Pushchairs

Abstract

A pushchair 1 comprising a seat 3 supported by a chassis 2. The seat 3 has panels 11, 12, each having first 17, 18, and second 19 ends, and being joined at their first ends by a hinge; and the chassis

Description

This invention relates to pushchairs. It is a requirement for many pushchairs to be folded down or collapsed into a small volume of convenient dimensions for easy storage at home, or in a vehicle, especially in the small space available in aircraft. It is advantageous for the actions of collapsing the pushchair to be easy and preferably to be accomplished using just one hand, while avoiding inadvertent operation. Finally, the mechanisms to perform these functions should be compact and robust. According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a pushchair, comprising a chassis and a seat supported by the chassis, in which the seat comprises first and second panels each having a first end and second end, the first and second panels being joined at their respective first ends by a hinge having a hinge axis so as to define an angle between the first and second panels about the hinge axis; in which the chassis comprises first, second, third and fourth legs, and first and second handle struts, in which: the first and second legs and the first handle strut are joined by a first rotating coupling, so that the first and second legs and the first handle strut can rotate about a common axis; the third and fourth legs and the second handle strut are joined by a second rotating coupling spaced from the first rotating coupling so that the third and fourth legs and the second handle strut can rotate about a common axis; in which the seat comprises an axle mounted at the second end of the first panel and connected between the first and second rotating coupling, the axle being coaxial with the common axis, the second end of the first panel being pivotally coupled to the axle such that the second end of the first panel is able to pivot around the common axis; in which the pushchair is arranged so as to have: an uncollapsed position, in which: the first panel forms at least part of a base of the seat on which an occupant can be sat and the second panel forms at least part of a backrest of the seat; and the angle between the first and second panels is a first angle less than 180 degrees; and a collapsed position in which: the space occupied by the pushchair is reduced relative to the uncollapsed position; and in which the pushchair is arranged to transition from the uncollapsed to the collapsed state by rotating the second and fourth legs in a first sense towards the first and second handle struts about the first and second rotating couplings, the rotation of the second and fourth legs towards the first and second handle struts causing the first panel to pivot about the hinge in the first sense, so that the angle between the first and second panels increases. Thus, as the pushchair is collapsed, part of the seat base on which an occupant would be sat in the uncollapsed position moves to be closer to coplanar with at least part of the backrest. This can allow the collapsed form of the pushchair to fit between the handle struts in the collapsed state, taking up less space than otherwise would be the case. In the collapsed state, the angle between the first and second panels will be a second angle closer to 180 degrees than the first angle. The second angle may be 180 degrees, typically with the first and second panels coplanar. There may be at least one coupling linkage joining the first panel to at least one of the second and fourth legs; there may be two coupling linkages, one joining the first panel to the second leg and one joining the second panel to the fourth leg. Each coupling linkage may cause the first panel to rotate with the first and second handle struts. The chassis may further comprise a handle, comprising a U-shaped member having first and second ends, the first end being coupled to the first handle strut at an end of the first handle strut distal from the first rotating coupling, and the second end being coupled to the second handle strut at an end of the second handle strut distal from the second rotating coupling. The handle may be provided with first and second handle coupling, with the handle being rotatably coupled to the first handle strut by the first handle coupling, and with the handle being rotatably coupled to the second handle strut by the second handle coupling. Typically, the first and second handle couplings will allow the handle to rotate about the first and second couplings around a common handle axis. Typically, the handle may be provided with at least one driving coupling by means of which the handle is coupled at least one of the second and fourth legs; typically there are first and second driving couplings, the first driving coupling coupling the handle to the second leg and the second driving coupling coupling the handle to the fourth leg. Each driving coupling may be arranged such that, when the handle is rotated relative the first and second handle struts in the first sense, the second and / or fourth legs are driven to rotate about the common axis in the first sense. Thus, by rotating the handle relative to the handle struts in the first sense, the user of the pushchair can cause the pushchair to transition from the uncollapsed state to the collapsed state, as the second and fourth legs will be moving towards the handle struts moving in the first state. Each driving coupling may comprise a stub fixed to the handle and extending from the handle past the first or second handle coupling, and an arm connecting the stub to the second or fourth leg. Each of the second and fourth legs may be provided with a further driving linkage, which may couple the second leg to the first leg, and the fourth leg to the third leg respectively. Each further driving linkage may be arranged so that, when the handle is rotated relative the first and second handle struts in the first sense, the first and / or third legs are driven to rotate about the common axis in