SHOULDER STRAPS FOR A BABY CARRIER

Abstract

Presented is improved shoulder straps for a baby carrier having a first layer of fabric with a top surface, a bottom surface, a distal end, a proximal end, and two side ends, and a second layer of fabric with a top surface, a bottom surface, a distal end, a proximal end, and two side ends. The first and second layers of fabric embodies a padding disposed therebetween. The first layer of fabric is configured to form a fastener attachment strap that engages to a fastener. The attachment strap is then looped back forming a continuous loop and laid between the padding and the first layer of fabric. The attachment strap is threaded through the shoulder strap and stitched back at the distal ends. The second layer of fabric is configured to take a form a flap at its proximal end and essentially increases aesthetic look of the shoulder strap.

Claims

1. An improved shoulder strap (100) for a baby carrier (200), comprising: a first layer of fabric (102) with a predefined length and width, wherein the first layer of fabric (102) comprises a top surface, a bottom surface, a distal end, a proximal end, and two side ends; a second layer of fabric (104) with a predefined length and width, wherein the second layer of fabric (104) comprises a top surface, a bottom surface, a distal end, a proximal end, and two side ends; wherein, the first layer of fabric (102), and the second layer of fabric (104) are configured to embody a first insert (106) disposed therebetween extending partially along the length of the first layer of fabric (102), and the second layer of fabric (104); wherein, the first layer of fabric (102) is configured to form a fastener attachment strap (107), the fastener attachment strap (107) being formed by folding the first layer of fabric (102) substantially along a middle part from the two side ends thereof, and wherein the fastener attachment strap (107) so formed is then threaded through a fastener (108) using a free end (107a) thereof and looped back extending between a top surface of the first insert (106), and the bottom surface of the first layer of fabric (102), or between the bottom surface of the first layer of fabric (102) and the fastener attachment strap (107); wherein, the second layer of fabric (104) and the first layer of fabric (102) are sewn together along at least one of: the two side ends, the distal ends, and the proximal ends thereof embodying at least one of: the first insert (106), and the fastener attachment strap (107) to form the improved shoulder strap (100).

2. The improved shoulder strap (100) of claim 1, wherein the first insert (106) having length and width lesser than the predefined length and width of the first layer of fabric (102), and the second layer of fabric (104).

3. The improved shoulder strap (100) of claim 2, wherein the first insert (106) comprises of a first padding.

4. The improved shoulder strap (100) of claim 3, wherein the first padding comprises at least one foam, or batting.

5. The improved shoulder strap (100) of claim 1, wherein the first layer of fabric (102) is folded equally from each of the two side ends thereof in order to form the fastener attachment strap (107).

6. The improved shoulder strap (100) of claim 5, wherein the fastener attachment strap (107) having a width lesser than the predefined width of the first layer of fabric (102), and the second layer of fabric (104).

7. The improved shoulder strap (100) of claim 1, wherein the fastener (108) comprises at least one of an acetal buckle, a ladder lock buckle, one or more rings.

8. The improved shoulder strap (100) of claim 1, wherein the fastener attachment strap (107) when threaded through the fastener (108) and looped back between the top surface of the first insert (106), and the bottom surface of the first layer of fabric (102), or between the bottom surface of the first layer of fabric (102) and the fastener attachment strap (107) is laid extended beyond the distal end thereof or is laid extended upto the distal end thereof.

9. The improved shoulder strap (100) of claim 1, wherein the second layer of fabric (104) is configured to form a flap (110), the flap (110) being formed by partially folding the second layer of fabric (104) at the proximal end thereof.

10. The improved shoulder strap (100) of claim 9, wherein the flap (110) extends in length beyond the fastener (108) secured by the fastener attachment strap (107) giving an aesthetic look to the shoulder straps (100).

11. The improved shoulder strap (100) of claim 9, wherein the flap (108) embodies a second insert (109).

12. The improved shoulder strap (100) of claim 11, wherein the flap (108) embodying the second insert (109) is further sewn (112a) to ensure the second insert (109) remains intact in its position during the course of uses of the shoulder strap (100).

