Baby carrier

Abstract

Embodiments disclosed herein are baby carriers including a waist belt, a first shoulder strap secured to the waist belt at least partially along a segment of the waist belt, a second shoulder strap secured to the waist belt at least partially along the segment of the waist belt such that the first shoulder strap and the second shoulder strap at least partially overlap along the segment of the waist belt, and a body secured to the waist belt at least partially along the segment of the waist belt such that the body at least partially overlaps with the shoulder straps along the segment of the waist belt. The body includes a corresponding first fastener configured to detachably secure to a first fastener on the first shoulder strap, and a corresponding second fastener configured to detachably secure to a second fastener on the second shoulder strap.

Description

ELECTRONICALLY FILED PATENT APPLICATION Docket No. 38479.0003P1 BABY CARRIERCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.63 / 751,514 filed on January 30, 2025, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein, in its entirety, by this reference.SUMMARY

[0002] Embodiments disclosed herein include baby carriers. In an embodiment, a baby carrier includes a waist belt, a first shoulder strap, a second strap, and a body. The waist belt is configured to selectively secure around a waist of a user. The first shoulder strap is secured to the waist belt at least partially along a segment of the waist belt. The first shoulder strap has a first end region opposite to the waist belt and a first fastener secured or securable to the first end region. The second shoulder strap is secured to the waist belt at least partially along the segment of the waist belt such that the first shoulder strap and the second shoulder strap at least partially overlap along the segment of the waist belt. The second shoulder strap has a second end region opposite to the waist belt and a second fastener secured or securable to the second end region. The body is secured to the waist belt at least partially along the segment of the waist belt such that the body at least partially overlaps with the first shoulder strap and the second shoulder strap along the segment of the waist belt. The body includes a terminating region disposed between the waist belt and the first end region and the second end region, a corresponding first fastener configured to detachably secure to the first fastener and secured to the body between the waist belt and the terminating region, and a corresponding second fastener configured to detachably secure to the second fastener and secured to the body between the waist belt and the terminating region.

[0003] In an embodiment, a method of manufacturing a baby carrier is disclosed. The method includes securing a first shoulder strap to a waist belt at least partially along a segment of the waist belt, the first shoulder strap having a first end region opposite to the waist belt and a first fastener secured or securable to the first end region. The method includes securing a second shoulder strap to the waist belt at least partially along the segment of the waist belt such that the first shoulder strap and the second shoulder strap at least partially overlap along the segment of the waist belt, the second shoulder strap havinga second end region opposite to the waist belt and a second fastener secured or securable to the second end region. The method includes securing a body to the waist belt at least partially along the segment of the waist belt such that the body at least partially overlaps with the first shoulder strap and the second shoulder strap along the segment of the waist belt. The body includes a terminating region disposed between the waist belt and the first end region and the second end region, a corresponding first fastener configured to detachably secure to the first fastener and secured to the body between the waist belt and the terminating region, and a corresponding second fastener configured to detachably secure to the second fastener and secured to the body between the waist belt and the terminating region.

[0004] In an embodiment, a method of carrying a baby with a baby carrier is disclosed. The method includes securing a waist belt of the baby carrier around a waist of the user, placing a first shoulder strap onto a first shoulder on a first side of the user, bringing the first shoulder strap across a back of the user, and fastening a first fastener on the first shoulder strap to a first corresponding fastener on a body of the baby carrier and positioned on a second side of the user. The method also includes positioning the baby in the baby carrier between the user and the first shoulder strap, a second shoulder strap of the baby carrier, and the body. The method also includes placing the second shoulder strap onto a second shoulder on the second side of the user, bringing the second shoulder strap across the back of the user, and fastening a second fastener on the second shoulder strap to a second corresponding fastener on the body of the baby carrier and positioned on the first side of the user.

[0005] Features from any of the disclosed embodiments may be used in combination with one another, without limitation. In addition, other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art through consideration of the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] The drawings illustrate several embodiments of the present disclosure, wherein identical reference numerals refer to identical or similar elements or features in different views or embodiments shown in the drawings.

[0007] FIG. 1 is a front view of a baby carrier when not being worn, according to an embodiment.

[0008] FIG.2 is a rear view of the baby carrier of FIG. 1 when not being worn.- Page 2 - Docket No. 384790003P1

[0009] FIGS.3A-3I are views of the baby carrier of FIG. 1 being secured to a user and supporting a baby.

