Patent Publication Number: US-11641953-B2

Title: Three-position child carrier

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application contains subject matter which is related to the subject matter of the following application. The below-listed application is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:
         This is a U.S. non-provisional application that claims the benefit of a U.S. provisional application, Ser. No. 63/082,367, inventor Kathryn Farrell, entitled “THREE-PART BUCKLE STYLE SOFT INFANT CARRIER”, filed Sep. 23, 2020.       

    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to a three-position child carrier that transitions between a front-carry position, a back-carry position, and a hip-carry position. The three-position child carrier is a soft, buckle-style child carrier that comprises separate components that include a shoulder strap, a waist strap, and a body portion that secures the child. In an exemplary embodiment, the shoulder strap and the waist strap slide through a corresponding channel on the top and bottom of the body portion and attach in a variety of configurations. The body portion can be changed by the wearer for style, color, functionality, size, or for other reasons. The ability to change the body portion and thus the body portion size accommodates growing children and usage in different climates and weather conditions. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Before our invention, infant carriers commonly worn by caregivers comprised one continuous piece of unchangeable material. In operation, to have a new style or a different material, a parent often purchased more than one type of infant carrier. In this regard, and a shortcoming of prior infant carriers is that more breathable, lightweight materials for warm weather leave a child unprotected from cooler weather. Also, thicker more insulating materials that keep the baby warm in the winter can be dangerous to wrap a child in during higher temperatures. While different infant carrier materials have different cooling, warming, wind-resistant, water-resistant, and other properties, the inability of a single infant carrier to be able to switch the use of different materials often leaves the mother and child ill-equipped or unable to use the infant carrier due to climate and/or weather conditions. 
     In addition to the limits for infant carrier use because of sub-optimal materials, the inability to easily swap materials also limits the parents&#39; choice of different styles and patterns for expression of personal style, taste, and customization is also a shortcoming of the prior carriers. 
     Since the cost can be high for infant carriers, it is often unrealistic to expect parents to purchase more than one infant carrier to accommodate seasonal weather conditions and multiple style preferences. This absence of choice and customization options is further impaired when you add the need for different size infant carriers as the baby grows. The inability to correctly resize an infant carrier to the child being carried raises the danger of the child falling from the infant carrier. Also, carriers that are too small or too large create an uncomfortable fit for both the wearer and the infant. 
     Another shortcoming of the prior infant carriers is that many of the designs are highly complex, take a long time to set up for the parent wearing, and require multiple straps and adjustments for each carry position. While there are simpler carrier designs, the simpler designs often come with fewer adjustment features and often only support one or two wearing positions. 
     The simplest type of infant carrier, a fabric wrap, involves a complex wrapping technique that can be difficult to learn. Even once mastered, it takes time to adjust to perfection every single use to ensure the safety of the wearer and the child. Also, there are very few carriers that offer a hip-carry position, which reduces the stress on the back and shoulder of the person wearing the infant carrier. Those carriers offering hip-carry positions that are on the market are quite bulky and onerous to adjust. 
     The present invention addresses these and other shortcomings by providing a simple three-position child carrier design and structure with interchangeable parts and materials. For these reasons and shortcomings as well as other reasons and shortcomings there is a long-felt need that gives rise to the present invention. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The shortcomings of the prior art are overcome and additional advantages are provided through the provision of a three-position child carrier. The three-position child carrier comprising a body portion that comprises a front surface, a back surface, a top edge, a left edge, a right edge, a fold stitching, an upper channel stitching, a bottom channel stitching, and a bottom edge. 
     A first tether strap comprising a first shoulder strap buckle receiver on one end, the first tether strap is fastened to the body portion proximate to the left edge below the fold stitching. A second tether strap comprising a second shoulder strap buckle receiver on one end, the second tether strap is fastened to the body portion proximate to the right edge below the fold stitching. 
     An upper channel is formed between the fold stitching and the upper channel stitching. A lower channel is formed between the bottom edge and the bottom channel stitching. 
     A shoulder strap is fitted through the upper channel, the shoulder strap comprising a webbing strap having a first end, a second end, a first buckle secured to the first end, a second buckle secured to the second end, and a buckle receiver attached between the first buckle and the second buckle. 
     A waist strap is fitted through the lower channel, the waist strap comprising a waist webbing strap having a first waist webbing strap end and a second waist webbing strap end, a waist buckle is secured to the first waist webbing strap end and a waist buckle receiver is secured to the second waist webbing strap end, the waist buckle and the waist buckle receiver interconnect around the waist of a wearer. The waist buckle and/or the waist buckle receiver are slidably adjustable along the waist webbing strap to lengthen or shorten the waist webbing strap to create a good fit for the wearer. 
     Wherein the three-position child carrier transitions to a front-carry position by interconnecting the first shoulder strap buckle receiver and the second buckle and interconnecting the second shoulder strap buckle receiver and the first buckle in a crisscross pattern across the back of the wearer. 
     Or, wherein the three-position child carrier transitions to a back-carry position by interconnecting the first shoulder strap buckle receiver and the first buckle, and interconnecting the second shoulder strap buckle receiver and the second buckle over each shoulder of the wearer. 
     Or, wherein the three-position child carrier transitions to a hip-carry position by interconnecting the buckle receiver and the second buckle over one shoulder of the wearer. 
     Additional shortcomings of the prior art are overcome and additional advantages are provided through the provision of a three-position child carrier. The three-position child carrier comprising a body portion that is made of a flexible material, the body portion comprising a front surface, a back surface, a top edge, a left edge, a right edge, a fold stitching, an upper channel stitching, a bottom edge channel stitching, and a bottom edge. 