the first sense. As such, motion of the handle can be transmitted to all four legs, causing them to rotate towards the handle struts. Each further driving linkage may comprise a stub rigidly coupled to the second or fourth leg, and an arm rotatably coupled to the stub at a first end and to the first or third leg at a second end. The effect of all of the motion described about is to collapse the pushchair from a shape which could be described as approximately linear from handle to first and third legs, to collapsed in a compressed Z-shape, with the handle forming the top horizontal stroke of the Z, the handle struts the diagonal stroke and the four legs overlapping the bottom horizontal stroke of the Z. This is a significant space saving over the uncollapsed position. The seat may be provided with a seat extension panel, which is pivotably mounted on the axle at a first end of the seat extension panel and which in the uncollapsed state is coplanar with the first panel. The seat extension panel may be provided with at least one drive linkage, each drive linkage being coupled to one of the or each further driving linkages, and arranged such that movement of the further driving linkage caused by motion of the handle relative to the handle struts in the first sense causes rotation of the seat extension panel about the axle in the first sense. Thus, the seat extension panel can provide a larger seat base for an occupant to sit upon, but still collapse neatly down with the rest of the pushchair by articulating about the axle. The pushchair may be provided with a carry strap comprising a flexible elongate member having first and second ends, with a first end connected to one of the first leg and the third leg at a first point, and second end connected to one of the second leg and the fourth leg at a second point. The strap will have a length, which may be approximately the same (say, within 1%, 2% or 5%) as the distance between the first and second points in the uncollapsed state. As such, the strap will be taut or nearly so in the uncollapsed state and as such will not represent a trip or strangulation hazard when the pushchair is in use. The distance between the first and second points in the collapsed state will typically be less than the length (say a maximum of 25% or 10% of the carry strap), allowing the carry strap to become slack and usable as a carry strap. The strap may be elastic, with the length measured with no load applied to the strap. The strap may have an extended length, which is at least 5%, or 10% more than the length, when the strap is used to suspend the pushchair. Having an elastic strap makes it easier for the strap to be taut in the uncollapsed state, and may be more comfortable for the user when carrying the pushchair in the collapsed state. The strap may be elastic, with the length measured with no load applied to the strap. The strap may have an extended length, which is at least 5%, or 10% more than the length, when the strap is used to suspend the pushchair. Having an elastic strap makes it easier for the strap to be taut in the uncollapsed state, and may be more comfortable for the user when carrying the pushchair in the collapsed state. The first point may be close to (say within 10cm or 5cm of) the first or second rotating coupling, and the second point may be close to (say within 10cm or 5cm of) a distal end of the second or fourth leg with respect to the rotating coupling. This keeps the carry strap out of the way of the group when the pushchair is in use, to prevent it snagging items on the ground. The pushchair may be provided with a fabric covering which covers the first and second panels; this may provide comfort to an occupant. The fabric covering may couple the motion of the second panel to the first and second handle struts. The reverse of the motions described above which cause the transition from the uncollapsed to the collapsed state may cause the reverse transition from the collapsed to the uncollapsed state. Each of the first, second, third and fourth legs may have a wheel rotatably mounted thereon at an end distal from the first or second rotatable coupling. The wheels of the first and second legs may be spaced apart further parallel to the common axis than the wheels of the third and fourth legs (or vice versa) such that, in the collapsed state, the wheels of the third and fourth legs can be positioned inwards parallel to the common axis of the wheels of the first and second legs (or vice versa). According to a second aspect of the invention, we provide a pushchair, comprising a chassis and a seat supported by the chassis, in which the chassis comprises first, second, third and fourth legs, and first and second handle struts, in which: the first and second legs and the first handle strut are joined by a first rotating coupling, so that the first and second legs and the first handle strut can rotate about a common axis; the third and fourth legs and the second handle strut are joined by a second rotating coupling spaced from the first rotating coupling so that the third and fourth legs and the second handle strut can rotate about a common axis; in which the pushchair is arranged so as to have an uncollapsed position and a collapsed position, in which in the collapsed position, the space occupied by the pushchair is reduced relative to the uncollapsed position; in which the pushchair is provided with a carry strap comprising a flexible elongate member having first and second ends, with a first end connected to one of the first leg and the second leg at a first point, and second end connected to one of the third leg and the fourth leg at a second point. As such, this provides a convenient carry strap, which may be less likely to present a trip or strangulation hazard in the uncollapsed state. The strap will have a length, which may be approximately the same (say, within 1%, 2% or 5%) as the distance between the first and second points in the uncollapsed state. As such, the strap will be taut or nearly so in the uncollapsed state and as such will not represent a trip