US008590757B2
`
`(12) Ulllted States Patent
`Frost
`
`(10) Patent N0.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 8,590,757 B2
`*Nov. 26, 2013
`
`(54) BABY CARRIER
`
`.
`-
`-
`(75) Inventor. Karin A. Frost, Haiku, HI (US)
`(73) Assignee: The Ergo Baby Carrier, Inc., Haiku, HI
`(Us)
`
`3,481,517 A * 12/1969 Aukerman .................. .. 224/160
`4,009,808 A
`3/1977 Sharp
`4,149,687 A
`4/1979 Nunemacher
`4,234,229 A 11/1980 Arnold
`4333591 A
`6/1982 _Case
`(Continued)
`
`( * ) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U~S-C- 154(1)) by 290 days-
`This patent is subject to a terminal dis-
`claimer.
`
`CA
`DE
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`1332928
`11/1994
`29519530 U1
`4/1996
`(Continued)
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`(21) Appl. N0.: 11/949,324
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Dec. 3, 2007
`
`(65)
`
`Prior Publication Data
`
`US 2008/0073391 A1
`
`Mar. 27, 2008
`
`Related US. Application Data
`(63) Continuation of application No. 10/937,193, ?led on
`Sep. 9, 2004, noW Pat. No. 7,322,498.
`(60) Provisional application No. 60/501,396, ?led on Sep.
`10’ 2003'
`(51) Int C1
`A 47D 13/02
`(52) U 5 Cl
`U'séc '
`224/160 224/159
`_
`""""" "_' """ "_ """"""""""" "
`’
`58FldfCl?tS h
`(
`) UISPCO
`assl ca
`/ 122ml 5 9 1 60 259 627 63 8_
`"""""""" "
`’
`’ 24/301 502 5/920’
`1
`1.
`.
`?l f
`h h’.
`’
`S
`ee app lcanon e or Comp ete Seam lstory'
`.
`References Clted
`U_S_ PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`(2006 01)
`'
`
`(56)
`
`Of?ce Action issued for US. Appl. No. 10/937,193, mailed Aug. 14,
`2007, 9 pgs.
`
`(Continued)
`
`Primary Examiner * Justin Larson
`Assistant Examiner * Corey Skurdal
`(74) Attorney’ Agent’ or Firm * Spnnkle IP Law Group
`
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`A lightweight child carrier that can be mounted upon the front
`or the back of a Wearer’s torso With little or no need to adjust
`the carrier’ s harness. The carrier includes a mainpanel having
`generally a rectangular shape. The bottom edge of the main
`panel isjoined to the top edge ofa padded Waist band and the
`bottom ed e of a head restrainin
`anel is 'oined to the to
`g
`gp
`J
`p
`edge of the main panel. Shoulder straps are connected to the
`main panel and are cojoined by a chest strap that is slidably
`mounted upon each shoulder strap. Adjustable restraining
`straps are connected to the chest strap and to the head restrain
`ing panel. An auxiliary Waist belt is provided that consider
`ably expands the length of the Waist band to alloW the carrier
`to be Worn by a Woman during pregnancy.
`
`3,229,873 A
`3,327,914 A
`
`1/1966 Hershman
`6/1967 Abram
`
`23 Claims, 6 Drawing Sheets
`
`Petitioner Ex. 1001 Page 1
`
`

`
`US 8,590,757 B2
`Page 2
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
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`D507,869
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`
`*
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`Frost
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`
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`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`DE
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`EP
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`FR
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`6/2011
`1765123 B1
`9/2001
`2806279
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`WO-0189978
`W0 0189978 A1 * 11/2001
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`International Search Report and Written Opinion for PCT Applica
`tion No. PCT/US2004/029614, completed on Feb. 11, 2005, mailed
`on Mar. 3, 2005, 9 pgs.
`International Preliminary Report on Patentability for PCT/US2004/
`029614, issued on Mar. 13, 2006, 7 pgs.
`Examination Report issued in European Application No. 04 783
`725.7, mailed Sep. 21, 2007, 3 pgs.
`Examination Report issued in European Application No. 04 783
`725.7, mailed Sep. 9, 2008, 4 pgs.
`Examination Report issued in European Application No. 04 783
`725.7, mailed Sep. 10, 2009, 3 pgs.
