Hub assembly and stroller

Abstract

A hub assembly 23 for connecting a seat base (22, Fig 1A), a bumper bar 26, and a seat back (24, Fig 1A) of a seat (20, Fig 1A) for a stroller (10, Fig 1A), comprising: a locking element 130 having: a

Description

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates to a hub assembly; and stroller; and in particular a hub assembly which provides recline and folding operations for a seat of a stroller. BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE Most strollers or pushchairs have one or more front wheel assemblies mounted to a front frame, and two rear wheel assemblies mounted to a rear frame; with the front and rear frames connected at a central hub. In many strollers or pushchairs, a single seat or carrycot is mounted near to the hub; in some cases, being interchangeable between a forward “world facing” configuration or a rearward “parent facing” orientation. Often the seat backs of these strollers can be moved from an upright position, to a semireclined position relative to the seat (and in some strollers to a fully reclined position) to facilitate comfort / rest of the child or infant being transported by the stroller. Typically to secure the child or infant in the stroller a “bumper” or “belly” bar may also extend about the middle of the stroller. Some strollers are also designed so that they can be folded into a smaller configuration for transportation (for example in the trunk, boot or luggage compartment of a vehicle). This requires removal and / or careful coordination of the movement of the seat back, seat base and bumper bar relative to the seat hub(s); in order that all parts move with respect to each other in the correct relative orientation. Necessarily the folding and unfolding operations need to be intuitive, reliable and rapid; especially given the often-unpredictable circumstances (and emotional states) the parents / caregivers need to operate under when caring for the infant or child. It is also necessary for such folding / unfolding operation to be able to be performed when the seat is in either the front facing or parent facing arrangement. Some strollers are also designed so that they are able to support various combinations of a seat, a carrycot, a car seat, or alternative combination of two of these in various configurations, to provide for relatively common situation where parents have children close together. In these situations, a second child often arrives before the first child is independently mobile or mobile for prolonged distance. At this time, rather than having separate strollers or pushchairs for each child, it is generally more convenient for parents or caregivers to have a single stroller which is able to support two occupants. Accordingly, there is a need for strollers or pushchairs which are reconfigurable to handle situations where there is only one occupant and also situations where there may be two occupants; and which have seats which provide functionality such as the ability to recline and / or fold when in a single configuration or where to cater for the situation where there are multiple occupants. As such, these functional requirements may be in conflict. Various approaches to address these requirements have been attempted including separating the seats from the frame prior to folding, removable bumper bars, separate additional seat frames; smaller seats etc. However, many of these solutions are not convenient or intuitive; may be impractical or otherwise difficult to operate in practice. Accordingly, there is a need to provide a stroller or pushchair which address or at least partially ameliorates some of the above problems and disadvantages of the prior art. SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE Features and advantages of the disclosure will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or can be learned by practice of the herein disclosed principles. The features and advantages of the disclosure can be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. In accordance with a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a hub assembly connecting a seat base with a bumper bar and a seat back of the seat of a stroller, the hub assembly comprising: a locking element displaceable between: an engaged state wherein the locking element is engaged with formations on a seat connector assembly housing, a bumper bar housing and a seat base hub housing to prevent relative rotation therebetween; and a partially disengaged state wherein the locking element is engaged with formations on the seat connector assembly housing and with formations extending from a first face of the seat base hub housing to prevent relative rotation therebetween; wherein in the partially engaged state the locking element is received within the seat connector assembly housing but is disengaged with the formations extending from the bumper bar housing; thereby permitting relative rotation therebetween for commencement of a folding operation; and a fully disengaged state in which said locking element is received within formations on the seat connector assembly housing and disengaged from formations extending from the seat base hub housing and the bumper bar housing; so as to permit relative rotation of the seat base hub and bumper bar housing relative to the seat connector housing for folding thereof. Preferably the hub assembly further includes a seat recline means for adjusting the relative inclination of a seat back housing to a second face of the seat base hub housing; the seat recline means comprising a recline actuator which is urged toward the seat back housing. The recline actuator is preferably urged towards the seat back housing by mating engagement of inclined surfaces in the seat back housing with corresponding inclined recesses defined in the recline actuator by activation thereof by a user. The recline actuator may be activated to rotate against the inclined surfaces of the seat back housing via a cable attached thereto which is pulled by the operation of a recline handle by a user. Preferably the axis of rotation of the seat recline means and one side of the seat base housing of the seat recline means is offset relative to the axis of rotation of the other side of seat base housing and seat connector assembly housing. The rotation of seat back housing relative to the seat base hub housing and to proximate the position of the bumper bar may be configured to urge a sliding element toward the seat base hub into a first position; wherein said sliding element in the first position displaces the main locking element through the seat base hub housing and out from the engaged state into the partially disengaged state. The continued rotation of the seat back housing relative to the seat base hub housing may be configured to further urge the sliding element toward the seat base hub and into a second position wherein said sliding element in the second position displaces the main locking element through the seat base hub housing from the partially engaged state into the fully disengaged state. A first inclined surface of the seat back housing may be positioned and dimensioned to bear against a corresponding inclined surface of the sliding element upon rotation thereof. A second inclined surface of the seat back housing may be positioned and dimensioned to bear against a corresponding second inclined surface of the sliding element upon rotation thereof. Apertures defined in the main locking element may be configured to receive corresponding posts extending from the faces of the seat connector housing and seat base housing for secure engagement therewith. A face of the bumper bar housing may include a depression and groove defined therein for receiving a corresponding return pin extending from the seat back housing and for returning said bumper bar housing to an operational position. In a further aspect, there is provided a stroller comprising a frame with at least a pair of rear ground engaging wheels and one or more front wheels, said frame supporting at least one hub assembly connecting a seat base with a bumper bar and a seat back, the at least one hub assembly comprising: a locking element displaceable between: an engaged state wherein the locking element is engaged with formations on a seat connector assembly housing, a bumper bar housing and a seat base hub housing to prevent relative rotation therebetween; and a partially disengaged state wherein the locking element is engaged with formations on the seat connector assembly housing and with formations extending from a first face of the seat base hub housing to prevent relative rotation therebetween; wherein in the partially engaged state the locking element is received within the seat connector assembly housing but is disengaged with the formations extending from the bumper bar housing; thereby