature than at least the first transition surface 42 and the second transition surface 44. In some embodiments, all or part of the finger-receiving surface 38 may be recessed relative to the outer surface 18 of the seat shell 12.

[0016] The design of the handle mounts 22 and 24 combines aesthetics with ergonomic features, providing greater comfort for caregivers when using an interlocking grip to lift the infant carrier 10. Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the general direction of each finger gripping portion 28 is away from the direction of the U-shaped hand gripping portion 20. Figure 5 As shown, when viewed from the direction toward the inward surface 36, the finger-receiving surface 38 includes a first finger-receiving edge 48 connected to the downward surface 36, a second finger-receiving edge 50 connected to the downward surface 36, and a tip 52 located between the first finger-receiving edge 48 and the second finger-receiving edge 50. The second finger-receiving edge 50 is configured to extend at approximately an angle 54 relative to the first finger-receiving edge 48. In an exemplary embodiment, the angle 54 is an obtuse angle. This configuration provides two finger-receiving areas 56, 58, which improves the comfort of holding the finger-receiving surface 38 regardless of which side of the user's hand is on the finger grip portion 28. In some embodiments, the separate first finger-receiving area 56, second finger-receiving area 58, and tip 52 may be omitted, or made less conspicuous than the illustrated structure. In other words, the finger-receiving surface 38 may be a continuous arcuate surface without separate areas 56, 58, and tip 52. In an exemplary embodiment, at least a portion of the finger-receiving surface 38 is arcuate.

[0017] like Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the outward-facing surface 32 includes an upper section 60 connected to the U-shaped hand grip 20 and a lower section 62 connected to the downward-facing surface 36. The upper section 60 extends away from the lower section 62 and toward the child-accommodating space 14 at an upward-sloping angle 61, while the lower section 62 extends away from the upper section 60 and toward the child-accommodating space 14 at a downward-sloping angle 63. When measured away from the child-accommodating space 14, both the upward-sloping angle 61 and the downward-sloping angle 63 are obtuse angles relative to the pivot axis 17. Compared to a handle mount without this angle, this arrangement allows the caregiver's palm to fit more comfortably on the upper section 60 and the finger joints and lower finger areas to fit more comfortably on the lower section 62 when holding the handle mounts 22, 24.

[0018] The upward tilt angle 61 ranges from about 91 degrees to about 120 degrees, and the downward tilt angle 63 ranges from about 100 degrees to about 130 degrees. In an exemplary embodiment, the upward tilt angle 61 is about 95 degrees, and the downward tilt angle is about 110 degrees. Hereinafter, “about” means within 3 degrees of the stated values.

[0019] like Figure 4As shown, the upper segment 60 includes a central panel 64, an upper front panel 66, and an upper rear panel 68, all positioned at an upward tilt angle 61. The upper front panel 66 is connected to the front end of the central panel 64 and the upper end of the lower segment 62. The upper rear panel 68 is connected to the rear end of the central panel 64 and the upper end of the lower segment 62. The upper front panel 66 and the upper rear panel 68 are not coplanar with the central panel 64.

[0020] like Figure 4 As shown, the lower segment 62 includes a lower front panel 70, a lower rear panel 72, and a central transition panel 74. The lower front panel 72 is connected to the lower end of the central panel 64. The lower rear panel 72 is connected to the lower end of the central panel 64. The central transition panel 74 is connected to the lower end of the central panel 66 and extends between the lower front panel 70 and the lower rear panel 72, interconnecting the two. The midpoint of the central transition panel 74 is set at a downward tilt angle 63. The lower segment 62 also includes a front transition panel 76 and a rear transition panel 78, the front transition panel 76 interconnecting the lower end of the upper front panel 66 and the lower front panel 70, and the rear transition panel 78 interconnecting the lower end of the upper rear panel 68 and the lower rear panel 72.

[0021] Handle mounts 22 and 24 are multifaceted, with each of panels 64, 66, 68, 70, and 72 being generally flat and connected to adjacent panels via one or more curved transition panels. The term "generally" is used to account for slight curvature that the manufacturing process of handle 16 (such as injection molding) might result in on the panels. In other embodiments, such as handle 216 as described below, the handle mount may not be multifaceted; instead, its surfaces may be rounded and the transitions between surfaces may be smoother.

