Patent Publication Number: US-11026521-B2

Title: Child carrier

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of, and claims a benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 of the filing date of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/204,581 filed Nov. 29, 2018, entitled, “Child Carrier”, which is a continuation of, and claims a benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 of the filing date of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/916,990 filed Mar. 9, 2018, entitled, “Child Carrier”, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,172,478, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/602,744 filed May 23, 2017, entitled, “Child Carrier”, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,955,797, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/170,629 filed Jun. 1, 2016, entitled, “Child Carrier”, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,713,391, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/862,933, filed Sep. 23, 2015, entitled “Child Carrier”, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,380,888, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/209,580, filed Mar. 13, 2014, entitled “Child Carrier”, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,185,993, which in turn claims the benefit of priority under 35 USC § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/780,161, filed Mar. 13, 2013, entitled “Infant Carrier,” by Gotel et al., which are hereby fully incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to child carriers. Even more particularly, the present disclosure relates to systems for ergonomically carrying a child in multiple orientations. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Wearable child carriers afford the wearer freedom of hand and arm movement while transporting a child secured in the carrier. Many carriers do not ergonomically support the child, allowing the child&#39;s legs to dangle. Furthermore, many carriers provide limited flexibility, only allowing the child to be properly oriented in a single orientation either facing the wearer or looking away from the wearer. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Embodiments disclosed herein may be directed to a child carrier having a waist belt configured for circumventing the waist of a user, one or more panels forming an upper torso support and a hammock, and a thigh support strap extending to each side of the hammock. Each thigh support strap may have an inward end portion proximate to the hammock and an outward end portion configured for selective coupling to the upper torso support in multiple positions. When the thigh support straps are coupled to the upper torso support, the hammock and the thigh support straps form an adjustable bucket seat to support a child in an ergonomic spread-squat position. The shape of the seat adjusts and depends on the positions in which the outward end portions of the thigh support straps are coupled to the upper torso support. The carrier can be configurable to support the child in an ergonomic spread-squat position in multiple positions, including a back carry position, front carry position and side carry position and multiple orientations including inward facing and outward facing. 
     In some embodiments, each thigh support strap is sized to wrap around a portion of a child&#39;s pelvis, bottom and thigh when the outward end is coupled to the upper torso support. Each thigh support strap can angle laterally outward from the inward end portion to an outward end portion when the outward end portion is not coupled to the upper torso support. 
     The upper torso support can comprise a plurality of attachment points for each of the thigh support straps. By way of example, but not limitation, the child carrier may include a first plurality of buttons to a first side of a lateral centerline of the upper torso support to which a first of the thigh support straps can selectively couple, and a second plurality of buttons to a second side of the lateral centerline of the upper torso support to which a second of the thigh support straps can selectively couple. The outward end of each thigh support strap can include an opening for receiving a mechanical fastener, such as button, or other fastener on the upper torso support. 
     In some embodiments, the child carrier may further include a set of shoulder straps, each shoulder strap having a first end coupled to the upper torso support and a second end coupled to the upper torso support. The shoulder straps and waist belt can form a harness that distributes the child&#39;s weight evenly to the wearer. In some cases, weight can be distributed so a majority of the child&#39;s weight is distributed to the wearer&#39;s hips through the waist belt. The carrier can be configurable to be worn by a user in front of, in back of or to the side of the wearer with the child&#39;s weight carried near the wearer&#39;s center of gravity and close to the wearer&#39;s front, back or side in a front, back or side position, respectively. 
     In another broad aspect, embodiments may be directed to a method of positioning a child in a child carrier. The method may include fastening a waist belt around a waist of a user, positioning a child in a hammock having an inward end portion coupled to the belt and an outward end portion coupled to an upper torso support, wrapping a first thigh support strap under a first thigh of the child and a second thigh support strap under a second thigh of the child, fastening an outward end of the first thigh strap to the upper torso support and an outward end of the second thigh support strap to the upper torso support at selected attachment points from a plurality of attachment points to adjust the shape of the seat formed by the hammock. The first thigh support strap, the second thigh support strap and hammock may form an adjustable bucket seat that supports the child in an ergonomic spread-squat position. In some embodiments, each thigh support strap has a first end coupled to a side of the hammock. 
     In some embodiments, the method may further include inserting at least one arm into a set of shoulder straps, each shoulder strap having a first end coupled to the upper torso support and a second end coupled to the waist belt the upper torso support. In some embodiments, the child carrier is positioned on a front of the user. In some embodiments, the child is positioned outward facing or inward facing. The carrier seat can be adapted to position the child in an ergonomic “spread-squat-position” that correctly positions the femur in the hip joint, or acetabulum, so that all areas of the acetabulum are strained equally. 
