US20190269257A1

US20190269257A1 - Hybrid baby wrap and carrier

Info

Publication number: US20190269257A1
Application number: US16/415,626
Authority: US
Inventors: Marta Sala Rothwell
Original assignee: Brands Four Kids LLC
Current assignee: Thrive International Inc
Priority date: 2017-10-31
Filing date: 2019-05-17
Publication date: 2019-09-05
Also published as: US20190125100A1; WO2019089098A1

Abstract

A wearable hybrid baby wrap and carrier includes a flexible support panel disposable on a back of a user. A first baby supporting strap extends from the support panel and over a first shoulder and chest of the user. A first attachment mechanism is attached to the support panel and receives the first baby supporting strap. A second baby supporting strap extends from the support panel so as to extend over a second shoulder and the chest to at least the waist of the user, the second baby supporting strap crossing over the first baby supporting strap. A second attachment mechanism is attached to the support panel in spaced relation to the first attachment mechanism and receives the second baby supporting strap. The first and second baby supporting straps cooperatively wrap around a baby and hold the baby against the user.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to baby carriers. More particularly, the present invention relates to a wearable hybrid baby wrap and carrier which wraps around the baby and holds the baby against the parent or user so that the baby can be conveniently and comfortably carried for prolonged periods of time.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are many instances when carrying a baby or child is necessary. This may be around the house, from the car when running errands and shopping, traveling, etc. There are instances where the parent will carry the child as either the child is tired, needs to be consoled, or merely to increase the bonding experience between the baby and his or her parent. This is particularly the case when the baby or child is not old enough to walk.
However, holding and carrying infants and small children comfortably and securely is a problem faced by nearly all parents and caregivers. Holding a child can be difficult if the child is heavy. Even holding a small child or infant becomes difficult after prolonged periods of time, such as when shopping, traveling or the like. The parent or caregiver often resorts to moving the child or infant from one arm to the other, supporting the infant or child on a hip, etc. in order to alleviate the discomfort.
To ease the burden on the parent or caregiver, wearable child carriers have been devised and employed to hold and transport infants and small children. The use of fabric shoulder slings, wherein a loop of fabric extends over the user's shoulder to a hip of the user, where the baby or infant is cradled, dates back hundreds or even thousands of years. Over the years, various refinements have been made to such a carrier.
There also exist back carriers which are much like a backpack wherein the child is placed in a seat-like device which is worn on the back of the user's torso. Problems arise with such backpack carriers in that the parent or caregiver is not able to see the infant or child. If the infant or child becomes upset and cries, it is difficult for the parent or caregiver to attend to the infant's needs by giving him or her a bottle, food, etc., and often the baby or infant must be removed from the backpack carrier device to be held and consoled.
There also exist structured front carriers, like the Baby Bjorn™ carriers, which allow the user to carry an infant or child in front of the user's torso in a vertical inward-facing or outward-facing position. Another front carrier device is the Baby K'Tan™. However these devices can be fairly complicated to be placed on the parent or caregiver and used. These often require a fair amount of pre-planning in order to adjust the device to the size of the parent or caregiver, and then can be difficult to adjust to securely hold the baby or child therein.