[0022] like Figure 4 As shown, the first handle mount 22 and the second handle mount 24 each include a front section 80 and a rear section 82. The front section 80 is connected to the front end of the upper front panel 66 and the front end of the lower surface 36, and the rear section 82 is connected to the rear end of the upper rear panel 68 and the rear end of the lower surface 36. The distance between the front section 80 and the rear section 82 increases from the U-shaped hand grip portion 20 to the maximum width 84. The pivot axis 17 is located between the maximum width 84 and the U-shaped hand grip portion 20, making the lower portion of the handle mounts 22 and 24 below the pivot axis 17 wider than the portion above the pivot axis 17, thereby providing a more comfortable grip position for the caregiver's hand and fingers.

[0023] In some implementations, such as Figure 3As shown, the seat housing 12 includes a basin 90 formed to include a child accommodating space 14, and a first handle support 92 and a second handle support 92 respectively connected to each handle mounting seat 22, 24. The outer surface 18 includes the portion of the handle support 92 closest to the handle mounting seats 22, 24. The handle support 92 may be formed to include an adapter receiving space 94 configured to receive an adapter (not shown) for attaching the infant carrier 10 to a stroller or similar device.

[0024] The finger-receiving surface 38 includes one or more continuous segments or portions providing a smooth grip surface for the caregiver. In another embodiment, the finger grip portion 328 of the handle mount includes a finger-receiving surface 338, which is at least partially composed of a plurality of ribs 339 that reinforce the finger grip portion 328, such as... Figure 17 As shown. There are gaps between the raised ribs 339, and each of the raised ribs 339 extends in a direction parallel to the pivot axis 17. It should be noted that, except for the finger grip portion 328, the rest of the handle is the same as the handle 16 described above.

[0025] The infant carrier 210 according to this disclosure includes a handle 212, which is curved to provide hand grips 214 and 215 for caregivers 213 to hold with their hands 211 when lifting the infant carrier 210 using an interlocking grip method. Figure 13 As shown. An exemplary embodiment of the handle 212 is as follows. Figures 13 to 16 As shown.

[0026] The infant carrier 210 includes a shell 216 and a handle 212, such as Figure 13 As shown. The housing 216 is formed to include a basin 218, the basin 218 being sized to accommodate an infant (not shown), and a handle 212 is connected to the housing 216, as shown. Figures 13 to 16 As shown.

[0027] Handle 212 includes a first hand grip portion 214 connected to one side 216R of housing 216, a second hand grip portion 215 connected to the other side 216L of housing 211, and a bridge-shaped handrail 220, as shown. Figures 13 to 16 As shown. The bridge-shaped handrail 220 is configured to interconnect the first hand grip portion 214 and the second hand grip portion 215, and is located above the basin body 213, as shown. Figures 13 to 16 As shown.

[0028] The first hand grip portion 214 and the second hand grip portion 215 each include an outer surface 222, an inner surface 224, a lower surface 226, and a grip receiving surface 228. The outer surface 222 and the inner surface 224 extend downward from the bridge-shaped handrail 220 toward the grip end 230 of the hand grip portion 214. The lower surface 226 is connected to the lower end 222E of the outer surface 222 and is spaced apart from the lower end 224E of the inner surface 224. The grip receiving surface 228 extends and is connected between the inner end 226E of the lower surface 226 and the lower end 224E of the inner surface 224. The inner surface 224 is in contact with and faces the corresponding sides 216R and 216L of the housing 216.

[0029] The outward-facing surface 222 includes an upper section 222U and a lower section 222L. The upper section 222U gradually slopes outward from the bridge-shaped armrest 220, and the lower section 222L gradually slopes inward from the upper section 222U and extends to the downward-facing surface 26. Therefore, the outward-facing surface 222 forms a convex surface, allowing the caregiver 213 to hold the infant carrier 210 in an interlocking grip position, such as... Figures 13 to 16 As shown.

