GB2545996A

GB2545996A - Child-carrying unit height adjustment apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2545996A
Application number: GB1620448.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Hargreaves Nichola
Original assignee: Mamas and Papas Holdings Ltd
Current assignee: Mamas and Papas Holdings Ltd
Priority date: 2016-12-01
Filing date: 2016-12-01
Publication date: 2017-07-05
Anticipated expiration: 2036-12-01
Also published as: GB201620448D0; GB2545996B

Abstract

A child support apparatus 10 has a frame 12 and a child-carrying unit height adjustment apparatus operable to connect a child-carrying unit to the frame, said apparatus being a buggy, stroller, perambulator or the like. The height adjustment apparatus has first and second connecting devices 46 and the frame is provided with respective first mountings 52 for said connecting devices. The first and second connecting devices are configured to releasably engage with the first mountings in a first orientation that defines a first height-setting condition (figure 3) and a second orientation that defines a second height-setting condition. The first height-setting condition provides a first spacing between the frame and a child-carrying unit connected with the first and second connecting devices and the second height-setting condition provides a second spacing between the frame and the child-carrying unit. The second spacing is greater than the first spacing. The first and second connecting devices may have first and second ends (76, 78 figure 7) which when reversibly inserted into the first mountings extend therefrom at different lengths.

Description

Child-Carrying Unit Height Adjustment Apparatus Field of the Invention

The invention relates to child-carrying unit height adjustment apparatus for child support apparatus and particularly, but not exclusively, to child-carrying unit height adjustment apparatus for child-carrying units such as carrycots and seats mounted on child support apparatus such as buggies, perambulators, pushchairs, strollers and the like.

Background to the Invention A child support apparatus in the form of a pushchair may comprise a frame and a childcarrying unit supported by the frame. The child-carrying unit may, for example, comprise a seat. It is known to provide the frame of a pushchair with a height adjustment mechanism by means of which the seat can be raised or lowered with respect to the frame. Such height adjustment mechanisms may comprise a first mounting fixed to the frame, a second mounting fixed to the seat and two or more telescoping members extending between the first and second mountings. The telescoping members are capable of relative sliding movement to allow the spacing between the first and second mountings to be varied to provide height adjustment for the seat. The height adjustment mechanism may include a locking mechanism to permit locking in a selected position. These known height adjustment mechanisms are relatively complex and as a result may be relatively expensive to manufacture, difficult to operate or prone to failure.

Summary of the Invention

The invention provides a child-carrying unit height adjustment apparatus as specified in claim 1.

The invention also includes a child support apparatus as specified in claim 10.

The invention also includes a method of adjusting the height of a child-carrying unit connected with a frame of a child support apparatus as specified in claim 23.

Brief Description of the Drawings

In the following disclosure, reference will be made to the drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a frame of a child support apparatus showing a childcarrying unit height adjustment apparatus in a first height-setting condition;

Figure 2 is a view corresponding to Figure 1 showing the child-carrying unit height adjustment apparatus in a second height-setting condition;

Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a child-carrying unit in the form of a carrycot fitted to the frame of the child support apparatus of Figures 1 and 2 with the childcarrying unit height adjustment apparatus in the first height-setting condition;

Figure 4 is a view corresponding to Figure 3 with the child-carrying unit height adjustment apparatus in the second height-setting condition;

Figure 5 is a side section view showing a connecting device of the child-carrying unit height adjustment apparatus in the first height-setting condition shown in Figure 1;

Figure 6 is a side section view showing the connecting device in the second heightsetting condition shown in Figure 2;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of the connecting device of Figures 5 and 6;

Figure 8 is a second perspective view of the connecting device of Figure 7;

Figure 9 is a perspective view showing a child-carrying unit in the form of a child seat fitted to the frame of the child support apparatus of Figures 1 and 2 with the childcarrying unit height adjustment apparatus in the first height-setting condition;

Figure 10 is a view corresponding to Figure 1 showing adapters fitted to the childcarrying unit height adjustment apparatus to enable connection with a child-carrying unit in the form of a car seat;

Figure 11 is a view corresponding to Figure 10 showing a car seat fitted to the adapters; and

Figure 12 is a schematic illustration of the frame of another child support apparatus showing a child-carrying unit height adjustment apparatus in a first height-setting condition.

