Child carrier

Abstract

Child carrying device (1), comprising: a support structure (100) having a front portion (110) and a rear portion (120) defining a receiving space (114) therebetween; a seat unit (200) suspended between the front portion (110) and the rear portion (120) to form a shell-like seat structure, wherein the seat unit (200) has a height-adjustable seat middle section (202) adapted to support a child (500) at a predetermined seat height, and wherein the seat unit (200) has thigh support sections (270, 280) each providing a thigh support surface (271, 281) for a respective thigh of a child, wherein the thigh support sections (270, 280) are coupled to the seat center section (202) in such a way that an adjustment of the seat height simultaneously leads to an adjustment of the thigh support surface (271, 281), wherein the seat middle section (202) has a rear main seat section (203) on which, in use, most of the body weight of the child (500) rests, and a front secondary seat section (205) extending forward from the rear main seat section (203) and which, in use, is located between the legs of the child (500), wherein the thigh support sections (270, 280) are at least partially coupled to the front secondary seat section (205), wherein each of the thigh support portions (270, 280) extends laterally away from opposite portions of the seat center portion (202), thereby forming a wrap-around portion (279, 289), wherein each wrapping portion (279, 289) at least partially supports an outer region of a thigh of the child when a child is seated in the child carrier (1).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELDThe present disclosure relates generally to devices for carrying children. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to back-worn infant carriers.BACKGROUNDChild carrying devices have been used for years to carry children such that the wearer has both hands free. Various child-carrying devices are known in the art, for example of the type used for walking. Typically, such child-carrying devices have a similar construction to a backpack. However, instead of a luggage compartment, there is a seat arrangement on this backpack in which a child can be seated and carried. However, child carrying devices known from the prior art have the problem that it is difficult to optimally adjust the seat arrangement for children of different sizes.SUMMARYThere is therefore a need for an improved infant carrier apparatus that addresses the above disadvantages.According to the present disclosure, there is provided a child carrier apparatus according to independent claim 1. Advantageous further developments are the subject of the dependent claims.Moreover, other desirable features and characteristics will become apparent from the summary and detailed description and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.According to one aspect, a child carrier device is provided that can be easily adapted to children of different sizes. The adaptability of the infant carrier according to the present disclosure may be such that when a seat height is adjusted, a thigh wearing portion is also adjusted simultaneously. In this way, adjustment of the seat height results in simultaneous adjustment of a wing for supporting one of the children's thighs. Thus, when the seat height is adjusted, further adjustment of the seat to the size of the child is achieved simultaneously.In another aspect, a removable seat unit and a child carrier device including such a removable seat unit are disclosed. The seat assembly may be adaptable to children of different sizes, as previously described or as will be described in more detail below. However, a removable seat unit need not necessarily have the flexibility described herein, or may only have selected features for adapting the seat unit and the child carrier to children of different sizes, for example features that allow height adjustment of the seat unit. For example, the seat unit may be configured without the thigh support portions described herein, although other features as described herein may be provided to the seat unit if desired, particularly features related to the detachable attachment of the seat unit or features that allow adjustment of the seat height.In another aspect, a side support portion and a child carrier apparatus having such a side support portion are disclosed. The side support portion may be configured as described below. The side support portion may be provided on a seat unit fixedly mounted in the infant carrier or may be provided on the detachable seat unit as described herein. At least some features and components of the side support portion may be provided on the seat unit. If such a seat unit is removable, these features and components can also be removed from the child carrier device together with the seat unit.Embodiments of child support devices, seat units, and side support portions are described below and may include one or more of the features and characteristics described herein. The embodiments may be combined as appropriate.The child carrier device may comprise a support structure. The support structure may include a front portion and a rear portion. An accommodation space may be defined between the front portion and the rear portion. More specifically, the front portion and the rear portion may define an accommodation space.In some embodiments, a seat unit described herein may be provided, and in some embodiments, the infant carrier may also include such a seat unit. The seat unit may be suspendable or suspended between the front portion and the rear portion. The seat unit may form a cup-like seat structure. At least a portion of the seat structure may be cup-shaped or trough-shaped. The seat unit can also have a seat center section, preferably a height-adjustable seat center section. The seat center portion may be configured to support a child at a predetermined seat height.In some embodiments, the seat unit may include thigh wearing portions. The thigh wearing portions may each provide a thigh wearing surface for a respective thigh of a child. The thigh wearing sections can be coupled to the seat middle section in such a way that an adjustment of the seat height simultaneously leads to an adjustment of the thigh wearing surface. At least the seat center portion may be made of a flexible and non-elastic material, for example a fabric. In this way, the seat center portion may be bendable but non-stretchable in length.In some embodiments, the seat center portion may include a rear main seat portion. When the child carrier is in use, i.e., when a child is seated in the child carrier, the rear main seat portion can carry most of the body weight of the child. In some embodiments, the seat center portion may further include a front secondary seat portion. The front secondary seat portion may extend forward from the rear main seat portion. When the child carrier is in use, the front secondary seat portion is located between the legs of the child. The thigh support portions may be at least partially coupled to the front secondary seat portion.In some embodiments, the seat unit may have a flexible planar structure. The flexible planar structure may define the seating structure. The flexible sheet structure may be suspended such that the main seat portion is U-shaped when viewed from the front. Further, the planar structure may be suspended such that, when viewed from the front, the front secondary seat portion may form a W shape together with the thigh wearing portions, because the front secondary seat portion may be fixed to form a central upper portion of the W shape, and because the thigh wearing portions may be fixed to opposite sides of the front secondary seat portion to form the outer upper ends of the W shape. The thigh wearing portions may define the lower portions of the W shape, thereby forming the recessed portions of the W shape in which the thigh can be accommodated. Such recessed portions may be referred to as leg loops, wrapping portions of the thigh wearing portions.Each of the thigh support portions may extend laterally away from opposing portions of the seat center portion, thereby forming a wrapping portion, which may also be referred to as a leg strap. Each wrapping portion may at least partially support an exterior of a thigh of a child when the child is seated in the child support device.At least each thigh support portion of the seat unit may have a fabric structure.Each thigh support portion may include a front edge portion facing the front portion of the support structure. The leading edge portion may at least partially define a leading end of the femoral wing. The front edge portion may at least partially comprise padding. The leading edge portion may include a band extending along the leading edge portion. Such a band may provide reinforcement.Each thigh support portion may include a first end portion attached to the seat center portion. The first end portion may be sewn to the seat center portion or formed integrally therewith, for example. In addition, each thigh wearing portion may have a second end portion fixed to the child wearing apparatus at a fixing portion located away from the seat center portion.In some embodiments, the infant carrier device may comprise at least one side support portion, preferably two side support portions. Each side support portion protects a child seated in the child carrier from falling out sideways. The above-mentioned fixing portion may be provided at a side support portion.In some embodiments, at least one side support portion may include at least one first pivotable member. The first pivotable member may be pivotally supported at its first end portion to one of the front portion of the support structure and the rear portion of the support structure and may be detachably coupled at its second end portion to the other of the front portion and the rear portion to at least partially laterally define the accommodation space. In some embodiments, at least one side support portion can be formed in two parts. The two-part side support portion may include a second pivotable member connectable to the first pivotable member in an overlapping manner. A connection between the second pivotable member and the first pivotable member may be established with a connection device such as a buckle. The first pivotable component can have a receiving portion, for example in the form of a pocket, for receiving a free end portion of the second pivotable component. The second pivotable component may be stiffer than the first pivotable