[0030] The grip-receiving surface 228 extends upward and forms a concave arc between the lower surface 226 and the lower end 224E of the inner surface 224. Therefore, when a caregiver 213 lifts the infant carrier 210 using an interlocking grip, they can place their palm 211P against the outer surface 222 and pass their fingers 211F under the lower surface 226, so that the fingertips 211FP are against the grip-receiving surface 228. In some embodiments, the grip-receiving surface 228 may be straight and extend between the lower surface 226 and the lower end 224E of the inner surface 224. Optionally or additionally, one or more of the holding and receiving surface 228, the downward surface 226, and the outward surface 222 may be formed to include a rough surface (i.e., multiple protrusions), or rough surfaces may be connected to each of the surfaces 228, 226, and 222 to increase the friction between the caregiver's hand 211 and the corresponding surfaces 228, 226, and 222. The structural design of the first hand grip 214 and the second hand grip 215 can improve the grip comfort of the caregiver 213 when lifting the infant carrier 210 using an interlocking grip method.

[0031] The following numbered clauses contain non-limiting embodiments contemplated in this disclosure: Clause 1: An infant carrier comprising: a seat shell formed to include a child-accommodating space configured to hold a child.

[0032] Clause 2: An infant carrier pursuant to Clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, further includes: a handle attached to the outer surface of the seat shell outside the child-accommodating space.

[0033] Clause 3: The infant carrier pursuant to Clause 2, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, has a handle comprising a U-shaped grip, a first handle mount, and a second handle mount. The U-shaped grip is configured to extend above the child-accommodating space and is adapted to be grasped by a caregiver to lift the infant carrier. The first handle mount is attached to an outer surface on a first side of the seat housing, and the second handle mount is attached to an outer surface on an opposite second side of the seat housing.

[0034] Clause 4: An infant carrier pursuant to Clause 3, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the first and second handle mounts each include an outer surface, an inner surface, a lower surface, and a finger receiving surface, the outer surface facing away from the child receiving space, the inner surface facing the child receiving space and conforming to the outer surface of the seat shell, the lower surface being connected to the lower end of the outer surface and facing away from the outer and inner surfaces, and the finger receiving surface being connected to the lower end of the inner surface and spaced apart from the outer surface of the seat shell, so as to provide a finger receiving space between the finger receiving surface and the outer surface of the seat shell, such that the caregiver's fingers can be accommodated within the finger receiving space and conform to the finger receiving surface when the caregiver lifts the infant carrier.

[0035] Clause 5: An infant carrier pursuant to Clause 4, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the finger-accommodating space has a depth of at least 0.5 inches (1.27 cm).

[0036] Clause 6: An infant carrier pursuant to Clause 5, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the depth is at least 0.5 inches (1.27 cm) at the finger-accommodating space near the inlet on the downward-facing surface, and the depth decreases toward the inward-facing surface.

[0037] Clause 7: An infant carrier pursuant to Clause 6, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the finger-receiving surface is recessed relative to the outer surface of the seat shell.

[0038] Clause 8: The infant carrier as described in Clause 4, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the finger receiving surface includes a first finger receiving edge and a second finger receiving edge, the first finger receiving edge being connected to a downward surface, and the second finger receiving edge being connected to the downward surface and extending at approximately an angle to the first finger receiving edge to provide a tip for the finger receiving surface and the downward surface between the first finger receiving edge and the second finger receiving edge.

[0039] Clause 9: An infant carrier pursuant to Clause 4, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the outward-facing surface comprises an upper section and a lower section, the upper section being connected to a U-shaped hand grip, the lower section being connected to a downward-facing surface, the upper section extending at an upward-sloping angle away from the lower section and toward the child-accommodating space, and the lower section extending at a downward-sloping angle away from the upper section and toward the child-accommodating space.

[0040] Clause 10: An infant carrier pursuant to Clause 9, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the handle is configured to pivot about a pivot axis relative to the seat shell, and when measured from the pivot axis in a first direction, the angle of upward tilt is in the range of about 95 degrees to about 115 degrees.

[0041] Clause 11: An infant carrier pursuant to Clause 10, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the angle of downward tilt when measured from the pivot axis in a second direction opposite to the first direction is in the range of about 100 degrees to about 130 degrees.