[0010] FIG. 4A is a front view of the baby carrier of FIG. 1 being worn by a user and carrying a baby.

[0011] FIG. 4B is a side and rear perspective view of the baby carrier of FIG. 1 being worn by a user and carrying a baby.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to baby carriers configured to be adjustable to carry a baby against the chest of the user with three layers of flexible material holding the torso of the baby against the chest of the user (e. , wearer) and a flexible shoulder strap supporting the head of the baby against the body of user. The baby carriers disclosed herein may be configured for use with newborn infants (e.g. , about 7 lbs. to about 15 lbs.) that are unable to support their own heads. In many embodiments, the baby carriers disclosed herein include a body and shoulder straps formed of an elastic material that allows the body and shoulder straps to stretch around the baby to support the baby without compressing the baby too forcefully against the chest of the wearer. In particular, the shoulder straps are configured and positioned to stretch around the head of the baby to provide support of the head of the baby against the chest or shoulder region of the user.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a front view of a baby carrier 100 when not being worn and FIG. 2 is a rear view of the baby carrier of FIG. 1 when not being worn, according to an embodiment. The baby carrier 100 includes a waist belt 110, a body 120 secured to the waist belt 110, a first shoulder strap 130a secured to the waist belt 110, and a second shoulder strap 130b secured to the waist belt 110.

[0014] The waist belt 110 may include a first region 102 secured to each of the body member 102 of the body 120, the first shoulder strap 130a, and the second shoulder strap 130b. In many embodiments, at least the first region 102 of the waist belt 110 is padded. For example, the first region 102 of the waist belt 110 may include a foam pad surrounded by the same or similar material as the material of the body member 102 of the body 120, the first shoulder strap 130a, and / or the second shoulder strap 130b. In some embodiments, the first region 102 of the waist belt 116 includes a polyurethane pad. The first region 102 of the waist belt 110 may include a height of about 6 cm to about 10 cm and a width of about 50 cm to about 90 cm, about 50 cm to about 70 cm, about 60 cm to about 80 cm, about 70 cm to about 90 cm, about 50 cm to about 60 cm, about 60 cm to about 70 cm,- Page 3 - Docket No. 384790003P1about 70 cm to about 80 cm, or about 80 cm to about 90 cm.

[0015] The waist belt 110 also may include a second region 104 secured and / or extending from the first region 102. an end strap 106 distal to the first region 102 (with the second region 104 between the first region 102 and the end strap 106), a looping member 114 (e.g, at least partially circular ring or square ring) secured or securable to the first region 102 distal to the second region 104, a fastener 112 (e.g., buckle element or female buckle element) on the first region 102 distal to the square ring 114, and a corresponding fastener 108 (e.g., buckle element or male buckle element) adjustably secured to the end strap 106 and configured to releasably secure to the fastener 112. The second region 104 may include a height of about 5 cm to about 7 cm and a lateral width of about 40 cm to about 50 cm. When putting on the baby carrier 100. a user may wrap the end strap 106 around his / her waist, through the square ring 114, then back over at least a portion of the waist belt 110 before buckling the corresponding fastener 108 to the fastener 112. The end strap 106 may include webbing (e.g., nylon webbing) having a length of about 60 cm to about 80 cm.

[0016] The baby carrier 100 also includes the first shoulder strap 130a, the second shoulder strap 130b, and the body 120 each secured to the waist belt 110. For example, each of the first shoulder strap 130a, the second shoulder strap 130b, and the body 120 may be secured to the waist belt at least partially along a segment 116 of the waist belt 110 such that the each of the first shoulder strap 130a, the second shoulder strap 130b, and the body 120 overlap at least partially along the segment 1 16 of the waist belt 110. In some embodiments, the body 120 secured to the waist belt 116 along the entirety of the segment 116, while the first shoulder strap 130a and the second shoulder strap 130b extend only partially along the segment 116 of the waist belt 110. The first shoulder strap 130a, the second shoulder strap 130b, and the body 120 may be secured to the waist belt 110 with stitching and / or a seam.