Detailed Description

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, a child support apparatus 10 comprises a frame 12 mounted on front wheels 14 and rear wheels 16. The frame 12 may comprise a front leg unit 18, a rear leg unit 20 and a handle unit 22. The front and rear leg units 18, 20 are pivotally connected at first and second hinge units 24. The two hinge units 24 are disposed in opposed spaced apart relation and are connected by a cross member 28. The hinge units 24 define a pivot, or hinge, axis 30 that extends in the lengthways direction of the cross member 28. When the frame 12 is erected for use, the front and rear leg units 18, 20 have a generally V-shaped side profile as shown. The handle unit 22 is pivotally connected to the front and rear leg units 18, 20 by the hinge units 24. In the unfolded use condition of the frame 12, the front leg unit 18 and handle unit 22 are disposed on opposite sides of the pivot axis 30 and lie in respective planes that are generally parallel to one another. When the child support apparatus 10 is not in use, the front and rear leg units 18, 20 may be brought together in a side-by-side relationship by relative pivoting, or rotational, movement about the pivot axis 30. Similarly, the handle unit 22 may be pivoted, or rotated, about the pivot axis 30 to bring it to a position in which it is disposed in generally side-by-side relationship with the rear leg unit 20 such that the front leg unit 18, rear leg unit 20 and handle unit 22 can be positioned in respective, at least approximately parallel, planes with the rear leg unit 20 sandwiched between the front leg unit 18 and handle unit 22.

The front wheels 14 are attached to the forward end of the front leg unit 18. The front wheels 14 may be pivotally attached to the front leg unit 18. The rear wheels 16 are attached to the rearward end of the rear leg unit 20. The rear wheels 16 may be fitted on a common axle extending through the rear leg unit 20 or on separate stub axles projecting from opposite sides of the rear leg unit.

The front and rear leg units 18, 20 and handle unit 22 may each have a generally U-shaped configuration. Thus, the front leg unit 18 may comprise a pair of side members 32 disposed in opposed spaced apart relation and a cross member 34 connecting the forward ends of the side members. Similarly, the rear leg unit 20 may comprise a pair of side members 36 disposed in opposed spaced apart relation and a cross member 38 connecting the rearward ends of the side members. The handle unit 22 may comprise a pair of side members 40 and a cross member 42 connecting the rearward ends of the side members. The side and cross members of the front and rear leg units 18, 20 and handle unit 22 may be separate members joined to one another. Also, members such as the side or cross members may each comprise a plurality of sub-members. For example, the side members 40 of the handle unit 22 may comprise a plurality of telescoping members configured to allow adjustment of the length and height of the handle unit 22.

The child support apparatus 10 is provided with a child-carrying unit height adjustment apparatus 44 to connect a child-carrying unit such as a seat or carrycot to the frame 12. The height adjustment apparatus 44 comprises two connecting devices 46. The connecting devices 46 may be fitted to the frame 12 in a first height-setting condition as shown in Figure 1 and a second height-setting condition as shown in Figure 2.

Figures 3 and 4 show the height adjustment apparatus 44 in use connecting a child-carrying unit in the form of a carrycot 50 to the frame 12. In Figure 3 the height adjustment apparatus 44 is in the first height-setting condition shown in Figure 1. In Figure 4 the height adjustment apparatus 44 is in the second height-setting condition shown in Figure 2. It can be seen that when the height adjustment apparatus 44 is in the first height-setting condition, the carrycot 50 is carried in a relatively lower position than when the height adjustment apparatus is in the second height-setting condition. Thus, the first and second height-setting conditions determine the height at which the carrycot 50 is mounted on the frame 12 so that it has a first, lower, mounted position and a second, upper, mounted position.

The frame 12 is provided with respective first mountings 52 to be engaged with the connecting devices 46. Similarly, the carrycot 50 is provided with respective second mountings 54 to be engaged with the connecting devices 46, only one of which can be seen in Figures 3 and 4. Engagement of the first and second mountings 52, 54 with the connecting devices 46 connects the carrycot 50 to the frame 12. As described in more detail below, the connecting devices 46 may comprise a locking mechanism to secure the connecting devices to at least one of the frame 12 and carrycot 50.