component.In some embodiments, each side support portion may include at least one attachment member for attaching an accessory, such as a cushion. The at least one fastening member may be provided at an upper portion of the side support portion. For example, the fastening component can have a fastening loop.In some embodiments, a removable seat unit is provided. The seat unit may be detachably mounted on the support structure. In this way, it is possible to replace the seat unit if it is damaged or to remove it from the supporting structure for cleaning purposes.The seat center portion may include a first attachment portion. The seat center portion may be detachably coupled to the front portion via the first attachment portion. The first fastening section preferably has a first component of a first form-fitting connection. For example, the first component may be a component of a buckle, such as a click or snap buckle.The seat means portion may comprise a second attachment portion that enables the seat means portion to be removably coupled to the rear portion on the support structure. The second fastening section preferably has a first component of a second form-fitting connection, for example a component of a piping connection, for example a piping rail or a piping.The first component of the second positive-locking connection can have a piping and the rear section can have a rail for receiving the piping. The rail can be accessible via a lateral insertion opening which is formed in the supporting structure and has a dimension which enables the first component, for example the piping, to be inserted transversely with respect to the longitudinal direction of the rail, such that the first component can be inserted laterally into the rail. The insertion opening may be provided at a predetermined distance from an end of the rail. This allows the first component, when inserted into the rail, to be at least partially accommodated on opposite sides of the insertion opening in the rail, so as to prevent the piping from coming off the rail.In some embodiments, the front portion of the support structure may include a height adjustment mechanism. The height adjustment mechanism makes it possible to adjust the fastening height of the first fastening portion between a first height position and a second height position.The height adjustment mechanism may be configured such that the mounting height of the first mounting portion is continuously adjustable. The height adjustment mechanism may comprise a closed loop. The closed loop can be guided on an upper guide and a lower guide. The upper guide may include a releasable locking arrangement having a self-locking function. The locking of the releasable locking arrangement can be canceled by an actuation of a user. In particular, the locking arrangement can have a release component, for example a lever, which can be actuated by the user in order to cancel the locking. The first attachment portion may be removably coupled to the closed loop. In particular, a coupling component can be permanently fastened to the closed loop. The attachment portion is engageable with the coupling member to be detachably coupled to the coupling member. Padding for covering the height adjustment mechanism, in particular for covering the upper guide including the releasable locking arrangement, may be provided.In some embodiments, the support structure may include a rigid frame. Accordingly, the child carrier may be a frame-type child carrier. The frame may be made of aluminium profiles. Alternatively, the frame may be made of profiles made of other light metals or alloys.Additional features and advantages of the above aspects and embodiments can be derived by a person skilled in the art from the following description of exemplary embodiments, which, however, should not be interpreted as restrictive, reference being made to the attached drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSThe present invention will be described below in conjunction with the following drawing figures, wherein like reference numerals designate like elements. FIG. 1 is a front view of a seat unit according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a rear view of the seat unit shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a child carrier device according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 shows an upper part of the child carrier device shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 5 illustrates the supporting principle according to the present disclosure. FIG. 6 schematically shows a possible type of suspension of the seat unit on the supporting structure. FIG. 7 shows a view of the child carrier from above, wherein the child carrier has a setting for a small child. FIG. 8 shows a view of the child carrier from above, wherein the child carrier has a setting for a large child. FIG. 9 schematically shows a rear portion of the support structure according to an embodiment. FIG. 10 shows an enlarged sectional view of the rear section of the supporting structure in the region of an insertion opening. FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of a child carrier device according to a further embodiment. FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of a child carrier device according to a further embodiment.All figures are only schematic representations of exemplary embodiments in which, in particular, distances and dimensional relationships are not shown to scale.DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTSThe following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the application and uses. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any theory set forth in the foregoing background or summary or the following detailed description.FIG. 1 is a front view of a seat unit 200 according to an embodiment. FIG. 1 shows the seat unit 200 positioned on a planar surface. In particular, FIG. 1 shows an inner side of the seat unit 200. FIG. 2 is a rear view of the seat unit 200 according to the embodiment, which is positioned flat on a planar surface. Specifically, FIG. 2 shows an outer side of the seat unit 200. The seat unit 200 may include a flexible surface structure 201 defining the seat unit.The seat unit 200 includes a seat center portion 202. The seat center portion 202 may include a rear main seat portion 203 and a front secondary seat portion 205. In addition, the seat center portion 202 may include a back support portion 207, which may also be referred to as a backrest portion. The seat center portion 202 may be made of a flexible and non-elastic material which allows it to flex but substantially prevent any length change of the seat center portion. The transitions between the rear main seat portion 203 and the front secondary portion 205 may be seamless or may be provided by a seam.The main seat portion 203 may be the portion that carries most of the body weight of the child when the seat unit 200 is used, i.e., when a child is seated in the seat unit 200, according to an embodiment. The main seat portion 203 can therefore also be referred to as a buttocks wearing portion, since it is mainly configured to wear the buttocks of the child.The front secondary seat portion 205 may extend forward from the rear main seat portion 203. The front secondary seat portion 205 may therefore be located forward of the rear main seat portion 203. The front secondary seat portion 205 may be located between the legs of the child when the seat unit 200 is used. The main seat portion 203 and the secondary seat portion 205 may together form a saddle-like seat structure.The back support portion 207 may be provided on a side of the main seat portion 203 opposite to the side on which the front secondary seat portion 205 extends from the main seat portion 203. Thus, the seat center portion 202 can be formed by the back support portion 207, the main seat portion 203, and the secondary seat portion 205 in this order in the forward direction. The back support portion 207 includes a strap assembly 230 that serves to secure the child within the seat unit 200.The belt assembly 230 may include two shoulder belts 231, 232 that may be coupled together by a two-part chest belt 233. The shoulder straps 231, 232 may be removably attached to the back support portion 207. The shoulder straps 231, 232 may each have an upper end portion 234, 235 that may be removably attached to the back support portion 207. For example, each upper end portion 234, 235 may be coupled to the back support portion 207 by a buckle connection 236, 238 (see FIGS. 7 and 8 ). The buckle connections 236, 238 may be provided to be accessible from above to separate the upper end portions 234, 235 from the back support portion 207. In particular, the buckle connections 236, 238 may be located behind a seat cushion portion 237 and thus may be concealed or provided, for example, on the outside of the back support portion 207. In addition, each of the shoulder straps 231, 232 may have a lower end portion 239, 240 which may also be removably attached to the back support portion 207. The lower end portions 239, 240 may be coupled to the back support portion 207 in a similar manner as the upper end portions 234, 235, for example, with a buckle connection (not shown). The shoulder straps 231, 232 may be adjustable in length to accommodate the shoulder straps 231, 232 to the size of a child.A fastening portion 204 may be provided on the front secondary seat portion 205, more specifically on its front end portion 206, which may also be referred to as a front longitudinal end portion. More specifically, the fixing portion 204 is provided on the outside of the secondary seat portion 205. According to the present embodiment, the fastening portion 204 for detachably fastening the seat center portion 202 may be provided on a front portion 110 of a support structure 100 of a child carrier 1, as shown in FIG. 3 and indicated in FIG. 6. The support structure 100 and the child carrier 1 will be described in more detail later. In the present embodiment, the attachment portion 204 may include a coupling member 290, exemplarily shown as a plug part of a buckle assembly. The coupling member 290 may include two lateral locking portions and may be releasably locked in a coupling member 101, for example a receiving portion formed as a plug receiving part of the buckle assembly provided on the support structure 100. The coupling member 290 may be provided on the attachment portion by a strap 291. A cushioned member 292 may be provided on the strap to provide a soft chest support