[0017] The segment 116 of the waist belt 110 may be positioned along a lateral edge of the of waist belt 110. For example, while the first shoulder strap 130a, the second shoulder strap 130b, and the body 120 are shown secured to a top edge of the waist belt 110 in FIGS. 1-2, during use, this edge is typically the bottom or downward facing edge of the waist belt 110 and the first shoulder strap 130a, the second shoulder strap 130b, and the body 120 fold upw ards over the waist belt 110. The segment 116 of the w aist belt 110 having the first shoulder strap 130a, the second shoulder strap 130b. and the body 120 may have a length of about 15 cm to about 30, about 15 cm to about 20 cm, about 18 cm to - Page 4 - Docket No. 384790003P1about 23 cm, about 20 cm to about 25 cm, about 22 cm to about 27 cm, about 25 cm to about 30 cm. about 15 cm to about 17 cm, about 17 cm to about 19 cm, about 19 cm to about 21 cm, about 21 cm to about 23 cm, about 23 cm to about 25 cm, about 25 cm to about 29 cm, about 16 cm, about 18 cm, about 20 cm, about 22 cm, about 24 cm, about 26 cm, about 28 cm, or about 30 cm.

[0018] In some embodiments, the first shoulder strap 130a, the second shoulder strap 130b, and the body 120 are formed from the same type of material. For example, each of the first shoulder strap 130a, the second shoulder strap 130b, and the body 120 may include an elastic material. More particularly, each of the first shoulder strap 130a, the second shoulder strap 130b, and the body 120 may include a combination of lyocell (e.g, TYOCELL® lensing TYOCELL®). modal, and elastane material. In some embodiments, the material of the first shoulder strap 130a, the second shoulder strap 130b, and the body 120 includes about 60% to about 75% lyocell, about 20% to about 35% modal, and about 1% to about 10% elastane. In some embodiments, the material of the first shoulder strap 130a. the second shoulder strap 130b, and the body 120 includes about 65% to about 70% lyocell, about 25% to about 30% modal, and about 3% to about 7% elastane.

[0019] As noted above and shown in FIG. 2, the first shoulder strap 130a and the second shoulder strap 130b at least partially overlap along the segment 116 of the waist belt 110 to which they are secured. In some embodiments, the second shoulder strap 130b is secured to the segment 116 of the waist belt 110 between the body 120 and the first shoulder strap 130a. Each of the first shoulder strap 130a and the second shoulder strap 130b may be pleated along the segment 116 of the waist belt 110. For example, the first shoulder strap 130a may include multiple pleats 146 or darts along the segment 116 and the second shoulder strap 130b may include multiple pleats along the segment 116 that overlap with the multiple pleats 146 of the first shoulder strap 116. Said another way, the first shoulder strap 130a and the second shoulder strap 130b may be secured to the segment 116 such that, for each pleat, a portion of a pleat of the first shoulder strap 130a overlaps with a portion of a pleat of the second shoulder strap 130b on the segment 116 of the waist belt 110. In some embodiments, the pleats 146 are spaced about 1 cm to about 5 cm, about 1 cm to about 3 cm, about 2 cm to about 4 cm, or about 3 cm to about 5 cm from one another.

[0020] The shoulder straps 130a, 130b include end regions 138a, 138b opposite to the waist belt. The shoulder straps 130a. 130b may have a length from the segment 116 of the waist belt 110 to the end of the end regions 138a, 138b of about 60 cm to about 80 cm,- Page 5 - Docket No. 384790003P1about 60 cm to about 70 cm, about 65 cm to about 75 cm, or about 70 cm to about 80 cm. In many embodiments, the shoulder straps 130a, 130b narrow between the waist belt 110 and the end region 138a, 138b. For example, the end region 138a, 138b of the shoulder straps 130a, 130b may fold over itself as the shoulder straps 130a, 130b narrow towards the end region 138a, 138b. In some embodiments, the sides of each of the shoulder straps 130a. 130b are folded over itself to connect at the end region 138a, 138b for a length of about 5 cm to about 10 cm or about 6 cm to about 8 cm.

[0021] Each of the shoulder straps 130a, 130b also may include a pad 144a, 144b at least proximate to the waist belt 110a. For example, the pads 144a, 144b of the shoulder straps 130a, 130b may be positioned between the waist belt and an arm 124a, 124b of the baby carrier 100. The pads 144a, 144b of the shoulder straps 130a, 130b may include a polyurethane material. The pads 144a, 144b of the shoulder straps 130a, 130b may have a width of about 3 cm to about 5 cm or about 3.5 cm to about 4.5 cm. The pads 144a, 144b of the shoulder straps 130a, 130b may have a length of about 11 cm to about 16 cm or about 13 cm to about 14 cm.