`Examination Report issued in European Application No. 04 783
`725.7, mailed Dec. 21, 2009, 5 pgs.
`Examination Report issued in European Application No. 04 783
`725.7, mailed Jun. 1, 2010, 6 pgs.
`Notice of Opposition ?led on Mar. 13, 2012, against European Patent
`No. EP1765123 B1.
`Declaration of Judy Petterson ?led With EPO regarding “BabyTrek
`ker” With enclosures 1 and 2, dated May 26, 2011, 18 pages.
`
`* cited by examiner
`
`Petitioner Ex. 1001 Page 2
`
`

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`US. Patent
`
`Nov. 26, 2013
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`Sheet 1 of6
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`US 8,590,757 B2
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`Petitioner Ex. 1001 Page 3
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`

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`US. Patent
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`Nov. 26, 2013
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`Sheet 2 of6
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`US 8,590,757 B2
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`Petitioner Ex. 1001 Page 4
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`

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`US. Patent
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`Nov. 26, 2013
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`Sheet 3 of6
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`US 8,590,757 B2
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`Petitioner Ex. 1001 Page 5
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`

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`US. Patent
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`Nov. 26, 2013
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`Sheet 4 of6
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`Petitioner Ex. 1001 Page 6
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`

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`US. Patent
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`Nov. 26, 2013
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`Sheet 5 of6
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`US 8,590,757 B2
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`Petitioner Ex. 1001 Page 7
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`

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`US. Patent
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`Nov. 26, 2013
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`Sheet 6 of6
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`US 8,590,757 B2
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`Petitioner Ex. 1001 Page 8
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`

`
`US 8,590,757 B2
`
`1
`BABY CARRIER
`
`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATIONS
`
`This application is a continuation of US. patent applica
`tion Ser. No. 10/937,193, ?led Sep. 9, 2004, now US. Pat. No.
`7,322,498, Which claims priority to US. provisional patent
`application Ser. No. 60/501,396, ?led Sep. 10, 2003, each of
`Which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`This invention relates to a lightweight child carrier that can
`be Worn by an adult With the child being positioned either in
`front of the Wearer or behind the Wearer.
`There are currently any number of Wearable child carriers
`on the market Which afford the Wearer freedom of hand and
`arm movement While transporting a child that is secured in the
`carrier. In pursuit of child safety, some of these devices have
`become overly complex involving, among other things, rigid
`seats and frames Which considerably increase the Weight of
`the carrier and cannot accommodate for the groWth of the
`child. These complex carriers also are relatively heavy and
`place an undue strain upon the Wearer, particularly in the
`lumbar region. In addition, because of the siZe of many of the
`present day carriers, they can only be Worn on the back thus
`denying the child the comfort and security of a front carrier
`position Where a child and its mother are in a face-to-face
`relationship. On the other hand, many simple carriers can be
`so poorly constructed that they can pose a danger to the
`Wearer and the child being transported.
`Most child carriers are Worn by mothers Who Wish to be
`close to their young children as they go about their daily
`schedules. It is not uncommon for many of these Women to
`become pregnant With a second child While the ?rst child is
`still an infant. Most carriers cannot accommodate for changes
`in the mother s body as she goes through pregnancy and as a
`consequence, the carrier is rendered unusable by the mother
`for long periods of time.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`It is therefore an object of the present invention to improve
`child carriers that are Worn by adults.
`It is a further object of the invention to provide a light
`Weight child carrier that is both strong and comfortable for
`both the child and the Wearer of the carrier.
`A still further object of the present invention is to provide
`a lightWeight child carrier that can be Worn on the front or the
`back of the Wearer Without the need for signi?cant changes or
`modi?cations of the carrier’s con?guration.
`Another object of the present invention is to provide a
`lightWeight child carrier that can be Worn in comfort by a
`Woman While pregnant With a second child during the course
`of her pregnancy.
`Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a
`child carrier that is lightWeight yet safe for a child that is
`seated in the carrier.