permitting relative rotation therebetween for commencement of a folding operation; and a fully disengaged state in which said locking element is received within formations on the seat connector assembly housing and disengaged from formations extending from the seat base hub housing and the bumper bar housing; so as to permit relative rotation of the seat base hub and bumper bar housing relative to the seat connector housing for folding thereof. The stroller may further include a seat recline means for adjusting the relative inclination of a seat back housing to a second face of the seat base hub housing; the seat recline means comprising a recline actuator which is urged toward the seat back housing. The recline actuator may be urged towards the seat back housing by mating engagement of inclined surfaces in the seat back housing with corresponding inclined recesses defined in the recline actuator by activation thereof by a user. The recline actuator nay be activated to rotate against the inclined surfaces of the seat back housing via a cable attached thereto which is pulled by the operation of a recline handle by a user. The axis of rotation of the seat recline means and one side of the seat base housing of the seat recline means is preferably offset relative to the axis of rotation of the other side of seat base housing and seat connector assembly housing. The rotation of seat back housing relative to the seat base hub housing and to proximate the position of the bumper bar is configured to urge a sliding element toward the seat base hub into a first position; wherein said sliding element in the first position displaces the main locking element through the seat base hub housing and out from the engaged state into the partially disengaged state. The continued rotation of the seat back housing relative to the seat base hub housing further urges the sliding element toward the seat base hub and into a second position wherein said sliding element in the second position displaces the main locking element through the seat base hub housing from the partially engaged state into the fully disengaged state. A first inclined surface of the seat back housing is positioned and dimensioned to bear against a corresponding inclined surface of the sliding element upon rotation thereof. A second inclined surface of the seat back housing is positioned and dimensioned to bear against a corresponding second inclined surface of the sliding element upon rotation thereof. Apertures defined in the main locking element are configured to receive corresponding posts extending from the faces of the seat connector housing and seat base housing for secure engagement therewith. A face of the bumper bar housing includes a depression and groove defined therein for receiving a corresponding return pin extending from the seat back housing and for urging said bumper bar housing to an operational position as the seat back housing is rotated backward relative to the seat base housing. The seat connector assembly may be engaged with the frame of the stroller at either a first location or second and different location thereon. The frame may be configured to receive one or more accessories at the other of the first location or second location when the seat connector assembly is engaged with the frame of the stroller at the first location or second location. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited and other advantages and features of the disclosure can be obtained, a more particular description of the principles briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended Figures. Understanding that these Figures depict only exemplary embodiments of the disclosure and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the principles herein are described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying Figures. Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be explained in further detail below by way of examples and with reference to the accompanying Figures, in which:- FIG 1A depicts a front perspective view of an exemplary stroller according to the present disclosure in which the seat is in a forward-facing orientation; and with the seat back in an upright position. FIG 1B depicts a front perspective view of the exemplary stroller according to the present disclosure of FIG 1A in which the seat is in a forward-facing orientation; and with the seat back in the semi reclined position. FIG 10 depicts a front perspective view of the exemplary stroller according to the present disclosure of FIG 1A in which the seat is in a forward-facing orientation; and with the seat back in the fully reclined position. FIG 1D depicts the exemplary stroller according to the present disclosure of FIG 1A; in which the seat back is in an upright position; from a rear perspective (the seat is in a forward-facing orientation). FIG 1E depicts the exemplary stroller according to the present disclosure of FIG 1A; in which the seat back is in an upright position; from the side (the seat is in a forward-facing orientation). FIG 1F depicts the exemplary stroller according to the present disclosure of FIG 1A; in which the seat back is in an upright position; from the side and in which the seat is in a parent facing orientation. FIG 2A depicts the exemplary stroller according to the present disclosure of FIG 1A in an initial state prior to folding (upright, forward facing seat). FIG 2B depicts the exemplary stroller of FIG 2A part way through the folding process. FIG 2C depicts the exemplary stroller of FIG 2A at stage further through the folding process than that depicted in FIG 2B; where the seat back, bumper bar and base are approaching each other and able to rotate further. FIG 2D depicts the exemplary stroller of FIG 2A after folding has been completed; with the seat back, base and bumper bar are rotated forward relative to the state depicted in FIG 20. FIG 2E depicts the exemplary stroller of FIG 2A after folding has been completed; with the seat back, base and bumper bar rotated backward. FIG 2F depicts the exemplary stroller of FIG 2A after folding has been completed and the legs folded together with the seat. FIG 3A depicts an exemplary side view of the stroller depicted in FIG 1A in which the seat is attached at a first location on the frame. FIG 3B depicts an exemplary side view of the stroller depicted in FIG 1A in which the seat has been moved forward to being attached to a second location on the stroller frame. FIG 3C depicts an exemplary view of the stroller of FIG 3B in which a further seat has been added in the tandem configuration. FIG 3D depicts an exemplary internal view of the stroller frame showing the first and second positions. FIG 3E depicts an exemplary perspective view of the seat connector on the seat for insertion into either of the first or second positions on the frame depicted in FIG 30. FIG 3F depicts an exemplary close up view of the securing mechanism for engagement of the seat with the frame in an assembled state. FIG 3G depicts an exemplary exploded perspective view of the securing mechanism for engagement of the seat with the frame in an assembled state. FIG 4A depicts an exemplary front perspective view of the seat of the stroller of FIG 1A in the most compact (shortest) back setting. FIG 4B depicts an exemplary front perspective view of the of the stroller of FIG 1A in the most extended back setting. FIG 40 depicts an exemplary rear perspective view of the seat of the stroller of FIG 1A in the most compact (shortest) back setting; with the back cover removed. FIG 4D depicts an exemplary rear perspective view of the seat of the stroller of FIG 1A in the most extended back setting, with the back cover removed. FIG 5A depicts one seat hub and attached bumper bar of an embodiment of the exemplary stroller of the present disclosure. FIG 5B depicts an exploded left side perspective view of the seat hub and attached bumper bar depicted in FIG 5A. FIG 50 depicts an exploded right side perspective view of the seat hub depicted in FIG 5A. FIG 6A depicts an internal side view of the seat back housing member of the stroller depicted in FIG 1A. FIG 6B depicts the underside of the recline cog actuator which is received in the seat back housing member depicted in FIG 6A. FIG 60 depicts the recline cog actuator of FIG 6B when inserted into the seat back housing member of FIG 6A. FIG 7A depicts an exemplary view of the seat back housing member of FIGS 6A-6C in operation, showing how the recline cog actuator is moved to urge the recline cog member out of engagement with the teeth in the seat back hub, allowing the seat back to rotate and hence recline or fold. FIG 7B depicts an internal view of the seat back housing member of FIG 6A in which a recline cog is engaged with corresponding teeth of the seat back housing member and on top of the recline cog