     A first tether strap comprising a first shoulder strap buckle receiver on one end, the first tether strap is fastened to the body portion proximate to the left edge below the fold stitching. A second tether strap comprising a second shoulder strap buckle receiver on one end, the second tether strap is fastened to the body portion proximate to the right edge below the fold stitching. 
     An upper channel is formed by folding the flexible material creating the top edge or adding a second piece of the flexible material and stitching along the fold stitching and the upper channel stitching. A lower channel is formed by folding the flexible material creating the bottom edge or adding a second piece of the flexible material and stitching along the bottom channel stitching and selectively stitching along the bottom edge. 
     A shoulder strap is fitted through the upper channel, the shoulder strap comprising a webbing strap having a first end, a second end, a first buckle secured to the first end, a second buckle secured to the second end, and a buckle receiver attached between the first buckle and the second buckle. 
     A waist strap is fitted through the lower channel, the waist strap comprising a waist webbing strap having a first waist webbing strap end and a second waist webbing strap end, a waist buckle is secured to the first waist webbing strap end and a waist buckle receiver is secured to the second waist webbing strap end, the waist buckle and the waist buckle receiver interconnect around the waist of a wearer. The waist buckle and/or the waist buckle receiver are slidably adjustable along the waist webbing strap to lengthen or shorten the waist webbing strap to create a good fit for the wearer. 
     Wherein the three-position child carrier transitions to a front-carry position by interconnecting the first shoulder strap buckle receiver and the second buckle and interconnecting the second shoulder strap buckle receiver and the first buckle in a crisscross pattern across the back of the wearer. 
     Or, wherein the three-position child carrier transitions to a back-carry position by interconnecting the first shoulder strap buckle receiver and the first buckle, and interconnecting the second shoulder strap buckle receiver and the second buckle over each shoulder of the wearer. 
     Or, wherein the three-position child carrier transitions to a hip-carry position by interconnecting the buckle receiver and the second buckle over one shoulder of the wearer. 
     Additional shortcomings of the prior art are overcome and additional advantages are provided through the provision of a method of using a three-position child carrier. The method comprising the steps of transitioning a three-position child carrier to a front-carry position by interconnecting a first shoulder strap buckle receiver and a second buckle, and interconnecting a second shoulder strap buckle receiver and the first buckle in a crisscross pattern across the back of the wearer. 
     A body portion comprising a front surface, a back surface, a top edge, a left edge, a right edge, a fold stitching, an upper channel stitching, a bottom channel stitching, and a bottom edge. 
     A first tether strap comprising a first shoulder strap buckle receiver on one end, the first tether strap is fastened to the body portion proximate to the left edge below the fold stitching. A second tether strap comprising a second shoulder strap buckle receiver on one end, the second tether strap is fastened to the body portion proximate to the right edge below the fold stitching. 
     An upper channel is formed between the fold stitching and the upper channel stitching. A lower channel is formed between the bottom edge and the bottom channel stitching. 
     A shoulder strap is fitted through the upper channel, the shoulder strap comprising a webbing strap having a first end, a second end, the first buckle secured to the first end, the second buckle secured to the second end, and a buckle receiver attached between the first buckle and the second buckle. 
     Or, transitioning the three-position child carrier to a back-carry position by interconnecting the first shoulder strap buckle receiver and the first buckle, and interconnecting the second shoulder strap buckle receiver and the second buckle over each shoulder of the wearer. 
     Or, transitioning the three-position child carrier to a hip-carry position by interconnecting the buckle receiver and the second buckle over one shoulder of the wearer. 
     And, securing a waist strap around the waist of a wearer, the waist strap is fitted through the lower channel. The waist strap comprising a waist webbing strap having a first waist webbing strap end and a second waist webbing strap end. A waist buckle is secured to the first waist webbing strap end and a waist buckle receiver is secured to the second waist webbing strap end. The waist buckle and the waist buckle receiver interconnect. 
     Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present invention. Other embodiments and aspects of the invention are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed invention. For a better understanding of the invention with advantages and features, refer to the description and the drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
       The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention are apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG.  1    illustrates examples of a three-position child carrier transitioning between a front-carry position, a back-carry position, and a hip-carry position; 
         FIG.  2    illustrates one example of the body portion of the three-position child carrier; 
         FIG.  3    illustrates one example of a strap, buckle, and buckle receiver; 
         FIG.  4 A  illustrates one example of reference ‘A’ a top view of a shoulder strap, and reference ‘B’ a side view of a shoulder strap; 
         FIG.  4 B  illustrates one example of reference ‘A’ a top view of a waist strap, and reference ‘B’ a side view of the waist strap; 
         FIGS.  5 A and  5 B  illustrate one example of the front-carry position configuration; 
         FIGS.  6 A and  6 B  illustrate one example of the back-carry position configuration; 
         FIGS.  7 A and  7 B  illustrates one example of the hip-carry position configuration; 
         FIG.  8    illustrates one example of a method of adjustably wearing a three-position child carrier; and 
         FIG.  9    illustrates one example of a method of using a three-position child carrier. 
     
    
    
     The detailed description explains the preferred embodiments of the invention, together with advantages and features, by way of example with reference to the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The three-position child carrier of the present invention provides a simple child carrier design and structure which incorporates interchangeable parts and materials. Incorporating interchangeable parts and materials makes the setup, adjustment, and changing between positions much easier for parents and safer for the child being carried. 