or strangulation hazard when the pushchair is in use. The distance between the first and second points in the collapsed state will typically be less than the length (say a maximum of 25% or 10% of the carry strap), allowing the carry strap to become slack and usable as a carry strap. The first point may be close to (say within 10cm or 5cm of) the first or second rotating coupling, and the second point may be close to (say within 10cm or 5cm of) a distal end of the second or fourth leg with respect to the rotating coupling. This keeps the carry strap out of the way of the group when the pushchair is in use, to prevent it snagging items on the ground. This carry strap is particularly useful where the pushchair is arranged to transition from the uncollapsed to the collapsed state by rotating the second and fourth legs in a first sense towards handle struts the about the first and second rotating couplings, so that the second and fourth legs, and the first and third legs, all move closer together, thus reducing the distance between the first and second points. The pushchair may be in accordance with the first aspect of the invention. There now follows, by way of example only, description of an embodiment of the invention, described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a pushchair in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, in an uncollapsed state; Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the pushchair of Figure 1, lacking the fabric covering; Figure 3 shows a side view of the pushchair of Figure 1, lacking the fabric covering; Figures 4, 6 and 8 show perspective views of the pushchair of Figure 1, lacking the fabric covering, in increasingly collapsed states; Figures 5, 7 and 9 show side views of the pushchair of Figure 1, lacking the fabric covering, in the same increasingly collapsed states as Figures 4, 6 and 8; and Figure 10 shows an end-on view of the pushchair of Figure 1 in the collapsed state, with the fabric covering. A pushchair 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention is shown in the accompanying figures. The pushchair 1 comprises a chassis 2 supporting a seat 3. The seat 3 has a fabric covering 4 shown in Figures 1 and 10. The pushchair 1 is shown without the fabric covering 4 in Figures 2 to 9 of the accompanying drawings. The chassis 2 comprises four legs: first 5 and second 6 legs on the left side of the pushchair, to front and back respectively, and third 7 and fourth 8 legs to the left, at front and rear respectively. The chassis 2 further comprises first handle strut 9 to the left and second handle strut 10 to the right. First and second rotating couplings 51, 52 are provided, such that the first rotating coupling 51 couples together the first 5 and second 6 legs and the first handle strut 9, whereas the second rotating coupling 52 couples together the third 7 and fourth 8 legs and the second handle strut 10. The first rotating coupling 51 allows the first 5 and second 6 legs and the first handle strut 10 to rotate about a common axis 21, whereas the second rotating coupling 52 will allow the third 7 and fourth 8 legs and the second handle strut to rotate about the common axis 21. Wheels 39 are provided at the ends of each of the first 5, second 6, third 7 and fourth 8 legs. The wheels 39 on the first 5 and third 7 legs are spaced further apart parallel to the common axis 21 than the wheels 39 on the second 6 and fourth 8 legs. The chassis further comprises a handle 26, of the form of a U-shaped member which joins, at the ends of the U-shape, the ends of the first 9 and second 10 handle struts distal from the first 51 and second 52 rotating couplings. The handle 26 is coupled to the first handle strut 9 through a first handle coupling 27, and to the second handle strut 10 through a second handle coupling 28, with the first 27 and second 28 handle couplings allowing the handle 26 to rotate relative to the first 9 and second 10 handle struts about a common handle axis 29 parallel to the common axis 21. The seat comprises a number of panels, which will be covered with the fabric covering 4 for the occupant's comfort. They comprise a first panel 11 and second panel 12, which are joined together at a first end 17 of the first panel 11 and a first end 18 of the second panel by a hinge 13 defining a hinge axis 14 parallel to the common axis 21. In the uncollapsed state shown in Figures 1 to 3 of the accompanying drawings, the first panel 11 forms part of a seat base 15 on which an occupant can sit, and the second panel 12 forms a backrest 16 for the seat 3. The angle between the first panel 11 and the second panel 12 is somewhat over 90 degrees, typically around approximately 115 to 165 degrees (selectable by a user for the occupant’s comfort). The first panel 11 is joined at its second end 19 to an axle 20 that runs between the first rotating coupling 51 and the second rotating coupling 52. As such, the first panel 11 can rotate at its second end 19 about the common axis 21. The seat is also provided with a seat extension panel 22, which in the uncollapsed position shown in Figures 1 to 3 is coplanar with the first panel 11 and as such forms part of the seat base 15 on which the occupant can sit. The seat extension panel 22 is also pivotally connected to the axle 20 at a first end 23 of the seat extension panel 22. The seat extension panel 22 is provided with a leg rest loop 24 comprising a U-shaped member which is pivotally connected to the seat extension panel 22 at a second end 25 of the seat extension panel 22 opposite to the first end 23, which when covered by the fabric covering as shown in Figure 1 will function as a leg rest for the occupant. The pushchair is also provided with several linkages which drive movement of the parts of the seat 3 and chassis 2 between the uncollapsed state of Figures 1 to 3 and the collapsed state of Figures 8 to 10. These comprise: • First 30 and second coupling linkages (the second coupling linkage not being visible in the accompanying drawings, but being the mirror image of the first coupling