actuator in a retracted state. FIG 8A depicts a top perspective view of sliding element which is received in the periphery of the distal face of seat base hub. FIG 8B depicts an under-plan perspective view of the sliding element of FIG 8A. FIG 8C depicts a perspective view of the main locking element. FIG 9A depicts an exemplary side view of the proximal face of the seat base hub housing and sliding element, in the state when the seat base housing, bumper bar housing and seat connector assembly are engaged. FIG 9B depicts an exemplary side view of the proximal face of the seat base hub housing and the sliding element, showing the posts of the sliding element partially protruding from the surface of the proximal face of the seat base hub assembly. FIG 9C depicts an exemplary side view of the seat base hub assembly, showing the posts of the sliding element further protruding from the proximal surface of the seat base hub assembly. FIG 10A depicts a side perspective view of the seat connector housing from the inside; and in which the other components have been removed for clarity, with the main locking element in a state whereby it fully locks the seat connector, bumper bar and seat base hub. FIG 10B depicts a side perspective view of the seat connector housing from the inside; and from which the other components have been removed for clarity, with the main locking element in a state whereby it locks the seat connector and seat base hub, but in which the bumper bar is rotatable. FIG 10C depicts a side perspective view of the seat connector housing from the inside, and from which the other components have been removed for clarity, with the main locking element in a state whereby it permits rotation of the seat connector, bumper bar and seat base hub. FIG 11A depicts a side view of the distal face of the bumper bar housing, from the seat connector housing. FIG 11B depicts a side view of the proximal face of the bumper bar housing; closest to the seat connector housing. FIG 11C depicts an internal perspective view of the distal face of the bumper bar housing assembly in a folded position and the seat connector housing in a folded state with other components removed for clarity. FIG 11D depicts a side view of the hub assembly when the seat is in a fully folded position; and in which the position of the bumper bar return pin is marked for clarity. FIG 11E depicts a side view of the hub assembly when the seat has transitioned to a state where the bumper bar has been fully deployed; and in which the position of the bumper bar return pin has been marked for explanatory purposes. FIG 11F depicts a side view of the hub assembly when the seat back continues to rotate and in which the position of the bumper bar return pin has been marked for explanatory purposes. FIG 12 depicts a cross sectional view of the exemplary hub assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Various embodiments of the disclosure are discussed in detail below. While specific implementations are discussed, it should be understood that this is done for illustration purposes only. A person skilled in the relevant art will recognize that other components and configurations may be used without departing from the scope of the disclosure. With reference to Figures 1A to 1F, there is depicted an exemplary stroller 10 comprising a frame 12 which supports a seat 20 on which a child or infant sits. The seat 20 comprises a seat base 22, a seat back 24 and a bumper bar or belly bar 26. As depicted in Figure 1A to Figure 1E, the seat may be attached to the frame forward facing orientation. Alternatively, as depicted in Figure 1F, the seat may optionally be attached to the frame 12, in a parent facing orientation. As depicted in Figure 1A, the seat back may be positioned in an upright position, supporting the infant or child when sitting up. The seat back 24 may be reclined relative to the seat base as depicted in Figure 1B, and further reclined as the infant or child becomes more tired, to a fully reclined position of the seat back 24 relative to the seat base 22 as depicted in Figure 1C. As depicted in Figure 1D, the stroller also shown in Figure 1A is shown from a rear perspective view with the seat in a forward-facing orientation and in an upright position. For completeness, a side view of the same stroller depicted in Figure 1A is depicted in Figure 1E (forward-facing seat arrangement and upright seat back), whilst the side view is depicted in Figure 1F for reference (parent facing upright seat back). It would be appreciated that the reclined function of the seat back 24 relative to the base enhances the functionality and comfort for the occupant, and therefore the parents and caregiver. The bumper bar 26 ensures that the child is restrained / constrained within the seat 20 during motion. As depicted in Figures 2A -2F, preferably the seat back 24 may be folded towards the seat base 22 of the seat 20 of the stroller 10 by rotation about the seat hub 23 to enable transportation and or storage. It would be appreciated that essentially the same process would be followed even where the seat is positioned in a parent facing orientation. Figure 2A depicts the stroller of Figure 1A where the seat back 24 is in an upright position. In this position, the bumper bar 26 and the seat back 24 is locked and not movable with respect to the frame 12 of the stroller 10. As depicted in Figure 2B, a handle 27 on the back of the seat back 24 may be actuated to fold the seat back 24 towards the direction of the seat base 22. As described further herein, as the seat back 24 is rotated to approach the bumper bar 26, the bumper bar is unlocked and moves together with the seat back. In this position, the seat base is still locks with respect to the frame 12 of the stroller 10. As depicted in Figure 2C, as the seat back 24 and bumper bar 26 approach the seat base 22, the seat base is configured to unlock from the frame as described further herein. Once the seat base 22, seat back 24 and bumper bar 26 are freely movable with respect to the frame 12, these elements may be rotated to the position depicted in Figure 2D. Alternatively, the seat base 22, seat back 24, and bumper bar 26 may be rotatable in the reverse direction towards the rear wheels of the stroller 10 as depicted in Figure 2E. In the position depicted in Figure 2E or the position depicted in Figure 2D, the rear wheels may be brought towards the front wheels to further fold the stroller 10 into the position depicted in Figure 2F. Advantageously as depicted in Figure 3A, the exemplary stroller 10 may include a seat 20 which is advantageously attached to the frame 12 by a seat hub 23 in the first position. This position on the frame is indicated by solid arrow “A”, and is located at the frame folding hub 30. An alternate second position in which the attachment point of the seat hub 23 on the frame 12 is spaced relatively forwards of the frame hub 30 as depicted by the dotted arrow (marked “B”) may also be provided. In the exemplary arrangement depicted, the spacing between the centre of the first position at which the seat hub is attached to the frame may be in the range of 100-130 millimetres, and more preferably 120 millimetres as appropriate. As depicted in Figure 3B, the seat 20 may be moved to the second location forward of the frame hub 30 on the frame of the stroller 10 as indicated by the solid arrow in that figure. The dotted arrow indicates the previous point of attachment of the seat hub 23 to the frame 12 of the stroller 20. If the seat 20a is positioned in the forward position depicted in Figure 3B, this may be used to create additional space for the use of the stroller 10 in a tandem configuration, an example of which is depicted in Figure 3C. As depicted, in the exemplary embodiment depicted the rear section 15 has been extended in order to facilitate the second / rear seat attachment 20b. It would be appreciated a number of other different tandem arrangements could also be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. However, as depicted, in the exemplary tandem arrangement shown in Figure 3C, additional space for the second or rear seat 20b to be attached near to the rear wheels provides additional space for the child to sit behind the first seat 20a. Alternatively, if a platform rather than a seat is provided for the tandem mode, the larger child may stand on such platform with additional space created by movement of the first seat in the forward direction away from the rear wheels. It would be appreciated that such arrangements are exemplary and an optional feature of the stroller of the present disclosure and a number of variety of arrangements and configurations of the platform / additional seat / carrycot / car seat arrangement could be implemented without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Referring