`These and other objects of the present invention are
`attained by a child carrier that is Worn by an adult to transport
`a child in a hands and arms free manner. The carrier includes
`a generally rectangular-shaped main panel. The bottom edge
`of the main panel is joined to the top edge of a padded Waist
`band, and the bottom edge of a rectangular head restraining
`panel is joined to the top edge of the main panel. A pair of
`shoulder straps are secured to the main panel With each form
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`2
`ing a loop along the side edges of the panel. A chest strap is
`slidably retained upon each of the shoulder straps, so that the
`chest strap can be adjusted along the length of the shoulder
`straps. A pair of restraining straps are secured at one end to the
`upper corners of the head restraining panel and the opposite
`end of each restraining strap is adjustably connected to the
`chest strap. The Waist band includes a buckle having a female
`member and a male member that is removable retained Within
`the female member. An auxiliary strap is also provided that
`contains a male member located at one end of the strap that
`mates With the female member of the Waist band and a female
`member at the opposite end of the strap that similarly mates
`With the male member of the Wai st band to considerably
`expand the Waist band.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`For a better understanding of these and other objects of the
`invention, reference Will be made to the folloWing detailed
`description of the invention Which is to be read in association
`With the accompanying draWings, Wherein:
`FIG. 1 is a perspective vieW illustrating the carrier embody
`ing the teachings of the invention being mounted upon the
`back of a Wearer With a child seated in the carrier;
`FIG. 2 is a perspective vieW illustrating the carrier mounted
`in front of the Wearer With a child seated in the carrier;
`FIG. 3 is an enlarged front vieW of the carrier;
`FIG. 4 is an enlarged rear vieW of the carrier;
`FIG. 5 is a front perspective vieW shoWing the chest strap
`and shoulder strap arrangements When a child is seated in the
`carrier mounted upon the back of the Wearer;
`FIG. 6 is a rear perspective vieW shoWing a child seated in
`the carrier mounted on the back of a Wearer and further
`illustrating the child’s head being supported in the head
`restraint of the carrier;
`FIG. 7 is a plan vieW of a belly pad that may be utiliZed With
`the carrier shoWn in FIGS. 1-6;
`FIG. 8 is a perspective vieW of a hood extension that may be
`utiliZed With the carrier shoWn in FIGS. 1-6; and
`FIG. 9 is a different perspective vieW of the hood extension
`shoWn in FIG. 8.
`
`DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
`
`Turning initially to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is illustrated tWo
`modes of mounting a child carrier, generally referenced 10,
`upon the torso of an adult 12. The carrier shoWn in FIG. 1 is
`mounted upon the Wearer so that a child 13 that is seated in the
`carrier is located behind the Wearer in a forWard facing posi
`tion facing With regard to the Wearer. As Will become apparent
`from the disclosure beloW, the mode of carry can be easily and
`simply accomplished by reversing the location of the shoul
`der straps upon the Wearer’s torso. This second mode of carry
`is illustrated in FIG. 2, Wherein the child seated in the carrier
`is located in front of the Wearer in face to face contiguous
`relation With the Wearer.
`The present carrier, unlike some of the more complex
`devices, is not only simple in construction and lightweight,
`but can be reversed in the mode of carry from front to back or
`vice versa Without any major readjustment of the harness. In
`fact, the reversal of position can be easily and safely made
`While a child is seated in the body pouch of the carrier. The
`carrier has no rigid structures such as plastic seats or metal
`frames that might impede the reversal operation.
`Turning noW to FIGS. 3 and 4, the carrier includes a Waist
`band 20 having a Wide padded section 21 that encircles the
`hips of the Wearer When the carrier is in either a front or a rear
`
`Petitioner Ex. 1001 Page 9
`
`

`
`US 8,590,757 B2
`
`3
`carry position. The Waist band 20 is designed to take a good
`deal of strain away from the Wearer’ s lumbar region, particu
`larly When the carrier is Worn in a front carry position. The
`tWo ends of the padded section are joined by a strap 55
`containing a releasable buckle 19 as best shoWn in FIG. 5. The
`carrier further includes a main panel 23 that is somewhat
`rectangular-shaped and is fabricated from a high strength, yet
`?accid, material that can easily conform to the contour of a
`child’s body When seated in the device. Canvas and many
`nylon and other high strength synthetic fabrics may be used
`for this purpose.