[0042] Clause 12: An infant carrier pursuant to Clause 9, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the upper section comprises a central panel, an upper front panel, and an upper rear panel, the central panel being arranged at an upward angle, the upper front panel being connected to the front end of the central panel and the upper end of the lower section, the upper rear panel being connected to the rear end of the central panel and the upper end of the lower section, and the upper front panel and the upper rear panel being non-coplanar with the central panel.

[0043] Clause 13: An infant carrier pursuant to Clause 12, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the lower section comprises a lower front panel, a lower rear panel, and a central transition panel, the lower front panel being connected to the lower end of the upper front panel and the lower end of the central panel, the lower rear panel being connected to the lower end of the upper rear panel and the lower end of the central panel, the central transition panel being connected to the lower end of the central panel and extending between and interconnecting the lower front panel and the lower rear panel, and the midpoint of the central transition panel being set at a downward angle.

[0044] Clause 14: An infant carrier pursuant to Clause 13, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the first handle mount and the second handle mount each further include a front section and a rear section, the front section being connected to the front end of the upper front panel and the front end of the lower surface, and the rear section being connected to the rear end of the upper rear panel and the rear end of the lower surface, wherein the distance between the front section and the rear section increases from the U-shaped handle grip to the maximum width, and the pivot axis is located between the maximum width and the U-shaped handle grip.

[0045] Clause 15: An infant carrier comprising: a seat shell and a handle, the seat shell being formed to include a child-accommodating space configured to hold a child.

[0046] Clause 16: An infant carrier pursuant to Clause 15, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the handle is attached to the outer surface of the seat shell outside the child-accommodating space.

[0047] Clause 17: For an infant carrier pursuant to Clause 16, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, the handle includes a U-shaped grip, a first handle mount, and a second handle mount. The U-shaped grip is configured to extend above the child-accommodating space and is adapted to be grasped by a caregiver to lift the infant carrier. The first handle mount is attached to an outer surface on a first side of the seat housing, and the second handle mount is attached to an outer surface on an opposite second side of the seat housing.

[0048] Clause 18: An infant carrier pursuant to Clause 17, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein at least one handle mount includes a mount body and a finger grip portion, the mount body being coupled to the seat housing and pivotable about a pivot axis, the finger grip portion being coupled to the lower end of the mount body and facing the outer surface of the seat housing, the finger grip portion being spaced apart from the outer surface of the seat housing and configured to accommodate the user's fingertips to assist in lifting the infant carrier.

[0049] Clause 19: An infant carrier pursuant to Clause 18, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein each finger grip is spaced apart from the outer surface of the seat shell by a distance of at least 0.5 inches (1.27 cm).

[0050] Clause 20: An infant carrier pursuant to Clause 19, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the spacing is at least 0.5 inches (1.27 cm) at the lower end of the finger grip portion and decreases toward the pivot axis.

[0051] Clause 21: An infant carrier pursuant to Clause 18, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein each finger grip includes a first lower edge and a second lower edge, the second lower edge extending at a generally angled angle to the first lower edge to provide a tip for the finger grip between the first lower edge and the second lower edge.

[0052] Clause 22: An infant carrier pursuant to Clause 18, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the first and second handle mounts each include an outer surface, an inner surface, a lower surface, and a finger receiving surface, the outer surface facing away from the child receiving space, the inner surface facing the child receiving space and conforming to the outer surface of the seat shell, the lower surface being connected to the lower end of the outer surface and facing away from the outer and inner surfaces, and the finger receiving surface being connected to the lower end of the inner surface and spaced from the outer surface of the seat shell, so as to provide a finger receiving space between the finger receiving surface and the outer surface of the seat shell, such that the caregiver's fingers can be accommodated within the finger receiving space and conform to the finger receiving surface when the caregiver lifts the infant carrier.

[0053] Clause 23: An infant carrier pursuant to Clause 22, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the outward-facing surface comprises an upper section and a lower section, the upper section being connected to a U-shaped hand grip, the lower section being connected to a downward-facing surface, the upper section extending at an upward-sloping angle away from the lower section and toward the child-accommodating space, and the lower section extending at a downward-sloping angle away from the upper section and toward the child-accommodating space.