to Figure 3D, there is an example of an exemplary attachment mechanism at the first and second position on the frame 12 of the stroller. As depicted, a first slot 14 is defined on the frame at the first position by to guide rails 16a, 16b. The second slot 18 is defined on the frame 12 at the second position by two guide rails 19a, 19b. Advantageously, locking holes 21 may be provided to secure the post of seat connector extending from the seat hub in the first and second slot. Optionally, as depicted, there may be a protrusion 17 disposed on the front guide rail 19a in such a way that it will block the insertion of the seat (not shown) and hence insertion of the seat 20 in a parent facing orientation. As depicted in Figure 3E, the seat connector 25 of the seat may be configured in such a way that the relative width as depicted in the dimensions marked A-A, is wider than the corresponding width on the other side of the seat connector 25 at the position marked B-B. A protrusion (depicted as 17 on Figure 3D) on the frame of the stroller and the asymmetric shape of the seat connector 25 prevent the seat connector 25 being inserted into the second slot when parent facing and thereby avoid potential instability issues that may result from the seat being positioned this far forward in the parent facing orientation on the frame 12 of the stroller 10. Figure 3F depicts a side view of the hub 23 of the seat. As depicted, the seat hub 23 includes a button 32 disposed the top of the seat connector housing 25. Actuation of the button 32 in the direction marked “A” will retract the locking protrusion 34 (moving it in the direction marked “B”) allowing the seat 20 to be detached from the frame of the stroller (not shown). This is depicted in more detail in the exploded views of the hub 23 of the seat in Figure 3G. It can be seen that in this Figure the button 32 and the locking protrusion 34 each have a resilient biasing mean(s) 33a, 33b and 35 and respectively. Figure 4A and Figure 4B depict an optional feature of an embodiment of the seat 20 of the stroller of the present disclosure - an adjustable length seat back 24 from a front perspective view. As depicted in Figure 4A, the seat back 24 may be lengthened from the first shortest or lower position to an extended or highest position as depicted in Figure 4B. This adjustment is advantageous as the occupant of the stroller inevitably grows relatively quickly and this feature may assist in maximising the duration for which the stroller may be used. As depicted, the seat recline handle 27 is visible first facilitating adjustment of the relative inclination of the seat back 24 relative to the seat base 22 of the seat 20. As depicted in Figure 4C, the seat height adjustment may be provided by including an upper frame 36 which is slidably supported on a lower frame 34. The upper frame 36 may be slid upwards after actuating the seat extension buttons 38; and disengaging the frames from each other and hence lengthening the seat back 24 from the length shown in Figure 4G to the length depicted in Figure 4D. For ease of reference, the soft outer coverings have been removed. Reference is now made to Figure 5A which depicts an isolated perspective view of one side of the bumper bar 26 and a seat hub 23 as depicted in place on one side of the stroller 10 of Figures 1A-3C; and on the seat 20 of Figure 4A to Figure 4D. It would be appreciated that a hub as described herein may also be fitted to the both sides of the seat and configured to be actuable at the same time by a user; or one active hub as described herein provided on one side; with a simplified version provided on the other side with departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Reference is now made to Figure 5B which depicts an exploded view of the bumper bar 26 and the seat hub 23 depicted in Figure 5A. Seat connector 25 functions as described with reference to Figures 3F-3G. The components depicted cooperate together to enable the functions depicted in Figures 1Ato 1F (reclining of the seat back relative to the seat base) and the folding operation depicted in Figures 2A to 2F. During the reclining operation, advantageously the orientation of the bumper bar 26 remains fixed relative to the seat base 22 and the seat back 24. As described further herein, the folding operation commences when the seat back 24 has been pushed forward to approach the bumper bar 26. At this point no child or infant could logically be in the stroller or pushchair. Once the folding operation commences, the bumper bar is then unlocked and is able to be moved towards the seat base 22, with the details of operations within the seat hub that make this possible described below. As the bumper bar 26 and seat back 24 approach the seat base, these three components are together rotatable relative to the seat base connector 25. The components of the seat hub 23 which provide these functions are depicted in Figure 5B. It can be seen that in this Figure the button 32 and the locking protrusion 34 each have a resilient biasing mean(s) 33a, 33b and 35 and respectively. The fastening bolt (not shown) secures the seat connector assembly housing 127 of the seat connector 25 to the seat base hub 160. Main locking element springs 129 bias the main locking element 130 against and into engagement with the bumper bar base housing 140, and in turn against one side of the seat base hub housing 160 such that the seat base (not shown, but extending therefrom) is locked into position. Starting from the right-hand side of the figure, seat back housing 220 is retained in engagement with the other side of the seat base hub housing 160 by bolt 222. The adjustment and retention of the relative inclination of the seat back (not shown) to the seat base (not shown) is provided by engagement and disengagement of the recline cog 200 with the corresponding protrusions of the seat base hub housing 160 and the seat back housing 220. The engagement and disengagement of the recline operation is facilitated by a recline cog actuator 210 which urges the recline cog 200 toward and away from the seat back housing 220 which will be described further herein. The cog return spring 190 biases the recline cog 200 against the recline cog actuator 210 and together into engagement with the internal face of the seat back housing 220. Also depicted is the bumper bar return pin 230 and return pin spring 232, which is returns the bumper bar into an operational position subsequent to an unfolding operation as will be described further herein. Also depicted is a sliding element 180 which can protrude through the seat base hub housing 160 and depending on the position of that sliding element moves the main locking element 130 sideways between: an operational position (whereby the seat base is locked by the engagement of the main locking element 130 with formations on the internal face of the seat connector assembly housing 127, formations on the proximal face of the bumper bar housing 140, and formations on the proximal face of the seat base hub housing 160) with this engagement at this position largely independent of the position of the seat back (apart from the situation where it approaches the bumper bar position); a folding commencement position (when the seat back housing 220 (and hence seat back) rotates to approach the position of the bumper bar 126). At this position; the main locking element 130 is translated sidewards and towards the internal face of the seat connector assembly 127 (by the slidable element 180); and the teeth of the main locking element move out of engagement with the bumper bar housing 140. Once disengaged, the bumper bar housing (and hence bumper bar) becomes freely rotatable relative to the seat base hub housing 160. However, in this position the seat base is still locked by the engagement of the main locking element engaging the internal face of the connector assembly housing 127 and the formations of the proximal side of the seat base hub housing 160; a folded position whereby the main locking element is substantially contained inside the seat connector assembly housing 127 (which means the bumper bar continues to be able to move relative to the base; and the seat base is no longer fixed relative to the connector assembly). This is because the main locking element 130 has been translated out of engagement with the formations on the proximal face of the seat base hub housing 160. Referring to Figure 5C there is depicted a right perspective exploded view of the bumper bar 26 and the seat hub 23 depicted in Figure 5A. As depicted, the seat back housing 220 is attached via bolt 222 to the seat base hub housing 160. As noted above, the recline function is provided by the inter-engagement of the recline locking actuator 210; and recline cog 200 which are biased by return spring 190 into engagement