Accordingly, there remains a need for a wearable hybrid baby wrap and carrier which is portable, allows for hands-free carrying, is easy to put on and take off unassisted, is comfortable for both the user as well as the baby. There is also a need for a baby wrap and carrier that can be easily adjusted to fit users and babies or children of various sizes. These needs, and other related advantages, are met by the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention resides in a wearable hybrid baby wrap and carrier which provides many advantages over existing baby wraps and carriers. The baby wrap and carrier generally comprises a flexible support panel disposable on a back of a user. The support panel extends across a substantial portion of the user's back. The support panel may extend between the first and second shoulders of the user at an upper portion thereof and extend towards a waist of the user at a lower portion thereof.
A first baby supporting strap extends from the support panel so as to extend over a shoulder and chest to at least a waist of the user. A second baby supporting strap extends from a support panel in spaced relation to the first baby supporting strap so as to extend over a second shoulder and the chest to at least a waist of the user. The first and second baby supporting straps may be comprised of a fabric. Such fabric may have a width of at least four inches and a length of at least two feet.
A first attachment mechanism is attached to the support panel for coupling the first baby supporting strap thereto. A second attachment mechanism is attached to the support panel in spaced relation to the first attachment mechanism for coupling the second baby supporting strap thereto. The first and second attachment mechanisms may be adjustable so as to permit adjustment of the length of the first or second baby supporting strap between the adjustment mechanism and its connection point to the support panel. The first and second adjustment mechanisms may each comprise a double loop buckle. The double loop buckle may comprise first and second rings in pivotal relationship so as to come together in a clamping position as the first or second supporting strap is weaved therethrough and tightened.
The first and second baby supporting straps have a free end generally opposite the support panel. The first baby supporting strap and the second baby supporting strap cross over one another to cooperatively wrap around a baby and hold the baby against the user. A third baby supporting strap may be wrapped around a lower portion of the baby to further support the baby against the user. Alternatively, one of the first or second baby supporting straps includes an elongated portion that wraps around a lower portion of the baby to further support the baby against the user.
In use, the baby wrap and carrier is placed onto the user such that the flexible support panel is positioned on the user's back. The first baby supporting strap extends over a first shoulder and a chest to at least a waist of the user, and the second baby supporting strap extends over a second shoulder and the chest to at least the waist of the user. A baby is placed within the first and second baby supporting straps adjacent to a chest of the user. This may include placing a portion of the first baby supporting strap between the support panel and the first attachment mechanism over a bottom and torso of the baby. Similarly, a portion of the second baby supporting strap between the support panel and the second attachment mechanism is placed over a bottom and a torso of the baby. The first and second baby supporting straps are comprised of a fabric having a sufficient width to securely cradle the baby therein. The first and/or second attachment mechanisms may be manipulated to adjust the first and second baby supporting straps so that the baby is supported against the user.
A third baby supporting strap may be wrapped around a lower portion of the baby to further support and hold the baby against the user. Alternatively, one of the first or second baby supporting straps that includes the elongated portion is wrapped around a lower portion of the baby to further support and hold the baby against the user.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention. In such drawings:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a hybrid baby wrap and carrier device embodying the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the baby wrap and carrier placed upon a user such that a flexible support panel thereof is disposed on a back of the user;