Referring to Figures 5 and 6, the first mountings 52 may comprise a centrally disposed hub 56 (also indicated in Figures 1 and 2) of the hinge units 24 and respective extension arms 58 projecting from the hubs. The free ends 60 of the extension arms 58 are configured for connection to the side members 36 of the rear leg unit 20. Referring to Figures 3 and 4, the second mountings 54 may comprise circular bodies that are secured to opposite sides of the carrycot 50. The second mountings 54 may each comprise a lockable or a friction hinge.

Referring to Figures 5 to 8, the first and second connecting devices 46 are configured for engagement with the first and second mountings 52, 54 in first and second orientations that respectively define the first and second height-setting conditions. As best seen in Figures 7 and 8, the first and second connecting devices 46 each comprise a body part 66, a first end portion in the form of a first blade member 68 projecting from a first end 70 of the body part and a second end portion in the form of a second blade member 72 projecting from a second end 74 of the body part. The first and second ends 70, 74 of the body part 66 are disposed generally opposite one another so that the first and second blade members 68, 72 extend in generally opposite directions.

The first blade member 68 may have a generally rectangular cross section and a free end 76. The first blade member 68 has a length x between the free end 76 and the first end 70 of the body part 66. The second blade member 72 may have a generally rectangular cross section and a free end 78. The second blade member 72 has a length y between the second end 74 of the body part and the free end 78. The length x of the first blade member 68 is greater than the length y of the second blade member 72. The length x may be at least twice the length y and may, for example be between two and three times as great. The free ends 76, 78 of the blade members may be radiussed to facilitate insertion in the first mountings 52.

The first and second blade members 66, 72 may each have a cross-section area that is less than the cross-section area of the first and second ends 70, 74 of the body part 66 so that respective shoulders extending around the intersection between the body part and the blade members are formed. The shoulders may extend completely around the blade members 68, 72 as shown, although, in some examples, the blade members may be offset with respect to the body part 66 so that the shoulders extend on just two or three sides of the blade members. The shoulders may be configured to mate with mating surfaces 80, 82 (Figures 5 and 6) of the first and second mountings 52, 54. Accordingly, the shoulders may be radiussed, or curved, as shown to conform with the respective curved mating faces 80, 82.

As best seen in Figures 5 and 6, the first and second blade members 68, 72 are engageable with the first and second mountings 52, 54 by insertion in respective slots 84, 86 defined by the mountings. The slot 84 in the first mounting 52 is at least as long as the length x of the first blade member 68 so that it can fully receive the first blade member with the shoulder at the first end 70 of the body part 66 engaging the curved mating face 80 of the first mounting 52. The slots 84, 86 are configured to be a close fit with all four sides of the first and second blade members 68, 72 so that when inserted in the first and second mountings 52, 54, the blade members are sleeved so as to be substantially incapable of lateral movement with respect to the slots. Thus, the blade members 68, 72 are effectively constrained to just axial sliding movement in the slots 84, 86. This provides guidance for the blade members 68, 72 during insertion and removal from the slots 84, 86 and ensures a stable mounting point for the carrycot 50.

Referring to Figure 5, when the first and second connecting devices 46 are in the orientation that defines the first height-setting, the first blade members 68 are received in the slots 84 in the first mountings 52 and the second blade members 72 are received in the slots 86 in the second mountings 54. The body part 66 bears against the curved mating surface 80 of the first mounting 52 while the curved mating surface 82 of the second mounting 54 bears against the body part. Thus, the weight of the carrycot 50 is transmitted through the first and second connecting devices 46 to the frame 12 via the first mountings 52.

Referring to Figure 6, when the first and second connecting devices 46 are in the orientation that defines the second height-setting, the second blade members 72 are received in the slots 84 in the first mountings 52 and the first blade members 68 project upwardly so that when the carrycot 50 is lowered towards the frame 12, they can be easily guided into the slots 86 of the second mountings 54.

