Canopy for a stroller

Abstract

Stroller canopy (10) with a flexible cover (60) with at least two support points (62, 64, 66) provided along the flexible cover at spaced-apart positions, and a support structure (20) for supporting the flexible cover (60) at the at least two support points (62, 64, 66), wherein the flexible cover (60) between two adjacent support points (62, 64, 66) has a stabilizing section (80, 82) in which a flexible cover section (70, 72) of the flexible cover (60) extending between the two adjacent support points (62, 64, 66) is locally stiffened independently of the support structure (20) in order to reduce sagging of the flexible cover section (70, 72) between the support points (61, 64, 66).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to a canopy for a stroller. BACKGROUND

[0002] Canopies for strollers are well known in the art. Such canopies protect a sitting or lying child from environmental influences, such as sunlight, wind, or rain.

[0003] A stroller hood typically consists of several rigid support elements. The support elements are pivotally connected to one another by a pivot pin. A piece of fabric extends between the support elements, forming a cover for the stroller. When the hood is extended, the fabric located between two adjacent support elements is in an extended or taut state. When the hood is folded so that the support elements are folded against one another, the fabric is folded and tends to extend downward in a V-shape between two adjacent support elements.

[0004] One problem with this configuration is that the fabric extends far down, making it difficult to see the child in the stroller, especially if only the front part of a canopy is folded. The fabric of the canopy also obstructs the child's view.

[0005] The problem is exacerbated by long fabric panels that have a large front section, where they are folded. The fabric folds in half and sags downward, obstructing the toddler's view. SUMMARY

[0006] There is a need for covers that avoid or reduce the above disadvantages.

[0007] The object of the invention is to provide an improved canopy for a stroller.

[0008] The problem is solved by the subject matter described in the independent claim. Advantageous further developments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0009] According to one embodiment, a stroller canopy is disclosed. The stroller canopy comprises a flexible cover. The flexible cover has at least two support points provided at spaced-apart positions along the flexible cover.

[0010] The stroller canopy further comprises a support structure for supporting the flexible cover at the at least two support points. The flexible cover has a stabilizing section extending in the transverse direction of the stroller canopy between two adjacent support points. In the stabilizing section, a flexible cover section of the flexible cover, which extends between two adjacent support points, is locally stiffened independently of the support structure in order to reduce sagging of the flexible cover section between the support points. This stiffening ensures that the cover remains more stable even between the support points and excessive sagging of the cover between the support points is avoided. A stabilizing section can be understood as an area of ​​the flexible cover or cover section that is stiffened to prevent excessive sagging.

[0011] The stabilizing section can extend from a side wall of the flexible cover section into an upper region of the flexible cover section. This means that the stiffening does not have to be limited locally to one side of the cover or hood, but can extend over a longer area that includes both a portion of the sides and a portion of the upper part of the cover or hood. The vertical part of the flexible cover or hood located on each side of the stroller hood can be seen under a side wall.

[0012] The stabilizing section can extend from one side wall of the flexible cover section across an upper area of ​​the flexible cover section into the other side wall of the flexible cover section. The upper area can be the upper, usually horizontal, part of the cover section that lies above the child's head. Such continuous stiffening ensures that the entire cover is reinforced and stabilized from one side to the other. This helps the canopy retain its shape better.

[0013] The stabilizing section can be continuous.

[0014] The stabilizing section can be arched. The arched shape can follow the contours of the canopy, which can be curved or domed. The arched structure allows for more space under the canopy by preventing the canopy from sagging excessively. This can be beneficial for the child, as the child's head area is less constricted and their view is not obstructed. The stabilizing section can be U-shaped.

[0015] The stabilizing portion may include a stiffening member attached to the flexible cover portion. The stiffening member may be an elongated member.

[0016] The stiffening component can be supported solely by the cover section. The stiffening component can be integrated into the cover fabric, either by sewing it in, inserting it into pockets, or as a stiffened layer within the material, or it can be attached to it without any separate support structures supporting the stiffening component. The stiffening component is held solely by the cover itself.

[0017] The stiffening component can be flat. A flat stiffening component can consist of a thin strip or a thin insert of a dimensionally stable material that is integrated into or attached to the flexible cover of the stroller canopy. This flat structure provides uniform stabilization without unduly compromising the flexibility or design of the cover.