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the baby wrap and carrier on a user;

FIGS. 4 and 5 are perspective views illustrating a baby being placed within supporting straps of the baby wrap and carrier, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view illustrating a baby wrapped within the supporting straps and held against the user, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a side view of the baby wrap and carrier, illustrating the baby supported and held against the user, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a front perspective view illustrating a baby held against the user by the baby wrap and carrier of the present invention, and first and second baby supporting straps tied to one another in front of the user, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 9 is an elevational view of a third baby supporting strap of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating the third baby supporting strap wrapped around a baby to further support the baby against the user, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view illustrating the third baby supporting strap tied behind the back of the user, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of another baby wrap and carrier embodying the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a front perspective view illustrating a baby secured within the baby wrap and carrier, and having an elongated strap portion wrapped around a portion of the baby to further support the baby against the user; and

FIG. 14 is a rear perspective view, illustrating the fastening of the elongated portion of the baby strap to a support panel of the baby wrap and carrier.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention, as shown in the accompanying drawings, for purposes of illustration, is related to a wearable hybrid baby wrap and carrier, referred to generally by the reference number 10. The baby wrap and carrier is wearable by a user, such as a parent or caregiver of the baby or child. The baby wrap and carrier 10 of the present invention is designed to hold small infant babies to small children, collectively referred to herein as “baby”, so as to be carried by their parent or caregiver. The baby wrap and carrier 10 is easy for a single individual to place on himself or herself so as to wear the baby wrap and carrier 10, and is also easy to place a baby therein and make adjustments, as needed, to securely hold the baby against the user. The baby wrap and carrier 10 is fashionable so as to be worn without a baby therein, yet can be easily folded for storage and transportation.
With reference to FIGS. 1-3, the baby wrap and carrier 10 comprises a flexible support panel 12 which is disposable on a back of a user 2, as illustrated in FIG. 2. Preferably, the support panel 12 is comprised of a flexible and comfortable material, such as a fabric material. As can be seen in FIG. 2, the support panel 12 extends across a substantial portion of the user's back. With continuing reference to FIG. 2, a first upper portion 14 of the support panel 12 is disposable adjacent to a first shoulder 4 of the user 2 when in use. A second upper portion 16 of the support panel is spaced apart from the first portion of the support panel 14 and is disposed adjacent to the second shoulder 6 of the user 2. As shown in FIG. 2, the support panel 12 typically extends downwardly towards a waist 8 or lower back portion of the user 2 at a lower portion 18 of the support panel 12. The configuration of the support panel 12 is advantageous in that pressure and forces applied thereto are spread across a relatively large portion of the user's back instead of a relatively small portion, rendering the baby wrap and carrier 10 of the present invention more comfortable and supportive in use.
With continuing reference to FIGS. 1-3, a first baby supporting strap 20 extends from the support panel 12, and more particularly the first upper portion 14 of the panel 12 so as to extend over the first shoulder 4 of the user 2. The first baby supporting strap 20 is of a sufficient length so as to extend over the first shoulder 4, a chest 9 of the user 2 and to at least the waist 8 of the user 2. More typically, however, the first baby supporting strap 20 will extend past the waist and towards a thigh or even lower portion of the user's leg. As such, the first baby supporting strap 20 is at least two feet in length, and may be several feet in length, such as between two and five feet in length.
The first baby supporting strap 20 is comprised of a soft and flexible material, such as fabric which may comprise cotton or the like. The first baby supporting strap 20 is also of a sufficient width so as to properly cradle and hold the baby, at least at the portion of the strap 20 which holds and supports the baby. As such, the first baby supporting strap 20 is typically at least four inches in width at the baby supporting location, and typically along the length thereof, as illustrated.