linkages), which link the first end 17 of the first panel 11 to the second 6 and fourth 8 leg respectively, so that the first panel 11 will tend to rotate with the second 6 and fourth 6 legs; • First 31 and second 32 driving couplings, with the first driving coupling 31 coupling the handle 26 to the second leg 6 and the second driving coupling 32 coupling the handle 26 to the fourth leg 8. Each of the first 31 and second 32 driving couplings comprises a stub 33 rigidly attached to the handle 26 and extending from the handle 25 past the first 27 or second 28 handling coupling, and an arm 34 pivotally coupled to the stub 33 at one end and to the respective second 6 or fourth 8 leg. • First 35 and second 36 further driving linkages, with the first further driving linkage coupling the second leg 6 to the first leg 5, and the second further driving linkage 36 coupling the fourth leg 8 to the third leg 7, each of the first 35 and second 36 further driving linkages comprising a stub 37 rigidly coupled to the second leg 6 or fourth leg 7 respectively and an arm 38 pivotally mounted on the stub 37 at one end and on the first 5 or third 7 leg respective at the other end. • First 43 and second 44 extension driving linkages, each comprising an arm 45 which is pivotally connected to the seat extension panel 22 at one end and to the arm 38 connected to the first 5 or third 7 leg respectively. The pushchair is also provided with a carry strap 42 (shown in Figures 1 and 10), which is formed as a strap of elastic webbing material or the like, which is attached at one end at a first point 40 near the wheel 39 on the second leg 6, and at the other end at a second point 41 near the first rotating coupling 51 on the first leg 5. In the uncollapsed state, the distance between the first 40 and second 41 points is approximately the same as the length of the carry strap 42, so the carry strap is held in tension by the elastic nature of the carry strap 42. The effect of the linkages can be seen in the accompanying drawings. As discussed above, Figures 1 to 3 of the accompanying drawings show an uncollapsed state of the pushchair, which provides a convenient seat for an occupant, such as a child. However, it is sometimes desirable to collapse the pushchair for storage into a smaller space than in the uncollapsed state. As such, the pushchair can transition from the uncollapsed state shown in Figures 1 to 3 of the accompanying drawings to the collapsed state shown in Figures 8 to 10 of the accompanying drawings, via the intermediate states shown in Figures 4 and 5 and Figures 6 and 7 respectively. The transition is caused by rotating the handle 26 forwards about the first 27 and second 28 handle couplings, so that the handle 26 rotates about the handle axis 29 in a first sense (anti-clockwise as shown in the drawings). This causes the first 31 and second 32 driving couplings to pull backwards on the second 6 and fourth 8 legs, rotating then in the same first sense (anti-clockwise as shown in the drawings) about the first 51 and second 52 rotating couplings, so as to drawn the second 6 and fourth 8 legs towards the first 9 and second 10 handle struts. The first 30 and second driving coupling consequently causes the first panel 11 to rotate about the axle 20 and the hinge 13, so that the angle between first 11 and second 12 panels increases to close to 180 degrees. Thus, the first 11 and second 12 panels together become flatter. The first 35 and second 36 further driving linkages also couple the movement of the handle as the second 6 and fourth 8 legs rotate about the first 51 and second 52 rotating couplings. The first 35 and second 36 further driving linkages cause the first 5 and third 7 legs to rotate in the first sense about the first 51 and second 52 rotating couplings. The first 43 and second 44 extension driving linkages will couple the movement of the first 5 and third 7 legs to the seat extension panel, so that the seat extension panel will rotate or articulate about the axle 20 in the same sense as the first 5 and third 7 legs. Thus, as the handle 26 is rotated by the user about the first 27 and second 28 handle couplings, the linkages will: • cause the first 11 and second 12 panels to become flatter together; • cause the second 6 and fourth 8 legs to rotate towards the first 9 and second 10 handle struts; • cause the first 5 and third 7 legs to rotate towards the first 9 and second 10 handle struts; • cause the seat extension panel 22 to rotate with the first 5 and third 7 legs. This movement can be seen in Figures 4 and 5, and Figures 5 and 6, as the parts progressively move from the uncollapsed position shown in Figures 1 to 3 and discussed about, and the collapsed position shown in Figures 8 to 10. In the collapsed position, the pushchair takes up much less space, and has collapsed into an approximate Z shape. Various parts of the pushchair have become generally parallel if not co-planar with each other: • Forming the top horizontal stroke of the Z: the handle 26 • Forming the diagonal stroke of the Z: the first 9 and second 10 handle struts, the first panel 51 and the second panel 52 • Forming the bottom horizontal stroke of the Z: the legs 5, 6, 7, 8 and the seat extension panel 22 Whilst the seat base 15 is formed of first panel 11 and the seat extension panel 22 in the uncollapsed state, it can be seen that those two panels 11, 22 have articulated about the axle 20 relative to one another to collapse down into a compact form. It can also be seen that the distance between the first point 40 and the second point 41 in the collapsed state is much less than in the uncollapsed state. As shown in Figure 10 of the accompanying drawings, this allows the carry strap 42 to be used as such, as the carry strap will become slack as opposed to its taut state in the uncollapsed state; the elastic nature of the carry strap 42 will allow the carry strap 42 to stretch as it is used to suspend the pushchair 1 as shown in Figure 10 of the accompanying drawings, giving the user some degree of shock absorption as they carry the pushchair 1.