13. The improved shoulder strap (100) of claim 11, wherein the second insert (109) is a second padding.

14. The improved shoulder strap (100) of claim 13, wherein the second padding comprises at least one foam, or batting.

15. The improved shoulder strap (100) of claim 1, wherein the improved shoulder strap (100) is further sewn at one or more locations (112b) along the length of the improved shoulder strap (100) to ensure at least one of the first insert (106), the fastener attachment strap (107), the fastener (108), and the second insert (109) remain intact in their respective positions during the course of uses of the improved shoulder strap (100).

16. The improved shoulder strap (100) of claim 1, wherein the improved shoulder strap (100) is further sewn at a shoulder position of a body of the baby carrier (200) at the distal ends (102c,104c) of the first layer of fabric (102) and the second layer of fabric (104) that are sewn together.

17. The improved shoulder strap (100) of claim 1 further comprising a Perfect Fit Adjuster (PFA) assembly (202) configured over the improved shoulder strap (100) using which the length of the improved shoulder strap (100) can be adjusted.

18. The improved shoulder strap (100) of claim 14, wherein the improved shoulder strap (100) facilitates in attaching a length adjustable chest strap (204) adapted to cross a wearer's chest from one improved shoulder strap (100) to another improved shoulder strap (100).

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0019] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary prior art baby carrier with shoulder straps that uses external webbing as a separate attachment sewn thereon for engaging a buckle;

[0020] FIG. 2 shows a top view of an improved shoulder strap of the present invention, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] FIG. 3 shows a bottom view of the improved shoulder strap of the present invention, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] FIG. 4 shows a sectional view of the proposed improved shoulder strap, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] FIG. 5 shows another sectional view of the proposed improved shoulder strap, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] FIG. 6 shows a partial sectional top view of the proposed shoulder strap with a portion of the first layer of fabric pulled out, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] FIG. 7 shows a partial cross sectional side view of the proposed shoulder strap, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] FIG. 8 shows an outside view (facing away from the body of the wearer) of a baby carrier with the improved shoulder strap configured thereon, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] FIG. 9 shows an inside view (facing towards the body of the wearer) of the baby carrier of FIG. 8; and

[0028] FIGS. 10-12 shows the improved shoulder strap in use with a baby carrier, according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Some embodiments, illustrating key features, will now be discussed in detail. The words comprising, having, containing, including, consisting, and other forms thereof, are intended to be equivalent in meaning and be open ended in that an item or items following any one of these words is not meant to be an exhaustive listing of such item or items, or meant to be limited to only the listed item or items. It must also be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms a, an, and the include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Although any methods, and systems similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments, the preferred methods, and systems are now described. The disclosed embodiments in description and drawings are merely exemplary.

[0030] References to one embodiment, an embodiment, another embodiment, an example, another example, some embodiment, yet another embodiment, and so on, indicate that the embodiment(s) or example(s) so described may include a particular feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation, but that not every embodiment or example necessarily includes that particular feature, structure, characteristic, property, element or limitation. Furthermore, repeated use of the phrase in an embodiment does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Unless stated otherwise, terms such as first, second, third, are used to arbitrarily distinguish between the elements such terms describe. Thus, these terms are not necessarily intended to indicate temporal or other prioritization of such elements.

[0031] Before describing the present invention in detail, it should be observed that the present invention utilizes a combination of foam material, padding, fabrics, fasteners which constitutes proposed shoulder straps for use with the baby carriers. Accordingly, the components have been represented, showing only specific details that are pertinent for an understanding of the present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those with ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting but as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting but rather to provide an understandable description of the invention. For example, in the context of the present invention, the term fabric is not used in limiting sense, a person skilled in the art should understand that the term fabric may include any kind of durable fabric such as canvas, and even rexine fabric, leather materials may also be used as the two layers forming the proposed shoulder strap. The fabric must be strong enough to meet the testing and certification requirements for baby carriers.