A free end 22 of the first baby supporting strap 20 is coupled to a first attachment mechanism 24 which may be configured to be adjustable so as to enable adjustment of the length of the first baby supporting strap 20 between the attachment mechanism 24 and the support panel 12 so as to accommodate the size of the user as well as securely holding the baby against the user when the baby wrap and carrier 10 is in use. Typically, as illustrated, the attachment mechanism 24 is attached to the support panel 12 at the lower portion 18 thereof generally opposite the upper portion 14 of the support panel so that the strap 20 goes over the first shoulder 4 and crosses the chest 9 of the user.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the attachment mechanism 24 may comprise a double loop buckle. Such a double loop buckle may comprise a strap 26 attached to the support panel 12 and forming a loop through which first and second rings 28 and 30 are disposed so as to be in pivotal relationship to one another. As the strap 20 is weaved through the rings 28 and 30 and pulled so as to become tightened, the first and second rings 28 and 30 come together in a clamping position, as illustrated in FIG. 1. In order to loosen the attachment mechanism 24, the rings are manually pulled away from one another, permitting the user to pull the strap 20 either direction so as to loosen or tighten the strap 20 between the support panel 12, and more particularly the upper portion 14 of the support panel and the attachment mechanism or buckle 24.
A second baby supporting strap 32 extends from the support panel 12, and more particularly the second upper portion 16 of the support panel 12 so as to extend over the second shoulder 6 of the user 2, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, and cross over the chest 9 of the user 2 and the first baby supporting strap 20 to a free end 34 thereof, as illustrated in FIG. 3. The second baby supporting strap 32 is of a similar nature as the first baby supporting strap 20, and thus is comprised of a soft and flexible material, such as a fabric material which may include cotton or the like. The second supporting strap 32 is of a length sufficient so as to extend over the shoulder 6, chest 9, and at least towards the waist or lower back 8 of the user 2, and more typically towards a portion of the leg of the user. At least a portion of the second baby supporting strap 32 which will be used to hold and support the baby against the user is of a sufficient width so as to accomplish this purpose, such as being at least four inches in width. The second baby supporting strap 32 may have a consistent width along the length thereof, however, as illustrated.
Similar to the first baby supporting strap 20, the second baby supporting strap 32 is coupled to a second attachment mechanism 36, which is attached to the support panel 12 in spaced relation to the first attachment mechanism 24. The second attachment mechanism 36 may be configured to adjustably receive the second baby supporting strap 32 therein and allow adjustment of the length thereof between the attachment mechanism 36 and the support panel 12. The second attachment mechanism 36 is typically attached to a lower portion 18 of the support panel 12 in a spaced apart and generally opposite location of the first attachment mechanism 24 and across from the second upper portion 16 of the support panel 12 such that the first and second baby supporting straps 20 and 32 cross over one another in the front portion of the torso of the user 2, such as at the chest or abdomen of the user 2. The second attachment mechanism 36 may also comprise a double loop buckle having a strap 26 defining a loop retaining two rings 28 and 30 which are pivotal with respect to one another within the loop strap 26 so as to be pivoted away from one another, and thus opening the buckle for adjustment of the strap 32 or brought towards one another in a clamping position, such as when the strap 32 is tightened.
The attachment mechanisms 24 and/or 36 may be configured to be adjustable, as illustrated, or may be fixed. A benefit of an adjustable attachment mechanism is that the baby wrap and carrier can be created in a one size fits all, or fewer sizes, whereas a fixed attachment mechanism may require different pre-fit sizes for the baby wrap and carrier. The attachment mechanisms 24 and/or 36 may be in the form of buckles, knobs, or any other attachment mechanism suitable for the purposes herein. The attachment mechanisms may be placed on the sides of the user, but also may be placed in other locations, such as on the front or back.
The method for carrying a baby, in accordance with the present invention, includes the step of placing the baby wrap and carrier 10 onto a user such that the flexible support panel 12 is positioned on the user's back, as illustrated in FIG. 2. The first baby supporting strap 20 extends over the first shoulder 4 and chest 9 of the user 2, and the second baby supporting strap 32 extends over the second shoulder 6 and the chest 9 to at least a waist 8 of the user 2, as illustrated in FIG. 3. As necessary, the first and second baby supporting straps 20 and 32 are adjusted in length to accommodate the size of the user and/or the insertion of the baby therein. A baby 100 is placed within the first and second baby supporting straps 20 and 32 adjacent to a chest of the user 2, as illustrated in FIGS. 4-6, and the first and/or second attachment mechanisms 24 and/or 36 are manipulated to adjust the first and second baby supporting straps 20 and 32 so that the baby 100 is securely supported against the user 2.