     The disclosure and various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the exemplary, and therefore non-limiting, embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of known starting materials and processes may be omitted so as not to unnecessarily obscure the disclosure in detail. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and the specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiments, are given by way of illustration only and not by way of limitation. Various substitutions, modifications, additions and/or rearrangements within the spirit and/or scope of the underlying inventive concept will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The drawings accompanying and forming part of this specification are included to depict certain aspects of the invention. A clearer impression of the invention will become more readily apparent by referring to the exemplary, and therefore nonlimiting, embodiments illustrated in the drawings, wherein identical reference numerals designate the same components. Note that the features illustrated in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. 
         FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C  are diagrammatic representations illustrating one embodiment of a child carried in a child carrier; 
         FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C  are diagrammatic representations of one embodiment of a child carrier; 
         FIG. 3  is a diagrammatic representation of another embodiment of a child carrier; 
         FIGS. 4A and 4B  are diagrammatic representations of one embodiment of a portion of a child carrier; 
         FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C  are diagrammatic representations illustrating an embodiment of wearing a child carrier; 
         FIG. 6  is a diagrammatic representation of one embodiment of a child carrier in a side carry position; and 
         FIG. 7  is a diagrammatic representation of one embodiment of a child carrier in a back carry position. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Child carriers and related methods and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the nonlimiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known starting materials, processing techniques, components and equipment are omitted so as not to unnecessarily obscure the invention in detail. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and the specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only and not by way of limitation. Various substitutions, modifications, additions and/or rearrangements within the spirit and/or scope of the underlying inventive concept will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure. 
     The present disclosure relates to child carriers that allow a child, including an infant, to be carried in a manner that supports the child and maintains the child&#39;s pelvis and thighs in a preferred ergonomic position. Embodiments described herein also allow an child to be carried in an outward facing orientation (i.e., facing away from the person carrying the child) or an inward facing orientation (i.e., facing toward the person carrying the child), and further allow the child to be carried on the front or back or to the side of the person carrying the child. In particular, embodiments described herein provide carriers that support the child&#39;s bottom, pelvis and thighs in a desired position in both an outward facing orientation and an inward facing orientation. The carrier can be worn by a user in front of, in back of or to the side the wearer with the child&#39;s weight carried near the wearer&#39;s center of gravity and close to the wearer&#39;s front, back or side in a front, back or side position, respectively. 
     According to one embodiment, an upper torso support ergonomically supports a child&#39;s back or front torso when being carried. In addition, the hammock center and supportive thigh straps can cooperate to create an adjustable thigh support bucket seat. Multiple position attachments located on the upper torso support, allow for the supportive thigh straps to move and mold to the child&#39;s thighs when carried in the ergonomic spread-squat position. The thigh straps can attach via buttons or other attachment mechanism to the upper torso panel. The adjustable bucket seat can support the child&#39;s hips, pelvis, bottom and both upper thighs when the child is being carried in various orientations. This can allow for a wider range of movement for the child in the inward, forward facing and hip position. The adjustable bucket seat can be attached to the waist band and, in some embodiments, the shoulder straps. 
     The carrier can be ergonomic for the wearer as well. A padded waist belt and shoulder straps can form a configurable harness that can position the carrier in a front, side or back carry position while distributing the weight evenly to the wearer. The harness may be adjusted such that the upper torso panel and supportive and adjustable bucket seat position the child close to the wearer&#39;s center of gravity which distributes the child&#39;s weight evenly. 
       FIG. 1A  is a diagrammatic representation of one embodiment of a child carried in an inward facing orientation in a child carrier  100  worn by an adult wearer.  FIG. 1B  is a diagrammatic representation of another view of one embodiment of the child carried in child carrier  100  in the inward facing orientation.  FIG. 1C  is a diagrammatic representation of one embodiment of a child carried in an outward facing orientation in child carrier  100 . 
     Carrier  100  comprises a waist belt  110 , a main body  112  having an upper torso support portion  130  and a hammock portion  120 , thigh support straps  140  and shoulder straps  150 . A child can be supported in a child carrying area created by the main body  112  in cooperation with the wearer&#39;s torso. Upper torso support portion  130  ergonomically supports the child&#39;s back or front torso while hammock portion  120  cooperates with thigh support straps  140  to form a supportive and adjustable bucket seat  160 . Waist belt  110  and shoulder straps  150  provide a harness that distributes the child&#39;s weight to the wearer. 
     Hammock portion  120  and thigh support straps  140  can pass from the inward side of the child carrying area (the side closer to the wearer&#39;s torso) to an outward side to form the seat  160 . The supportive and adjustable seat  160  can be a bucket seat with a generally concave inner profile from the inward side to the outward side and from left to right. Seat side edges  162 ,  164  can be higher than the center of the seat and can be spaced such that the side edges pass under and around the child&#39;s thighs at a distance from the child&#39;s hips such that the child&#39;s legs do not dangle down. In some embodiments, padding on thigh support straps  140  may provide additional support. 