[0022] Each of the shoulder straps 130a, 130b also may include a fastener 136a, 136b secured or securable to the end region 138a, 138b. For example, the baby carrier 100 may include elongated straps of bands 134a, 134b (e.g., nylon webbing, strap, and / or band) secured to the end region 138a, 138b of the shoulder straps 130a, 130b. In some embodiments, the bands 134a. 134b are heat sealed and / or sewn to the end regions 138a, 138b of the shoulder straps 130a, 130b. The fasteners 136a, 136b may be secured to the bands 134a, 134b opposite to the end regions 138a, 138b. The bands 134a, 134b may be adjustable in length. For example, the bands 134a, 134b may have a ladder slider 132a, 132b or other adjuster secured thereto that allows a user to adjust a length of the bands 134a, 134b. In some embodiments, the fasteners 136a, 136b are configured to allow a user to adjust a length of the bands 134a, 134b without the presence of ladder slider.

[0023] As provided above, the body 120 is secured to the waist belt at least partially along the segment 116 of the waist belt 110 such that the body 120 at least partially overlaps with the shoulder strap 130a, 130b along the segment 116 of the waist belt 110, according to an embodiment. The body 120 may include a terminating region 128 disposed between the waist belt 110 and the end region 138a, 138b of the shoulder straps 130a, 130b. When a baby is secured in the baby carrier 100, the body 120 is sized to extend from the waist belt 110 where the bottom of the baby is seated to the shoulder or neck region of the baby where the terminating region 128 of the body 120 is positioned. Portions 122a, 122b of the - Page 6 - Docket No. 384790003P1terminating region 128 may be secured (e.g., sewn or stitched) to portions of the shoulder straps 130a, 130b between the waist belt 110 and the end regions 138a, 138b. For example, a side portion 122a (right side in FIG. 1) of the terminating region 128 may be sewn or stitched to a portion of the shoulder strap 130a extending past the terminating region 128, and a side portion 122b (left side in FIG. 1) of the terminating region 128 may be sewn or stitched to a portion of the shoulder strap 130b extending past the terminating region 128. The portions 122a, 122b of the terminating region 128 secured to the portions of the shoulder straps 130a, 130b may have a length of about 3 cm to about 7 cm, about 4 cm to about 6, or about 4.5 cm to about 5.5 cm.

[0024] The body 120 may have a height from the segment 116 of the waist belt 110 to the end of the terminating region 128 of about 20 cm to about 35 cm, about 20 cm to about 30 cm, about 25 cm to about 35 cm, about 20 cm to about 25 cm, about 25 cm to about 30 cm, about 30 cm to about 35 cm, about 20 cm to about 22 cm, about 22 cm to about 24 cm, about 24 cm to about 26 cm, about 26 cm to about 28 cm, about 28 cm to about 30 cm, about 30 cm to about 32 cm, or about 32 cm to about 34 cm. The body 128 may narrow from the terminating region 128 to the segment 116 of the waist belt 110 to which the body 120 is secured. Accordingly, the terminating region 128 may be wider than the portion of the body 120 secured to the segment 116 of the waist belt 110 by about 5 cm to about 10 cm. In some embodiments, the body 120 includes pleats or darts where the body 120 is secured to the segment 116 of the waist belt 110. For example, the body 120 may include a plurality of pleats or darts (e.g., four pleats or darts) spaced about 3 cm to about 5 cm from one another.

[0025] The body 120 also includes corresponding fasteners 126a, 126b configured to detachably secure to the fasteners 136a, 136b, according to one or more embodiments. The corresponding fasteners 126a, 126b may be secured to the body 120 between the waist belt 110 and the terminating region 128. The pads 144a, 144b on the shoulder straps 130a, 130b may be positioned between the waist belt 110 and the corresponding fasteners 126a, 126b. The fasteners 136a, 136b and the corresponding fasteners 126a, 126b may include any of a number of different fastener components configured to selectively and detachably secure to one another, such as quick side-release buckle clips components.

[0026] The corresponding fasteners 126a, 126b may be positioned on opposite sides (e.g., right side, left side) of the body 120. In use. the fasteners 136a, 136b may secure to corresponding fasteners 126a, 126b on opposing sides of the baby carrier 100. For example, in the view of FIG. 1, the fastener 136b on the shoulder strap 130b (on the left side of the - Page 7 - Docket No. 384790003P1baby carrier 100 in FIG. 1) may detachably and selectively secure to the corresponding fastener 126a (on the right side of the baby carrier 100 in FIG. 1) after the shoulder strap 130b has been wrapped over the shoulder of the user and around the back of the user. The fastener 136a on the shoulder strap 136a (on the right side of the baby carrier 100 in FIG.1) may detachably and selectively secure to the corresponding fastener 126b (on the left side of the baby carrier 100 in FIG. 1) after the shoulder strap 130a has been wrapped over the shoulder of the user and around the back of the user.