[0032] The various features and embodiments of the improved shoulder straps are better explained in conjunction with FIGS. 2-12.

[0033] Referring to the accompanying figures, the proposed shoulder strap 100 includes a first layer of fabric 102 with a predefined length and width. The first layer of fabric 102 includes a top surface, a bottom surface, a distal end, a proximal end, and two side ends. The distal and proximal ends extend along the width of the first layer of fabric 102, whereas the two side ends extend along the length of the first layer of fabric 102.

[0034] The proposed shoulder strap 100 further includes a second layer of fabric 104 with a predefined length and width. The second layer of fabric 104 includes a top surface, a bottom surface, a distal end, a proximal end, and two side ends. The distal and the proximal ends extend along the width of the second layer of fabric 104, whereas the two side ends extend along the length of the second layer of fabric 104. The shoulder strap 100 of the present invention may be made using any attractive fabric that may be durable, thus giving baby carrier manufacturers' an opportunity to produce an infinite variety of designs for the shoulder straps 100. In simple terms the first layer and the second layers of fabric 102, 104 may be any kind of structurally sound fabric, strong enough to hold the payload and pass all safety testing requirements. The designers of the baby carriers are free to use a decorative layer of fabric that can be adhered to the first and second layers of fabric 102, 104.

[0035] According to the embodiment, as seen in FIG. 7, the first layer of fabric 102, and the second layer of fabric 104 may be configured to embody a first insert 106 disposed therebetween extending partially along the length of the first layer of fabric 102, and the second layer of fabric 104. In an example, the first insert 106 may include padding (or other material such as a foam, batting or any other appropriate material designed to promote comfort when bearing weight) having a top surface and a bottom surface. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the padding 106 when disposed between the first layer of fabric 102, and the second layer of fabric 104, the top surface of the padding 106 remains relatively in contact with the bottom surface of the first layer of fabric 102 (in particular in contact with a fastener attachment strap 107 that will be understood better reading the description to follow) and the bottom surface of the padding 106 remains relatively in contact with the bottom surface of the second layer of fabric 104. The padding 106 as used in the shoulder straps of any conventional baby carriers preferably extends from the distal ends of the first layer of fabric 102 and the second layer of fabric 104 along their length, as best indicated by arrow A in FIGS. 2-3 and FIG. 7. The padding 106 have a length and width lesser or smaller than the length and width of the first layer of fabric 102, and the second layer of fabric 104. The length and width of the padding 106 may vary and be subject to change with respect to the length and width chosen for the first layer of fabric 102, and the second layer of fabric 104. Further, the padding 106 may be chosen with thickness appropriate enough to provide comfort to the adult wearing the baby carrier with the baby being positioned therein. Thickness of the padding 106 is chosen such that when the weight of the baby is distributed on the two shoulder straps of the baby carrier, with the intent of promoting comfort. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the padding 106 when disposed between the first layer of fabric 102, and the second layer of fabric 104, the top surface of the padding 106 remains relatively in contact with the bottom surface of the first layer of fabric 102 and the bottom surface of the padding 106 remains relatively in contact with the fastener attachment strap 107.

[0036] Further, as an essence of the present invention, in the proposed shoulder straps 100, the first layer of fabric 102 is configured to take a form of the fastener attachment strap 107 along its length as best seen in FIG. 5 (preferably by equally folding the fabric layer 102 from two opposite side ends along its width), in order to secure a fastener 108 as best seen in FIGS. 2, 4-7. The fastener 108 preferably includes a buckle conventionally known in the art. In an example, the buckle may be a ladder lock buckle, an acetal buckle, or one or more rings. According to the embodiment, the fastener attachment strap 107 may preferably include a width less than the predefined width of the first layer of fabric 102, and the second layer of fabric 104. In an example, the width of fastener attachment strap 107 may be nearly half of the width of the first layer of fabric 102, and the second layer of fabric 104.