[0018] The stiffening component can be designed as a rod or bar.

[0019] The stiffening component can be made of a material that is stiffer than the flexible cover section. This means that the material of the stiffening component is stronger and less flexible than the rest of the flexible cover section of the stroller canopy. This ensures better shape retention of the cover section at the stabilizing section.

[0020] The stiffening component may be molded or formed from metal. The stiffening component may be molded or formed from plastic.

[0021] The stiffening component can be sewn to the cover section. The stiffening component can be received in a channel formed in the cover section.

[0022] The stiffening component can be provided halfway along the length of the cover section between the support points, so that the respective sections of the cover section between the stiffening component and the adjacent support point are of equal length. The cover section can thus be stiffened exactly centrally between the support points.

[0023] The support structure can have at least a first support component and an adjacent second support component. Each support component can have a support portion that supports a support point. The support components can be coupled to a coupling portion for coupling the stroller canopy to a stroller. At least the first support component of the support structure can be pivotally attached to the coupling portion relative to the second support component. In particular, the attachment can be such that the first support component is movable between an extended position and a folded position. In the extended position, a first support portion of the first support component and a second support portion of the second support component are arranged at a first distance. In the folded position, the first support portion of the first support component and the second support portion of the second support component are arranged at a second distance.The second distance is smaller than the first distance.

[0024] The stabilizing section can be provided on the cover section in such a way that the stabilizing section is not visible on the top from the outside, in particular when the top is unfolded, i.e. the first support component is in the unfolded position.

[0025] The stabilizing section can be designed in different ways to create stiffening in the cover section. The stiffening of the flexible cover of the stroller canopy can be achieved in a variety of technical ways. Thin but stable struts or rods made of a light but strong material (e.g., aluminum, fiberglass, or plastic) can be integrated into the flexible cover. These struts run between the support points and ensure that the cover section remains stable and does not sag excessively. A flexible but more dimensionally stable material, such as plastic slats or strips, could be sewn or inserted into the fabric. Such slats can be flexible enough to allow some deformation of the cover section, but stiff enough to prevent excessive sagging or wrinkling when the canopy is folded.The fabric of the flexible cover could consist of several layers in the stabilizing section, with optional stiffening materials (such as special fibers, fabrics, or membranes) incorporated between the layers. These additional layers provide greater strength to the fabric without the need for additional external structures. In a modification, one or more inflatable elements can be integrated into the flexible cover, which are filled with air as needed to create stiffening. These structures are flexible when deflated and more compact for storage, but stiff enough when inflated to stabilize the fabric.

[0026] By stiffening the cover section centrally between its support points, it can be avoided that when the convertible top is folded, i.e. when adjacent support points move towards one another, the cover section in between is transformed into a V-shape in cross-section, the lower section of which protrudes relatively far into the interior space formed by the convertible top. Instead, the cover section is transformed into a W-shape in cross-section, forming two smaller sagging sections whose lower sections do not protrude as far into the interior of the convertible top. The W-shape can have two smaller folds, each of which hangs less deeply than a deep fold in the V-shape. In other words, the W-shape forms two smaller V-shapes next to one another. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The invention is described with reference to the accompanying figures. Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a stroller with a canopy. Fig. 2 shows another perspective view of the stroller and the canopy. Fig. 3 shows a side view of a convertible top according to an embodiment in an extended state. Fig. 4 shows a side view of the top of Fig. 3 in a partially folded state. Fig. 5 shows a side view of a convertible top according to another embodiment.

[0028] The figures are schematic and not to scale. Like reference numerals refer to like elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] An embodiment and modifications are described with reference to the figures.

[0030] Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 shows a stroller 1. The stroller 1 has a support structure 2 and a seat structure 3. The seat structure 3 is attached to the support structure 2. The support structure 2 is formed by a frame. The support structure 2 has a handle 4 for handling the support structure 2. Two rear wheels 5 and two front wheels 6 are attached to the support structure 2, with which the support structure 2 can be slidably supported on the ground.

[0031] The stroller 1 further includes a canopy 10. The canopy has a folding mechanism. The folding mechanism allows the canopy 10 to be flexibly adjusted or completely folded. This allows the canopy 10 to be opened or closed as needed to protect the child from sun, rain, or wind.