     The adjustable bucket seat  160  can be continuous from the seat first side edge  162  to the seat second side edge  164 . To this end, the inner side edges  148  of the thigh support straps  140  may overlap hammock portion  120  along all or a substantial portion of lengths of straps  140 . However, in some cases, the weight of a child may cause some spread between the thigh support straps  140  and hammock portion  120 . To minimize gaps, elastic material or other biasing mechanism may be provided to draw thigh support straps  140  together or to cover gaps. 
     The seat side edges  162 ,  164  may be formed by the outer edges of the thigh support straps  140  (e.g., such that the leftmost edge of the seat is formed by an edge of a thigh support strap  140  and the rightmost edge of the seat is formed by an edge of another thigh support strap  140 ). The angle or separation of side edges  162  and  164  may be adjusted to adjust the shape of seat  160 . The outward end portions of each thigh support strap  140  may couple to upper torso support portion  130  at multiple locations, allowing the shape of seat  160  to be adjusted. For example, a first seat shape may be more comfortable for a child in an inward facing position while a second seat shape may be more comfortable for the child in an outward facing position. 
     The adjustable bucket seat is constructed to support the child in an ergonomic spread squat position with the child&#39;s pelvis, bottom and thighs all being supported. The child&#39;s weight can be supported so that the child is squatting in the seat rather than sitting rather than sitting with the child&#39;s weight primarily on the sacrum. The child can be supported with the knees higher than the bottom, in some cases higher than 90 degrees. The bucket seat can form a sling or pouch that is wider than the child&#39;s hips in which the child&#39;s bottom is supported. The side edges pass under and around the child&#39;s thighs at a distance from the child&#39;s hips where the portion of the side edges that pass under and around the child&#39;s thighs is higher than the child&#39;s bottom to lift the child&#39;s knees. The thigh support straps  140  can have sufficient stiffness such that in an outward facing orientation (see e.g.,  FIG. 1C ), a portion of the side edges that wraps to the inside of the child&#39;s thighs can encourage the child&#39;s legs to spread. In an inward facing orientation (see e.g.,  FIG. 1B , the child&#39;s thighs may be encouraged to spread by the thigh support straps or wearer&#39;s torso). 
     In the ergonomic spread squat position (also known as the “frog leg”, “frog” or “squat spread” position) the flexion at the hip joint is at least 90° and in some cases is 110° to 120° from the coronal plane, and the spreading angle can average at approximately 45-55° from the median plane. The angle of the hips and spread can depend on the form factor of the carrier and developmental stage of the child. In one embodiment, the carrier can be adapted to support the child in a position with the child&#39;s femur approximately 90° to 110° (or other elevated position) from the coronal plane and to position with the child&#39;s knees with an amount of spreading. The amount of spreading may depend on the developmental stage of the child and orientation with a newborn having less than 30°, then approximately 30°, then approximately 35°-40° and so on so, such that the final spread is approximately 40°-45°, though other amounts of spreading may be achieved including (e.g., for example approximately 55°). In one embodiment, the spreading may be at least 20° degrees from the median plane. The child&#39;s weight can be distributed across the child&#39;s bottom, thighs and back so that the sacrum does not bear too much weight and the child can rest with a more naturally curved “C” spine in a spread squat position that is believed to be better for pelvic development. In some cases, the knees are not spread. It can be noted, however, that the child can be positioned in any comfortable position, preferably emphasizing a supportive posture rather than a posture where the child is primarily sitting on his or her sacrum. 
     Carrier  100  may be shaped to provide side leg openings for seat  160  between carrier  100  and the wearer&#39;s torso. For example, if upper torso portion  130  is sufficiently wide to wrap around the sides of the child, carrier  100  may be shaped so that seat  160  is narrower than upper torso support portion  130  to provide side openings for the child&#39;s legs to pass out of the child carrying area. 
     Shoulder straps  150  can be configured to form a loop on either side of the lateral centerline of carrier  100 . Each shoulder strap  150  may connect to upper torso support portion  130  at multiple locations to pull upper torso support portion  130  toward the wearer. A shoulder strap may also couple to a thigh support strap or other portion of carrier  100 . Shoulder straps  150  may be adjustable and, in some cases, can be re-configured to support multiple carrier positions, such as a side carry position or back carry position. 
     Waist belt  110  may be padded and configured to rest on the wearer&#39;s hips. Preferably, the harness is configured so that the child&#39;s weight is evenly distributed to the wearer&#39;s hips and shoulders and even more preferably such that the child&#39;s weight is distributed evenly to the wearer&#39;s hips and shoulders and in some cases primarily to the wearer&#39;s hips rather than shoulders. In some cases, 70 percent or more of the child&#39;s weight can be distributed to the wearer&#39;s hips through waist belt  110 , thereby promoting wearer comfort and diminishing wearer fatigue. 