More particularly, with continuing reference to FIGS. 4-6, the baby 100 is brought up against the chest and/or abdomen of the user 2. The baby 100 may be placed such that his or her face is facing against the chest of the user 2, as illustrated, although the baby 100 may also be positioned such that the baby faces away from the user 2 instead. The first leg 102 of the baby 100 is inserted under the first baby supporting strap 20, or the strap closest to the chest 9 of the user 2, such that the supporting strap 20 extends over a portion of the torso of the baby 100 and under the crotch and over a bottom or buttocks of the baby 100, as illustrated in FIG. 4. Similarly, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the baby's second leg 104 is inserted under the second baby supporting strap 32, or the strap which crosses over the other strap, and thus is considered to be away from the chest of the user 2. The second baby supporting strap 32 is adjusted so that the strap 32 extends over a portion of the torso of the baby and under the crotch and below the bottom or buttocks of the baby 100. Typically, the majority of the baby's torso and bottom or crotch are secured and supported by the straps 20 and 32. If necessary, the first and/or second attachment mechanisms 24 and 36 may be manipulated so as to adjust the length of the first and second baby supporting straps 20 and 32 so as to securely hold the baby 100 against the user 2, as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7.
The free ends 22 and 34 of the baby supporting straps 20 and 32 may be allowed to hang at the side of the user 2, as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7. Alternatively as illustrated in FIG. 8, the baby supporting straps 20 and 32, below the attachment mechanisms 24 and 36 may be tied to one another, such as in front of the user 2, as illustrated in FIG. 8, behind the user, as illustrated in FIG. 11, or to a side of the user, such as at the hip of the user or the like. This provides variety in the appearance of the baby wrap and carrier 10 when in use.
With reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, while the baby wrap and carrier 10 illustrated and described above generally serves adequately to securely hold a baby 100 against the user 2, additional support and security may be provided with the use of a third baby supporting strap 38. The third baby supporting strap 38 is also comprised of a flexible and soft material, such as a length of fabric. The third baby supporting strap 38, which may also be considered a support sash or belt, is of a sufficient length so as to be wrapped around both the baby 100 and a waist or torso portion of the user 2 and be tied off, either to itself or a portion of the baby wrap and carrier 10.
The third baby supporting strap 38 is also of a sufficient width so as to extend across at least a portion of the baby, such as a bottom, back, or a substantial portion of the baby, as illustrated in FIG. 10. As such, the third baby supporting strap 38 is typically of a width at least that of the first and second baby supporting straps 20 and 32, and more typically of an even greater width. The third baby supporting strap 38, as illustrated in FIG. 10, is wrapped around the waist or torso of the user and secures the baby by passing over the bottom, waist, and/or back of the baby. The third baby supporting strap 38 provides additional support and security in holding and carrying the baby 100. The third baby supporting strap 38 also provides a snug, secure fit preventing the baby from sliding out sideways from either the first or second baby supporting straps 20 and 32, such as when shifting to one side of the user's body. However, the third baby supporting strap 38 may only be used in certain circumstances, such as depending upon the child, the circumstances under which the baby wrap and carrier 10 is being used and the desire of the user 2 to use or not use the third baby supporting strap 38. As illustrated in FIG. 11, after the third baby supporting strap 38 has been wrapped around the baby 100 and the user 2, the free ends thereof may be tied together, such as behind the back of the user, as illustrated.
With reference now to FIGS. 12-14, instead of utilizing a third baby supporting strap 38, the baby wrap and carrier 10 may be modified such that one of the first or second baby supporting straps 20 or 32 includes an elongated portion 40 that can be used to wrap around a portion of the baby 100 to further support the baby 100 against the user 2. As illustrated in FIG. 12, the first baby supporting strap 20 is elongated with respect to the second baby supporting strap 32, although it will be understood that either strap may have an elongated portion 40 to be used for this purpose.
After placing and securing the baby 100 against the user 2 within the first and second baby supporting straps 20 and 32, at the portion between the support panel 12 and the attachment mechanisms 24 and 36, generally at the abdomen or chest of the user, as illustrated and described above, the elongated baby supporting strap is brought up upwardly so that the elongated portion 40 is wrapped around the baby 100, as illustrated in FIG. 13. The elongated portion 40 is of a sufficient width so as to extend across at least a portion of the baby, including at least the bottom portion of the baby, and may be of sufficient width so as to extend along a substantial length of the baby between the baby's bottom and neck. The end 22 of the strap 20 is then brought towards an attachment point 42 of the support panel 12 so as to be secured thereto. This may be by means of tying the strap 20 to such an attachment point 42, such as a loop or the like attached to or otherwise formed on the support panel 12. It will also be understood that the remaining length of the support strap 20 may be tied to another portion of the baby wrap and carrier 10. This modification of the baby wrap and carrier 10, so as to provide an elongated portion 40 essentially serves the same purpose as described above with respect to the third baby supporting strap 38.
Although several embodiments have been described in detail for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited, except as by the appended claims.