     The interchangeable parts and materials allow for wearers of the three-position child carrier to have multiple body portions that better fit a growing child, without the use of an infant insert which is a device designed to occupy excess space within the infant receiving portion of the carrier. Also, the three-position child carrier is better suited for use year-round in different climates and weather conditions. Providing additional consumer benefits, the three-position child carrier, of the present invention, is easily stylized and customizable to meet the tastes, interests, needs, and comfort preferences of the parents as well as the children being carried. 
     An advantage, in the present invention, is that the design and structure minimize straps, buckles, or other fasteners. Minimizing straps, buckles, and other fasteners reduces the adjustment time and the complexity of the straps which in turn allows for quicker transitions between wearers and children of different sizes. The flexibility of the fabric materials and its ability to slide over the waist strap also allows for an easier adjustment for healthy child hip positioning without additional buttons or straps. 
     Another advantage, in the present invention, is the unique design that allows the shoulder strap to attach to the body piece in two different patterns for front-carry or back-carry positions as well as attach to itself for the hip-carry position. 
     Another advantage, in the present invention, is a method by which the straps can be easily removed from the body portion and attached to another body portion, allowing for the wearer to change body portions of the infant carrier for additional utility and comfort. 
     The shortcoming of prior art baby carriers&#39; poor child body fit for the full range of child sizes is overcome and is an advantage, in the present invention, by the ability to retain the waist strap and shoulder strap and change only the body portion to a different size as the child grows. This allows for a snugger fit at each stage of the child&#39;s growth development. 
     Turning now to the drawings in greater detail, it will be seen that in  FIG.  1    there are illustrated examples of the three-position child carrier  100  transitioning  208  between a front-carry position  202 , a back-carry position  204 , and a hip-carry position  206 . In an exemplary embodiment, the three-position child carrier  100  transitions  208  to a front-carry position  202  by interconnecting the shoulder strap  1  with the body portion  10  in a crisscross pattern across the back of the wearer  20  for carrying a child  19 . 
     For disclosure purposes, the wearer  20  can also be referred to as the person  20 , the user  20 , or parent  20 , mom or mother  20 , consumer  20 , or other suitable terms for the person wearing the three-position child carrier  100  of the present invention. Child  19  can be referred to as a baby  19 , an infant  19 , a kid  19 , or other suitable terms for the child that is being carried inside the three-position child carrier  100  of the present invention. 
     In another exemplary embodiment, the three-position child carrier  100  transitions  208  to a back-carry position  204  by interconnecting each end of the shoulder strap  1  over each shoulder of the wearer  20  with the body portion  10  for carrying a child  19 . 
     In another exemplary embodiment, the three-position child carrier  100  transitions to a hip-carry position  206  by interconnecting the shoulder strap  1  with itself over one shoulder of the wearer  20  for carrying a child  19 . 
     In each exemplary embodiment, in each of the carry positions, a waist strap  4  interconnects around the waist of the wearer  20 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  2   , there is illustrated one example of the body portion  10  of the three-position child carrier  100 . In an exemplary embodiment, the material, the shape, structure, and features of the body portion  10  can be manufactured from a soft cloth durable fabric material, foam, rubber, films, plastic, polymer, water-resistant materials, heat-resistant materials, wind-resistant, fire-resistant materials, combinations thereof, or other suitable materials. The texture, shape, style, and other design elements of the body portion  10  can be tailored, as may be required and/or desired in a particular embodiment. 
     The body portion  10  comprises an upper channel  2  on the upper portion of the body portion  10  and a lower channel  5  on the lower portion of the body portion  10 . The upper channel  2  is configured to allow a shoulder strap  1  to pass through the upper channel  2  and secure the top portion of the body portion  10 . The upper channel  2  can be formed by stitching two or more layers of material together along the fold stitching  25  and the upper channel stitching  34  leaving the channel formed therebetween unobstructed and sized to allow the shoulder strap  1  to pass through the upper channel  2 . 
     The lower channel  5  is configured to allow a waist strap  4  to pass through the lower channel  5  and secure the lower portion of the body portion  10 . The lower channel  5  can be formed by folding the material creating the bottom edge  43  or formed by stitching two or more layers of material together along the bottom edge  43  and the bottom channel stitching  35  leaving the channel formed therebetween unobstructed and sized to allow the waist strap  4  to pass through the lower channel  5 . 
     There may exist on the body portion  10  multiple lower channels  5  which will aid in adjustment for varying child  19  heights. In the alternative, once inserted the waist strap  4  can be rotated or otherwise flipped to fold up or let down the lower part of the body portion  10  effectively changing the length and correct sizing the body portion  10  for the child  19  being carried. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, body portion  10  is made of a material that is flexible. Such a flexible material can be fabric, foam, rubber, films, plastic, polymer, or other suitable flexible material, as may be required and/or desired in a particular embodiment. 
     The body portion  10  comprises a front surface, a back surface, a top edge  27 , a left edge  32 , a right edge  33 , a fold stitching  25 , an upper channel stitching  34 , a bottom channel stitching  35 , and a bottom edge  43 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the upper channel  2  is formed by folding the material creating the top edge  27 , or adding a second piece of material and stitching along the fold stitching  25  and the upper channel stitching  34 . The lower channel  5  is formed by folding the material creating the bottom edge  43 , or adding a second piece of material and stitching along the bottom channel stitching  35  and selectively stitching along the bottom edge  43  if necessary. 