Referring to Figures 7 and 8, the first and second blade members 68, 72 may be cranked. The relative inclination of the blade members 68, 72 may be such that whichever blade member is received in the slot 84 in the first mounting 52, the other blade member will be orientated at least substantially vertically. The blade members 68, 72 and their respective longitudinal axes 90, 92 may be disposed in a common plane and are mutually inclined. The angle of inclination Θ of the longitudinal axis 90 of the first blade member 68 with respect to the longitudinal axis 92 of the second blade member 72 may at least substantially correspond to the angle of inclination φ (Figure 4) of the side members 36 to the vertical.

Referring to Figures 5 and 6, although not essential, a locking mechanism may be provided to allow the height adjustment apparatus 44 to be secured to at least one of the frame 12 and the carrycot 50. In some examples, there may be respective locking mechanisms by which the connecting devices 46 are separately secured to the frame 12. The locking mechanism may comprise a locking element 96 housed in a slot 98 defined in the first mounting 52 and a biasing element 100. The biasing element 100 may be configured to bias the locking element 96 to a position in which it protrudes into the slot 84. The biasing element 100 may be connected to both the locking element 96 and the hub 56 so as to secure the locking element to the hub and retain it in the slot 98. Alternatively, a separate retaining element may be provided to ensure that the locking element 96 is secured to the hub 56 so that it will not emerge completely from the slot 98. The locking element 96 is configured to slide back and forth in the slot 98. Although not essential, the biasing element 100 may be a compression spring.

The locking mechanism may further comprise respective recesses 102, 104 provided in the first and second blade members 68, 72. The recesses 102, 104 are configured to receive the locking element 96. The locking mechanism may additionally comprise a lock release pusher 106-110 carried by the connecting device 46. The pusher 106-110 may comprise respective pushing elements 106, 108 disposed in the recesses 102, 104 and an actuating member 110 disposed in the body part 66 and connected with the pushing elements 106, 108. The actuating member 110 and pushing elements 106, 108 may be one-piece construction or an assembly with the pushing elements fixed to the actuating member. The configuration of the recesses 102, 104, pushing elements 106, 108 and actuating member 110 is such that the pushing elements 106, 108 can slide back and forth in the recesses 102, 104. A biasing element 112 may be provided in the body part 66 to define an inactive, retracted, position of the pusher. The biasing element 112 may, for example, be a compression spring.

Referring to Figures 7 and 8, the blade members 68, 72 may be made of metal or an engineering plastics material. The blade members 68, 72 may be cast or moulded as two pieces 120, 122 that are joined to one another once the pushing elements 106, 108, actuating member 110 and biasing element 112 have been assembled into one of the two pieces. The two pieces, or body halves, 120, 122 may be secured to one another by means of fasteners such as rivets or screws, adhesive or integral push-fit fastening formations.

In use, when either blade member 68, 72 is inserted into the slot 84 of a first mounting 52, the actuating member 110 will be in the retracted position due to the influence of the biasing element 112 so that the pushing elements 106, 108 are in retracted, inactive, positions in their respective recesses 120, 104 that creates space to receive the locking element 96. As the blade member 68, 72 is slid into the slot 84, the locking element 98 is pressed back into the slot 98 by the facing side of the blade member. The blade member 68, 72 may be pushed into the slot 84 until the shoulder at the associated end 70, 74 of the body part 66 engages the mating face 80 of the first mounting 52. When the blade member 68, 72 is fully inserted, the respective recess 102, 104 is aligned with the slot 98 so that the locking element 96 can slide from the slot under the influence of the biasing element 100 and engage in the recess 102, 104 to lock the blade member 68, 72. Thus, the connecting device 46, is secured to the frame 12. Once both connecting devices 46 are secured to the frame 12, the carrycot 50 can be mounted on the connecting devices by lowering the carrycot towards the frame and engaging the upwardly projecting exposed blade members 68, 72 in the slots 86 of the second mountings 54.