Claims

1.-25. (canceled)

26. A wearable hybrid baby wrap and carrier, comprising:

a flexible support panel disposable on a back of a user and generally extending between first and second shoulders of the user at an upper portion thereof and extending towards a waist of the user at a lower portion thereof;

a first baby supporting strap having a first end fixed to an upper portion of the support panel and extending from the support panel so as to extend over the first shoulder and a chest to a second free end beyond the waist of the user, the first baby supporting strap being coupled to the support panel intermediate the first and second ends thereof;

a second baby supporting strap having a first end fixed to the upper portion of the support panel and extending from the support panel in spaced relation to the first baby supporting strap so as to extend over the second shoulder and the chest to a second free end beyond the waist of the user, the second baby supporting strap being coupled to the support panel intermediate the first and second ends thereof;

wherein the first baby supporting strap and the second baby supporting strap cross over one another to cooperatively wrap around a baby and hold the baby against the user; and

wherein the second free ends of the first and second baby supporting straps are wrapped around a waist or torso of the user and manually tied to one another.

27. The baby wrap and carrier of claim 26, wherein the support panel extends across a substantial portion of the user's back.

28. The baby wrap and carrier of claim 26, wherein the first and second baby straps are comprised of a fabric having a width sufficient to cradle the baby.

29. The baby wrap and carrier of claim 26, further comprising a first adjustment mechanism attached to the lower portion of the support panel through which the first baby supporting strap is threaded through, and a second adjustment mechanism attached to the lower portion of the support panel through which the second baby supporting strap is threaded through.

30. The baby wrap and carrier of claim 29, wherein the first and second adjustment mechanisms adjustably receive the respective first and second baby supporting straps therein.

31. The baby wrap and carrier of claim 26, further comprising a third baby supporting strap configured to extend around the waist or torso of the user and wrap around a lower portion of the baby to further support the baby against the user.

32. The baby wrap and carrier of claim 30, wherein free ends of the third baby supporting strap are manually tied to one another.

33. The baby wrap and carrier of claim 26, wherein one of the first or second baby supporting straps includes an elongated portion so as to be longer than the other first or second strap, wherein the elongated portion wraps around a lower portion of the baby to further support the baby against the user.

34. A wearable hybrid baby wrap and carrier, comprising:

a first baby supporting fabric strap having a first end fixed to an upper portion of the support panel and extending from the support panel so as to extend over the first shoulder and a chest to a second free end beyond the waist of the user, the first baby supporting strap being coupled to the support panel intermediate the first and second ends thereof;

a second baby supporting fabric strap having a first end fixed to the upper portion of the support panel and extending from the support panel in spaced relation to the first baby supporting strap so as to extend over the second shoulder and the chest to a second free end beyond the waist of the user, the second baby supporting strap being coupled to the support panel intermediate the first and second ends thereof;

a third baby supporting strap configured to extend around the waist or torso of the user and wrap around a lower portion of the baby to further support the baby against the user, wherein free ends of the third baby supporting strap are manually tied to one another;

wherein the first baby supporting strap and the second baby supporting strap cross over one another and are of a width to cooperatively wrap around a baby and hold the baby against the user; and

35. The baby wrap and carrier of claim 34, wherein the support panel extends across a substantial portion of the user's back.

36. The baby wrap and carrier of claim 34, further comprising a first adjustment mechanism attached to the lower portion of the support panel through which the first baby supporting strap is threaded through, and a second adjustment mechanism attached to the lower portion of the support panel through which the second baby supporting strap is threaded through.

37. The baby wrap and carrier of claim 36, wherein the first and second adjustment mechanisms adjustably receive the respective first and second baby supporting straps therein.

38. A wearable hybrid baby wrap and carrier, comprising:

wherein the first baby supporting strap and the second baby supporting strap cross over one another and are of a sufficient width to cooperatively wrap around a baby and hold the baby against the user; and

wherein one of the first or second baby supporting straps includes an elongated portion so as to be longer than the other first or second strap, such that the elongated portion wraps around a portion of the baby to further support the baby against the user.

39. The baby wrap and carrier of claim 38, wherein the support panel extends across a substantial portion of the user's back.

40. The baby wrap and carrier of claim 38, further comprising a first adjustment mechanism attached to the lower portion of the support panel through which the first baby supporting strap is threaded through, and a second adjustment mechanism attached to the lower portion of the support panel through which the second baby supporting strap is threaded through.

41. The baby wrap and carrier of claim 40, wherein the first and second adjustment mechanisms adjustably receive the respective first and second baby supporting straps therein.

42. The baby wrap and carrier of claim 38, wherein free ends of the first and second baby supporting straps are tied to one another.

43. The baby wrap and carrier of claim 38, wherein a free end of the elongated portion is attached to the support panel.