     A child may be positioned in carrier  100  by positioning the child&#39;s bottom in hammock portion  120  and wrapping thigh support straps  140  under and around the child&#39;s legs, and coupling thigh support straps  140  upper torso support portion  130 . Positioning a child in carrier  100  may include securing the child in carrier  100 , for example coupling upper torso support portion  130  to shoulder straps  150 . 
     Carrier  100  can include an adjustable collar  170  that can extend upper torso support portion  130 . When extended, adjustable collar  170  can provide additional support for taller children seated in an inward facing orientation, but can fold back so that a child&#39;s face is not obstructed when the child is seated in the outward facing orientation. In the non-extended position, adjustable collar  170  can provide additional neck support for smaller children. 
     Complementary extended position securing mechanisms and complementary non-extended position securing mechanisms such as, but not limited to, but not limited to, buttons, snaps, d-rings and clips or hooks, patches of hook and loop material or other securing mechanism, can be provided so that adjustable collar  170  can be secured in an extended position or folded back and secured in a non-extended position. In the embodiment illustrated, for example, adjustable collar  170  can include button holes to receive buttons  174  of shoulder straps  150  to secure in an extended position and receive buttons  172  on the outer side of upper torso support portion  130  to secure in a folded back position. 
       FIG. 2A  is a diagrammatic representation of the inner side of one embodiment of carrier  100  with thigh support straps uncoupled from upper torso support portion  130 . In  FIG. 2A , waist band  110  folded back to show additional features of one embodiment of carrier  100 .  FIG. 2B  is a diagrammatic representation of an outer side one embodiment of carrier  100  with waist belt  110  in its down (ready to wear) position and with thigh support straps  140  coupled to the upper torso support portion  130 . 
     Upper torso support portion  130  may include one or more panels formed from a single piece of material or multiple pieces of material, multiple layers of materials, or multiple materials. For example, in some embodiments, upper torso support may be formed with an inner layer selected for comfort against a child&#39;s skin and an outer layer selected for breathability, fashion, stain resistance, etc. Upper torso support may have straight edges, tapered edges for an area of increased width or decreased width, or otherwise configured for comfort or security of a child or a user. 
     Hammock portion  120  may be formed between waist belt  110  or other structure and upper torso support portion  130 . Hammock portion  120  may comprise lateral edges  202 ,  204 , a first end portion  206  coupled to waist belt  110  or other portion of carrier  100 , a second end portion  208  coupled to upper torso support portion  130  and a center hammock portion that extends between the lateral edges  202 ,  204 , first end portion  206  and second end portion  208 . Lateral edges  202  and  204  of hammock portion  120  may be straight, curved or laterally tapered. 
     Hammock portion  120  may be formed from a single piece of material, or may be formed from multiple pieces of material, multiple layers of materials, or multiple materials. The junction between upper torso support portion  130  and hammock portion  120  may be a substantially seamless transition. For example, in one embodiment, hammock portion  120  and an upper torso support panel  200  may comprise a unitary construction of one or more layers of material. In other embodiments, the junction may include seams, edges or other features delineating between upper torso support portion  130  and hammock portion  120 . 
     Thigh support straps  140  can be provided that extend to either side of the hammock center portion. Each thigh support strap can include a first end portion  212  and a second end portion  214 . Each thigh support strap can include a seat outer edge  162 ,  164  and a second thigh support strap inner edge  148  that can extend from the first end portion  212  to the second end  214 . A first end portion  212  of each thigh support strap  140  can be coupled to waist belt  110  or other structure and a second end portion  214  can be coupled to the upper torso support portion  130  or other structure such that the first end portion  212  is more inward (closer to the wearer) than the second end portion  214  when the carrier is worn. Thigh support straps  140  may be configured to pass under and around thighs of a child when in use. 
     At least one of the end portions of each thigh support strap  140  may be selectively coupled. Accordingly, carrier  100  can include a securing mechanism to secure first end portions  212  or second end portions  214 . The securing mechanism can include any suitable mechanism such as, but not limited to, buttons, snaps, d-rings and clips or hooks, patches of hook and loop material or other securing mechanism. In some cases, an end portion can be secured in multiple locations. 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 2A , the first end portions  212  of thigh support straps  140  are stitched, glued, formed as a unitary piece with or otherwise fixedly joined to hammock portion  120 , waist belt  110  or other portion of carrier  100  that is to the inward side of the child carrying area when carrier  100  is worn. The first end portion  212  may be coupled in a manner that forms a flexible hinge  230  that allows thigh support strap  140 , to swing outward (away from the wearer). 
     Hinge  230  may be formed by any suitable mechanism including, but not limited to, stitching or otherwise joining a first end edge of a thigh support strap  140  to a lateral edge  202  or  204  of hammock portion  120  or other structure. The axis of rotation of each hinge  230  can be selected to be parallel to the lateral centerline (indicated at  234 ) of carrier  100  or at another angle when carrier  100  is in a flat configuration. According to one embodiment, hinge  230  is oriented so that the axis of rotation slopes out laterally from a first end of the hinge  230  to a second end of the hinge  230  where the first end is an end more proximate to upper torso support portion  130 . The hinge axis may slope out at a desired angle relative to the lateral centerline, but preferably slopes outward less than 45 degrees and even more preferably less than 25 degrees. In some embodiments, the hinge axis slopes outward relative to the lateral centerline at an angle from 10 degrees to 25 degrees when the carrier is in a flat configuration. 