`The main panel includes a bottom edge 24 that is stitched
`securely into the top section of the Waist band 20 so that band
`20 and the main panel 23 share a common vertical axis 25 of
`the carrier. As Will be appreciated from the folloWing descrip
`tion of a preferred embodiment of the invention, the baby
`carrier essentially possesses bi-lateral symmetry about the
`vertical axis 25. The main panel 23 further includes tWo
`opposed side edges 26 and 27 along With a top edge 29. The
`main panel 23, When seWn into the Waist band 20, provides a
`good deal of material over the band 20 so that a generous sling
`is formed in Which a child can be comfortably and safely
`seated. The sling provides ample support for the child’s but
`tocks as Well as for the back of the child’s legs.
`A rectangular-shaped head restraining panel 30 is seWn
`into the top edge 29 of the main panel 23. The head restraining
`panel 30 shares the common vertical axis 25 With the main
`panel 24 and can be fabricated from the same material as the
`main panel, although other lightWeight, high strength mate
`rials may be used. The head restraining panel 30 thus forms a
`continuation of the main panel 23 so that the panels 23, 3 0 Will
`cover the entire length of the head and torso of a child that is
`seated in the carrier. The restraining panel 30 may help sup
`port the child’s head While the child is sleeping and also may
`be used to screen or shelter the child’ s head from sun, rain, or
`snoW.
`A pair of shoulder straps 34 and 35, are connected to each
`side of the main panel 23. Each shoulder strap 34, 35 includes
`a padded section 40 that is attached at one end 41 to a belt
`section 42. The other end of each padded section is securely
`seWn 43 into the main panel 23 at the tWo upper corners of the
`panel. The belt section 42 of each shoulder strap 34, 35 is
`looped around and is seWn into the main panel 23 at 44 beloW
`the padded end of the associated shoulder strap. Adjusting
`buckles 45 are operatively connected to each belt section 42
`by Which the length of the shoulder straps 34, 35 can be
`altered.
`As best seen in FIG. 4, a chest strap 47 is looped at each end
`around each of the shoulder straps 34, 35 so that the chest
`strap 47 can slide up or doWn along the length of the shoulder
`straps 34, 35. The chest strap contains an adjustable buckle 48
`that permits the chest strap to be opened to facilitate entering
`and exiting the carrier harness. One end of the buckle 48
`contains an adjustable coupling 49 by Which the length of the
`chest strap 47 can be adjusted to pull the shoulder straps 34,
`35 inWardly to best suit the Wearer’s torso. As can be seen, the
`chest strap 47 can be adjusted both vertically and horizontally
`to attain for the Wearer the most comfortable position for the
`harness. An adjusting buckle 45 is also mounted upon the belt
`section 42 of each shoulder strap 34, 35 to provide for further
`adjustment of the shoulder straps. The chest strap 47 of the
`harness contains a pair of spaced apart rings 51-51 located on
`either side of the buckle 48. Restraining straps 52-52 are
`joined to the upper tWo comers of the head restraining panel
`30 and are looped through each of the rings 51 as illustrated in
`FIG. 4. A Velcro fastener is seWn into the free end of each
`restraining strap 52 that includes a hook pad 53 and a loop pad
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`4
`54 that are aligned in series along the back of each strap 52.
`Instead of aVelcro fastener, the straps 52 may include a series
`of snap ?t connectors secured to bias tape, Whereby the effec
`tive length of each strap 52 may be adjusted. Each pad has
`suf?cient length so that the head restraining panel 30 can be
`snuggly positioned around the child’s head When the child is
`seated in the carrier.
`The padded section 21 of the Waist band 20 is joined at each
`end by a belt section 55 containing a bayonet type buckle
`having a male member 56 and a female member 57 that can be
`mated to releasably join the tWo ends of the belt 55 together.
`Limited adjustment of the belt length is provided by an adjust
`ing loop 59 that forms a part of one of the buckle members. An
`auxiliary belt 60 is provided With the carrier Which has a male
`member 62 at one end and a female member 63 at the other
`end of the belt. The male member 62 of the auxiliary belt can
`be mated With the female member 57 of the Waist band, While
`the female member 63 can be mated With the male member 56
`of the Waist band, thus providing the Waist band With consid
`erably greater length. This feature permits a pregnant Woman
`to use the carrier longer into her pregnancy When compared to
`other carriers. The Waist band 20 is normally adjustable to a
`length of betWeen tWenty-seven to forty-?ve inches, and the
`auxiliary belt 60 effectively extends the length of Waist band
`20 preferably by another eight inches.