[0037] To elaborate, the fastener attachment strap 107 is formed by folding the first layer of fabric 102 substantially along its middle part or region (indicated by an arrow B in FIG. 5) from both the side ends. The fastener attachment strap 107 so formed is then threaded through the fastener 108 using a free end 107a of the fastener attachment strap 107 and looped back extending between the top surface of the padding 106, and the bottom surface of the first layer of fabric 102 (in particular bottom surface of the fastener attachment strap 107) as seen in FIG. 7. According to the embodiment, the fastener attachment strap 107 when threaded through the fastener 108 and looped back between the top surface of the first insert 106 and the bottom surface of the first layer of fabric 102 (in particular bottom surface of the fastener attachment strap 107) is laid extended beyond the distal end of the first layer of fabric 102 as seen in FIGS. 2-3. According to the other embodiment, the fastener attachment strap 107 may be laid extended just upto the distal end of the first layer of fabric 102. Although FIG. 7 shows disposal of the padding 106 in between the bottom surface of the fastener attachment strap 107 (formed from the first layer of fabric 102) and the bottom surface of the second layer of fabric 104, it is possible that the padding 106 may be disposed in between the top surface of the fastener attachment strap 107, and the bottom surface of the first layer of fabric 102.

[0038] According to the embodiment, the second layer of fabric 104 is configured to form a flap 110. Particularly, the second layer of fabric 104 of the proposed shoulder strap 100 is partially folded at its proximal end to form the flap 110. According to a preferred embodiment, the flap 108 may embody an insert 109 disposed between the bottom surface of a folded portion (indicated by arrow C) of the second layer of fabric 104 and top layer of the second layer of fabric 104. In an example, the insert 109 may include padding (formed from foam or batting). In another embodiment, the flap 110 may be configured without the insert 109. The flap 110 may have predefined length and width. In an embodiment, the flap 110 may extend in length beyond the fastener 108 secured by the fastener attachment strap 107 giving an aesthetic look to the shoulder straps 100. In another embodiment, the flap 110 may be configured in a way it doesn't extend beyond the fastener's position. In yet another embodiment, the shoulder straps 100 may be configured without the flap 110.

[0039] In the preferred embodiment, the flap 108 embodying the padding 109 is further sewn 112a (as seen in FIGS. 2-4) to ensure the padding 109 remains intact in its position during the course of uses of the shoulder strap 100.

[0040] Further, in operation or during the course of construction of the proposed shoulder straps 100, initially the fastener attachment strap 107 is formed (using the first layer of fabric 102), secures fastener 108 (ladder lock buckle for example) and is looped back within the shoulder strap 100 as discussed above, and simultaneously the second layer of fabric 104 is partially folded to cover the padding 109 to form the flap 110 that may extend in length over the fastener region, then in the next step, the second layer of fabric 104 and the first layer of fabric 102 are sewn 115 together along at least the two side ends as seen in FIGS. 10-11 (although only one side end of the two fabric layers 102,104 is shown sewn, it should be understood the other side end of the two fabric layers 102,104 may be sewn in similar fashion). Likewise, the distal ends and the proximal ends of the first and second layers of fabrics 102,104 that embody at least one of the padding 106, and the fastener attachment strap 107 may also be sewn together (not seen) before the straps 100 are attached to the shoulder portions of the body of the baby carrier, that would be described in more detail below. Not only this, as seen in the accompanying figures such as FIGS. 2, 6, and 12, the improved shoulder strap 100 may further be sewn at one or more locations, such as location 112b along the length of the improved shoulder strap 100 to ensure at least one of the padding 106, the fastener attachment strap 107, the fastener 108, and the padding 109 remains intact in their respective positions during the normal use of the improved shoulder strap 100.