     Second end portions  214  can be selectively coupled to carrier  100 . For example, upper torso portion  130  may include multiple buttons or other securing mechanisms on each side of the lateral centerline  234  so that each thigh support strap  140  can be selectively secured at multiple locations (e.g., using button holes  203  or other securing mechanism). The second end portions  144  may couple to upper torso portion  130  such that the portions edges  162  and  164  that pass under the child&#39;s thighs is higher than the child&#39;s bottom and pelvis to lift the child&#39;s knees. In some embodiments, the second end  144  (the end further from the wearer) of each thigh support strap  140  is higher than the first end when carrier  100  is worn. Second end portions  214  may also secure to carrier  100  at other locations. 
     Thigh support straps  140  may be configured to pass under and around thighs of a child when in use. When second ends  214  of thigh support straps  140  are coupled to upper torso support portion  130 , thigh support straps  140  and hammock portion  120  form a supportive bucket seat extending from a set first side edge  162  to a seat second side edge  164 . The seat first side edge  162  is formed by a laterally outer side edge of a first thigh support strap  140  and the seat second side edge  164  is formed by the laterally outer side edge of a second thigh support strap  140 . In some embodiments, padding on thigh support straps  140  may provide additional support to lift a child&#39;s thighs. 
     A fabric bridge  240  can provide a biasing mechanism to help pull inner edges  148  of thigh support straps  140  toward each other to prevent gaps. Fabric bridge  240  may also help cover gaps between hammock portion  120  and thigh support straps  140 . In one embodiment, fabric bridge  240  may be coupled to hammock portion  120 . 
     In some cases, the width of the seat may be less than the width of upper torso support portion  130 . In one embodiment, the width of the seat may be narrower than the width of upper torso support portion  130  where the bottom ends of shoulder straps  150  couple to upper torso support portion  130  (e.g., indicated at area  260  of  FIG. 2B  for one embodiment). To this end, the lateral edges of upper torso support portion  130  may taper inward to transition to lateral edges  202  and  204  of hammock portion  120  ( FIG. 2A ) forming a horizontal, sloped or curved transition edge portion  250  that can act as the top edge of a side leg opening. When carrier  100  is worn, upper torso support portion  130  may wrap around to the sides of the child (e.g., as Illustrated in  FIGS. 1A and 1C ), while leaving an opening formed by transition edges  250  and seat edges  162  and  164 . The child&#39;s legs and arms may pass out of the child carrying area under the transition edge  250 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 2C , in some embodiments, adjustable collar  170  may support a child&#39;s head and/or neck. Adjustable collar  170  may be positioned according to the direction the child is facing (i.e., inward or outward), the size of the child, or other criteria. Adjustable collar  170  may be formed from a separate piece of material or a separate material and joined to upper torso support portion  130 , or adjustable collar  170  and upper torso support portion  130  may be formed from the same material or piece of material such adjustable collar  170  is rotatable relative to upper torso support portion  130  such that adjustable collar  170  may be extended or folded back. 
       FIG. 3  is a diagrammatic representation of another embodiment of a child carrier  300 , similar to child carrier  100 , comprising a waist belt  310 , a main body  312  having a hammock portion  320  and an upper torso support portion  330 , thigh support straps  340  and shoulder straps  350 . A child can be supported in a child carrying area created by the main body  312  in cooperation with the wearer&#39;s torso. Upper torso support portion  330  ergonomically supports the child&#39;s back or front torso when being carried while hammock portion  320  cooperates with thigh support straps  340  to form a supportive bucket seat. 
     Waist belt  310  and shoulder straps  350  provide a harness that distributes the child&#39;s weight to the wearer. Shoulder straps  350  and waist belt  310  can be adjustable so that the harness evenly distributes the child&#39;s weight to the wearer. In some cases, the harness can be adjustable to distribute a majority of the child&#39;s weight to the wearer through waist belt  310  as discussed above. 
     A first end of a shoulder strap  350  and a second end of a shoulder strap  350  may couple to upper torso support portion  330  to form a loop that pulls the upper torso support portion  330  toward the wearer thereby supporting the child&#39;s torso. Shoulder straps  350  may be reconfigurable so that the carrier can be worn in a front carry position, back carry position or side carry position. 