[0027] In many embodiments, the corresponding fasteners 126a, 126b are secured to and / or positioned on or in arms 124a, 124b extending from the body 120 between the waist belt 110 and the terminating region 128 of the body 120. Like the corresponding fasteners 126a. 126b, the arms 124a, 124b may be positioned on opposite sides (e.g., right side, left side) of the body 120. Each of the arms 124a, 124b may include a sleeve 123a, 123b with the corresponding fastener 126a, 126b positioned at least partially therein. The sleeves 123a, 123b may include the material of the shoulder straps 130a, 130b and the body 120. The arms 124a, 124b may include a pad, such as a polyurethane pad.

[0028] Turning ahead in the drawings, FIGS. 3A-3I are views of the baby carrier 100 being secured to a user 10 and supporting a baby 20. To use the baby carrier 100, a user 10 may hold the waist belt 110 with an underside (e.g., a side of the waist belt 110 shown in FIG. 1) toward herself or himself with the body 120 and the shoulder straps 130a, 130b hanging downward from the waist belt 110. The user 10 may place the waist belt 110 on her / his waist and then, as shown in FIG. 3A, wrap the waist belt 110 across the back and loop the end strap 106 through the square ring 114. As show n in FIG. 3B, the fastener 108 on the waist belt 110 may be fastened to the corresponding fastener 112 on the waist belt 110, and the waist belt 110 may be tightened by pulling the end strap 106 until the waist belt 110 is snug and secure around the waist of the user 10. Turning to FIG. 3C, the user 10 may then place the shoulder strap 130b on her / his first (e.g., right) shoulder and spread the shoulder strap 130b over the shoulder. The shoulder strap 130b may then be brought across the back of the user 10, as shown in FIG.3D, and the fastener 136b may be fastened to the corresponding fastener 126a.

[0029] The baby 20 (e.g., infant) may then be placed on the second (e.g., left) shoulder of the user, facing inward, with the user supporting the baby 20 with her / his hand (e.g., left hand). A leg (e.g., left leg) of the baby 20 may then be guided through the leg opening between the baby carrier 100 and the body of the user 10. In FIG. 3E. the baby is settled deep into the body 120 and shoulder straps 130a, 130b while the user 10 is holding the - Page 8 - Docket No. 384790003P1shoulder strap 130a. Turning to FIG. 3F, the user 10 may hold the secured fastener 136b and corresponding fastener 124a with a hand (e.g.. right hand) while pulling the band 134b forward with a hand (e.g., left hand) to tighten the shoulder strap 130b. Before putting on the shoulder strap 130a and as illustrated in FIG. 3G, the user 10 may spread the fabric of the body 120 and shoulder straps 130a, 130b from the base of the knees of the baby 20 to the opposite shoulder, covering the back of the baby 20 with both the shoulder straps 130a, 130b.

[0030] Turning now to FIG. 3H, the user 10 may then bring the shoulder strap 130a across her / his back and fasten the fastener 136a into the corresponding fastener 126b on the side (e.g., right side) of the baby carrier 100. The secured fastener 136a and corresponding fastener 126b may be held in place by a hand (e.g.. left hand) while the user 10 pulls the band 134a forward with a hand (e.g. , right hand) of the user 10. The body 120 of the baby carrier 100 may then be pulled up to the nape of the neck of the baby 20 and, as illustrated in FIG.31, the user 10 may spread the fabric of the shoulder straps 130a, 130b over her / his shoulders to create more comfort and open up visibility of the face of the baby 20. During this process, the head of the baby 20 may be positioned at least partially under one of the shoulder straps 130a, 130b.