     Shoulder strap buckle receivers  3 A-B, each has a short tether strap  9 A-B that is positioned on opposing sides and secured to the body panel  10 . In an exemplary embodiment, shoulder strap buckle receivers  3 A-B with tether straps  9 A-B can be positioned on opposing sides of the body portion  10  located in the upper half of the body panel  10  ideally just below the fold stitching  25 . In a plurality of exemplary embodiments, the tether straps  9 A-B can range in length from several inches to significantly less than an inch where the buckle receivers  3 A-B are as close as possible to being directly connected to the body portion  10 . The flexibility in the length of tether straps  9 A-B in different embodiments allows for accommodating different body portion  10  shape designs and other body portion  10  design elements, different body types and sizes of wearer  20 , and different body types and sizes of child  19 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, a first tether strap  9 A comprises a first shoulder strap buckle receiver  3 A on one end, the first tether strap  9 A is fastened at the other end to the body portion  10  proximate the left edge  32  below the fold stitching  25 . A second tether strap  9 B comprises a second shoulder strap buckle receiver  3 B on one end, the second tether strap  9 B is fastened at the other end to the body portion  10  proximate the right edge  33  below the fold stitching  25 . In a plurality of exemplary embodiments, the tether straps  9 A-B can range in length from several inches to significantly less than an inch where the buckle receivers  3 A-B are almost directly connected to the body portion  10 . 
     Each of the shoulder strap buckle receivers  3 A-B fasten in a secure but removable manner to each end of the shoulder strap  1  in the front-carry position  202  and the back-carry position  204 . The shoulder strap  1  having at least a first end  36 , a second end  37 , a shoulder strap buckle  14 A is secured to the first end  36 , and a shoulder strap buckle  14 B is secured to the second end  37 . A buckle receiver  15  is attached between the first buckle  14 A and the second buckle  14 B. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the body portion  10  and shoulder strap  1  can be configured for a front-carry position  202  as illustrated in at least  FIGS.  5 A and  5 B , a back-carry position  204  as illustrated in at least  FIGS.  6 A and  6 B , or a hip-carry position  206  as illustrated in at least  FIGS.  7 A and  7 B . 
     In this regard, the three-position child carrier  100  transitions to a front-carry position  202  by interconnecting the first shoulder strap buckle receiver  3 A and the second buckle  14 B and interconnecting the second shoulder strap buckle receiver  3 B and the first buckle  14 A in a crisscross pattern across the back of the wearer  20  for carrying a child  19 . 
     The three-position child carrier  100  transitions to a back-carry position  204  by interconnecting the first shoulder strap buckle receiver  3 A and the first buckle  14 A, and interconnecting the second shoulder strap buckle receiver  3 B and the second buckle  14 B over each shoulder of the wearer  20  for carrying a child  19 . 
     The three-position child carrier  100  transitions to a hip-carry position  206  by interconnecting the buckle receiver  15  and the second buckle  14 B over one shoulder of the wearer  20  for carrying a child  19 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, a first fastener pair  29  and  30  are located on each side on the fold stitch  25  proximate the top edge  27  and right edge  33 . A second fastener pair  23  and  31  are located on each side on the fold stitch  25  proximate the top edge  27  and left edge  32 . The top edge  27  folds along the fold stitching  25  forming a folded edge along the fold stitching  25  and is secured by the first fastener pair  29  and  30  and the second fastener pair  23  and  31 . The first and second fastener pairs can be magnets having opposing magnet polarities, snap or button type fasteners that interconnect, hook and loop fasteners, or other types or kinds of fastener pairs, as may be required and/or desired in a particular embodiment. 
     An advantage, in the present invention, is that the top edge  27  can be extended as illustrated in  FIG.  2    providing additional head and neck support for child  19  when the fastener pairs  23  and  31 , and  29  and  30  are unsnapped or otherwise unfastened. In the alternative, when the top edge  27  is folded  44  at the fold stitching  25  and fastener pairs  23  and  31 , and  29  and  30  are snapped or otherwise fastened, the body portion is shorter at the top and the child  19  has more head and neck mobility to rotate and look around. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, there is a pocket  6  that can be contoured cut along the top edge  40 . Such contoured cut can be a slope, a diagonal, a curve, or other cut shape or design, as may be required and/or desired in a particular embodiment across the front of the body portion  10 . Pocket  6  allows the wearer  20  to carry items placed into pocket  6  securely. The size, shape, and location of pocket  6  may be changed to accommodate various materials of the body portion  10 . Pocket  6  can comprise a zipper, or other fasteners at the top edge so that pocket  6  can be opened when access is needed and then securely closed. 
     In another exemplary embodiment, the pocket is positioned on the front surface of body  10  and fastened to the left edge  32 , the right edge  33 , and the bottom edge  5 . Pocket  6  further comprises the contoured top edge  40 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, to provide the best fit and comfort options for both the wearer  20  and the child  19 , the body portion  10  can be cut or otherwise contoured. For disclosure purposes, the cuts and contours are referenced in  FIG.  2    to a vertical reference line  312  and a horizontal reference line  310 . Concave curvatures indicate that the curve is cut inward towards the reference line and convex curvatures indicate that the curve is cut outward away from the reference line. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the top edge  27  can be cut in a convex curve shape with respect to the horizontal reference line  310 , extending away from the horizontal reference line  310 . Such top edge  27  convex curve shape maximum can be in the range  302  of substantially straight to 5 inches and preferably in the range of 0.5 inch to 3 inches. 