for the child.Two fastening portions 208 are provided on the back support portion 207 to detachably fasten the back support portion 207 and thus the seat center portion 202 to a rear portion 120 of the support structure 100 of the infant carrier 1. Each of the two attachment portions 208 may comprise a component of a piping connection. In the embodiment shown, the two fastening portions 208 each comprise a piping 209 which can be inserted through an opening 104 into a rail 102 provided on the support structure 100 (see FIG. 9 ). The piping 209 has a piping flag 210 which, in the embodiment shown, is fastened, for example sewn, to an outer side of the back support section 207. The two fastening portions 208 are respectively located at a lateral end portion 211, 212 of the back support portion 207.As shown in FIG. 2, the piping 209 may extend along a respective lateral edge portion 213, 214. In the embodiment shown, the piping 209 may be configured to extend in a substantially vertical direction when inserted into the respective rail 102 on the support structure 100. As shown in FIG. 9, the rear portion 120 of the support structure 100 may be formed from profiles 113, for example aluminum profiles. The rear portion 120 of the support structure 100 may have the shape of an inverted U with two leg portions 114 extending downwardly from a common bridge portion 115 at the top of the rear portion 120. A rail 102 may be formed in each leg portion. The rail 102 is formed by a recess or groove extending in the longitudinal direction of the leg portions and defining an accommodation space in which the aforementioned piping 209 can be accommodated, and has a slit portion narrower than the accommodation space and adapted to accommodate the aforementioned piping flag 210. FIG. 11 shows an embodiment in which the seat unit 200 is arranged in the support structure 100. The piping 209 is inserted into the rear portion 120, and the piping flag 210 coupling the back support portion 207 to the rear member 120 is visible.In order to allow the piping 209 to be laterally inserted into the accommodation space, an insertion opening 104 is formed in a predetermined area of the slit portion, as shown in FIG. 9, for example. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the insertion opening 104 may be located at a predetermined distance from an end of the rail 102, such that when the piping 209 is inserted into the rail 102, the piping 209 may be at least partially accommodated in the rail 102 on opposite sides of the insertion opening 104, such that the piping 209 is prevented from leaving the rail 102 by itself through the insertion opening 104. This is prevented by a blind hole 105 which is formed in the end portion 103 of the rail 102 and into which an end portion of the piping 209 can slide when the piping 209 is moved upwards.Thus, according to the present embodiment, a seat unit 200 is provided which can be detachably fastened to the support structure 100 by means of the fastening portion 204 and the fastening portions 208 in a suspended manner.Furthermore, the seat unit 200 can have two side support components 250, 260 which at least partially form a side support portion 300, 310 of the child carrier device 1, as exemplarily shown in FIG. 3. In the embodiment shown, each side support member 250, 260 is pivotally attached at its first end portion 251, 261 to the back support portion 207. More specifically, in the embodiment shown, the first end portion 251, 261 of each side support member 250, 260 is pivotally coupled to one of the side edge portions 213, 214. Each side support member 250, 260 may also be referred to as a side wing, as these side support members 250, 260 extend wing-like away from the lateral edge portions 213, 214. Accordingly, each side support member 250, 260 may be pivoted about the side edge portions 213, 214 to allow a user to put a child in the seat unit 200. In other words, a lateral opening can be produced by pivoting one of the side support components 250, 260 outwards.Each side support member 250, 260 may include an upper portion 252, 262 and a lower portion 253, 263. Although not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a fastening member 248 for fastening an accessory 400 may be provided on the upper portions 252, 262, as shown in FIGS. 7, 8, 11 and 12, for example. In the embodiment shown, the fastening component 248 is configured as a fastening loop. Hook members 402 of the accessory 400 may be hooked into the attachment loops to attach the accessory 400 to the attachment members 248. Such an accessory 400 is shown in FIG. 12 in the form of a cushion that is U-shaped and extends, when assembled, from a side support member 250 over the front portion 110 of the support structure 100 to the second side support member to cover the respective upper edge portions of the side support portions 300, 310 and the front portion 110.Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 11, the side support portions 300, 310 may each include two side support members 250, 150 pivotally arranged so as to be overlapped with each other. The side support member 250 may be configured as described above. In addition, the side support member 150 may be pivotally coupled to the front portion 110 so that it may be pivoted to extend toward the rear portion 120, or so that its free end portion 154 is disposed closest to the rear portion 120. The side support member 250 may include a receiving portion 258, such as a pocket, for receiving the free end portion 154 therein. The side support member 150 may have a higher stiffness than the side support member 250 to provide an increased stiffness. The side support member 250 may have padding on its inner side, which increases the comfort of the child. The side support member 250 may include a coupling member 259 engageable with a coupling member 152 provided on the side support member 150 once the end portion 154 is inserted into the pocket 258. In this way, an openable and closable side support portion can be provided.The seat unit 200 may further include two thigh wearing portions 270, 280. The thigh support portions 270, 280 may include thigh support surfaces 271, 281 oriented upward. Each of the thigh support portions 270, 280 may extend laterally away from opposing portions of the seat center portion 202. In use, the thigh support portions may form wrapping portions 279, 289 or leg loops configured to at least partially surround a child's thigh. Each thigh support portion 270, 280 may include a first end portion 274, 284 that is secured to the seat center portion 202. In the embodiment shown, the first end portions 274, 284 are fixedly secured to the seat center portion 202. However, it is also possible to detachably fasten the first end portions 274, 284 to the seat center portion 202, for example by means of a hook and loop fastener or a buckle arrangement.Each thigh support portion 270, 280 may include a second end portion 275, 285 attached to an attachment portion 256, 266 that is spaced from the seat center portion 202. In the embodiment shown, the attachment portion 256, 266 is provided on the lower portions 253, 263 of the side support members 250, 260. In other words, in the embodiment shown, the second end portions 275, 285 are fastened to the lower portions 253, 263 of the side support members 250, 260. A front end of the fastening portion 256, 266 may be provided in the region of a front end portion 254, 264 of the side support members 250, 260. Coupling members 255, 265 may be provided at the front end portion 254, 264 and may be configured to couple the side support members 250, 260 directly or indirectly to the front portion 110, for example, via a coupling member 183 provided at the front portion 110 (see FIG. 4 ). For example, the coupling members 255, 265 may comprise a member of a coupling arrangement, for example one of two mating members of a magnetic connection (see FIG. 4 ), a hook and loop connection or a buckle connection. When the coupling members 255, 265 are coupled to the front portion 110, the side support portions 300, 310 are active and can prevent a child from falling laterally out of the child carrier 1. On the other hand, when the coupling members 255, 265 are uncoupled, the support members 250, 260 can be pivoted outwards to make the interior of the seat accessible.Each thigh support portion 270, 280 has a front edge portion 272, 282 that faces the front portion 110 of the support structure 100. The leading edge portion 272, 282 may at least partially define a leading edge portion of the femoral wing 271, 281. Each front edge portion 272, 282 may include a cushioned portion 273, 283. The padded portions 273, 283 may improve the seating comfort of the child. The cushioned portions 273, 283 may extend from the seat center portion 202 toward the side support members 250, 260. The front edge portion 272, 282 may extend inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction of the seat center portion 202, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in particular inclined with respect to a vertical longitudinal center plane, and may at least partially project substantially straight from the seat center portion when placed on a plane as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In this way, the thigh support portions 270, 280 may form the above-mentioned wrapping portions 279, 289 when the seat unit 200 is attached to the support structure 100 in a suspended manner as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.The front edge portion 272, 282 extends according to the exemplary configuration from the seat central portion 202, more specifically from the front secondary seat portion 205, to the side support members 250, 260, for example to the lower portions 253, 263 of the side support members 250, 260, in particular at a front end portion 254, 264 of the side support members 250, 260. The front rim portion 272, 282 may include the padded portion 273, 283 as described above. Thus, the leading edge portion 272, 282 may have a predetermined width and thus provide at least a portion of the femoral wings 271, 281. A fabric structure 278, 288, for example a mesh or lattice structure, may be disposed between the front edge portion 272, 282, the bottom portion 253, 263, and a lateral portion of the seat center portion 202. Depending on the size of the leading edge portion 272, 282, the fabric structure 278, 288 may be omitted such that there is an opening between the latter mentioned parts instead of the fabric structure. It is noted that the thigh wearing