If a user wishes to release the carrycot 50 from the frame 12 so that it can be used independently, or to allow height adjustment, the carrycot is simply lifted away from the connecting devices 46 to release the blade members 68, 72 engaged in the slots 86 of the second mountings 54. In order to release a connecting device 46 from the frame 12, either for storage or height adjustment purposes, the actuating member 110 is pushed inwardly with respect to the body part 66 against the biasing force provided by the biasing element 112. This moves the pushing elements 106, 108 along the respective recesses 102, 104 until the one facing the locking element 96 engages the locking element and drives it back into the slot 98, disengaging it from the respective recess 102, 104. The connecting device 46 can then be pulled to withdraw the blade member 68, 72 from the respective slot 84.

When the height adjustment apparatus 44 is in the first height-setting condition shown in Figure 1, the first blade members 68 of the connecting devices 46 are housed in the two slots 84 of the first mountings 52. If a user wishes to mount the carrycot 50 in a more elevated position, the actuating members 110 are pressed into the body parts 66 to release the locking mechanisms and allow the first blade members 68 to be withdrawn from the slots 84. The connecting devices 46 can then be flipped over, or reversed, and the second blade members 72 inserted into the respective slots 84 in the first mountings 52. When the second blade members 72 have been fully inserted in the slots 82 so that the respective shoulders at the second ends 74 of the body part 66 engage the mating face 80 of the first mountings 52, the respective recesses 104 are aligned with the slots 98 so that the locking members 96 can slide out of the slots to engage in the recesses 104 and secure the connecting devices 46 to the frame 12. That secures the height adjustment apparatus 44 in the second height-setting condition shown in Figures 2 and 4. The carrycot 50 can then be lowered onto the upstanding first blade members 68 to engage the slots 86 of the second mountings 54 with the blade members 68 so that the carrycot is mounted in an elevated position as shown in Figure 4. To adjust the height of the carrycot 50 to put into the lower position shown in Figure 3, the process described above is reversed to put the second blade members 72 in an upstanding condition as shown in Figure 1.

Figure 9 shows the height adjustment apparatus 44 in use connecting a child-carrying unit in the form of a child seat 150 to the frame 12. The child seat 150 is provided with second mountings 54 with slots in analogous fashion to the carrycot 50. The child support apparatus 10 is shown with the height adjustment apparatus 44 in the first height-setting condition so that the seat 150 is in a relatively low position with respect to the frame 12. If a user wishes to mount the child seat 150 in a more elevated position, the orientation of the connecting devices 46 is reversed to put the height adjustment apparatus 44 in the second height-setting condition shown in Figure 2. For simplicity of representation, in Figure 9 the child seat 150 is shown as a frame without fabric or cushioning.

Figures 10 and 11 show the use of adapters 160 with the height adjustment apparatus 44 to enable a child-carrying unit in the form of a car seat 162 to be connected with the frame 12. There is an adapter 160 for each of the first and second connecting devices 46. Each adapter 160 comprises a mounting 164, which may be a hub, that has a slot analogous to the slot 86 of the second mountings 54. The mounting 164 may comprise a lockable, or friction, hinge or a fixed mounting as desired. The adapters 160 each have an end that defines a connector 168 to connect with mountings 170 provided on the car seat 162. Adjusting the height of the car seat 162 is carried out in analogous fashion to the adjustment of the height of the carrycot 50 as previously described with reference to Figures 3 and 4, except that in this case it is necessary to separate the child seat 162 and the adapters 160 from the connecting devices 46 prior to re-orientating the connecting devices.

While not a currently preferred option, as an alternative to, or in addition to, having the connecting devices that engage in slots provided in hinge units that connect the front and rear leg units, connection points for the connecting devices may be provided elsewhere on the frame. For example, as shown in Figure 12, respective mounting bodies 180 may be provided on the side members 32 of the front leg unit 18. The mounting bodies 180 may be secured to the leg members 32. The mounting bodies 180 may define respective slots analogous to the slots 84 of the first mountings 52. The mountings 180 may be linear bodies configured to receive the respective first and second end portions of a linear connecting device. Alternatively, the mountings 180 may be configured to define an inclined slot to enable use with a cranked connecting device such as that shown in Figures 7 and 8. This would allow one set of connecting devices to be used in the first mountings 52 and the mounting bodies 180. The mounting bodies 180 may also be provided with elements of a locking mechanism in similar fashion to the first and second hinge units.