     The left edge  32  and the right edge  33  are cut in a concave curved shape with respect to the vertical reference line  312 , extending towards the vertical reference line  312 . Left vertical reference line  306  illustrates the inward contoured left edge  32 . Such left edge  32  concave curve shape maximum can be in the range  314  of substantially straight to 5 inches and preferably in the range of 0.5 inch to 3 inches. Right vertical reference line  308  illustrates the inward contoured right edge  33 . Such right edge  33  concave curve shape maximum can be in the range  316  of substantially straight to 5 inches and preferably in the range of 0.5 inch to 3 inches. In an exemplary embodiment, such contouring of the left edge  32  and right edge  33  can provide better fit and function of the body portion  10 , as well as increase comfort for child  19 . In design, the contoured edges better follow the body style contours and curves of child  19  promoting better fit and comfort and reduce excess body portion  10  material that can lead to a poor or less snug fit for child  19 . 
     The fold stitching  25  is stitched in a concave curved shape with respect to a horizontal reference line  310 . Such fold stitching  25  concave curve shape maximum can be in the range  304 , measured from where the top edge  27  meets the left edge  32  and the right edge  33 , of substantially straight to 5 inches and preferably in the range of 1 inch to 3 inches. 
     The folded edge  44  formed along the fold stitching  25  when the top edge  27  is folded down is a concave curved shape with respect to a horizontal reference line  310 . Such fold edge  44  is concavely curved in shape, that follows the fold stitching  25 , maximum can be in the range  304  of substantially straight to 5 inches and preferably in the range of 0.5 inch to 3 inches. The folded edge  44  is only formed when the top edge  27  is folded down across the fold stitching  25 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  3   , there is illustrated one example of a strap, buckle, and buckle receiver. In the present invention, “buckle”, “buckle-style”, and “buckle receiver” are terms used to describe the interlocking nature of these types of fasteners. In operation, the buckle slides into the buckle receiver clicking and locking in place. A wearer can press the sides of the buckle which are exposed at the edges of the buckle receiver and slide the buckle out of the buckle receiver to release. The terms buckle and buckle receiver are not intended to be limitations, in the present invention, in that buckles and buckle receivers can be interchanged and still perform the same function. For example, the first shoulder strap buckle receiver  3 A, the second shoulder strap buckle receiver  3 B, and the buckle receiver  15  are interchangeable for buckles, and the first buckle  14 A and the second buckle  14 B are interchangeable for buckle receivers such that the shoulder strap  1  interconnects and secures the body portion  10  for the front-carry position  202  and back-carry position  206  and the shoulder strap  1  interconnects with itself forming a continuous loop in the hip-carry position  206 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, as an example of how the straps, buckles, and buckle receivers of the present invention can be configured, buckle  22  can be interconnected with a strap  26 , and buckle receiver  24  can be interconnected with a strap  28 . Strap  26  can be affixed in position to the buckle  22  and strap  28  can be woven through one end of the buckle receiver  24  as to be slidably adjustable along a length of strap  28  allowing the connection portion of strap  28  to be lengthened or shortened. The converse can also be configured where the buckle receiver  24  can be affixed to strap  28  and the buckle can have strap  26  woven through one end as to be slidably adjustable along the length of strap  26  to shorten or lengthen the strap connection. These alternative configurations can be mixed and matched, in the present invention, to make it easy for the wearer  20  to interconnect the buckles and buckles receivers and adjust the straps for a secure fit for the wearer  20  and child  19 , as may be required and/or desired in a particular embodiment. 
     Also, in a plurality of exemplary embodiments, the types and kinds of buckle  22  and buckle receiver  24  are examples and other sizes, configurations, types, or kinds of buckles and buckle receivers can be used in the present invention. Such buckle and buckle receivers can be the interlocking type as illustrated in  FIG.  3   , carabiners, hook and loop type fasteners, snap-type fasteners, or other types and/or kinds of buckles and buckle receivers, as may be required and/or desired in a particular embodiment. Such buckle and buckle receivers can be made of plastic, metal, or other suitable materials, as may be required and/or desired in a particular embodiment. The straps  26  and  28 , webbing strap  13 , and waist webbing strap  17  can be made from a cord, rope, polymer, fabric, formed with woven or webbed construction techniques, or made from other suitable materials and formed with other suitable construction techniques, as may be required and/or desired in a particular embodiment. 
     Referring to  FIG.  4 A  there is illustrated one example of reference ‘A’, a top view of the shoulder strap  1 , and reference ‘B’, a side view of the shoulder strap  1 . In an exemplary embodiment, the shape, structure, foam padding, and features of the shoulder strap  1  can be manufactured from a combination of durable fabric material, woven strap or cord materials, clips or fasteners, foam, rubber, or other suitable materials, as may be required and/or desired in a particular embodiment. Also, the texture, shape, style, and other design elements can be tailored, as may be required and/or desired in a particular embodiment. 