portions 270, 280 may be provided by a flexible sheet structure, for example, a fabric. Further, the seat center portion 202 and the thigh wearing portions 270, 280 may be formed of a flexible sheet structure, and may be formed of a single flexible sheet structure according to a modification. In other words, the seat center portion 202 and the thigh wearing portions 270, 280 may be integrally formed. However, the seat center portion 202 may be formed of another material having different properties.FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the child carrier device 1 with a support structure 100 and with a seat unit 200 which is attached to the support structure 100. FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the child carrier device 1 shown in FIG. 3 obliquely from above and in an open position in which a child can be placed in the seat unit 200. In both figures, it is seen that the seat unit 200 defines a cup-like or shell-like structure when attached to the support structure 100. The seat center portion 202 and the thigh support portions 270, 280 define a pocket-shaped interior space into which the child can be seated.The support structure includes the front portion 110 and the rear portion 120. Furthermore, the child carrier 1 has a carrying strap structure 2 with two shoulder straps 3, 4 and a hip strap 5. The support strap structure is coupled to the front portion 110 and allows a user to support the infant carrier 1 on the back. A floor support 160 is coupled to the rear portion 120 by a hinge 170. The floor support 160 is pivotable between a use position in which it is extended and provides additional floor support portions for the infant carrier 1 and a non-use position in which the floor support 160 is in a retracted position. Furthermore, FIG. 3 shows the child carrier device 1 in a use state in which the side support components 250, 260 are coupled to the front portion 110 and thereby create side support portions 300, 310. Because the thigh support portions 270, 280 are coupled at one end to a lower portion of the side support members and are coupled at the other end to the seat center portion 202, wrapping portions 279, 280 are formed to support the thigh of a child. The wrapping portions provide femoral wings 271, 281.The seat unit 200 is adjustable in height. FIG. 6 shows a schematic illustration of how the seat unit 200 is suspended in the supporting structure 100 and can be adjusted. More specifically, it is shown how the seat center portion 202 is suspended between the front portion 110 and the rear portion 120 in a height-adjustable manner. A height adjustment mechanism 160 is disposed on the front portion 110. The height adjustment mechanism 160 may allow the attachment height of the first attachment portion 204 to be adjusted between a first height position H 1 and a second height position H 2. The height adjustment mechanism 160 may include an upper guide 164 and a lower guide 168. A closed loop 162 is movably tensioned between the upper guide 164 and the lower guide 166 so as to extend substantially vertically. The upper guide 164 may include a releasable locking assembly 170 having a self-locking function, and the locking of the releasable locking assembly 170 may be releasable by actuating a release member 172, such as a lever. As shown in Figure 11, a cushioned portion 174 may be provided for covering the height adjustment mechanism, particularly for covering the upper guide including the releasable detent arrangement. In FIG. 11, the padded portion 174 is hingedly supported to the front portion 110 and shown in a state of being folded outward to allow a user to access the height adjustment mechanism 160. However, the height adjustment mechanism 160 may also be accessible from above without having to remove or pivot away the padded portion 174. In Fig. 4, the height adjustment mechanism is accessible from above. Instead of the padded portion 174, the above-mentioned padded member 292 for covering the height adjusting mechanism or at least parts thereof may be provided on the belt.The front end of the seat center portion 202 is coupled to the loop portion provided on the side of the rear portion 120. For example, the coupling member 290 may be coupled to the loop portion as described above. Thus, by moving the loop, the height position of the coupling member 290 can be changed.Such a change in the position of the coupling member 290 in the vertical direction results in a change in the height of the secondary seat portion 205 and the main seat portion 203. The seat center portion 202 is thus easily unwound on one side. This not only leads to the above-mentioned change in the height of the main seat portion 203 and the secondary seat portion 205, but also leads to a horizontal change in the position of these portions because the seat unit 200 is firmly held on the rear portion 120 by the second fixing portion 208. Therefore, lowering of the coupling member 290 thus leads to a change in position of the secondary seat portion 205 toward the rear portion 120. Since the thigh wearing portions 270, 280 are laterally coupled to the seat main portion 202 as described above, the front edge portions 272, 282 are also moved toward the rear portion 120 so that the distance between the front edge portions 272, 282 and the front portion 110 is increased. In this way, the size and position of the femoral wings 271, 281 is also changed. The latter setting, as described in connection with FIG. 6, can also be clearly seen from FIGS. 7 and 8. FIGS. 7 and 8 show plan views of the child carrier 1 according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 shows a state in which the child wearing apparatus 1 is configured to wear a small child. FIG. 8 shows a state in which the child wearing apparatus 1 is configured to wear a large child. As can be seen directly, the front edge sections 272, 282 of the thigh wearing sections 270, 280 are moved rearward in the direction of the rear section 120 in the state of FIG. 8 and are moved forward in the direction of the front section 110 in the state of FIG. 7. In this way, available femoral wings are changed. In FIG. 7, the seat unit 200 is configured to provide higher support compared to the configuration shown in FIG. 8. Therefore, the front edge portions 272, 282 are arranged closer to the front portion 110 in the state according to FIG. 7 and are arranged at a greater distance from the front portion 110 in the state according to FIG. 8.The functional principle of the present disclosure can also be taken from the illustration according to FIG. 5, in which it is shown on the left side how a smaller child 500 can be carried by the seat unit 200, and it is shown on the right side how a larger child 500 can be carried by the seat unit 200. It may be desirable to support a small child near the knee, thereby supporting substantially all or at least one knee-side end portion of its thighs 502, 504 from below, and at least supporting the buttocks of the child. In this way, ergonomic support of the child is possible, which even allows to keep the child in the so-called frog style, according to which the thighs 502, 504 are angled by more than 90 degrees. By moving the first attachment portion 204 upward, the front edge portions 272, 282 of the thigh support portions 270, 280 are raised, for example, above a position where the main seat portion 203 is disposed and closer to the front portion 110. Accordingly, a thigh support surface with an increased size is provided that allows the thigh of the child to be supported near the knee. The wrapping portions 279, 289 extend near the knee. On the other hand, when the first attachment portion 204 is moved downward, the front edge portions 272, 282 of the thigh wearing portions 270, 280 are lowered, for example, such that the front edge portions 272, 282 are lowered to a position where the main seating portion 203 is disposed or to a lower position. This results in smaller femoral wings supporting only a portion of the infant's thigh, for example less than half the length of the infant's thigh. This makes it possible to wear the child in the riding style. In some configurations, footrest portions 295, 296 may be provided at laterally outer ends of the front portion 110 for supporting the feet of the child.In summary, a child carrier device is configurable in a variety of different configurations, for example with a seat unit that may be removable and / or that is adjustable in height and / or that may include thigh support portions. In particular, a seat unit may be provided which has only one of the latter properties. For example, a removable seat unit may be provided having some of the foregoing features in removability. Further, the support device may comprise at least one of the side support portions as described above in combination with a seat unit as disclosed herein. However, the side support portions may also be used on children's carrying devices with any other seat unit. Examples of some exemplary configurations are provided below in addition to the configurations as set forth in the appended claims. These example configurations may be supplemented or combined with features and characteristics as described above and / or as described in the appended claims.A first exemplary configuration of a child carrier 1 may include a support structure 100 and a seat unit 200, the seat unit 200 being detachably attached to the support structure 100. The support structure may include a front portion 110 and a rear portion 120 defining an accommodation space 114 therebetween, and the seat unit 200 may be suspendable between the front portion 110 and the rear portion 120 to form a dish-like seat structure. To this end, the seat unit 200 may include a first attachment portion 204 at a front end portion thereof and a second attachment portion 208 at a rear portion thereof. The first attachment portion 204 may be removably coupled to the front portion 110 by a first positive fit connection or snap fit connection. The second attachment portion 204 may be removably coupled to the rear portion 120 via a second positive fit connection or snap fit connection. A form-fitting connection can be provided in different ways. For example, a piping compound may be used. The seat unit may optionally be structured as described herein with reference to the embodiments and may thus optionally comprise thigh support portions, for example.A second basic configuration of a child carrier 1 may include a support structure 100, a seat unit 200, and at least one side support portion 