with formations extending from the internal face of the seat back housing. The distal face of the bumper bar base housing 140 is also visible and noteworthy. Slidable element 180 interacts with the seat base hub housing 160 in the folding operation as will be described further herein. The bumper bar return pin 230 and bumper bar return pin spring 232 are also visible. It can be seen that in this Figure the button 32 and the locking protrusion 34 each have a resilient biasing mean(s) 33a, 33b and 35 and respectively. The fastening bolt (not shown) secures the seat connector assembly housing 127 of the seat connector 25 to the seat base hub 160. Main locking element springs 129 bias the main locking element 130 against and into engagement with the bumper bar base housing 140, and in turn against one side of the seat base hub housing 160 such that the seat base (not shown, but extending therefrom) is locked into position. Starting from the right-hand side of the figure, seat back housing 220 is retained in engagement with the other side of the seat base hub housing 160 by bolt 222. The adjustment and retention of the relative inclination of the seat back (not shown) to the seat base (not shown) is provided by engagement and disengagement of the recline cog 200 with the corresponding protrusions of the seat base hub housing 160 and the seat back housing 220. Fastening bolt (not shown) secures the seat connector assembly housing 127 of the seat connector 25 to the seat base hub housing 160. Main locking element springs 129 bias the main locking element 130 against and into engagement with the bumper bar base housing 140, and in turn against one side of the seat base hub housing 160 such that the seat base (not shown, but extending therefrom) is locked into position. The button 32 and the locking protrusion 34 each have a resilient biasing mean(s) 33a, 33b and 35 and respectively. Referring to Figure 6A, there is depicted an exemplary view of the internal face of the seat back housing 220. Formations 223 (in this case toothed recesses for engagement with the corresponding projections of the recline cog (not shown) are visible. Three ramped elements 224 extend from around the central axis and engage with corresponding inclined recesses formed in the recline cog actuator (not shown), but depicted in Figure 6B. It would be appreciated that the three ramped elements are exemplary only and additional and or alternate numbers or arrangements of the could also be utilised. An additional double ramp 225 is depicted which interacts with the sliding element 180 as will be described further herein. The double ramp 225 comprises a first inclined surface 226A, a first flat surface 226B, a second inclined surface 226C and with a further flat surface 226D. The interaction of this double ramp 225 with the sliding element 180 will be described with reference to figures the sliding element depicted in Figures 8A-8B. Referring to Figure 6B, there is depicted an under-plan view of the recline cog actuator 210 with inclined recesses 212 which configured to engage with the corresponding ramped elements 224 of the seat back housing depicted in Figure 6A. As depicted in Figure 6C, there is depicted an exemplary view of the internal face of the seat back housing 220. As depicted, a cable represented by the dotted line in that figure is attached at a fixed point on the circumference of the recline cog actuator 210. When this cable is pulled in the direction marked “A” (e.g. through activating the recline handle (not shown) on the back of the seat), the recline cog actuator 210 rotates; and the inclined recesses (not visible) bear against the ramped elements and urge the recline cog actuator 210 upwards and away from the internal face of the seat back housing 220. As depicted in Figure 7A, this movement of the recline cog actuator 210 bears against the recline cog 200; overcoming the biasing force of the recline cog return spring 190. Once this force is overcome the recline cog 200 moves out from engagement with the formations 223 on the internal face of the seat back housing 220. This permits the relative movement of the seat back hub housing 220 relative to the seat base hub housing 160; and the relative displacement of the teeth of the recline can be seen by d1 marked on that figure. Double ramp 225 is also visible in this Figure. This may be contrasted with the position of the recline cog 200 depicted in Figure 7B in which the teeth of that inclined cog have been retracted and are received within the formations of the internal face of the seat back housing 220, and the relative displacement of the teeth of the recline can be seen by d2 marked on that figure. In the state depicted in Figure 7B, it would be appreciated that the seat back is not able to rotate to recline or fold as the engagement of the recline cog prevents this. Double ramp 225 is also visible in this Figure and will be discussed further. Referring now to Figure 8A, there is depicted a top view of the sliding element 180; with this top face being received in the distal side of the seat base hub housing (not shown). The sliding element 180 comprises a first slanted surface 182A, a flat surface 182B, a second slanted surface 182C, and a further flat surface 182D. These surfaces bear against corresponding double ramp 225 protruding from the internal surface of the seat back housing in a manner that is further described herein. Referring now to Figure 8B, there is depicted an under-plan view of the sliding element 180, depicting the three posts 184 which extend therefrom, and through the seat base hub housing. These posts urge the main locking element out from engagement with the bumper base housing as will be described further herein with reference to Figures 9A-9C. Referring to Figure 8C, there is depicted a perspective view of the main locking element 130, which rotates with the seat connector once the system is entirely unlocked and the folded seat back and seat base being rotated on the frame. During seat recline and seat folding operations, the main locking element translates sideways, and is pushed into the seat connector housing. The fastening bolt extends through the central aperture 131 of the main locking element 130. The hole 132 is engageable with a corresponding “D shaped” abutment extending from the seat connector housing and on a corresponding “D shaped” abutment extending from the seat base housing with this engagement assisting in enhancing locking strength. The teeth 134 are stepped teeth; the upper portions 134a engageable at their periphery with the corresponding recesses which are formed in the annular periphery of the bumper bar housing (not shown); and with the lower portions 134b engageable with the seat connector housing (not shown) and the seat base hub housing (when locked). The lower portions of the teeth 134b are also fully received within the seat connector housing when the seat base hub housing is unlocked as will described herein. The post 135 is engageable with a corresponding recess formed in the bumper bar housing proximal face (not shown) and enhances locking therewith. It would be appreciated that although as depicted the main locking element 130 is in the form a generally circular “cog”; but it would be appreciated that other overall peripheral shape profiles would also be possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The teeth 134 of the locking element 130 need to be stepped to provide functionality described herein (in particular the bumper bar to rotate without the seat base / seat back unlocking). As depicted, the various shapes and cut outs of the main locking element are provided to enhance the overall compactness, given the objective of the hub extending as little as possible into the space to be occupied by the occupant. Referring to Figure 9A, there is depicted a view of the proximal surface of the seat base hub housing 160. As depicted; the three posts 184 of the sliding element do not project beyond the proximal surface of the seat base hub housing; but are visible. In this view the main locking element (not shown) has been removed for clarity; but in the state of the seat base hub / sliding element depicted in Figure 9A the main locking element engages with the seat base hub housing 160, the bumper bar base housing (not shown) and the seat connector housing (not shown) and prevents the seat base from moving. In particular, the teeth of main locking element (not shown) are configured so that they are complementary to and engageable with the corresponding protrusions 162 extending from the proximal face of the seat base hub housing 160, and the proximal surface of the bumper bar base housing (not shown). As depicted in Figure 9B, the sliding element urged against the distal surface of the seat base hub housing 160 and the posts 184 protrude