[0031] Turning ahead in the drawings, FIG. 4A is a front view of the baby carrier 100 and FIG. 4B is a side and rear perspective view of the baby carrier 100 being worn by a user 10 and carrying a baby 20. The baby carrier 100 is configured such that when carrying the baby 20 with the waist belt 110 secured around the waist of the user 10, the shoulder strap 130a is sized and dimensioned to extend from the waist belt 110 on the right side of the waist of the user 10, over a first opposite shoulder (e.g., left shoulder) of the user 10, and across the back of the user 10, with the fastener 136a detachably secured to the corresponding fastener 126b on the right side of the user 10. At least a portion of the shoulder strap 130a may be sized and dimensioned to stretch around at least a portion of a head and a torso of the baby 20 being held between the shoulder strap 130a and a torso of the user 10. Similarly, the baby carrier 100 is configured such that when carrying the baby 20 with the w aist belt 110 secured around the waist of the user 10, the shoulder strap 130b is sized and dimensioned to extend from the waist belt 110 on the left side of the waist of the user 10, over a second opposite shoulder (e.g., right shoulder) of the user 10, and across the back of the user 10, with the fastener 136b detachably secured to the corresponding fastener 126a on the right side of the user 10. At least a portion of the shoulder strap 130b may be sized and dimensioned to stretch around at least a portion of a head and a torso of - Page 9 - Docket No. 384790003P1the baby 20 being held between the shoulder strap 130b and a torso of the user 10. The body 120 may be sized and dimensioned to extend from the waist belt 110 over the torso of the baby 20 when the waist belt 110 is secured around the waist of the user 10 and the baby 20 is held between the body 120 of the baby carrier 100 and the torso of the user 10.

[0032] Also disclosed herein is a method of manufacturing a baby carrier, including the baby carrier 100. The method may include securing a first shoulder strap to a waist belt at least partially along a segment of the waist belt, the first shoulder strap having a first end region opposite to the waist belt and a first fastener secured or securable to the first end region. The method also may include securing a second shoulder strap to the waist belt at least partially along the segment of the waist belt such that the first shoulder strap and the second shoulder strap at least partially overlap along the segment of the waist belt, the second shoulder strap having a second end region opposite to the waist belt and a second fastener secured or securable to the second end region. The method also may include securing a body to the waist belt at least partially along the segment of the waist belt, such that the body at least partially overlaps with the first shoulder strap and the second shoulder strap along the segment of the waist belt. The body may include a terminating region disposed between the waist belt and the first end region and the second end region, a corresponding first fastener configured to detachably secure to the first fastener and secured to the body between the waist belt and the terminating region, and a corresponding second fastener configured to detachably secure to the second fastener and secured to the body between the waist belt and the terminating region.

[0033] The method also may include securing a first portion of the terminating region of the body to the first shoulder strap between the waist belt and the first end region, and securing a second portion of the terminating region of the body to the second shoulder strap between the waist belt and the first end region. The first shoulder strap and the second shoulder strap may narrow between the waist belt and the first end region and the second end region, respectively. The method also may include folding and securing a portion of the first end region over itself, and folding and securing a portion of the second end region over itself.

[0034] The method also may include securing a first arm that is padded to the body between the waist belt and the terminating region of the body, the first arm having a first sleeve with the corresponding first fastener positioned at least partially therein. The method also may include securing a second arm that is padded to the body between the waist belt and the terminating region of the body, the second arm having a second sleeve with the - Page 10 - Docket No. 384790003P1corresponding second fastener positioned at least partially therein. In these and other embodiments, the method may include securing a first pad to the first shoulder strap between the waist belt and the first arm and securing a second pad to the second shoulder strap between the waist belt and the second arm.

[0035] In many embodiments, the method may include securing a first band that is adjustable to the first end region of the first shoulder strap, the first band having the first fastener secured or securable thereto, and securing a second band that is adjustable to the second end region of the second shoulder strap, the second band having the second fastener secured or securable thereto.

[0036] In many embodiments, securing the first shoulder strap to the waist belt at least partially along the segment of the waist belt includes securing the first shoulder strap to the waist belt to include a first plurality of pleats at least partially along the segment of the waist belt. In many embodiments, securing the second shoulder strap to the waist belt at least partially along the segment of the waist belt includes securing the second shoulder strap to the waist belt to include a second plurality of pleats overlapping with the first plurality of pleats at least partially along the segment of the waist belt.

[0037] As used herein, the term “about” or “substantially” refers to an allowable variance of the term modified by “about” by ±10% or ±5%. Further, the terms “less than,” “or less,” “greater than”, “more than,” or “or more” include as an endpoint, the value that is modified by the terms “less than,” “or less,” “greater than,” “more than,” or “or more.”