[0041] According to another embodiment, the proposed shoulder strap 100 may further include a Perfect Fit Adjuster (PFA) assembly 202 as seen in FIGS. 8, 10 and 11 configured over the shoulder strap 100 using which the length of the shoulder strap 100 can be adjusted. As seen in FIG. 11, the PFA assembly 202 particularly includes a first strap such as for example a webbing 203 attached (by sewing) at its one end on the top surface of the first layer of fabric 102, a second strap such as for example a webbing 209 that engages to a ladder lock buckle 211. The webbing 209 is preferably attached to the shoulder portion of the body of the baby carrier 200 along with the shoulder strap 100 (by sewing). In operation, a free end (non-attached end) of the webbing 203 is threaded through the buckle 211, and passed over, the wearer of the carrier 200 can then pull out or loosen this free end of the webbing 203 in order to adjust the length of the shoulder strap 100. This ensures, the shoulder straps 100 of the carriers 100 can be used by different types of wearers and babies of different body types and sizes.

[0042] Further, the improved shoulder strap 100 may support a length adjustable chest belt 204 adapted to cross a wearer's chest from one shoulder strap to another shoulder strap as seen in FIGS. 8, 10 and 12. As seen, the chest strap 204 may be available in pair connectable using some conventional buckle such as buckle 204a. There are many options for securing the chest strap 204 to the improved shoulder strap 100. Further, the chest strap 204 may be positioned at various locations over the improved shoulder strap 100.

[0043] In the context of the present invention, the novel shoulder straps 100 as proposed may be used with any baby carriers 200, for example as shown represented in FIGS. 8-9, and FIGS. 10-12.

[0044] The baby carrier 200 represented in FIGS. 8-9 typically includes a body portion 210. The body portion 210 may include a waistband 206 configured at a near end of the body portion 210. The waistband 206 may include any suitable type of connector (A ring and loop fastener 207, 208 configured thereon at two ends is shown as one example.) As seen in FIG. 8, one or more rings (O rings in particular) may be secured by a corresponding attachment strap 206a (configured using the same fabric material of the waistband 206) using the similar method as outlined above with respect to the improved shoulder straps 100. The attachment strap 206a so formed is then threaded or looped back through the wait band 206 to extend out of the wait band 206 from one end to act as loop fastener 207 that can then couple to the rings 208 present at the other end of the waistband 206 during the normal use of the baby carrier 200. The waistband 206 may provide additional support and safety to the baby when the baby is placed in the carrier 200 during its uses. As seen, the carrier 200 may further include a pair of webbing or straps 205 attached at the near end along the width of the body 210 of the carrier 200. The proposed shoulder straps 100 (as understood, two identical straps) is attached at the two shoulder regions at the far end of the body portion 210 of the carrier 200. The shoulder straps 100 will preferably be attached or coupled to the shoulder portion of the body 210 of the carrier 200 by sewing or any other similar means. As seen, the shoulder straps 100 of the proposed invention is attached to the body of the carrier 200 and may further include the PFA assembly 202, both attached to the carrier body 210 by means of sewing as described above. In operation, the pair of straps/webbing 205 engages to the respective fasteners 108 of the shoulder straps 100 and length adjusted to form a baby retaining region (as per wearer's requirement), and then the carrier 200 is worn by the wearer with the baby placed within the baby retaining region. If required the wearer can manipulate the length of the shoulder straps 100 using PFA assembly 202. Likewise, as represented in FIGS. 10-12, any baby carrier 200 is able to make use of the proposed novel shoulder straps 100 irrespective of the design of the carriers.

[0045] Although the proposed method, or embodiments described above pertains to implementation of the method for designing improved shoulder straps for baby carriers. It should be understood that the same method disclosed herein can be generalized to secure a fastener (any kind of fasteners) on any portion of a baby carrier (not limited to shoulder straps). As a suitable example described above in FIG. 8, the rings or other similar connectors 208 may be secured by the corresponding attachment strap 206a for the formation of the waistband 206. Although intended as an invention for baby carriers, the same proposed methodology or embodiments described herein may also be applied to any apparatus worn on the shoulders or waist such as a backpack.

[0046] Although particular embodiments of the invention have been described in detail for purposes of illustration, various modifications and enhancements may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.