Claims

1. A pushchair, comprising a chassis and a seat supported by the chassis,in which the seat comprises first and second panels each having a first end and second end, the first and second panels being joined at their respective first ends by a hinge having a hinge axis so as to define an angle between the first and second panels about the hinge axis;in which the chassis comprises first, second, third and fourth legs, and first and second handle struts, in which:the first and second legs and the first handle strut are joined by a first rotating coupling, so that the first and second legs and the first handle strut can rotate about a common axis;the third and fourth legs and the second handle strut are joined by a second rotating coupling spaced from the first rotating coupling so that the third and fourth legs and the second handle strut can rotate about a common axis;in which the seat comprises an axle mounted at the second end of the first panel and connected between the first and second rotating coupling, the axle being coaxial with the common axis, the second end of the first panel being pivotally coupled to the axle such that the second end of the first panel is able to pivot around the common axis;in which the pushchair is arranged so as to have:an uncollapsed position, in which:the first panel forms at least part of a base of the seat on which an occupant can be sat and the second panel forms at least part of a backrest of the seat; andthe angle between the first and second panels is a first angle less than 180 degrees; anda collapsed position in which:the space occupied by the pushchair is reduced relative to the uncollapsed position; andin which the pushchair is arranged to transition from the uncollapsed to the collapsed state by rotating the second and fourth legs in a first sense towards the first and second handle struts about the first and second rotating couplings, the rotation of the second and fourth legs towards the first and second handle struts causing the first panel to pivot about the hinge in the first sense, so that the angle between the first and second panels increases.