[0038] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments are contemplated. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting. Features from any of the disclosed embodiments may be used in combination with one another, without limitation. In addition, other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art through consideration of the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings.- Page 11 - Docket No. 384790003P1

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A baby carrier, comprising:a waist belt configured to selectively secure around a waist of a user;a first shoulder strap secured to the waist belt at least partially along a segment of the waist belt, the first shoulder strap having a first end region opposite to the waist belt and a first fastener secured or securable to the first end region;a second shoulder strap secured to the waist belt at least partially along the segment of the waist belt such that the first shoulder strap and the second shoulder strap at least partially overlap along the segment of the waist belt, the second shoulder strap having a second end region opposite to the waist belt and a second fastener secured or securable to the second end region; anda body secured to the waist belt at least partially along the segment of the waist belt such that the body at least partially overlaps with the first shoulder strap and the second shoulder strap along the segment of the waist belt, the body including a terminating region disposed between the waist belt and the first end region and the second end region, a corresponding first fastener configured to detachably secure to the first fastener and secured to the body between the waist belt and the terminating region, and a corresponding second fastener configured to detachably secure to the second fastener and secured to the body between the waist belt and the terminating region.

2. The baby carrier of claim 1, wherein the terminating region of the body includes:a first portion secured to the first shoulder strap between the waist belt and the first end region; anda second portion secured to the second shoulder strap between the waist belt and the first end region.

3. The baby carrier of claim 1 or claim 2. wherein the first shoulder strap and the second shoulder strap narrow between the waist belt and the first end region and the second end region, respectively.

4. The baby carrier of any of claims 1 -3, wherein the first end region folds over itself and the second end region folds over itself.- Page 12 - Docket No. 384790003P15. The baby carrier of any of claims 1-4, further comprising:a first arm that is padded, extends from the body between the waist belt and the terminating region of the body, and has a first sleeve with the corresponding first fastener positioned at least partially therein; anda second arm that is padded, extends from the body between the waist belt and the terminating region of the body, and has a second sleeve with the corresponding second fastener positioned at least partially therein.

6. The baby carrier of claim 5, wherein:the first shoulder strap has a first pad secured thereto and positioned between the waist belt and the first arm; andthe second shoulder strap has a second pad secured thereto and positioned between the waist belt and the second arm.

7. The baby carrier of any of claims 1-6, wherein:the body, the first shoulder strap, and the second shoulder strap include an elastic material;the first shoulder strap is sized and dimensioned to extend from the waist belt, over a first opposite shoulder of the user, and across a back of the user with the first fastener detachably secured to the corresponding first fastener when the waist belt is secured around the waist of the user, at least a portion of the first shoulder strap being sized and dimensioned to stretch around at least a portion of a head and a torso of a baby being held between the first shoulder strap and a torso of the user;the second shoulder strap is sized and dimensioned to extend from the waist belt, over a second opposite shoulder of the user, and across the back of the user with the second fastener detachably secured to the corresponding second fastener together when the waist belt is secured around the waist of the user, at least a portion of the second shoulder strap being sized and dimensioned to stretch around at least a portion of the head and the torso of the baby being held between the second shoulder strap and the torso of the user; and the body is sized and dimensioned to extend from the waist belt over the torso of the baby when the waist belt is secured around the waist of the user and the baby is being held between the body of the baby carrier and the torso of the user.

8. The baby carrier of claim 7, wherein the body, the first shoulder strap, and the second shoulder strap include a combination of lyocell, modal, and elastane material.- Page 13 - Docket No. 384790003P19. The baby carrier of any of claims 1-8, further comprising:a first band that is adjustable and secured to the first end region of the first shoulder strap, the first band having the first fastener secured or securable thereto; anda second band that is adjustable and secured to the second end region of the second shoulder strap, the second band having the second fastener secured or securable thereto.

10. The baby carrier of any of claims 1-9, wherein the first shoulder strap includes a first plurality of pleats at the segment of the waist belt and the second shoulder strap includes a second plurality of pleats overlapping with the first plurality of pleats at the segment of the waist belt.

11. A method of manufacturing a baby carrier, the method comprising: securing a first shoulder strap to a waist belt at least partially along a segment of the waist belt, the first shoulder strap having a first end region opposite to the waist belt and a first fastener secured or securable to the first end region;securing a second shoulder strap to the waist belt at least partially along the segment of the waist belt such that the first shoulder strap and the second shoulder strap at least partially overlap along the segment of the waist belt, the second shoulder strap having a second end region opposite to the waist belt and a second fastener secured or securable to the second end region; andsecuring a body to the waist belt at least partially along the segment of the waist belt such that the body at least partially overlaps with the first shoulder strap and the second shoulder strap along the segment of the waist belt, the body including a terminating region disposed between the waist belt and the first end region and the second end region, a corresponding first fastener configured to detachably secure to the first fastener and secured to the body between the waist belt and the terminating region, and a corresponding second fastener configured to detachably secure to the second fastener and secured to the body between the waist belt and the terminating region.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising:securing a first portion of the terminating region of the body to the first shoulder strap between the waist belt and the first end region; andsecuring a second portion of the terminating region of the body to the second shoulder strap between the waist belt and the first end region.