partially from the proximal surface thereof. This is because the seat back (and hence seat back housing (not shown)) have been rotated far enough so that the sliding element is urged up the first inclined surface of that sliding element. In this Figure, the posts 184 of the sliding element can be seen protruding from the distal surface of the seat base hub housing 160 relatively more than as depicted in Figure 9A. In this state, the main locking element has been moved sideways, as the sliding element has been urged by the first inclined surface of the ramped portion of the seat back housing, being urged against the first inclined surface of that sliding element. The protrusions of the posts disengages the upper teeth from the bumper bar housing (not shown) and allowing relative movement of that housing (and hence attached bumper bar). At the same time in this state the lower teeth of the locking element are maintained in engagement with both the seat base hub housing with the seat post; thereby locking the seat. As depicted in Figure 9C, the posts 184 of the sliding element protrude further from the proximal surface (relative to both Figures 9A, 9B) of the seat base hub housing 160. This is because the seat back (and hence seat back housing (not shown)) have been rotated far enough so that the second inclined surface of that sliding element is in contact with the corresponding slanted surface in the distal surface of the seat base hub housing. The protruding posts 184 urge the sliding element sidewards and further into the seat connector assembly housing; disengaging the lower teeth from seat base hub housing. In this position the main locking element no longer engages the seat base hub with the seat connector housing. This permits the seat base, seat back and bumper bar to freely rotate. The seat base and bumper bar rotate about the lower axis marked “A” while the seat back rotates about the higher axis marked “B. The folding operation can be appreciated further with further reference to the corresponding Figures 10A-10C which depict the internal face of the seat connector housing 127 of the seat connector housing 25 and its interaction with the main locking element 130. In the state depicted Figure 10A, the longer (extending radially outwardly) portion of the teeth 134a of the main locking element 130 are able to engage the bumper bar housing (not shown) with the seat connector housing 127 depicted given the relative height that the main locking element protrudes from the housing 127. At the same time, the lower portion of the teeth 134b are engaged with the formations 123 formed in the internal face of the seat connector housing 127 and with the seat base hub housing (not shown). When the main locking element is in this state; the seat base hub is locked with the seat connector assembly; and hence the seat base is unable to rotate relative to the seat back. In this position, the main locking element also locks the bumper bar housing with the seat connector assembly. As the upper portions of the teeth 134a of the main locking element 130 are urged toward the corresponding formations 123 defined in the internal face of the seat connector housing (not shown) by the rotation of the sliding element (but described with reference to Figure 9B), these teeth are disengaged from corresponding formations of the bumper bar housing. This is depicted in Figure 10B. At the same time the lower portion of the teeth 134b remain engaged with the formations 123 formed in the internal face of the seat connector housing as depicted. When the main locking element is in this state, the bumper bar housing can freely rotate; but the seat base hub housing is locked with the seat connector assembly 25; and hence the seat cannot rotate. Next, as shown in Figure 10C, both the upper portions of the teeth 134a and lower portions of the teeth 134b of the main locking element are urged further into the corresponding formations 123 defined in the internal face of the seat connector housing 127 by the rotation of the sliding element (as described with reference to Figure 9C). When the main locking element is in this state, the bumper bar housing can still freely rotate; and seat base hub housing (not shown) is unlocked from the seat connector assembly 25; and hence the seat can now rotate. Referring now to the side view of the distal face of the bumper bar housing 140 depicted in Figure 11 A, there is depicted a depression 142 formed in the distal face of this housing. The bumper bar return pin (not shown) is biased against this depression by the pin return spring (not shown). The pin is accommodated within the depression as the bumper bar moves with the seat base in the folding operation. Also depicted are some locating tabs 146 proximate the inner void of the bumper bar housing, with these locating tabs which are received within corresponding recesses (not shown) defined in the seat base hub housing (not shown). As will be described in more detail below with reference to Figures 11D - 11F, when the bumper bar is returned to near to its original position in an unfolding operation, the bumper bar return pin 230 has tracked across the depression 142; and is located at or near to the groove 144 which is also defined in the distal face of the bumper bar base housing 140. In this position; the force applied by the bumper bar return pin may be moderated by the shape of the edge of the recess and / or the strength of the spring used. The bumper bar return pin 230 is urged against the edge of depression 142 until the bumper bar housing 140 reaches its fully upright / full range of travel (where locating tabs 146 stop further motion). Further rotation of the seat back relative to the seat base urges the pin 230 against the pin return spring 232, retracting the bumper bar return pin. In its retracted state the pin is able to move up and over the top / corner edge of depression 142 and tracks along groove 144. If the bumper bar return pin was not present then the bumper bar would not return to its upright / operational position automatically, and would need to be returned manually by the user rotating the bumper bar themselves. As depicted in Figure 11B there is shown the proximal face of the bumper bar in a side view. Formations 147 which engage with the teeth of the main locking element are visible. Figure 11C depicts an exemplary internal perspective view of the distal face of the bumper bar housing 140 in a folded position and the seat connector housing in a folded state with other components removed for clarity. The bumper bar return pin 230 and bumper bar return spring pin 232 are have been retained, although the seat back hub housing against which these bear has been removed for clarity. Advantageously, as described herein, the hub of the present disclosure is configured such that even if the bumper bar housing does not return to the upright / operational position (e.g. a user is holding the bumper bar housing and preventing rotation), then the seat will open up anyway, and the main locking element will still engage and the seat can be safely used. In this way, the hub of the present disclosure is designed to provide safe operation even if for some reason the bumper bar enters into an unexpected state arising from deliberate user misuse or mechanical failure. Figure 11D depicts a side view of the assembled hub 23 when the seat is in a fully folded position (i.e. seat back 24, bumper bar 26, and seat base 22 folded together). The position of the bumper bar return pin 230 is marked for explanatory purposes. It would be appreciated that the bumper bar return pin would not normally be visible during operation. Figure 11E depicts a side view of the hub assembly 23 in an assembled state when the seat has transitioned to a state where the bumper bar 26 has been fully deployed (i.e. with at least a partially upright seat back 24 relative to seat base 22); and in which the position of the bumper bar return pin 230 has been marked for explanatory purposes. It can be appreciated that the bumper bar return pin 230 has entered the groove (not visible, refer to Figure 11C for groove 144) which is defined in the distal face of the bumper bar housing 140. It would be appreciated that the bumper bar return pin 230 would not normally be visible during operation; but has been specifically marked for explanatory purposes. Referring now to Figure 11F, there is depicted a side view of the hub assembly 23 when the seat back 24 continues to rotate to a reclined position relative to the base 22; with the bumper bar 26 at its deployed position. The position of the bumper bar return pin 230 has again been marked for explanatory purposes. It should be appreciated that the bumper bar return pin 230 tracks within the groove 144 defined in the distal face of the bumper bar housing 140; without any