2. The pushchair of claim 1 in which in the collapsed state, the angle between the first and second panels will be a second angle closer to 180 degrees than the first angle, typically 180 degrees.

3. The pushchair of claim 1 or claim 2, comprising at least one coupling linkage joining the first panel to at least one of the second and fourth legs; preferably there are two coupling linkages, one joining the first panel to the second leg and one joining the second panel to the fourth leg.

4. The pushchair of claim 3, in which each coupling linkage causes the first panel to rotate with the first and second handle struts.

5. The pushchair of any preceding claim, in which the chassis comprises a handle, comprising a U-shaped member having first and second ends, the first end being coupled to the first handle strut at an end of the first handle strut distal from the first rotating coupling, and the second end being coupled to the second handle strut at an end of the second handle strut distal from the second rotating coupling;in which the handle is provided with first and second handle couplings, with the handle being rotatably coupled to the first handle strut by the first handle coupling, and with the handle being rotatably coupled to the second handle strut by the second handle coupling, with the first and second handle couplings allowing the handle to rotate about the first and second couplings around a common handle axis.

6. The pushchair of claim 5, in which the handle is provided with at least one driving coupling by means of which the handle is coupled at least one of the second and fourth legs; preferably there are first and second driving couplings, the first driving coupling coupling the handle to the second leg and the second driving coupling coupling the handle to the fourth leg.

7. The pushchair of claim 6, in which each driving coupling is arranged such that, when the handle is rotated relative to the first and second handle struts in the first sense, the second and / or fourth legs are driven to rotate about the common axis in the firstsense.

8. The pushchair of claim 6 or claim 7, in which each driving coupling comprises a stub fixed to the handle and extending from the handle past the first or second handle coupling, and an arm connecting the stub to the second or fourth leg.

9. The pushchair of any preceding claim, in which each of the second and fourth legs are provided with a further driving linkage, which couples the second leg to the first leg, and the fourth leg to the third leg respectively.

10. The pushchair of claim 9, in which each further driving linkage is arranged so that, when the handle is rotated relative to the first and second handle struts in the first sense, the first and / or third legs are driven to rotate about the common axis in the first sense.

11. The pushchair of claim 9 or claim 10, in which each further driving linkage comprises a stub rigidly coupled to the second or fourth leg, and an arm rotatably coupled to the stub at a first end and to the first or third leg at a second end.

12. The pushchair of any preceding claim, in which the seat is provided with a seat extension panel, which is pivotably mounted on the axle at a first end of the seat extension panel and which in the uncollapsed state is coplanar with the first panel.

13. The pushchair of claim 12 as it depends on claim 9, 10 or 11, in which the seat extension panel is provided with at least one drive linkage, each drive linkage being coupled to one of the or each further driving linkages, and arranged such that movement of the further driving linkage caused by motion of the handle relative to the handle struts in the first sense causes rotation of the seat extension panel about the axle in the first sense.

14. The pushchair of any preceding claim, provided with a carry strap comprising a flexible elongate member having first and second ends, with a first end connected to one of the first leg and the third leg at a first point, and second end connected to one of the second leg and the fourth leg at a second point.15.A pushchair, comprising a chassis and a seat supported by the chassis,in which the chassis comprises first, second, third and fourth legs, and first and second handle struts, in which:the first and second legs and the first handle strut are joined by a first rotating coupling, so that the first and second legs and the first handle strut can rotate about a common axis;the third and fourth legs and the second handle strut are joined by a second rotating coupling spaced from the first rotating coupling so that the third and fourth legs and the second handle strut can rotate about a common axis;in which the pushchair is arranged so as to have an uncollapsed position and a collapsed position, in which in the collapsed position, the space occupied by the pushchair is reduced relative to the uncollapsed position;in which the pushchair is provided with a carry strap comprising a flexible elongate member having first and second ends, with a first end connected to one of the first leg and the second leg at a first point, and second end connected to one of the third leg and the fourth leg at a second point.

16. The pushchair of claim 14 or claim 15, in which the strap has a length, which is approximately the same as the distance between the first and second points in the uncollapsed state.

17. The pushchair of claim 16, in which the distance between the first and second points in the collapsed state is less than the length.

18. The pushchair of any of claims 14 to 17, in which the strap is elastic.

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