[0032] The hood 10 of the stroller 1 is connected to the supporting structure 2 of the stroller 1 via coupling sections 11, 12. The hood may have a joint system 13. This joint system 13 enables the movement and adjustment of the hood. Joints 14, 16 of the joint system 13 are located on the sides of the hood 10, where the hood 10 is attached or can be attached to the supporting structure 2 of the stroller 1, for example, at the coupling sections 11, 12.

[0033] The convertible top 10 has a support structure 20. The support structure 20 supports a flexible cover 60. The support structure 20 has two or more support components 30, 40, 50. The support components 30, 40, 50 are designed as U-shaped brackets and extend from one side of the convertible top 10 to the other side of the convertible top 10. End sections 32, 34, 42, 44, 52, 54 of the support components 30, 40, 50 are connected to the coupling sections 11, 12. At least two of the two or more support components 30, 40, 50 are articulated to the coupling sections 11, 12, in particular such that they are rotatable about a common axis of rotation.

[0034] The support components 30, 40, 50 support the flexible cover 60 from below at predetermined support points 62, 64, 66. More specifically, support sections 36, 46, 56 of the support components 30, 40, 50 are in contact with the support points 62, 64, 66. Furthermore, the support components 30, 40, 50 are coupled to the support points 62, 64, 66 such that relative movement between the support points 62, 64, 66 and the support sections 36, 46, 56 transverse to the direction of extension of the support sections 36, 46, 56 is not possible. In other words, the support sections 36, 46, 56 are attached to the support points 62, 64, 66 such that, upon pivoting movement of the support components about the rotation axis, the support point 62, 64, 66 supported by the support sections 36, 46, 56 is moved together with the support sections 36, 46, 56. For example, the support sections 36, 46, 56 can be sewn to the support points 62, 64, 66.The support sections 36, 46, 56 can also be accommodated, for example, in a channel formed in the flexible cover 60 at the support points 62, 64, 66.

[0035] The flexible cover 60 is supported on the support structure 20 such that, between the support sections 36, 46, 56 of adjacent support components 30, 40, 50, a cover section 70, 72 extends from one support section 36, 46, 56 to the adjacent support section. The cover sections 70, 72 can each extend from a support point 62, 64, 66 to the adjacent support point. In the embodiment shown, a first cover section 70 extends from a first support point 62 to a second support point 64, i.e., between a first support section 36 and a second support section 46. A second cover section 72 extends from the second support point 64 to a third support point 66, i.e., between the second support section 46 and a third support section 56.

[0036] By increasing the distance between adjacent support sections 36, 46, 56, the cover section 70, 72 extending therebetween can be tightened. The achievable maximum distance between adjacent support sections 36, 46, 56 can correspond to the length L1, L2 of the cover section 70, 72 located therebetween. Fig. In the configuration shown in Figure 3, the maximum distance between the support sections 36, 46, 56 is established. If the cover section 70, 72 is taut, a further increase in the distance between the support sections 36, 46, 56 is not possible and the maximum distance between them is reached. In this state, the cover section 70, 72 is extended or unfolded. Fig. 3 both cover sections 70, 72 are unfolded.

[0037] By reducing the distance between adjacent support sections 36, 46, 56, the cover section 70, 72 extending therebetween can be loosened and pushed together to form folds. A state in which the distance between the support sections 36, 46, 56 is minimal can also be referred to as a retracted state or folded state of the cover section or as a collapsed state. Such a state of the first cover section 70 is shown in Fig. 4 shown.

[0038] To prevent a large, inward-extending V-shaped fold from forming in the convertible top when the cover section 70, 72 is transferred from the unfolded state to the folded state, i.e., when the cover section 70, 72 is pushed together, a stabilizing section 80, 82 is provided in the cover section 70, 72. The stabilizing section 80, 82 is designed to locally increase the rigidity of the cover section 70, 72 in order to counteract the described crease formation.

[0039] The stabilizing section 80, 82 stiffens the cover section 70, 72 and can also be referred to as a stiffening region. The stabilizing section 80, 82 can be U-shaped. The stabilizing section 80, 82 can be dimensionally stable. The stabilizing section 80, 82 can have a shape that follows the general shape of the convertible top. The stabilizing section can have a shape that the cover section 70, 72 would assume in the unfolded state without the presence of a stabilizing section 80, 82, so that in the unfolded state, it is not necessarily apparent from the outside of the convertible top that the cover section 70, 72 is stiffened by the stabilizing section 80, 82.