interference with the seat back adjustment operation. Referring now to Figure 12 there is depicted an exemplary cross-sectional view of the hub assembly 23 of the present disclosure, when the main locking element 130 is in the initial state, and as depicted in Figure 10A. The fastening bolt 128 secures the seat connector housing. As depicted the teeth of the main element 130 engage with formations in the bumper bar housing 140; formations on the internal face of the seat connector housing 127; and with formations on the seat hub base housing 160. As depicted, the recline cog 200 and recline cog actuator 210 are in an initial position such that the seat back housing 220 is engaged with formations on the other face of the seat base hub housing. The sliding element is also in an initial position whereby it does not protrude through the seat base hub housing 160, as depicted in Figure 9A. The recline cog bolt 222 is also depicted for reference. Although the movement of the main locking element of the improved hub assembly of the present disclosure has been described with reference to the folding operation, it would be appreciated that the unfolding operation is essentially the reverse of the folding operation. In particular once the frame 12 of the stroller 10 is unfolded, the seat back 24 can be rotated back up to the operational position relative to the seat base 22. As the seat base and 22 and seat back 24 are rotated apart with respect to each other by the user urging one or the other outwards, the main locking element will be automatically engaged with the seat connector and seat base so as to lock the seat in position. As the seat back is 24 pulled away from the seat base 22, the bumper bar 26 is pushed backwards into the operational position depicted in Figures 1A to 1F. Once the bumper bar 26 has reached the operational position further rotation of the seat back 24 relative the seat base 22 urges the bumper bar return pin 230 in the groove of the bumper bar base housing 140. It would be appreciated that in this arrangement, the bumper bar return pin 230 being contained in the groove of the bumper bar housing does not interfere with the adjustment of the seat back relative to the seat base. Advantageously, the hub arrangement of the present disclosure is designed so that if the bumper bar for whatever reason does not return to the operational upright position during the unfolding operation, there is sufficient force of the engagement of the main locking element with the teeth between the seat connector housing 127 and the seat base hub housing 160 such that the stroller can still be used. In due course once the main locking element eventually locks with the bumper bar base housing assembly, the engagement is further enhanced of the seat base 22, seat back 24, and bumper bar 26 with the seat connector 25. The improved hub assembly and stroller of the present disclosure has several advantages. The folding and unfolding operation of the seat and bumper bar addresses a common and frustrating problem with strollers of the prior art. In particular the as the bumper bar is unlocked as the seat back moves towards the seat base automatically, the frustration of having to remove and / or accommodate a fixed bumper bar is overcome. The folding operation is intuitive and does not require any complex actuation by the user. Furthermore, the temptation of the user to use significant force to overcome deliberate restrictions on operation is removed by the simple and intuitive folding and unfolding operation made possible by the improved hub assembly as described herein. In another aspect, it would be appreciated that as the axis of rotation of the bumper bar and seat base is common; but offset from the axis of rotation of the seat back, the folded seat allows space for the bumper bar to be folded within and at the same time allows for a relatively bulky boot cover fabric accessory associated with the seat to be also folded with the seat. If the axis of rotation of the bumper bar, seat base and seat back were common, there would be no / minimal space to accommodate such an accessory. The hub of the present disclosure has a relatively thin sideways thickness. It would be appreciated that this is important as it does not encroach upon the space for the hips / buttocks of the child or infant sitting within the stroller. It would be appreciated that necessarily the overall width of the stroller is constrained by such considerations as being able to fit through doorways, restrictions on operational performance and the like and there is a limit as to the maximum width of the wheels, frame, and accordingly seat that is able to be accommodated. Accordingly, the relatively thin hub of the present disclosure and stroller described herein is configured to provide all of the recline / folding operational functionality that is required, but at the same time maximising the width available for the occupant. The hub of the present disclosure allows the stroller to be folded with the seat in place, either parent facing or forward facing; in comparison with other arrangements on strollers which may not work in some configurations or may require removal of the seat and / or bumper bar before folding is commenced. Advantageously, the second / forward fixing position for the seat can retain accessories when the seat is in the main position. These accessories may include additional storage bags / boxes; cup holders; phone / tablet holders; parasols; and toys etc which may be provided to assist in transporting, cooling, amusing etc the occupant of the stroller. Furthermore, if the stroller is in an optional embodiment included with a rear extension member; as has been described with reference to Figure 3C, the hub of the present disclosure permits the folding operation to be performed notwithstanding the extended configuration provided. As described herein, the positioning of the seat at a standard location in a single user configuration, or moving the seat slightly forward in a tandem configuration, provides enhanced functionality to accommodate the needs of a growing family. In particular, this arrangement provides more space for the occupant at the rear of the stroller to either stand or sit in the tandem configuration. Practically, also the weight of the occupants are distributed more evenly, which is more convenient for the parent / caregiver to manoeuvre. Finally, the arrangement of the extensible back described herein with reference to Figures 4C and 4D means the stroller is adaptable as the infant or child grows. The above embodiments are described by way of example only. Many variations are possible without departing from the scope of the disclosure as defined in the appended claims. Although a variety of examples and other information was used to explain aspects within the scope of the appended claims, no limitation of the claims should be implied based on particular features or arrangements in such examples, as one of ordinary skill would be able to use these examples to derive a wide variety of implementations. Further and although some subject matter may have been described in language specific to examples of structural features and / or method steps, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to these described features or acts. For example, such functionality can be distributed differently or performed in components other than those identified herein. Rather, the described features and steps are disclosed as examples of components of systems and methods within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A hub assembly connecting a seat base with a bumper bar and a seat back of a seat of a stroller, the hub assembly comprising:a locking element displaceable between:5 an engaged state wherein the locking element is engaged with formations on a seat connector assembly housing, a bumper bar housing and a seat base hub housing to prevent relative rotation therebetween; anda partially disengaged state wherein the locking element is engaged with formations on the seat connector assembly housing and with formations extending from a first face of the seat base hub10 housing to prevent relative rotation therebetween; wherein in the partially engaged state the locking element is received within the seat connector assembly housing but is disengaged with the formations extending from the bumper bar housing; thereby permitting relative rotation therebetween for commencement of a folding operation; anda fully disengaged state in which said locking element is received within formations on the seat 15 connector assembly housing and disengaged from formations extending from the seat base hubhousing and the bumper bar housing; so as to permit relative rotation of the seat base hub and bumper bar housing relative to the seat connector housing for folding thereof.