     According to one embodiment, waist belt  310  comprises an adjustable waistband. A first end portion  314  of the waist belt may be sufficiently long to wrap substantially around the wearer and may include areas of hook and loop material on an outer side. In some cases, the areas of hook and loop material may be sufficiently long to substantially wrap around the wearer. A second end portion  316  may include areas of hook and loop material on an inner side. The hook and loop material on first portion  314  and second portion  316  can be used adjust waist belt  310  to a broad range of sizes, (e.g., 26-55 in/66-140 cm or other range of sizes) and be worn high or low to maximize comfort, especially in the event of a C-section, and provide low back support. Other securing mechanisms may also be used. Furthermore, any suitable waist belt may be used. 
     Upper torso support portion  330  may include a main upper torso support panel  332 . Upper torso support panel  332  may be formed from a single piece of material, or may be formed from multiple pieces of material, multiple layers of materials, or multiple materials. For example, in some embodiments, upper torso support panel  332  may be formed with an inner layer selected for comfort against a child&#39;s skin and an outer layer selected for breathability, fashion, stain resistance, etc. In some embodiments, upper torso support panel  332  may be formed with a central portion selected for comfort and lateral portions selected for breathability, security, etc. Upper torso support panel  332  may have straight edges, tapered edges for an area of increased width or decreased width, or otherwise be configured for comfort or security of a child or a user. Upper torso support portion  330  may also include harness panels  333 . A first end of a shoulder strap  350  may join to a top portion of a harness panel and a second end of a shoulder strap may join to a lower portion of a harness panel  333 . 
     Hammock portion  320  may be formed between waist belt  310  or other structure and upper torso support portion  330 . Hammock portion  320  may comprise lateral edges  322 ,  324 , a first end portion  326  coupled to waist belt  310  or other portion of carrier  300 , a second end portion  328  coupled to upper torso support portion  330  and a center hammock portion  325  that extends between the lateral edges  322 ,  324 , first end portion  326  and second end portion  328 . Lateral edges  322  and  324  of hammock portion  320  may be straight, curved or laterally tapered. 
     Hammock portion  320  may be formed from a single piece of material, or may be formed from multiple pieces of material, multiple layers of materials, or multiple materials. The junction between upper torso support portion  330  and hammock portion  320  may be a substantially seamless transition. For example, in one embodiment, hammock portion  320  and an upper support panel  332  may comprise a unitary construction of one or more layers of material. In other embodiments, the junction may include seams, edges or other features delineating between upper torso support portion  330  and hammock portion  320 . 
     The lateral edges of upper torso support portion  330  may taper inward to transition to lateral edges  322  and  324  of hammock portion  120  ( FIG. 2A ) forming a horizontal, sloped or curved transition edge portion that can act as the top edge of a side leg opening. When carrier  300  is worn, upper torso support portion  330  may wrap around to the sides of the child (e.g., as Illustrated in  FIGS. 1A and 1C ), while leaving an opening formed by the transition edges and seat edges. The child&#39;s legs and arms may pass out of the child carrying area under the transition edges. 
     Thigh support straps  340  can be provided that extend to either side of hammock center portion  325 . Each thigh support strap can include a first end portion  342  and a second end portion  344 . A first thigh strap side edge and a second thigh strap side edge can extend from the first end portion to the second end. A first end portion  342  of each thigh support strap  340  can be coupled to waist belt  310 , hammock portion  320  or other structure and a second end portion  344  can be coupled to the upper torso support portion  330  or other structure such that the first end portion is more inward (closer to the wearer) than the second end portion when the carrier is worn. Thigh support straps  340  may be configured to pass under and around thighs of a child when in use. 
     At least one of the end portions of each thigh support strap  340  may be selectively coupled. Accordingly, carrier  300  can include a securing mechanism to secure first end portions  342  or second end portions  344 . The securing mechanism can include any suitable mechanism such as, but not limited to, buttons, snaps, d-rings and clips or hooks, patches of hook and loop material or other securing mechanism. In some cases, an end portion can be secured in multiple locations. 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 3 , the first end portions  342  of thigh support straps  340  are stitched, glued, formed as a unitary piece with or otherwise fixedly joined to hammock portion  320 , waist belt  310  or other portion of carrier  300  that is to the outward side of the child carrying area when carrier  300  is worn. The first end portion  342  may be coupled to another portion of carrier  300  in a manner that forms a flexible hinge that allows thigh support strap  340 , to swing outward (away from the wearer). The hinge  360  may be formed by any suitable mechanism including, but not limited to, stitching or otherwise joining the first end edge of a thigh support strap  340  to a lateral edge  322  or  324  of hammock portion  320  or other structure. The axis of rotation of each hinge can be selected to be parallel to the lateral centerline of carrier  300  or at another angle when carrier  300  is in a flat configuration. According to one embodiment, each hinge is oriented so that the axis of rotation slopes out laterally from a first end of the hinge to a second end of the hinge, where the first end is an end more proximate to upper torso support portion  330 . The hinge axis may slope out at a desired angle relative to the lateral centerline, but preferably slopes outward less than 45 degrees and even more preferably less than 25 degrees. In some embodiments, the hinge axis slopes outward relative to the lateral centerline at an angle from 10 degrees to 25 degrees when the carrier is in a flat configuration. 