`A pouch 70 With one or more pocket sections is mounted on
`the back of the main panel 23. The tWo side edges 71 and 72,
`as Well as the bottom edge 73, of the pouch 70 are seWn into
`the main panel 23 While the top edge 75 remains open. An
`elastic band is seWn into the top edge of the pouch 70 Which
`restricts the siZe of the opening to more securely retain
`articles stored in the pouch 70 preferably soft items, such as
`diapers, hats, Wipes, and extra clothing. The pouch 70 is
`centered upon the vertical axis 25 of the carrier beloW the
`head restraining panel 30. Accordingly, the head restraining
`panel 3 0 can be conveniently stored Within the pouch 70 When
`not in use.
`A second, smaller pouch 77 With one or more pocket sec
`tions is seWn into the Waist band 20 in Which such items as
`currency, credit cards, sunglasses, a cell phone, Writing
`implements, a Wallet, a checkbook, and keys can be stored.
`The second pouch 77 may be selectively opened and closed
`With snap ?t connectors, a Zipper, hook and loop fasteners,
`buttons, or other mechanisms.
`The carrier may also include a belly pad 80 as shoWn in
`FIG. 7. The pad 80 preferably possesses a generally ?at,
`rectangular con?guration and an exterior sheath fashioned of
`the same fabric as the carrier and contains an interior foam or
`other resilient material substantially throughout its Width and
`length. The belly pad 80 preferably includes a pair of longi
`tudinally spaced, elastic bands 82, 84 extending laterally
`across, and seWn or otherWise secured to, the exterior fabric.
`Each band 82, 84 forms a shalloW opening or loop With the
`adjacent fabric such that the male member 56 of the buckle on
`the belt section 55 may snugly pass therethrough. It Will be
`appreciated that the belly pad is preferably positioned
`betWeen the belt section 55 (and its associated bayonet type
`buckle having a male member 56 and a female member 57)
`and the stomach or abdomen of the Wearer. As such, the belly
`pad 80 provides better dispersion of the forces acting upon the
`belt section 55 and more comfort to the Wearer. When the
`belly pad 80 is so positioned, the longitudinal ends of the
`belly pad 80 are situated in a layer betWeen the corresponding
`ends of the Waist band 20 and the Wearer. It should also be
`appreciated that one of the bands 84 is preferably disposed
`adjacent to the adjustment portion of the male member 56
`When the members 56, 57 are connected so that if the male
`
`Petitioner Ex. 1001 Page 10
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`US 8,590,757 B2
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`30
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`5
`member 56 and the female member 57 become inadvertently
`disconnected, the band 84 Will inhibit the members 56, 57
`from being further separated. Thus, the band 84 enhances the
`safety of the carrier.
`The carrier may further include a hood extension 90, shoWn
`in FIGS. 8 and 9, for cradling and restraining the head of a
`relatively large child Whose head extends beyond the head
`restraining panel 30. The hood extension 90 includes a sheet
`92 preferably fashioned of the same fabric as the head
`restraining panel 30 and possessing the con?guration of an
`isosceles triangle. A looped string or cord 94 is attached to the
`apex of sheet 92. The hood extension 90 may also include a
`pair of strap extensions 96 having a D-ring 98 secured to one
`end thereof and an af?xed hook pad adapted to cooperate With
`an af?xed loop pad as components of a Velcro fastener. The
`inner and outer surfaces along each lateral edge near the base
`edge of the triangular sheet 92 also possess a hook pad and a
`loop pad component of a Velcro fastener.
`The hood extension 90 is assembled onto the carrier pref
`erably as folloWs. The free end of each restraining strap 52 is
`inserted through the D-ring 98 of an associated strap exten
`sion 96, and then the free end of each strap extension 96 is
`inserted through an associated ring 51 on the chest strap 47.