300, 310 that protects a child seated in the child carrier 1 from falling out laterally. The at least one side support portion 300, 310 may be formed with two parts, a first side support portion and a second side support portion, that are attachable to each other in an overlapping manner. One of the two parts may be pivotally coupled directly or indirectly to the front portion of the support structure and the other of the two parts may be pivotally coupled directly or indirectly to the rear portion of the support structure. For example, at least one of the two parts can be coupled directly to the seat unit. One of the two parts may have a receiving portion, for example a pocket, for receiving a free end portion of the other of the two parts. One of the two parts may be more rigid than the other or generally may have increased stiffness to increase the overall stiffness of a side support portion. The two parts may be coupled by a connection arrangement as described in the embodiments herein. The seat unit may optionally be structured as described herein with reference to the embodiments and may thus optionally comprise thigh support portions, for example.In summary, it is pointed out that the terms such as "comprising" or the like are not intended to exclude the provision of additional components or steps. It is further noted that "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. Moreover, features described in connection with the different embodiments may be combined with each other as desired. It is also noted that the reference numerals in the claims should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the claims. Moreover, while at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the summary and detailed description above, it should be understood that there are a large number of variations.It is also to be understood that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration in any way. Rather, the foregoing summary and detailed description provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing an exemplary embodiment, and it is understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements described in an exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope as set forth in the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Claims

A child support device (1) comprising: a support structure (100) having a front portion (110) and a rear portion (120) defining a receiving space (114) therebetween; a seat unit (200) suspended between the front portion (110) and the rear portion (120) to form a dish-like seat structure, wherein the seat unit (200) comprises a height adjustable seat center portion (202) adapted to support a child (500) at a predetermined seat height, and wherein the seat unit (200) comprises thigh support portions (270, 280) each providing a thigh support surface (271, 281) for a respective thigh of a child, wherein the thigh support portions (270, 280) are coupled to the seat center portion (202) such that an adjustment of the seat height is concurrent with an adjustment of the thigh support surface (271, 281), 281), wherein the seat center portion (202) comprises a rear main seat portion (203) on which, in use, most of the body weight of the child (500) rests, and a front secondary seat portion (205) which extends forwardly from the rear main seat portion (203) and which, in use, is located between the legs of the child (500), the thigh support portions (270, 280) being at least partially coupled to the front secondary seat portion (205), each of the thigh support portions (270, 280) extending laterally away from opposite portions of the seat center portion (202), thereby forming a wrapping portion (279, 289), each wrapping portion (279, 289) at least partially supporting an outer region of a thigh of the child, when a child is seated in the child carrying device (1).A child support device (1) comprising: a support structure (100) having a front portion (110) and a rear portion (120) defining a receiving space (114) therebetween; a seat unit (200) suspended between the front portion (110) and the rear portion (120) to form a dish-like seat structure, wherein the seat unit (200) comprises a height adjustable seat center portion (202) adapted to support a child (500) at a predetermined seat height, and wherein the seat unit (200) comprises thigh support portions (270, 280) each providing a thigh support surface (271, 281) for a respective thigh of a child, wherein the thigh support portions (270, 280) are coupled to the seat center portion (202) such that an adjustment of the seat height is concurrent with an adjustment of the thigh support surface (271, 281), 281), wherein the seat center portion (202) comprises a rear main seat portion (203) on which, in use, most of the body weight of the child (500) rests, and a front secondary seat portion (205) which extends forwardly from the rear main seat portion (203) and which, in use, is located between the legs of the child (500), wherein the main seat portion (203) and the secondary seat portion (205) together form a saddle-like seat structure, wherein the thigh support portions (270, 280) are at least partially coupled to the front secondary seat portion (205), wherein each of the thigh support portions (270, 280) extends laterally away from opposite portions of the seat center portion (202), thereby forming a wrapping portion (279, 289), wherein each wrapping portion (279, 289) is formed, 289) at least partially supports an outer area of a thigh of the child when a child is seated in the child support device (1).A child support device (1) comprising: a support structure (100) having a front portion (110) and a rear portion (120) defining a receiving space (114) therebetween; a seat unit (200) suspended between the front portion (110) and the rear portion (120) to form a dish-like seat structure, wherein the seat unit (200) comprises a height adjustable seat center portion (202) adapted to support a child (500) at a predetermined seat height, and wherein the seat unit (200) comprises thigh support portions (270, 280) each providing a thigh support surface (271, 281) for a respective thigh of a child, wherein the thigh support portions (270, 280) are coupled to the seat center portion (202) such that an adjustment of the seat height is concurrent with an adjustment of the thigh support surface (271, 281), 281), wherein the seat center portion (202) comprises a rear main seat portion (203) on which most of the body weight of the child (500) rests in use, a front secondary seat portion (205) which extends forwardly from the rear main seat portion (203) and which is located between the legs of the child (500) in use, and a back support portion (207) which is provided on a side of the main seat portion (203) opposite to the side on which the front secondary seat portion (205) extends from the main seat portion (203), the main seat portion (203) and the secondary seat portion (205) together forming a saddle-like seat structure, a transition between the rear main seat portion (203) and the front secondary portion (205) being seamless, wherein the back support portion (207) includes a strap assembly (230) for securing the child within the seat unit (200), the thigh support portions (270, 280) being at least partially coupled to the secondary front seat portion (205), each of the thigh support portions (270, 280) extending laterally away from opposing portions of the seat center portion (202), thereby forming a wrapping portion (279, 289), each wrapping portion (279, 289) at least partially supporting an exterior of a thigh of the child when a child is seated within the child support device (1).A child support device (1) comprising: a support structure (100) having a front portion (110) and a rear portion (120) defining a receiving space (114) therebetween; a seat unit (200) suspended between the front portion (110) and the rear portion (120) to form a dish-like seat structure, wherein the seat unit (200) includes a height adjustable seat center portion (202) adapted to support a child (500) at a predetermined seat height, and wherein the seat unit (200) includes thigh support portions (270, 280) each providing a thigh support surface (271, 281) for supporting a respective thigh of a child, wherein each thigh support portion (270, 280) includes a front edge portion (272, 282), which faces the front portion (110) of the support structure (100) and at least partially defines a front end of the thigh support surface (271, 281), wherein the thigh support portions (270, 280) are coupled to the seat center portion (202) such that an adjustment of the seat height simultaneously results in an adjustment of the thigh support surface (271, 281) and a change of the position of the front edge portions (272, 282), wherein the seat unit (200) is configured such that an adjustment of the seat height upward moves the front edge portions (272, 282) upward and closer to the front portion (110) of the support structure (100) in order to provide support of the thighs closer to the knees and to hold the child in a frog style in which the thighs of the child are angled more than 90 degrees, and, wherein adjusting the seat height downward moves the front edge portions (272, 282) downward and away from the front portion (110) of the support structure (100) to provide support of the thighs further away from the knees and to maintain the child in a riding style in which the thighs of the child are angled less than 90 degrees.A child carrier (100) comprising: a carrier structure (100) having a front portion (110) and a rear portion (120) defining a receiving space (114) therebetween; a seat unit (200) suspended between the front portion (110) and the rear portion (120) to form a dish-like seat structure, two side support portions (300, 310) protecting a child seated in the child carrier (1) from falling laterally, wherein at least one side support portion (300) comprises a first pivotable side support member (250, 260) pivotally supported at its first end portion (251, 261) at the rear portion (120) of the carrier structure (100) and a second pivotable side support member (250, 260) pivotally coupled to the front portion (120) of the carrier structure (100), wherein the second pivotable side support member (250, 260), 260) connectable to the first pivotable side support member (250, 260) in an overlapping manner, wherein the first pivotable side support member (250, 260) comprises a receiving portion (258) for receiving a free end portion (154) of the second pivotable side support member (150).A child carrier (100) comprising: a carrier structure (100) having a front portion (110) and a rear portion (120) defining a receiving space (114) therebetween; a seat unit (200) suspended between the front portion (110) and the rear portion (120) to form a dish-like seat structure, two side support portions (300, 310) protecting a child seated in the child carrier (1) from falling laterally, wherein at least one side support portion (300) comprises a first pivotable side support member (250, 260) pivotally supported at its first end portion (251, 261) at the rear portion (120) of the carrier structure (100) and a second pivotable side support member (250, 260) pivotally coupled to the front portion (120) of the carrier structure (100), wherein the second pivotable side support member (250, 260), 260) connectable to the first pivotable side support member (250, 260) in an overlapping manner, wherein the first pivotable side support member (250, 260) comprises a receiving portion (258) for receiving a free end portion (154) of the second pivotable side support member (150), and wherein the second pivotable side support member (150) is formed more rigid than the first pivotable side support member (250).A child carrier (100) comprising: a carrier structure (100) having a front portion (110) and a rear portion (120) defining a receiving space (114) therebetween; a seat unit (200) suspended between the front portion (110) and the rear portion (120) to form a dish-like seat structure, two side support portions (300, 310) protecting a child seated in the child carrier (1) from falling laterally, wherein at least one side support portion (300) comprises a first pivotable side support member (250, 260) pivotally supported at its first end portion (251, 261) at the rear portion (120) of the carrier structure (100) and a second pivotable side support member (250, 260) pivotally coupled to the front portion (120) of the carrier structure (100), wherein the second pivotable side support member (250, 260), 260) is connectable to the first pivotable side support member (250, 260) in an overlapping manner, wherein the first pivotable side support member (250, 260) comprises a pocket (258) for receiving a free end portion (154) of the second pivotable side support member (150), and wherein the first pivotable side support member (250, 260) comprises a coupling member (259), wherein the second pivotable side support member (150) comprises a coupling member (152), and wherein the coupling members (259, 150) are engageable once the end portion (154) of the second pivotable side support member (150) is received in the pocket (258).A child support device (1) comprising: a support structure (100) having a front portion (110) and a rear portion (120) defining a receiving space (114) therebetween; a seat unit (200) suspended between the front portion (110) and the rear portion (120) to form a dish-like seat structure, wherein the seat unit (200) comprises a height adjustable seat center portion (202) adapted to support a child (500) at a predetermined seat height, and wherein the seat unit (200) comprises thigh support portions (270, 280) each providing a thigh support surface (271, 281) for a respective thigh of a child, wherein the thigh support portions (270, 280) are coupled to the seat center portion (202) such that an adjustment of the seat height is concurrent with an adjustment of the thigh support surface (271, 281), 281), wherein the seat center portion (202) comprises a rear main seat portion (203) on which, in use, most of the body weight of the child (500) rests, and a front secondary seat portion (205) which extends forwardly from the rear main seat portion (203) and which, in use, is located between the legs of the child (500), the thigh support portions (270, 280) being at least partially coupled to the front secondary seat portion (205), each of the thigh support portions (270, 280) extending laterally away from opposite portions of the seat center portion (202), thereby forming a wrapping portion (279, 289), each wrapping portion (279, 289) at least partially supporting an outer region of a thigh of the child, when a child is seated in the child carrier (1), each thigh carrier portion (270, 280) having a front edge portion (272, 282) facing the front portion (110) and at least partially defining a front end of the thigh carrier surface (271, 281), the front edge portion (272, 282) having a cushioned portion (273, 283), and each thigh carrier portion (270, 280) having a first end portion (274, 284) attached to the seat center portion (202) and a second end portion (275, 285) attached to the child carrier (1) at an attachment portion (256, 266) located away from the seat center portion (202).A child support device (1) comprising: a support structure (100) having a front portion (110) and a rear portion (120) defining a receiving space (114) therebetween; a seat unit (200) suspended between the front portion (110) and the rear portion (120) to form a dish-like seat structure, wherein the seat unit (200) comprises a height adjustable seat center portion (202) adapted to support a child (500) at a predetermined seat height, and wherein the seat unit (200) comprises thigh support portions (270, 280) each providing a thigh support surface (271, 281) for a respective thigh of a child, wherein the thigh support portions (270, 280) are coupled to the seat center portion (202) such that an adjustment of the seat height is concurrent with an adjustment of the thigh support surface (271, 281), 281), wherein the seat center portion (202) comprises a rear main seat portion (203) on which, in use, most of the body weight of the child (500) rests, and a front secondary seat portion (205) which extends forwardly from the rear main seat portion (203) and which, in use, is located between the legs of the child (500), the thigh support portions (270, 280) being at least partially coupled to the front secondary seat portion (205), each of the thigh support portions (270, 280) extending laterally away from opposite portions of the seat center portion (202), thereby forming a wrapping portion (279, 289), each wrapping portion (279, 289) at least partially supporting an outer region of a thigh of the child, when a child is seated in the child carrier (1), each thigh carrier portion (270, 280) having a front edge portion (272, 282) facing the front portion (110) and at least partially defining a front end of the thigh carrier surface (271, 281), the front edge portion (272, 282) having a band extending along the front edge portion (272, 282), and each thigh carrier portion (270, 280) having a first end portion (274, 284) attached to the seat center portion (202) and a second end portion (275, 285) attached to the child carrier (1) at an attachment portion (256, 266) located away from the seat center portion (202).A child support device (1) comprising: a support structure (100) having a front portion (110) and a rear portion (120) defining a receiving space (114) therebetween; a seat unit (200) suspended between the front portion (110) and the rear portion (120) to form a dish-like seat structure, wherein the seat unit (200) comprises a height adjustable seat center portion (202) adapted to support a child (500) at a predetermined seat height, and wherein the seat unit (200) comprises thigh support portions (270, 280) each providing a thigh support surface (271, 281) for a respective thigh of a child, wherein the thigh support portions (270, 280) are coupled to the seat center portion (202) such that an adjustment of the seat height is concurrent with an adjustment of the thigh support surface (271, 281), 281), wherein the seat center portion (202) comprises a rear main seat portion (203) on which, in use, most of the body weight of the child (500) rests, and a front secondary seat portion (205) which extends forwardly from the rear main seat portion (203) and which, in use, is located between the legs of the child (500), the thigh support portions (270, 280) being at least partially coupled to the front secondary seat portion (205), each of the thigh support portions (270, 280) extending laterally away from opposite portions of the seat center portion (202), thereby forming a wrapping portion (279, 289), each wrapping portion (279, 289) at least partially supporting an outer region of a thigh of the child, when a child sits in the child carrier (1), each thigh carrier portion (270, 280) having a front edge portion (272, 282) facing the front portion (110) and at least partially defining a front end of the thigh carrier surface (271, 281), the front edge portion (272, 282) having a padded portion (273, 283), and each thigh carrier portion (270, 280) having a first end portion (274, 284) attached to the seat center portion (202) and a second end portion (275, 285) attached to the child carrier (1) at an attachment portion (256, 266) located away from the seat center portion (202), the attachment portion (256, 266) being attached to a lower portion (253, 263) of a side support member (250, 260), a child sitting in the child carrier (1) is protected from falling out sideways.A child support apparatus comprising: a support structure having a front portion and a rear portion defining a receiving space therebetween; and a seat unit suspended between the front portion and the rear portion, the seat unit including a height adjustable seat center portion adapted to support a child at a predetermined seat height, the seat center portion including first and second edge portions, the seat unit including first and second thigh support portions each providing a respective thigh support surface for supporting a respective thigh of a child by riding around the bottom of the respective thigh of the child at a knee-end portion of the respective thigh of the child, each of the first and second thigh support portions including respective inner and outer edge portions, wherein each of the first and second femoral support portions is coupled to the seat center portion such that adjustment of the seat height simultaneously results in adjustment of the respective femoral support surface of each of the first and second femoral support portions, wherein the inner edge portion of the first femoral support portion is spaced from the first edge portion of the seat center portion, and wherein the inner edge portion of the second femoral support portion is spaced from the second edge portion of the seat center portion.The infant carrier of claim 11, wherein the seat center portion includes a rear main seat portion