[0054] Clause 24: An infant carrier pursuant to Clause 23, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the handle is configured to pivot about a pivot axis relative to the seat shell, and when measured from the pivot axis in a first direction, the angle of upward tilt is in the range of about 95 degrees to about 120 degrees.

[0055] Clause 25: An infant carrier pursuant to Clause 24, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the angle of downward tilt when measured from the pivot axis in a second direction opposite to the first direction is in the range of about 95 degrees to about 120 degrees.

[0056] Clause 26: An infant carrier pursuant to Clause 23, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the upper section comprises a central panel, an upper front panel, and an upper rear panel, the central panel being arranged at an upward angle, the upper front panel being connected to the front end of the central panel and the upper end of the lower section, the upper rear panel being connected to the rear end of the central panel and the upper end of the lower section, and the upper front panel and the upper rear panel being non-coplanar with the central panel.

Claims

1. A baby carrier, comprising: The seat shell is configured to provide a child-accommodating space for supporting a child; as well as A handle, attached to the outer surface of the seat housing outside the child-accommodating space, includes a U-shaped grip, a first handle mount, and a second handle mount. The U-shaped grip is configured to extend above the child-accommodating space and is adapted for a caregiver to grasp and lift the infant carrier. The first handle mount is attached to the outer surface of a first side of the seat housing, and the second handle mount is attached to the outer surface of an opposite second side of the seat housing. The first and second handle mounting bases each include an outer surface, an inner surface, a lower surface, and a finger-accommodating surface. The outer surface faces away from the child-accommodating space, the inner surface faces the child-accommodating space and is fitted against the outer surface of the seat shell, the lower surface is connected to the lower end of the outer surface and faces away from the outer and inner surfaces, and the finger-accommodating surface is connected to the lower end of the inner surface and spaced apart from the outer surface of the seat shell, thereby providing a finger-accommodating space between the finger-accommodating surface and the outer surface of the seat shell, so that the caregiver's fingers can be accommodated in the finger-accommodating space and fit against the finger-accommodating surface when the caregiver lifts the infant carrier.

2. The infant carrier according to claim 1, wherein, The finger-accommodating space has a depth of at least 0.5 inches (1.27 cm).

3. The infant carrier according to claim 2, wherein, The depth is at least 0.5 inches (1.27 cm) at the entrance of the finger receiving space near the downward-facing surface, and the depth decreases toward the inward-facing surface.

4. The infant carrier according to claim 3, wherein, The finger-receiving surface is recessed relative to the outer surface of the seat shell.

5. The infant carrier according to claim 1, wherein, The finger receiving surface includes a first finger receiving edge and a second finger receiving edge, the first finger receiving edge being coupled to the downward surface, and the second finger receiving edge being coupled to the downward surface and configured to extend at approximately an angle relative to the first finger receiving edge to provide a tip for the finger receiving surface and the downward surface between the first finger receiving edge and the second finger receiving edge.

6. The infant carrier according to claim 1, wherein, The outward-facing surface includes an upper section and a lower section. The upper section is connected to the U-shaped hand grip portion, and the lower section is connected to the downward-facing surface. The upper section extends away from the lower section at an upward-sloping angle and toward the child-accommodating space, and the lower section extends away from the upper section at a downward-sloping angle and toward the child-accommodating space.

7. The infant carrier according to claim 6, wherein, The handle is configured to pivot about a pivot axis relative to the seat shell, and the upward tilt angle, when measured from the pivot axis in a first direction, is in the range of about 95 degrees to about 115 degrees.

8. The infant carrier according to claim 7, wherein, When measured from the pivot axis in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the downward tilt angle is in the range of about 100 degrees to about 130 degrees.

9. The infant carrier according to claim 6, wherein, The upper section includes a central panel, an upper front panel, and an upper rear panel. The central panel is arranged at the upward tilt angle. The upper front panel is connected to the front end of the central panel and the upper end of the lower section. The upper rear panel is connected to the rear end of the central panel and the upper end of the lower section. The upper front panel and the upper rear panel are not coplanar with the central panel.