`Each strap extension 96 is then folded back upon itself so that
`the hook pad and the loop pad selectively, cooperatively fas
`ten together Whereby each strap extension 96 loops through
`an associated ring 51. Each lateral edge near the triangular
`base of the sheet 92 is then placed against the hook or loop pad
`of an associated restraining strap 52 and the free end of each
`restraining strap 52 is placed over the associated lateral edge
`such that the hook and loop pads of the restraining strap 52
`selectively, cooperatively fasten to the hook and loop pads
`a?ixed to the lateral edges of the sheet 92. Thus, each lateral
`edge is sandWiched betWeen the overlapping segments of an
`35
`associated restraining strap 52, as best shoWn in FIG. 9. A
`button 100 may then be seWn or secured to the carrier Where
`the looped cord 94 overlaps the carrier, and the button 100
`may then be selectively inserted through the looped cord 94 to
`secure the apex of the sheet 92 against the carrier such that the
`sheet 92 substantially abuttingly overlays the carrier, as best
`shoWn in FIG. 8.
`The baby carrier also may be used to carry infants by
`tucking or Wrapping the infant in a blanket or quilt and plac
`ing the infant in the main panel 23 With the infant’s legs
`together on one side, the head leaning to the other side, and
`the butt centered in the middle of the main panel 23. In such
`a carrying mode, the carrier acts more like a sling.
`It Will be appreciated that the child is secured in the baby
`carrier in a seated position, With most of the child’s Weight
`being dispersed through the hips and thighs, thereby substan
`tially eliminating compression of the spine (and potentially
`hip dysphasia) that occurs When a child is hanging in the
`carrier by the crotch. When the child is seated in the child
`carrier, at least about seventy percent to ninety percent of the
`child’s Weight is transmitted directly through the Waist band
`20 to the Wearer’s hips, and not through the Wearer’s shoul
`ders or upper spine, thereby promoting Wearer comfort and
`diminishing Wearer fatigue. The baby carrier also positions
`the child When the child is in front of the Wearer so that the
`head and mouth of the child are conveniently aligned for
`nursing.
`Preferably, the carrier is fashioned of a fabric material such
`as cotton canvas for exterior facing surfaces and brushed
`cotton tWill for interior facing surfaces. Preferably the carrier
`is substantially deformable and machine Washable and dry
`able and Weighs less than about tWo or three pounds.
`
`55
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`45
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`60
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`6
`While this invention has been particularly shoWn and
`described With reference to the preferred embodiment in the
`draWings, it Will be understood by one skilled in the art that
`various changes in its details may be effected therein Without
`departing from the teachings of the invention.
`What is claimed is:
`1. A child carrier adapted to be Worn by a human Wearer for
`carrying a child, the child carrier comprising:
`a Waistband comprising a padded section, the Waistband
`having an adjustable length positioned to be securely
`Worn about the Wai st of the Wearer and rest on the hips of
`the Wearer;
`a ?exible main panel having, a bottom edge and opposing
`side edges, the ?exible main panel adapted to form a
`child carrying area in cooperation With the Wearer’s
`torso that is open to the Wearer’s torso the main panel
`having the bottom edge joined to the Waistband, the
`main panel so dimensioned to overhang the Waistband to
`form a sling adapted to support a majority of the child’s
`Weight through the child’s hips and thighs;
`a ?rst shoulder strap having an adjustable length forming a
`loop along a ?rst of the opposing side edges, Wherein an
`upper end of the ?rst shoulder strap is coupled to the
`main panel to a ?rst side of a vertical axis of the main
`panel and a loWer end of the ?rst shoulder strap is
`coupled to the main panel aWay from the bottom edge of
`the main panel to the ?rst side of the vertical axis of the
`main panel; and
`a second shoulder strap having an adjustable length form
`ing a loop along a second of the opposing side edges,
`Wherein an upper end of the second shoulder strap is
`coupled to the main panel to a second side of the vertical
`axis of the main panel and a loWer end of the second
`shoulder strap is coupled to the main panel aWay from
`the bottom edge of the main panel to the second side of
`the vertical axis of the main panel; Wherein:
`the Width of the bottom edge of the main panel is greater
`than a distance betWeen the upper ends of the ?rst and
`second shoulder straps; and
`the child carrier is adapted to alloW the Wearer to selec
`tively support the child in a position facing a front side
`of the Wearer’ s torso or in a position facing a back side
`of the Wearer’s torso, Wherein the upper ends of the
`?rst and second shoulder straps are coupled to the
`main panel at a position that is on a side of the child
`carrying area that is aWay from the Wearer When the
`child carrier is Worn and Wherein the child carrier is
`con?gured to distribute at least a majority of the
`child’s Weight to the Wearer’s hips through the Waist
`band.