on which most of the body weight of the infant is loaded in use and a front secondary seat portion extending forwardly from the rear main seat portion and located between the legs of the infant in use, and wherein the first and second thigh support portions are at least partially coupled to the front secondary seat portion.The infant carrier according to claim 12, wherein the seat unit has a flexible surface structure defining the seat structure, the surface structure being suspended such that the main seat portion is U-shaped when viewed from the front, and the front secondary seat portion can form a W-shape together with each of the first and second thigh support portions.The infant carrier of claim 11, wherein the first and second thigh support portions extend laterally away from opposing portions of the seat center portion thereby forming respective wrap portions, each of the wrap portions at least partially supporting an exterior of the respective thigh of the infant when the infant is seated in the infant carrier.The infant carrier of claim 11, wherein at least each of the first and second thigh support portions has a fabric structure, wherein a first lattice structure is disposed between the inner edge portion of the first thigh support portion and the first edge portion of the middle seat portion, and wherein a second lattice structure is disposed between the inner edge portion of the second thigh support portion and the second edge portion of the middle seat portion.The infant carrier of claim 11, wherein each of the respective outer edge portions of the first and second thigh support portions faces the front portion and at least partially defines a front end of the respective thigh support surface of each of the first and second thigh support portions.The infant carrier of claim 11, wherein each of the first and second thigh support portions has a first end portion attached to the seat center portion and a second end portion attached to the infant carrier at an attachment portion located away from the seat center portion.The infant carrier according to claim 17, further comprising two side support portions that protect a child seated in the infant carrier from falling laterally.The infant carrier of claim 18, wherein at least one side support portion comprises at least one first pivotable side support member pivotally supported at its first end portion on one of the front portion and the rear portion and detachably coupled at its second end portion to the other of the front portion and the rear portion to at least partially laterally confine the receiving space, wherein at least one side support portion is formed in two parts.The infant carrier of claim 19, wherein the at least one side support portion includes a second pivotable side support member that is capable of overlapping connection with the first pivotable side support member.The infant carrier according to claim 19, wherein the first pivotable side support member has a receiving portion for receiving a free end portion of the second pivotable side support member, and wherein the second pivotable side support member is formed more rigid than the first pivotable side support member.The infant carrier of claim 21, wherein the side support portion includes at least one attachment member for attaching an accessory.The infant carrier of claim 11, wherein the seat unit is detachably attached to the support structure.The infant carrier of claim 23, wherein the seat center portion includes a first attachment portion for releasably coupling the seat center portion to the front portion.The infant carrier of claim 24, wherein the front portion includes a height adjustment mechanism that allows the mounting height of the first mounting portion to be adjusted between a first height position and a second height position.The infant carrier apparatus according to claim 25, wherein the height adjustment mechanism is adapted to continuously adjust the attachment height of the first attachment portion.The infant carrier of claim 26, wherein the height adjustment mechanism comprises a closed loop guided on an upper guide and a lower guide, the upper guide comprising a releasable locking arrangement having a self-locking function, and the locking of the releasable locking arrangement is releasable by operating a release member, the first attachment portion being releasably coupled to the closed loop.The infant carrier of claim 23, wherein the seat center portion includes a second attachment portion by which the seat center portion is releasably coupled to the rear portion.The infant carrier of claim 28, wherein the second attachment portion comprises a first component of a second positive connection, the first component of the second positive connection comprising a piping and the rear portion comprising a rail for receiving the piping, the rail being accessible via a lateral insertion opening formed in the carrier structure and having a dimension that allows insertion of the first component transversely to the direction of longitudinal extension of the rail such that the first component can be inserted laterally into the rail, the insertion opening can be provided a predetermined distance from an end of the rail such that when the first component is inserted into the rail, the first component can be at least partially received in the rail on opposite sides of the insertion opening such that the piping is prevented from separating from the rail.The infant carrier of claim 11, wherein the support structure comprises a rigid frame.A child carrier comprising: a support structure having a front portion and a rear portion defining an accommodation space therebetween; a seat unit suspended between the front portion and the rear portion; a first side support portion extending between the front portion and the rear portion on a first side of the infant carrier and a second side support portion extending between the front portion and the rear portion on a second side of the infant carrier opposite the first side of the infant carrier, wherein the seat unit includes a height adjustable seat center portion adapted to support an infant at a predetermined seat height, wherein the seat unit includes two thigh support portions each providing a thigh support surface for supporting a respective thigh of an infant, and wherein each thigh support portion extends from a front portion of the seat center portion to a front portion of a respective side support portion.A child carrier according to claim 31, wherein, in use, the front portions of the side support portions are located forwardly of the child.The infant carrier of claim 31, wherein each thigh support portion forms a loop.A child support apparatus comprising: a support structure having a front portion and a rear portion defining therebetween a receiving space for a child; and a seat unit suspended between the front portion and the rear portion, the seat unit comprising: a height adjustable seat center portion comprising a main seat portion which supports the buttocks of the child in use, and two thigh support portions each providing a thigh support surface configured to support a respective thigh of the child, each thigh support portion comprising an inner edge portion and an outer edge portion and configured to form a wrapping portion which at least partially surrounds the respective thigh of the child in use, each thigh support portion having a first end coupled to the seat center portion, wherein the inner edge portion of each thigh support surface is spaced from the main seat portion, wherein the seat center portion is adjustable between a first height position and a second height position, and wherein the first end of each thigh support portion is positioned closer to the front portion of the support structure in the first height position than in the second height position, whereby a thigh support surface of the thigh support portion is positioned closer to a knee of the child in the first height position than in the second height position.The infant carrier of claim 34, wherein the second height position is lower than the first height position.The infant carrier of claim 34, wherein in the first height position, leading edge portions of the thigh wings are disposed above the main seat portion, and wherein in the second height position, the leading edge portions of the thigh wings are disposed at the height of the main seat portion or below the main seat portion.A child support apparatus comprising: a support frame; and a seat unit coupled to the support frame, the seat unit comprising: a height adjustable seat configured to support a child's buttocks at a first seat height; and a pair of thigh support devices each coupled to the seat at a first end and each providing a thigh support surface configured to support a child's thigh, wherein each of the thigh support devices comprises a wrap portion configured to at least partially surround the underside of the child's thigh, wherein each of the thigh support devices is coupled to the seat such that adjustment of the seat from the first seat height to a second seat height simultaneously adjusts each of the thigh support devices, and wherein the first end of each of the thigh support devices then, when the seat is at the first seat height, the thigh support surface of each of the thigh support devices is positioned closer to a front portion of the support frame than the second seat height, whereby when the seat is at the first seat height, the thigh support surface of each of the thigh support devices is positioned closer to a respective knee of the child than the second seat height.The infant carrier of claim 37, wherein the wrapping portion of each of the thigh support devices is configured to at least partially surround the bottom of the thigh at a knee-side end portion of the thigh.The infant carrier of claim 37, wherein the seat and at least a portion of the thigh support devices are formed of a different material.The infant carrier of claim 37, wherein at least a portion of an outer edge of each of the thigh supports is formed from a flexible structure.The infant carrier of claim 37, wherein portions of each of the thigh support devices are spaced from the seat.The infant carrier of claim 41, wherein a fabric structure is disposed between each of the thigh supports and the seat.The infant carrier of claim 42 wherein the seat and the thigh support devices are integrally formed.The infant carrier of claim 37, wherein the seat includes a seat attachment member, wherein the support frame includes a frame attachment