     The shoulder strap  1  can comprise a shoulder strap cover  11 , a webbing strap  13 , shoulder strap padding  12 , at least two of the buckles  14 A-B, and at least one buckle receiver  15 . The shoulder strap cover  11  can be fabric, film, plastic, foam, rubber, polymer, water-resistant materials, heat-resistant materials, wind-resistant, fire-resistant materials, or other suitable material. The shoulder strap  1  has at least a first end  36 , a second end  37 , a shoulder strap buckle  14 A is secured to the first end  36 , and a shoulder strap buckle  14 B is secured to the second end  37 . A buckle receiver  15  is attached between the first buckle  14 A and the second buckle  14 B. When wearing the shoulder strap  1 , the wearer  20  can position the shoulder strap pad  12  between the wearer&#39;s  20  body/shoulder and the webbing strap  13  such that the webbing strap  13  tightens or pulls underweight into the shoulder strap padding  12  and not into the wearer&#39;s  20  body/shoulder making wearing the three-position child carrier  100  more comfortable for the wearer  20 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, shoulder strap  1  can be padded with structured foam illustrated as shoulder strap padding  12 , with the webbing strap  13  running along the top length of the shoulder strap  1 . The webbing strap  13  having a first end  36  and a second end  37 . Attached to the first end is one of the buckles  14 A and attached to the second end is a buckle  14 B. Shoulder strap cover  11  covers the shoulder strap padding  12  leaving the webbing strap  13  on top, the buckles  14 A-B and buckle receiver  15  accessible to the wearer  20 . The buckle receiver  15  allows the shoulder strap  1  to connect to itself for hip-carry position  206 , as better illustrated in at least  FIGS.  7 A and  7 B . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, at least some of the buckles  14 A or  14 B, the buckle receiver  15 , or the buckle receivers  3 A or  3 B are securely slidable and repositionable along the shoulder webbing strap  13  or the tether straps  9 A- 9 B so that the shoulder strap  1  length can be adjusted to create a secure and safe fit for the wearer  20  and the child  19 . 
     The shoulder strap shoulder padding  12  with strap cover  11  combination form flaps  2 A-B at each end of the shoulder strap  1 . The flaps  2 A and  2 B are designed to rest beneath the buckle  14 A-B and/or buckle receiver  15  between the webbing strap  13  and the wearer&#39;s  20  shoulders and/or body in most of the different three-position child carrier wearable positions  202 ,  204 , and  206 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the shoulder strap  1  can be manufactured as a single assembly that passes through the upper channel  2  on the upper portion of the body portion  10  and is then used to secure the three-position child carrier  100  around the wearer&#39;s  20  shoulders and child  19 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  4 B  there is illustrated one example of reference ‘A’, a top view of the waist strap  4 , and reference ‘B’, a side view of the waist strap  4 . In an exemplary embodiment, the shape, structure, foam padding, and features of the waist strap  4  can be manufactured from a combination of durable fabric materials, woven strap or cord materials, clips or fasteners, foam, rubber, plastic, polymer, or other suitable materials, as may be required and/or desired in a particular embodiment. Also, the texture, shape, style, and other design elements can be tailored, as may be required and/or desired in a particular embodiment. 
     The waist strap  4  comprises a waist strap cover  16 , a waist strap pad  41 , a waist webbing strap  17  having a first waist webbing strap end  38  and a second waist webbing strap end  39 , a waist buckle  8  is secured to the first waist webbing strap end  38 , a waist buckle receiver  18  is secured to the second waist webbing strap end  39 , and at least one of a waist adjustment band  7 . The waist adjustment bands  7  are repositionable along the waist webbing strap  17  to manage the loose portions of the waist webbing strap  17  to prevent tangles or binding of the waist webbing strap  17  at the waist buckle  8  and/or waist buckle receiver  18 . The waist adjustment band  7  can be an elastic band or other types of kinds of bands, as may be required and/or desired in a particular embodiment. Additionally, the wearer  20  can manage the loose ends of the waist webbing strap  39  by tucking them into the lower channel  5 . The waist strap cover  16  can be fabric, film, plastic, foam, rubber, polymer, water-resistant materials, heat-resistant materials, wind-resistant, fire-resistant materials, or other suitable material. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the waist strap cover  16  can be a fabric or other suitable material wrapped around a piece of structured foam illustrated as waist strap pad  41 , to provide support to the back of the wearer  20 . Waist webbing strap  17  can comprise a waist buckle  8  at the first waist webbing strap end  38  and a waist buckle receiver  18  at the second waist webbing strap end  39 . Waist adjustment bands  7  are repositionable along the waist webbing strap  17  to manage the loose portions of the waist webbing strap  17  to prevent tangles or binding of the waist webbing strap  17  at the waist buckle  8  and/or waist buckle receiver  18 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the waist strap comprises a waist strap cover  16  and a waist strap pad  41  having a waist strap pad top surface and a waist strap pad bottom surface. The waist strap cover  16  covers the waist strap pad  41 . The waist webbing strap  17  attaches to the top of the combined waist strap pad  41  and waist strap cover  16  leaving the waist webbing strap  17 , the waist buckle  8 , and the waist buckle receiver  18  accessible to the wearer  20 . The waist strap pad  41  with waist strap cover  16  combination form waist strap flaps  42 A-B at each end of the waist strap  4  that rests beneath the waist buckle  8 , and the waist buckle receiver  18  between the waist strap webbing strap  17  and the the wearer&#39;s  20  waist when interlocked around the waist of the wearer  20 . When wearing the waist strap  1 , the wearer  20  can position the waist strap pad  41  between the wearer&#39;s  20  waist and/or body and the waist webbing strap  17  such that the waist webbing strap  17  tightens or pulls underweight into the waist strap padding  41  and not into the wearer&#39;s  20  body making wearing the three-position child carrier  100  more comfortable for the wearer  20 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  5 A and  5 B , there is illustrated one example of the front-carry position  202  configuration. In an exemplary embodiment,  FIG.  5 A  illustrates a front view of a wearer  20  carrying a child  19  in the front-carry position.  FIG.  5 B  illustrates a back view of a wearer  20  carrying a child  19  in the front-carry position. 