13. The method of claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the first shoulder strap and the second shoulder strap narrow between the waist belt and the first end region and the second end region, respectively.- Page 14 - Docket No. 384790003P114. The method of any of claims 11-13, further comprising:folding and securing a portion of the first end region over itself; andfolding and securing a portion of the second end region over itself.

15. The method of any of claims 11-14, further comprising:securing a first arm that is padded to the body between the waist belt and the terminating region of the body, the first arm having a first sleeve with the corresponding first fastener positioned at least partially therein; andsecuring a second arm that is padded to the body between the waist belt and the terminating region of the body, the second arm having a second sleeve with the corresponding second fastener positioned at least partially therein.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising:securing a first pad to the first shoulder strap between the waist belt and the first arm; andsecuring a second pad to the second shoulder strap between the waist belt and the second arm.

17. The method of any of claims 11-16, wherein:the body, the first shoulder strap, and the second shoulder strap include an elastic material;the first shoulder strap is sized and dimensioned to extend from the waist belt, over a first opposite shoulder of the user, across a back of the user, and detachably secure the first fastener and the corresponding first fastener together when the waist belt is secured around the waist of the user, at least a portion of the first shoulder strap being sized and dimensioned to stretch around at least a portion of a head and a torso of a baby being held between the first shoulder strap and a torso of the user;the second shoulder strap is sized and dimensioned to extend from the waist belt, over a second opposite shoulder of the user, across the back of the user, and detachably secure the second fastener and the corresponding second fastener together when the waist belt is secured around the waist of the user, at least a portion of the second shoulder strap being sized and dimensioned to stretch around at least a portion of the head and the torso of the baby being held between the second shoulder strap and the torso of the user; and the body is sized and dimensioned to extend from the waist belt over the torso of the baby when the waist belt is secured around the waist of the user and the baby is being held between the body of the baby carrier and the torso of the user.- Page 15 - Docket No. 384790003P118. The method of claim 17, wherein the body, the first shoulder strap, and the second shoulder strap include a combination of lyocell, modal, and elastane material.

19. The method of any of claims 11-18, further comprising:securing a first band that is adjustable to the first end region of the first shoulder strap, the first band having the first fastener secured or securable thereto; and securing a second band that is adjustable to the second end region of the second shoulder strap, the second band having the second fastener secured or securable thereto.

20. The method of any of claims 11-19, wherein:securing the first shoulder strap to the waist belt at least partially along the segment of the waist belt includes securing the first shoulder strap to the waist belt to include a first plurality of pleats at least partially along the segment of the waist belt; andsecuring the second shoulder strap to the waist belt at least partially along the segment of the waist belt includes securing the second shoulder strap to the waist belt to include a second plurality of pleats overlapping with the first plurality7of pleats at least partially along the segment of the waist belt.

21. A method of carrying a baby with a baby carrier, the method comprising: securing a waist belt of the baby carrier around a waist of the user;placing a first shoulder strap onto a first shoulder on a first side of the user; bringing the first shoulder strap across a back of the user;fastening a first fastener on the first shoulder strap to a first corresponding fastener on a body of the baby carrier and positioned on a second side of the user;positioning the baby in the baby carrier between the user and the first shoulder strap, a second shoulder strap of the baby carrier, and the body;placing the second shoulder strap onto a second shoulder on the second side of the user;bringing the second shoulder strap across the back of the user; andfastening a second fastener on the second shoulder strap to a second corresponding fastener on the body of the baby carrier and positioned on the first side of the user.

22. The method of claim 21, further comprising pulling the body up to a nape of a neck of the baby after fastening the second fastener to the second corresponding fastener and spreading the first shoulder strap and the second shoulder straps over the first and second shoulders.- Page 16 - Docket No. 384790003P123. The method of claim 21 or claim 22, further comprising positioning at least a portion of a head of the baby under one of the first shoulder strap or the second shoulder strap.- Page 17 - Docket No. 384790003P1

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