member, and wherein an adjustable strap is coupled to the seat attachment member and the frame attachment member.The infant carrier of claim 44, wherein releasing the strap adjusts the seat from the first seat height to the second seat height.The infant carrier apparatus of claim 37, further comprising a pair of side support means extending between the front portion of the support frame and a rear portion of the support frame.The infant carrier of claim 37, wherein a rear portion of the support frame includes a bottom support member configured to support the infant carrier in an upright position on a surface.The infant carrier of claim 47, wherein the floor support member is pivotally coupled to the rear portion of the support frame.A child support device, comprising: a support frame; and a seat unit coupled to the support frame, the seat unit comprising: a height adjustable seat configured to support a buttocks of a child; and a pair of thigh support devices each providing a thigh support surface configured to support a thigh of a child, wherein the seat is adjustable between a first seat height and a second seat height, wherein each of the thigh support devices is coupled to the seat such that an adjustment of the seat from the first seat height to a second seat height simultaneously adjusts each of the thigh support devices, wherein when the seat is in the first seat height, each of the thigh support devices is configured to support the thigh such that the thigh is angled relative to the seat, and wherein when the seat is in the second seat height, each of the thigh support devices is configured to support the thigh such that the thigh is angled relative to the seat.The infant carrier of claim 49, wherein the first seat height is higher than the second seat height.The infant carrier of claim 49, wherein each of the thigh support devices is coupled to the seat at a first end, and wherein each of the thigh support devices extends laterally away from the seat from the first end.A child carrier apparatus according to claim 51, wherein the lateral extension of each of the thigh support means and a corresponding edge of the seat define a space therebetween.The infant carrier of claim 52, wherein a fabric structure is disposed in the space.The infant carrier of claim 49, wherein at least a portion of an outer edge of each of the thigh supports is cushioned.The infant carrier of claim 49, wherein each of the thigh support devices includes a wrapping portion configured to at least partially surround an inner and outer surface of the thigh of the infant.The infant carrier of claim 55, wherein the wrapping portion is spaced from the seat.A child carrier (1) comprising: a support structure (100) having a front portion (110) and a rear portion (120) defining a receiving space (114) therebetween; a seat unit (200) suspended between the front portion (110) and the rear portion (120) to form a shell-like seat structure, wherein the seat unit (200) comprises a height adjustable seat center portion (202) adapted to support a child (500) at a predetermined seat height, and wherein the seat unit (200) comprises thigh support portions (270, 280) each providing a thigh support surface (271, 281) for a respective thigh of a child, wherein the thigh support portions (270, 280) are coupled to the seat center portion (202) such that an adjustment of the seat height simultaneously results in an adjustment of the thigh support surface (271, 281).The infant carrier (1) of claim 57, wherein the seat center portion (202) comprises a rear main seat portion (203) on which most of the body weight of the infant (500) rests in use, and a front secondary seat portion (205) extending forwardly from the rear main seat portion (203) and located between the legs of the infant (500) in use, the thigh support portions (270, 280) being at least partially coupled to the front secondary seat portion (205).The infant carrier (1) according to claim 58, wherein the seat unit (200) comprises a flexible surface structure (201) defining the seat structure, the surface structure (201) being suspended such that, when viewed from the front, the main seat portion (203) is U-shaped and the front secondary seat portion (205) can form a W-shape together with the thigh support portions (270, 280).The infant carrier (1) of any of claims 57 to 59, wherein each of the thigh support portions (270, 280) extends laterally away from opposing portions of the seat center portion (202) thereby forming a wrapping portion (279, 289), each wrapping portion (279, 289) at least partially supporting an exterior of a thigh of the infant when an infant is seated in the infant carrier (1).The infant carrier (1) of any of claims 57 to 60, wherein at least each thigh support portion (270, 280) comprises a fabric structure (278, 288).The infant carrier (1) according to any one of claims 57 to 61, wherein each thigh support portion (270, 280) has a front edge portion (272, 282) facing the front portion (110) and at least partially defining a front end of the thigh support surface (271, 281), wherein the front edge portion (272, 282) may have a padded portion (273, 283) and / or may have a band extending along the front edge portion (272, 282).The infant carrier (1) according to any one of claims 57 to 62, wherein each thigh carrier portion (270, 280) comprises a first end portion (274, 284) fastened, in particular sewn or integrally formed, to the seat center portion (202) and a second end portion (275, 285) fastened to the infant carrier (1) at a fastening portion (256, 266) arranged away from the seat center portion (202).The child carrier (1) according to claim 63, further comprising two side support portions (300, 310) that protect a child seated in the child carrier (1) from falling out laterally.The infant carrier device (1) according to claim 64, wherein at least one side support portion (300) comprises at least one first pivotable side support member (250, 260), which is pivotably supported at its first end portion (251, 261) at the front portion (110) or the rear portion (120) and which can be releasably coupled to the other portion of the front portion (110) or the rear portion (120) at its second end portion (254, 255) in order to at least partially laterally delimit the receiving space (114), wherein at least one side support portion (300) can be formed in two parts, wherein a second pivotable side support member (150) can be provided which can be connected to the first pivotable side support member (250, 260) in an overlapping manner, for example with a connection arrangement (259, 152) such as a buckle, wherein for example the first pivotable side support member (250, 260) can have a receiving portion (258), in particular a pocket, for receiving a free end portion (154) of the second pivotable side support component (150), and wherein the second pivotable side support component (150) can be formed more rigidly than the first pivotable side support component (250).The infant carrier device (1) according to claim 65, wherein the side support portion (300) comprises at least one fastening member (248) for fastening an accessory (400), for example a cushion, wherein the at least one fastening member (248) is preferably provided at an upper portion (2) of the side support portion (1), and wherein the at least one fastening member (248) may be a fastening loop.The infant carrier (1) according to any one of claims 57 to 68, wherein the seat unit (200) is detachably attached to the support structure (100).The child carrier device (1) according to claim 67, wherein the seat means portion (202) comprises a first fastening portion (204) for releasably coupling the seat means portion (202) to the front portion (110), wherein the first fastening portion (204) preferably comprises a first component (290) of a first form-fitting connection, for example a component of a buckle, for example a click or snap buckle.The infant carrier (1) according to claim 68, wherein the front portion (110) comprises a height adjustment mechanism (160) that allows the attachment height of the first attachment portion (204) to be adjusted between a first height position (H1) and a second height position (H2).The infant carrier (1) according to claim 69, wherein the height adjustment mechanism (160) is adapted to continuously adjust the attachment height of the first attachment portion (204), wherein the height adjustment mechanism (160) may include a closed loop (162) guided on an upper guide (164) and a lower guide (168), wherein the upper guide (164) may include a releasable locking arrangement (170) having a self-locking function, and the locking of the releasable locking arrangement (170) may be releasable by actuating a release member (172), for example a lever, wherein the first attachment portion (204) is releasably coupled to the closed loop (162), for example in cooperation with a coupling member (101) fixedly coupled to the closed loop (162).The child carrier device (1) according to any one of claims 67 to 70, wherein the seat center section (202) comprises a second fastening section (208), by means of which the seat center section (202) is detachably coupled to the rear section (120), wherein the second fastening section (208) preferably comprises a first component (209) of a second positive connection, for example a component of a piping connection, for example a piping rail or a piping.The infant carrier (1) according to claim 71, wherein the first component (209) of the second form-fit connection comprises a piping and the rear portion (120) comprises a rail (102) for receiving the piping (209), wherein the rail (102) is accessible via a lateral insertion opening (104) formed in the carrier structure (100) and having a dimension that allows the insertion of the first component (209), for example the piping, transversely to the longitudinal extension direction of the rail (102), such that the first component (209) can be laterally inserted into the rail (102), wherein the insertion opening (104) can be provided at a predetermined distance from an end of the rail (102), such that when the first component (209) is inserted into the rail (102), the first component (209) can be at least partially received in the rail (102) on opposite sides of the insertion opening (104), thereby preventing the piping (209) from coming off the rail (102).The infant carrier (1) according to any of claims 57 to 72, wherein the support structure (100) comprises a rigid frame that can comprise aluminium profiles.

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