     Child  19  is shown in the front-carry position  202  in which child  19  faces inward towards the wearer  20 . In this configuration, body portion  10  is secured at the top portion by the shoulder strap  1 . The buckle receiver  3 B securely clips with the shoulder strap  1 , buckle  14 A. The shoulder strap  1  runs through the upper channel  2 , then crosses over the upper back of wearer  20  in an “X” or crisscross pattern, attaching buckle  14 B to the opposite side corresponding to buckle receiver  3 A (in the upper portion of the body portion  10 ).  FIG.  2    illustrates the location of the buckle receivers  3 A-B and  FIG.  4 A  illustrated the buckle  14 A-B locations. 
     This configuration offers additional support and reduces stresses placed on the wearer&#39;s  20  shoulders. The waist strap  4  secures the lower portion of the body portion  10  by interconnecting the waist buckle  8  and the waist buckle receiver  18 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the lower part of the body portion  10  can be adjusted to keep the infant&#39;s legs in an M-position, currently considered to be the healthiest formation for hip development. To adjust the size of the body portion  10  for shorter infants  19 , the waist strap  17  can be folded or flipped over the body portion  10 , or secured through a second, higher channel, effectively shortening or lengthening the body portion  10  as need to fit the child  19 . 
     The term “M-position”, in the present invention, is intended to mean the natural clinging position for child  19 . It is also known as the “Spread-Squat”, or “Jockey Position”. This position is recommended as a healthy habit with the child&#39;s  19  thighs spread around the wearer&#39;s  20  torso and the child&#39;s  19  hips are bent so that the knees are in the range of 45 degrees, the hip to thigh bend is in the range of 45 degrees, and the spread of the thighs is in the range of 90 degrees. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the three-position child carrier  100  transitions to a front-carry position  202  by interconnecting the first shoulder strap buckle receiver  3 A and the second buckle  14 B and interconnecting the second shoulder strap buckle receiver  3 B and the first buckle  14 A in a crisscross pattern across the back of the wearer  20  for carrying the child  19 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  6 A and  6 B , there is illustrated one example of a back-carry position  204  configuration. In an exemplary embodiment,  FIG.  6 A  illustrates a side view of a wearer  20  carrying a child  19  and  FIG.  6 B  illustrates a front view of a wearer  20  carrying a child  19 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, shoulder strap  1  goes over the wearer&#39;s  20  shoulders and connects buckle  14 A to the same side corresponding to buckle receiver  3 A and buckle  14 B to the same side corresponding to buckle receiver  3 B to create carrying support much like the straps of a backpack. The waist strap  4  secures the lower portion of the body portion  10  by interconnecting the waist buckle  8  and the waist buckle receiver  18 .  FIG.  2    illustrates the location of the buckle receivers  3 A-B and  FIG.  4 A  illustrates the buckles  14 A-B locations. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the lower part of the body portion  10  can be adjusted to keep the child&#39;s legs in an M-position around the wearer&#39;s  20  such that the child&#39;s  19  legs hangover/around the wearer&#39;s torso and hips. To adjust the size of the body portion  10  for a shorter child  19 , the waist strap  17  while in the lower channel  5  can be folded or flipped over the body portion  10 , or secured through a second, higher lower channel when there are multiple lower channels to choose from to effectively shortening, lengthening, or otherwise adjust the body portion  10  as needed to fit the child  19 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the three-position child carrier  100  transitions to a back-carry position  204  by interconnecting the first shoulder strap buckle receiver  3 A and the first buckle  14 A and interconnecting the second shoulder strap buckle receiver  3 B and the second buckle  14 B over each shoulder of the wearer to carry child  19 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  7 A and  7 B  there is illustrated one example of the hip-carry position  206  configuration. In an exemplary embodiment,  FIG.  7 A  illustrates a front view of the hip-carry position  206 , and  FIG.  7 B  illustrates a side view of the three-position child carrier configured in the hip-carry position  206 . 
     In the hip carrier position  206 , the three-position child carrier  100  is secured with the shoulder strap  1  in a configuration forming a circle around the wearer&#39;s  20  shoulder by connecting to itself by way of interconnecting buckle  14 B and the buckle receiver  15  to create a single looped shoulder strap  1 . The shoulder strap receivers  3 A and  3 B are left unconnected in the hip-carry position  206 . The waist strap  4  secures the lower portion of the body portion  10  by interconnecting the waist buckle  8  and the waist buckle receiver  18  around the waist of the wearer  20 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the three-position child carrier  100  transitions to a hip-carry position  206  by interconnecting the shoulder strap  1  to itself. In this regard, the buckle receiver  15  and the second buckle  14 B are interconnected forming a continuous shoulder strap  1  loop over one shoulder of the wearer  20 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  8    there is illustrated one example of a method of adjustably wearing a three-position child carrier  100 . In an exemplary embodiment, the method begins in step  402  where a body portion  10  can be selected. Such body portion  10  selection can include ensuring the correct body portion  10  fit for the child  19 . One method of checking the correct body portion  10  fit is to layout the body portion  10  and lay the child  19  down on the body portion  10  to verify that the top channel  5  aligns with the child&#39;s  19  shoulders and the bottom channel  5  aligns right below the child&#39;s  19  hips so that the waist band  4  will rest under the child&#39;s  19  buttocks while riding in the three-part child carrier  100 . Other body portion  10  selection criteria can include colors, styles, body portion  10  materials, fashion and design preferences, weather, temperature, and other selection criteria, as may be required and/or desired in a particular embodiment. 
     In step  404 , the shoulder strap  1  and waist strap  4  are inserted into the upper channel  2  and lower channel  5  respectively. The waist strap  4  can then be secured around the wearer&#39;s  20  waist in step  406  and selectively adjusted for fit by way of repositioning along the waist webbing strap  17  the waist buckle  8  and/or the waist buckle receiver  18 , in step  408 . 