10. The infant carrier according to claim 9, wherein, The lower section includes a lower front panel, a lower rear panel, and a central transition panel. The lower front panel is connected to the lower end of the upper front panel and the lower end of the central panel. The lower rear panel is connected to the lower end of the upper rear panel and the lower end of the central panel. The central transition panel is connected to the lower end of the central panel and extends between the lower front panel and the lower rear panel, interconnecting the lower front panel and the lower rear panel. The midpoint of the central transition panel is set at the downward tilt angle.

11. The infant carrier according to claim 10, wherein, The first handle mounting base and the second handle mounting base each further include a front section and a rear section, the front section being connected to the front end of the upper front panel and the front end of the downward-facing surface, and the rear section being connected to the rear end of the upper rear panel and the rear end of the downward-facing surface, wherein the distance between the front section and the rear section increases from the U-shaped hand grip portion to the maximum width, and the pivot axis is located between the maximum width and the U-shaped hand grip portion.

12. A baby carrier, comprising: The seat shell is configured to provide a child-accommodating space for supporting a child; as well as A handle, attached to the outer surface of the seat housing outside the child-accommodating space, includes a U-shaped grip, a first handle mount, and a second handle mount. The U-shaped grip is configured to extend above the child-accommodating space and is adapted for a caregiver to grasp and lift the infant carrier. The first handle mount is attached to the outer surface of a first side of the seat housing, and the second handle mount is attached to the outer surface of an opposite second side of the seat housing. The first and second handle mounting bases each include a mounting base body and a finger grip portion. The mounting base body is connected to the seat shell and can pivot about a pivot axis. The finger grip portion is connected to the lower end of the mounting base body and faces the outer surface of the seat shell. The finger grip portion is spaced apart from the outer surface of the seat shell and configured to accommodate the user's fingertips to assist in lifting the baby carrier.

13. The infant carrier according to claim 12, wherein, Each finger grip portion is spaced apart from the outer surface of the seat shell by a distance of at least 0.5 inches (1.27 cm).

14. The infant carrier according to claim 13, wherein, The spacing is at least 0.5 inches (1.27 cm) at the lower end of the finger grip portion, and the spacing decreases toward the pivot axis.

15. The infant carrier according to claim 12, wherein, Each finger grip portion includes a first lower edge and a second lower edge, the second lower edge being configured to extend at approximately an angle relative to the first lower edge to provide a tip for the finger grip portion between the first lower edge and the second lower edge.

16. The infant carrier according to claim 12, wherein, The first and second handle mounts each include an outer surface, an inner surface, a lower surface, and a finger-receiving surface. The outer surface faces away from the child-receiving space, the inner surface faces the child-receiving space and is fitted against the outer surface of the seat shell, the lower surface is connected to the lower end of the outer surface and faces away from the outer and inner surfaces, and the finger-receiving surface is connected to the lower end of the inner surface and spaced apart from the outer surface of the seat shell to provide a finger-receiving space between the finger-receiving surface and the outer surface of the seat shell, so that the caregiver's fingers can be accommodated in the finger-receiving space and fit against the finger-receiving surface when the caregiver lifts the infant carrier.

17. The infant carrier according to claim 16, wherein, The outward-facing surface includes an upper section and a lower section. The upper section is connected to the U-shaped hand grip portion, and the lower section is connected to the downward-facing surface. The upper section extends away from the lower section at an upward-sloping angle and toward the child-accommodating space, and the lower section extends away from the upper section at a downward-sloping angle and toward the child-accommodating space.

18. The infant carrier according to claim 17, wherein, The handle is configured to pivot about a pivot axis relative to the seat shell, and the upward tilt angle, when measured from the pivot axis in a first direction, is in the range of about 95 degrees to about 120 degrees.

19. The infant carrier according to claim 18, wherein, When measured from the pivot axis in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the downward tilt angle is in the range of about 95 degrees to about 120 degrees.

20. The infant carrier according to claim 17, wherein, The upper section includes a central panel, an upper front panel, and an upper rear panel. The central panel is set at the upward tilt angle. The upper front panel is connected to the front end of the central panel and the upper end of the lower section. The upper rear panel is connected to the rear end of the central panel and the upper end of the lower section. The upper front panel and the upper rear panel are not coplanar with the central panel.

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