[0040] Each stabilizing section 80, 82 can comprise a rigid component or be formed by a rigid component. The stabilizing section 80, 82 can be integrated into the cover section 70, 72. The stabilizing section 80, 82 can be attached to the cover section 70, 72, for example, in a removable and reattachable manner. The stabilizing section 80, 82 can be formed by one or more rigid components. The stabilizing section 80, 82 can be formed by a bent component. The stabilizing section 80, 82 can comprise a bent sheet metal. The stabilizing section 80, 82 can be configured to correspond to the shape of the support sections 36, 46, 56 or the support components 30, 40, 50.

[0041] The stabilizing section 80, 82 may include a stiffening member 84, 86, as shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4. The stiffening component 84, 86 can be U-shaped. The stiffening component 84, 86 can be flat. A flat stiffening component 84, 86 can offer the advantage that when the cover section 70, 72 on which it is provided is fully unfolded, the stiffening component is not or barely visible. A flat stiffening component 84, 86 can be fully integrated into the cover section 70, 72. The cover section 70, 72 can thus be formed without any significant change in design. Alternatively, the stiffening component 84, 86 can be formed as a rod or bar. A rod or bar can provide high stability and structural strength. In addition, a rod or bar takes up less space when the cover section 70, 72 is folded. In addition, a rod or pole can be easily integrated into or concealed within the cover section 70, 72.

[0042] In the embodiment shown, the stiffening component 84, 86 is supported only by the cover section 70, 72. The stiffening component 84, 86 is not directly coupled to a support component 30, 40, 50. The stiffening component 84, 86 is not directly coupled to one of the coupling sections 11, 12. Each stabilizing section 80, 82 is completely surrounded by an exposed area of ​​the cover section 70, 72. The stabilizing sections 80, 82 are only indirectly supported on other components via a portion of the cover section 70, 72.

[0043] According to the embodiment, each stabilizing section is provided centrally on the respective cover section 70, 72.

[0044] In the embodiment shown, a first stabilizing section 80 is provided on the first cover section 70. A second stabilizing section 82 is provided on the second cover section 72. The first stabilizing section 80 has a first stiffening component 84. The second stabilizing section 82 has a second stiffening component 86. The first cover section 70 has a first length L1 between the first support point 62 and the second support point 64. The second cover section 72 has a second length L2 between the second support point 64 and the third support point 66. The first stiffening component 84 is fastened to the first cover section 70 halfway along the first length L1. The second stiffening component 86 is fastened to the second cover section 72 halfway along the second length L2.

[0045] If in this configuration a support component is folded onto the adjacent support component, for example the first support component 30 onto the second support component 40, the cover section between the support components, for example the first cover section 70, is folded to form a W-shape, as shown in Fig. 4. This prevents a single deep crease from forming between the support points when folding.

[0046] In other embodiments, the stroller canopy 10 does not have a stabilizing section 80, 82 in all cover sections 70, 72. In some embodiments, a stabilizing section can be provided in one or more cover sections. Arrangements are also conceivable in which stabilizing sections are provided in all cover sections. It is also conceivable to provide multiple stabilizing sections on a single cover section. In one embodiment, the stroller canopy 10 has a stabilizing section only in the two front cover sections. In one embodiment, the stroller canopy has two cover sections. In some embodiments, the stroller canopy has three or more cover sections.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment, only the front cover section 70 is provided with a stabilizing section 80. Such an arrangement is shown, for example, in Fig. 5. The structure of the stroller canopy 10 can be similar to that shown in the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, with the difference that the second stabilizing section 82 or the second stiffening component 86 are not provided. In the preferred embodiment, the second cover section 72 can be formed without a stabilizing section 82. A reverse arrangement is also conceivable.

[0048] In another embodiment, a stabilizing portion may be provided only in the rearmost cover portion.