     Second end portions  344  can be selectively coupled to carrier  300 . Upper torso portion  330  may include multiple buttons or other securing mechanisms on each side of the lateral centerline so that each thigh support strap  340  can be selectively secured at multiple locations. The second end portions  344  may couple to upper torso portion  330  such that the portions of edges  334  and  336  that pass under the child&#39;s thighs is higher than the child&#39;s bottom and pelvis to lift the child&#39;s knees. Additionally, the construction of thigh support straps  340  can be selected so that the portion of the side edges  334  and  336  that wraps to the inside of the child&#39;s thighs can encourage the child&#39;s legs to spread. The second end portions  344  may couple to upper torso portion  330  such that the second end (the end further from the wearer) of each thigh support strap  340  is higher than the first end when carrier  300  is worn. Second end portions  344  may also secure to carrier  300  at other locations. 
     Thigh support straps  340  may be configured to pass under and around thighs of a child when in use. When second ends  344  of thigh support straps  340  are coupled to upper torso support portion  330 , thigh support straps  340  and hammock center portion  325  and upper torso support portion  330  form a supportive bucket seat extending from a first side edge to a seat second side edge. The seat first side edge is formed by a laterally outer side edge of a first thigh support strap  340  (e.g., side edge  334  of a first thigh support strap  340 ) and the seat second side edge is formed by the laterally outer side edge of a second thigh support strap  340  (e.g., side edge  336  of a second thigh support strap  340 ). 
     The embodiment of  FIG. 3  can support a child in a similar manner as discussed above. In the embodiment of  FIG. 3 , however, the biasing mechanism can comprise gussets  390  that extend between the edges of thigh support straps  340  and edges of hammock portion  320 . 
     Carrier  300  can include an adjustable collar  370  to support a child&#39;s head and/or neck. Adjustable collar  370  may be positioned according to the direction the child is facing (i.e., inward or outward), the size of the child, or other criteria. Adjustable collar  370  may be formed from a separate piece of material or a separate material and joined to upper torso support portion  330 , or adjustable collar  370  and upper torso support portion  330  may be formed from the same material or piece of material such adjustable collar  370  is foldable (e.g., rotated about flexible hinge  375 ) to upper torso support portion  330  such that adjustable collar  370  may be extended. As discussed above, the adjustable collar  370  may secure in multiple positions using securing mechanism. 
     Child carrier  300  can carry a child in an inward facing orientation or an outward facing orientation and in front carry, back carry, side carry positions. The child may be seated in an inward facing orientation or an outward facing orientation. The child may be carried with the child&#39;s weight near the wearer&#39;s center of gravity with the child&#39;s thighs and knees ergonomically angled such that the child is supported in a spread squat position. 
       FIG. 4A  and  FIG. 4B  are diagrammatic representations of one embodiment of securing a thigh support strap  402  (e.g., such as a thigh support strap  140  of  FIGS. 2A-2C , or a thigh support strap  340  of  FIG. 3 ). According to one embodiment, thigh support strap  402  and an upper torso support portion  406  (e.g., such as an upper torso support portion  130  of  FIGS. 2A-2C , or upper torso support portion  330  of  FIG. 3 ) can include corresponding securing mechanisms. The securing mechanisms can include any suitable mechanism such as, but not limited to, buttons, snaps, d-rings and clips or hooks, patches of hook and loop material or other securing mechanism. Upper torso support portion  406  may include multiple attachment points. By way of example, but not limitation, the outward end portion of each thigh support strap  402  can include a button hole  408  and upper torso support portion  406  can include multiple buttons  410  so that each thigh support strap  402  can be secured in multiple locations, allowing the shape of a seat to be adjusted. Buttons  410  (or other securing mechanism) may be concealed under a panel or exposed. Thigh support straps  402  may be secured and unsecured as needed when the carrier is worn. 
     A carrier can also include a biasing mechanism  412  coupled to each thigh support strap  402 . The biasing mechanism(s) can be formed of an elastic material or other material and can act to pull thigh support straps  402  laterally toward the lateral centerline of carrier  100  to prevent gaps in the seat as needed. Additionally, biasing mechanism  412  can act to cover gaps between hammock portion  420  and thigh support straps  402 . According to some embodiments, fabric bridge  240  ( FIGS. 2A, 2B ) or gussets  390  ( FIG. 3 ) can act as biasing mechanism  412 . 