     In step  410 , the shoulder strap  1  is configured for the desired carry position such as front-carry position  202  as illustrated in  FIGS.  5 A and  5 B , back-carry position  204  as illustrated in  FIGS.  6 A and  6 B , or hip-carry position  206  as illustrated in  FIGS.  7 A and  7 B . 
     In step  412 , child  19  is then positioned next to the wearer&#39;s  20  body and in step  414 , shoulder strap  1  is brought over the wearer&#39;s  20  shoulders, wherein the body portion  10  wraps over the infant&#39;s  19  body. The buckle  14 A-B, shoulder strap buckle receiver  3 A-B, and/or the buckle receiver  15  are interconnected as required by the carry position  202 ,  204 , or  206  selected and adjusted as required to promote comfortable wearing by the wearer  20  and child  19 , in step  416 . 
     In step  418 , the correct safe and secure fit is verified for the wearer  20  and child  19 . Such fit verification includes checking for proper fit by examining the child&#39;s  19  positionings including hips, legs, torso, arms, face, and head. This includes checking the hips for the M-position, ensuring legs and arms are free of pressure and restriction, the face is clear and the infant can breathe freely, and the head is close enough to the wearer&#39;s face to “kiss” in a front-carry position  202 . The wearer  20  must also ensure the child  19  stays secure as the wearer  20  moves. The method is then exited. 
     Additional, exemplary embodiments that can be interchangeably used with the methods of the present invention include additional steps of removing child  19  from the three-position child carrier  100  in step  420 , unfastening the buckles in step  422 , and sliding the shoulder strap  1  and/or the waist strap  4  out of the upper channel  2  and lower channel  5  respectively in step  422 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  9   , there is illustrated one example of a method of using a three-position child carrier  100  to carry a child  19 . In an exemplary embodiment, the method of using a three-position child carrier begins in step  502  where a three-position child carrier  100  transitions to a front-carry position  202  by interconnecting a first shoulder strap buckle receiver  3 A and a second buckle  14 B and interconnecting a second shoulder strap buckle receiver  3 B and a first buckle  14 A in a crisscross pattern across the back of the wearer  20 . 
     A body portion  10  comprising a front surface, a back surface, a top edge, a left edge, a right edge, a fold stitching  25 , an upper channel stitching  34 , a bottom channel stitching  35 , and a bottom edge  43 . 
     A first tether strap  9 A comprising a first shoulder strap buckle receiver  3 A on one end, the first tether strap  9 A is fastened to the body portion  10  proximate the left edge  32  below the fold stitching  25 . A second tether strap  9 B comprising a second shoulder strap buckle receiver  3 B on one end, the second tether strap  9 B is fastened to the body portion  10  proximate the right edge  33  below the fold stitching  25 . 
     An upper channel is formed between the fold stitching  25  and the upper channel stitching  34 . A lower channel is formed between the bottom edge  43  and the bottom channel stitching  35 . 
     A shoulder strap  1  is fitted through the upper channel  2 . Shoulder strap  1  comprising a webbing strap  13  having a first end, a second end. The first buckle  14 A is secured to the first end, the second buckle  14 B is secured to the second end, and a buckle receiver  15  is attached between the first buckle  14 A and the second buckle  14 B. 
     Or, in step  504 , the three-position child carrier transitions to a back-carry position  204  by interconnecting the first shoulder strap buckle receiver  3 A and the first buckle  14 A, and interconnecting the second shoulder strap buckle receiver  3 B and the second buckle  14 B over each shoulder of the wearer  20 . 
     Or, in step  506 , the three-position child carrier transitions to a hip-carry position  206  by interconnecting the buckle receiver  15  and the second buckle  14 B over one shoulder of the wearer  20 . 
     And, in step  508 , a waist strap  4  is secured around the waist of a wearer  20 . The waist strap  4  is fitted through the lower channel  5 . The waist strap  4  comprises a waist webbing strap  17  having a first waist webbing strap end and a second waist webbing strap end. A waist buckle  8  is secured to the first waist webbing strap end and a waist buckle receiver  18  is secured to the second waist webbing strap end. The waist buckle  8  and the waist buckle receiver  18  interconnect. 
     Additional, exemplary embodiments that can be interchangeably used with the methods of the present invention include additional steps in  510  of adjusting the length of the waist strap  4  by repositioning the waist buckle  8  or the waist buckle receiver  18 . In step  512 , adjusting the length of the shoulder strap  1  by repositioning the first buckle  14 A and/or the second buckle  14 B, or the buckle receiver  15 . And, in step  514 , wherein the first shoulder strap buckle receiver  3 A, the second shoulder strap buckle receiver  3 B, and the buckle receiver  15  are interchangeable for buckles, and the first buckle  14 A and the second buckle  14 B are interchangeable for buckle receivers such that the shoulder strap  1  interconnects and secures the body portion  10  in the front-carry position  202  and the back-carry position  204  and the shoulder strap  1  interconnects with itself forming a continuous loop in the hip-carry position  206 . 
     The flow diagrams depicted herein are just examples. There may be many variations to these diagrams or the steps (or operations) described therein without departing from the spirit of the invention. For instance, the steps may be performed in a differing order, or steps may be added, deleted, or modified. All of these variations are considered a part of the claimed invention. 
     While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been described, it will be understood that those skilled in the art, both now and in the future, may make various improvements and enhancements.