In the illustrated examples, the first and second connecting devices 46 are separate bodies. This makes the process of engaging the connecting devices 46 with the frame 12 relatively simple as it is only necessary to align the connecting devices with one mounting point at a time. Furthermore, it makes the child-carrying unit height adjustment apparatus 44 compact for storage when not fitted to the frame 12. However, in some examples, the connecting devices may be connected to one another. For example, a transverse member, or cross bar, may extend between the body parts 66 of the connecting devices to form a single unit or assembly. This may reduce the likelihood of one or the other connecting device being lost if stored off of the frame. It may also provide stiffening when mountings 180 are provided on the side members of the frame as shown in Figures 12.

In the illustrated examples, the connecting devices comprise end portions that are insertable in recesses, or slots, provided on the frame, an adapter or a child-carrying unit. In other examples, the connecting devices may comprise slots configured to receive male members provided on the frame and child-carrying unit. The slots may be configured such that a different height-setting condition is obtained according to which slot receives the male member of the frame.

The child-carrying unit height adjustment apparatus provides a simple structure by which a child-carrying unit can be readily be mounted to the frame of a child support apparatus in one of two height positions. It will be understood that the child support apparatus may be provided with two such child-carrying unit height adjustment apparatus configured to provide four height settings.

It will be understood that the child-carrying unit height adjustment apparatus may be a simple structure that can be both robust and economic to manufacture. In a simple form, the child-carrying unit height adjustment apparatus may comprise two separate connecting devices that are configured for push-fit engagement with the frame of a child support apparatus and a child-carrying unit. Height adjustment may be simply obtained by disengaging the connecting devices from the frame and child-carrying unit, turning them through 180° and then re-engaging the parts, thus avoiding the need for complex mechanisms.

The child support apparatus is illustrated in the form of a pushchair, but may take the form of any wheeled child transport apparatus such as a buggy, stroller, perambulator and the like. It is to be understood that the child-carrying unit height adjustment apparatus may equally be applied to static child support apparatus where height adjustment for the child-carrying unit is desirable.

Claims

1. A child-carrying unit height adjustment apparatus to connect a child-carrying unit to a frame of a child support apparatus and provide height adjustment of the childcarrying unit with respect to said frame, said height adjustment apparatus comprising a first connecting device and a second connecting device that each comprise a first end portion and a second end portion, wherein said first and second end portions are configured to engage with first mountings provided on said frame and second mountings provided on said childcarrying unit such that when said first end portions engage said first mountings and said second end portions engage said second mountings a first spacing between said first and second mountings is set and when said second end portions engage said first mountings and said first end portions engage said second mountings a second spacing between said first and second mountings is set, said second spacing being greater than said first spacing.

2. A child-carrying unit height adjustment apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first and second end portions are configured for push-fit engagement with said first and second mountings.

3. A child-carrying unit height adjustment apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein said first and second connecting devices each comprise a body part having a first end and an oppositely disposed second end, said first end portions comprise respective first blade members projecting from said first ends and said second end portions comprise respective second blade members projecting from said second ends.

4. A child-carrying unit height adjustment apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein said first blade members each have a free end and a length x between said free end and the first end of the respective body part, said second blade members each have a free end and a length y between said free ends and the second end of the respective body part and said length x is greater than said lengthy*.

5. A child-carrying unit height adjustment apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein said length x is at least twice said lengthy.

6. A child-carrying unit height adjustment apparatus as claimed in claim 3, 4 or 5, wherein said first blade members each have a first longitudinal axis, said second blade members each have a second longitudinal axis, and the first and second axes of each connecting device are disposed in a common plane and are mutually inclined.

7. A child-carrying unit height adjustment apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of said first and second connecting devices is provided with a recess to receive a locking element mounted on said frame to secure the connecting element to said frame and a lock release pusher to push said locking element out of said recess to release the connecting device from said frame.