       FIG. 5A  and  FIG. 5B  are diagrammatic representations of one embodiment of a child carrier  100  carrying a child.  FIG. 5A  and  FIG. 5B  illustrate that the shoulder straps and waist belt can form a harness to evenly distribute weight evenly to the wearer. The child can be carried proximate to the wearer&#39;s center of gravity  502 . Furthermore, in both the outward facing position ( FIG. 5A ) and inward facing position ( FIG. 5B ), the child&#39;s lower torso, pelvis and bottom area are ergonomically supported by the hammock and thigh support straps so that the child&#39;s thighs and knees are ergonomically angled higher than the child&#39;s hips (as indicated by line  504 ) to support the child in an ergonomic spread-squat position.  FIG. 5C  is a diagrammatic representation of one embodiment of child carrier  100  worn by a wearer showing an example position of a center of gravity  502 . 
       FIG. 6  is a diagrammatic representation illustrating that a child may be carried in carrier, such as carrier  100 , in a side carry position. In some cases, a child in the side carry position may be supported by the wearer&#39;s hip. The shoulder straps can be reconfigured to accommodate a side carry position by connecting each upper shoulder strap portion to the lower shoulder strap portion on the other side of the lateral centerline of the carrier with one strap forming a generally horizontal loop around the wearer&#39;s torso and the other strap looping over the wearers shoulder opposite the carrier.  FIG. 7  is a diagrammatic representation illustrating that a child may be carried in a child carrier, such as carrier  100 , in a back carry position. Thus, embodiments of child carriers described herein can be positioned in front, back and side positions while supporting the child in an ergonomic spread squat position. In addition, a child can be oriented in an inward facing orientation or an outward facing orientation while supported in an ergonomic spread squat position. 
     According to some embodiments a carrier can be a soft carrier having a main body, thigh support wraps and waist belt primarily formed of one or more pieces of natural or synthetic fiber without a rigid frame. In other embodiments, a carrier can incorporate frame elements. For example, a supportive carrier seat as discussed above can be utilized with an upper torso support that incorporates a frame. 
     As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” “has,” “having” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, article, or apparatus. Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary, “or” refers to an inclusive or and not to an exclusive or. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present). As used herein, including the claims that follow, a term preceded by “a” or “an” (and “the” when antecedent basis is “a” or “an”) includes both singular and plural of such term, unless clearly indicated within the claim otherwise (i.e., that the reference “a” or “an” clearly indicates only the singular or only the plural). Also, as used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. 
     Additionally, any examples or illustrations given herein are not to be regarded in any way as restrictions on, limits to, or express definitions of, any term or terms with which they are utilized. Instead, these examples or illustrations are to be regarded as being described with respect to one particular embodiment and as illustrative only. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that any term or terms with which these examples or illustrations are utilized will encompass other embodiments which may or may not be given therewith or elsewhere in the specification and all such embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of that term or terms. Language designating such nonlimiting examples and illustrations include, but is not limited to: “for example,” “for instance,” “e.g.,” “in one embodiment.” 
     Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, or “a specific embodiment” or similar terminology means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment and may not necessarily be present in all embodiments. Thus, respective appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment”, “in an embodiment”, or “in a specific embodiment” or similar terminology in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics of any particular embodiment may be combined in any suitable manner with one or more other embodiments. It is to be understood that other variations and modifications of the embodiments described and illustrated herein are possible in light of the teachings herein and are to be considered as part of the spirit and scope of the invention. 
     In the description herein, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of components and/or methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that an embodiment may be able to be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other apparatus, systems, assemblies, methods, components, materials, parts, and/or the like. In other instances, well-known structures, components, systems, materials, or operations are not specifically shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of embodiments of the invention. While the invention may be illustrated by using a particular embodiment, this is not and does not limit the invention to any particular embodiment and a person of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that additional embodiments are readily understandable and are a part of this invention. 
     It will also be appreciated that one or more of the elements depicted in the drawings/figures can also be implemented in a more separated or integrated manner, or even removed or rendered as inoperable in certain cases, as is useful in accordance with a particular application. Additionally, any signal arrows in the drawings/Figures should be considered only as exemplary, and not limiting, unless otherwise specifically noted. 
     Although the invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments thereof, these embodiments are merely illustrative, and not restrictive of the invention. The description herein of illustrated embodiments of the invention, including the description in the Abstract and Summary, is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed herein (and in particular, the inclusion of any particular embodiment, feature or function within the Abstract or Summary is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to such embodiment, feature or function). Rather, the description is intended to describe illustrative embodiments, features and functions in order to provide a person of ordinary skill in the art context to understand the invention without limiting the invention to any particularly described embodiment, feature or function, including any such embodiment feature or function described in the Abstract or Summary. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, the invention are described herein for illustrative purposes only, various equivalent modifications are possible within the spirit and scope of the invention, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize and appreciate. As indicated, these modifications may be made to the invention in light of the foregoing description of illustrated embodiments of the invention and are to be included within the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, while the invention has been described herein with reference to particular embodiments thereof, a latitude of modification, various changes and substitutions are intended in the foregoing disclosures, and it will be appreciated that in some instances some features of embodiments of the invention will be employed without a corresponding use of other features without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as set forth. Therefore, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the essential scope and spirit of the invention.