[0049] In a further embodiment, the stabilizing section 80 is provided only in a cover section 70 which is closest to a transverse component of the stroller, for example a stroller handle, such as the handle 4, or a safety bar, a protective bar, or a belly bar which secures a sitting child in the stroller. REFERENCE SYMBOL 1 stroller 2 Supporting structure 3 Seat structure 4 Handle 5 rear wheel 6 front wheel 10 Stroller canopy 11 Coupling section 12 Coupling section 13 Joint system 14, 16 joints of the articular system 20 Support structure of the convertible top 30 (first) support component 40 (second) support component 50 (third) supporting component 32, 34, 42, 44, 52, 54 End sections of the support components 36 (first) supporting section 46 (second) supporting section 56 (third) supporting section 60 Flexible Cover 62 (first) support point 64 (second) support point 66 (third) support point 70 (first) cover section 72 (second) coverage section 80 (first) stabilization section 82 (second) stabilization section 84 (first) stiffening component 86 (second) stiffening component L1 Length of the first cover section L2 Length of the second cover section

Claims

[1] Stroller canopy (10) with a flexible cover (60) having at least two support points (62, 64, 66) provided along the flexible cover at spaced-apart positions, and a support structure (20) for supporting the flexible cover (60) at the at least two support points (62, 64, 66), wherein the flexible cover (60) has a stabilizing section (80, 82) between two adjacent support points (62, 64, 66), in which a flexible cover section (70, 72) of the flexible cover (60) extending between the two adjacent support points (62, 64, 66) is locally stiffened independently of the support structure (20) in order to reduce sagging of the flexible cover section (70, 72) between the support points (61, 64, 66). [2] Stroller canopy (10) according to claim 1, wherein the stabilizing portion (80, 82) extends from a side wall of the flexible cover portion (70, 72) into an upper region of the flexible cover portion (70, 72). [3] Stroller canopy (10) according to claim 2, wherein the stabilizing portion (80, 82) extends from one side wall of the flexible cover portion (70, 72) over an upper region of the flexible cover portion (70, 72) into the other side wall of the flexible cover portion (70, 72). [4] Stroller hood (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the stabilizing section (80, 82) is continuous. [5] Stroller hood (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the stabilizing section (80, 82) is curved, for example U-shaped. [6] Stroller canopy (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the stabilizing portion (80, 82) comprises a stiffening member (84, 86) attached to the flexible cover portion (70, 72). [7] Stroller canopy (10) according to claim 6, wherein the stiffening member (84, 86) is carried only by the cover portion (70, 72). [8] Stroller canopy (10) according to claim 7, wherein the stiffening component (84, 86) is flat. [9] Stroller hood (10) according to claim 7, wherein the stiffening component (84, 86) is designed as a rod or bar. [10] Stroller canopy (10) according to one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the stiffening member (84, 86) is formed from a material that is stiffer than the flexible cover portion (70, 72). [11] Stroller canopy (10) according to claim 10, wherein the stiffening component (84, 86) is molded or formed from metal or plastic. [12] Stroller canopy (10) according to one of claims 6 to 11, wherein the stiffening component (84, 86) is sewn to the cover portion (70, 72) and / or is received in a channel formed in the cover portion (70, 72). [13] Stroller hood (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the stabilizing section (80, 82) is provided between the support points (62, 64, 66) at half the length of the cover section (70, 72), so that the partial sections of the cover section (70, 72) between the stabilizing section (80, 82) and the adjacent support point (62, 64, 66) are of equal length. [14] Stroller canopy (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the support structure (20) comprises at least a first support component (30) and an adjacent second support component (40), wherein each support member (30, 40) has a support portion (36, 46) carrying a support point (62, 64), wherein the support components (30, 40) are coupled to a coupling section (11, 12) for coupling the stroller hood (10) to a stroller (1), wherein at least the first support component (30) of the support structure (20) is pivotally attached to the coupling section (11, 12) relative to the second support component (40), in particular such that the first support component (30) is movable between a folded-out position, in which a first support section (36) of the first support component (30) and a second support section (46) of the second support component (40) are arranged at a first distance, and a folded-in position, in which the first support section (36) and the second support section (46) are arranged at a second distance which is smaller than the first distance. [15] Stroller hood (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the stabilizing section (80, 82) is provided on the cover section (70, 72) in such a way that the stabilizing section (80, 82) is not visible on the hood from the outside, in particular is not visible when the hood is unfolded. [16] Stroller canopy (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the stabilizing section 80, 82 extends in the transverse direction of the stroller canopy (10).

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