8. A child-carrying unit height adjustment apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein said first and second end portions have respective said recesses and said lock release pusher comprises respective pushing elements disposed in said recesses and an actuating member disposed in said body part and connected with said pushing elements, whereby movement of said actuating member causes simultaneous movement of said pushing elements.

9. A child support apparatus comprising a child-carrying unit height adjustment apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, a frame mounted on wheels and a child-carrying unit connected to said frame by said a child-carrying unit height adjustment apparatus.

10. A child support apparatus comprising a frame and a child-carrying unit height adjustment apparatus operable to connect a child-carrying unit to said frame, wherein: said height adjustment apparatus comprises a first connecting device and a second connecting device and said frame is provided with respective first mountings for said connecting devices, said first and second connecting devices are configured to releasably engage with said first mountings in a first orientation that defines a first height-setting condition and a second orientation that defines a second height-setting condition, and said first height-setting condition provides a first spacing between said frame and a said child-carrying unit connected with said first and second connecting devices and said second height-setting condition provides a second spacing between said frame and said child-carrying unit which second spacing is greater than said first spacing.

11. A child support apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein said first and second connecting devices each comprise first and second end portions configured for push-fit engagement with said first and second mountings, said first end portions are engaged with said first mountings when said first and second connecting devices are in said first orientation and said second end portions are engaged with said first mountings when said first and second connecting devices are in said second orientation.

12. A child support apparatus as claimed in claim 10 or 11, wherein said first and second connecting devices each comprise a body part having a first end and an oppositely disposed second end, said first end portions comprise respective first blade members projecting from said first ends and said second end portions comprise respective second blade members projecting from said second ends.

13. A child support apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein said first blade members each have a free end and a length x between said free end and said first end of the respective body part, said second blade members each have a free end and a lengthy between said free ends and said second end of the respective body part and said length x is greater than said lengthy.

14. A child support apparatus as claimed in claim 13, wherein said length x is at least twice said lengthy.

15. A child support apparatus as claimed in claim 12, 13 or 14, wherein said first blade members each have a first longitudinal axis, said second blade members each have a second longitudinal axis, and the first and second axes of each connecting device are disposed in a common plane and are mutually inclined.

16. A child support apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein said mountings each comprise a slot to receive the blade members of the respective connecting devices.

17. A child support apparatus as claimed in claim 16, wherein said frame comprises a front leg unit, a rear leg unit and first and second hinge units connecting said front leg unit with said rear leg unit, wherein said slots are respectively provided in said first and second hinge units.

18. A child support apparatus as claimed in claim 17, wherein said front leg unit comprises spaced apart side members that each have a longitudinal axis, said rear leg unit comprise spaced apart side members that each have a longitudinal axis and the connection of said front and leg units with said first and second hinge units is such that said first and second slots extend parallel to or in line with the respective longitudinal axes of the side members of one of said front and rear leg units.

19. A child support apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 18, further comprising a locking mechanism to secure a said connecting device to said frame.

20. A child support apparatus as claimed in claim 19, wherein said locking mechanism comprises a locking element and a biasing element configured to bias said locking element to a locking position.

21. A child support apparatus as claimed in claim 20, wherein said locking element is mounted on said frame.

22. A child support apparatus as claimed in claim 19, 20 or 21, further comprising a user operable lock release pusher operable to disengage said locking mechanism to release said connecting device from said frame.

23. A method of adjusting the height of a child-carrying unit connected with a frame of a child support apparatus by a child-carrying unit height adjustment apparatus, wherein said child-carrying unit height adjustment apparatus comprises a first connecting device and a second connecting device connecting said child-carrying unit with said frame and said method comprises disconnecting said child-carrying unit from respective first end portions of said first and second connecting devices, disconnecting respective second end portions of said first and second connecting devices from said frame, engaging said first end portions with said frame and engaging said second end portions with said child-carrying unit.

24. A method as claimed in claim 23, wherein disconnecting said first and second end portions of said first and second devices from said frame comprises pressing a lock release pusher to release a locking mechanism by which said first and second connecting devices are secured to said frame.

25. A method as claimed in claimed in claim 23 or 24, wherein engaging said first and second end portions with said frame comprises inserting said first and second end portions into slots provided in said frame.