`2. The child carrier of claim 1, Wherein the child carrier
`further comprises a head panel positioned to cover the child’ s
`head.
`3. The child carrier of claim 2, further comprising a ?rst
`restraining strap coupled to a ?rst comer of the head panel and
`a second restraining strap coupled to a second corner of the
`head panel.
`4. The child carrier of claim 3, Wherein the child carrier is
`adapted such that the ?rst restraining strap detachably
`couples to the child carrier at the ?rst shoulder strap over a
`?rst shoulder of the Wearer and the second restraining strap
`detachably couples to the child carrier at the second shoulder
`strap over the second shoulder of the Wearer.
`5. The child carrier of claim 1, further comprising a chest
`strap adapted to cross the Wearer’s chest or back from the ?rst
`shoulder strap to the second shoulder strap on the opposite
`side of the Wearer from the main panel.
`
`Petitioner Ex. 1001 Page 11
`
`

`
`US 8,590,757 B2
`
`7
`6. The child carrier of claim 5, wherein the chest strap has
`an adjustable length.
`7. The child carrier of claim 5, Wherein the chest strap has
`an adjustable height.
`8. The child carrier of claim 1, Wherein the main panel is
`substantially rectangular.
`9. The child carrier of claim 1, Wherein the child carrier
`Weighs less than three pounds.
`10. The child carrier of claim 1, Wherein the child carrier is
`machine Washable.
`11. The child carrier of claim 1, Wherein the child carrier is
`adapted to support the child With only substantially deform
`able materials.
`12. The child carrier of claim 1, Wherein said child carrier
`is adapted to retain the child in a substantially seated position
`next to the Wearers torso.
`13. The child carrier of claim 1, Wherein the ?rst shoulder
`strap and second shoulder strap each comprise a section of
`padding.
`14. The child carrier of claim 1, Wherein the child carrier is
`adapted to alloW the Wearer to select Whether to support the
`child in a position facing the front side of the Wearer’ s torso or
`the back side of the Wearer’s torso Without modifying the
`con?guration of the shoulder straps and Waistband relative to
`the main panel.
`15. The child carrier of claim 1, Wherein the child carrier
`con?gured to distribute 70-90% of a child’s Weight to the
`Wearer’s hips through the Waistband.
`16. The child carrier of claim 1, Wherein the Waistband at
`the padded section has a vertical length that is approximately
`1/3 of the vertical length of the main panel.
`17. The child carrier of claim 16, Wherein the second end of
`the ?rst shoulder strap and the second end of the second
`shoulder strap are coupled to the main panel approximately 2/3
`of vertical length of the main panel aWay from the bottom
`edge.
`18. A child carrier adapted to be Worn by a human Wearer
`to carry a child, the child carrier comprising:
`a Waistband comprising a padded section, the Waistband
`having an adjustable length adapted to securely Worn
`about the Waist of the Wearer;
`a generally rectangular, ?exible main panel having a top
`edge, a bottom edge and opposing side edges, the main
`panel having a substantially constant Width betWeen the
`opposing side edges along a majority of a vertical length
`from the bottom edge to the top edge, the ?exible main
`panel adapted to support a child in child carrying area
`that is cooperatively formed by the main panel and the
`Wearer’s torso and is open to the Wearer’s torso, the main
`panel having the bottom edge joined to the Waistband
`and so dimensioned to overhang the Waistband to form a
`sling adapted to support a majority of the child’s Weight
`through the child’s hips and thighs;
`Wherein a ?rst end of the ?rst shoulder strap is coupled to
`the main panel at a ?rst top corner of the main panel to a
`?rst side of a vertical axis of the main panel such that the
`?rst end of the second shoulder strap is positioned to be
`to the side of the child carrying area aWay from the
`Wearer and a second end of the ?rst shoulder strap is
`coupled to the main panel betWeen the ?rst top comer
`and the bottom edge of the main panel to the ?rst side of
`the vertical axis of the main panel;
`a second shoulder strap having an adjustable length,
`Wherein a ?rst end of the second shoulder strap is
`coup