2. The hub assembly according to claim 1 further including a seat recline means for adjusting the relative inclination of a seat back housing to a second face of the seat base hub housing; the20 seat recline means comprising a recline actuator which is urged toward the seat back housing.

3. The hub assembly according to claim 2 wherein the recline actuator is urged towards the seat back housing by mating engagement of inclined surfaces in the seat back housing with corresponding inclined recesses defined in the recline actuator by activation thereof by a user.

4. The hub assembly according to claim 3 wherein the recline actuator is activated to rotate25 against the inclined surfaces of the seat back housing via a cable attached thereto which is pulled by the operation of a recline handle by a user.

5. The hub assembly according to claim 2 wherein the axis of rotation of the seat recline means and one side of the seat base housing of the seat recline means is offset relative to the axis of rotation of the other side of seat base housing and seat connector assembly housing.30 6. The hub assembly of any one of the preceding claims wherein the rotation of seat backhousing relative to the seat base hub housing and to proximate the position of the bumper bar; urges a sliding element toward the seat base hub into a first position; wherein said sliding element30 06 25in the first position displaces the main locking element through the seat base hub housing and out from the engaged state into the partially disengaged state.

7. The hub assembly of claim 6 wherein the continued rotation of the seat back housing relative to the seat base hub housing further urges the sliding element toward the seat base hub 5 and into a second position wherein said sliding element in the second position displaces the main locking element through the seat base hub housing from the partially engaged state into the fully disengaged state.

8. The hub assembly of claim 6 wherein a first inclined surface of the seat back housing is positioned and dimensioned to bear against a corresponding inclined surface of the sliding 10 element upon rotation thereof.

9. The hub assembly of claim 8 wherein a second inclined surface of the seat back housing is positioned and dimensioned to bear against a corresponding second inclined surface of the sliding element upon rotation thereof.

10. The hub assembly of any one of the preceding claims wherein apertures defined in the 15 main locking element are configured to receive corresponding posts extending from the faces of the seat connector housing and seat base housing for secure engagement therewith.

11. The hub assembly of any one of the preceding claims wherein a face of the bumper bar housing includes a depression and groove defined therein for receiving a corresponding return pin extending from the seat back housing and for returning said bumper bar housing to an 20 operational position.

12. A stroller comprising a frame with at least a pair of rear ground engaging wheels and one or more front wheels, said frame supporting at least one hub assembly connecting a seat base with a bumper bar and a seat back, the at least one hub assembly comprising:a locking element displaceable between:25 an engaged state wherein the locking element is engaged with formations on a seat connector assembly housing, a bumper bar housing and a seat base hub housing to prevent relative rotation therebetween; anda partially disengaged state wherein the locking element is engaged with formations on the seat connector assembly housing and with formations extending from a first face of the seat base hub 30 housing to prevent relative rotation therebetween; wherein in the partially engaged state the locking element is received within the seat connector assembly housing but is disengaged with the formations extending from the bumper bar housing; thereby permitting relative rotation therebetween for commencement of a folding operation; and30 06 25a fully disengaged state in which said locking element is received within formations on the seat connector assembly housing and disengaged from formations extending from the seat base hub housing and the bumper bar housing; so as to permit relative rotation of the seat base hub and bumper bar housing relative to the seat connector housing for folding thereof.5 13. The stroller according to claim 12 further including a seat recline means for adjusting therelative inclination of a seat back housing to a second face of the seat base hub housing; the seat recline means comprising a recline actuator which is urged toward the seat back housing.

14. The stroller according to claim 13 wherein the recline actuator is urged towards the seat back housing by mating engagement of inclined surfaces in the seat back housing with 10 corresponding inclined recesses defined in the recline actuator by activation thereof by a user.

15. The stroller according to claim 14 wherein the recline actuator is activated to rotate against the inclined surfaces of the seat back housing via a cable attached thereto which is pulled by the operation of a recline handle by a user.

16. The stroller according to claim to claim 13 wherein the axis of rotation of the seat recline 15 means and one side of the seat base housing of the seat recline means is offset relative to the axis of rotation of the other side of seat base housing and seat connector assembly housing.

17. The stroller of any one of the preceding claims 12- 16 wherein the rotation of seat back housing relative to the seat base hub housing and to proximate the position of the bumper bar; urges a sliding element toward the seat base hub into a first position; wherein said sliding element 20 in the first position displaces the main locking element through the seat base hub housing and out from the engaged state into the partially disengaged state.

18. The stroller of claim 17 wherein the continued rotation of the seat back housing relative to the seat base hub housing further urges the sliding element toward the seat base hub and into a second position wherein said sliding element in the second position displaces the main locking 25 element through the seat base hub housing from the partially engaged state into the fully disengaged state.

19. The stroller of claim 18 wherein a first inclined surface of the seat back housing is positioned and dimensioned to bear against a corresponding inclined surface of the sliding element upon rotation thereof.30 20. The stroller of claim 19 wherein a second inclined surface of the seat back housing ispositioned and dimensioned to bear against a corresponding second inclined surface of the sliding element upon rotation thereof.

21. The stroller of any one of the preceding claims 12-20 wherein apertures defined in the main locking element are configured to receive corresponding posts extending from the faces of the seat connector housing and seat base housing for secure engagement therewith.

22. The stroller of any one of the preceding claims 12-20 wherein a face of the bumper bar 5 housing includes a depression and groove defined therein for receiving a corresponding return pin extending from the seat back housing and for urging said bumper bar housing to an operational position as the seat back housing is rotated backward relative to the seat base housing.

23. The stroller according to any one of the preceding claims 12-20 wherein the seat connector 10 assembly may be engaged with the frame of the stroller at either a first location or second and different location thereon.

24. The stroller according to claim 23 wherein the frame is configured to receive one or more accessories at the other of the first location or second location when the seat connector assembly is engaged with the frame of the stroller at the first location or second location.1530 06 25IntellectualPropertyOfficeApplication GB2500240.3Search report under Section 17 of the Patents Act 1977Date search completed: 30 May 2025Claims searched: 1-24International classificationSubclass and subgroup Valid from B62B7 / 08 01 / 01 / 2006 B62B9 / 10 01 / 01 / 2006 B62B9 / 12 01 / 01 / 2006Field of searchWorldwide search of patent documents classified in the following areas of the IPC:B62B, A47C, A47DDatabases used in the preparation of this search report:SEARCH-PATENTDocuments considered to be relevantPatent literatureCategory Relevant Document of relevance claimsA - WO 2023 / 083975 A2 (ZHANG), See figures 1-28, noting a stroller having seat assembly 110 with seat connector hub 400, backrest hub 300, seat base hub 500, bumper bar hub 200, and locking element 810 A - GB 2586842 A (OAKS), See figures 1-10B, noting stroller 10 having seat 20 with seat back hub 32, seat base 40, bumper bar housing 52, and locking element 60 A - CN 117002597 A (ZHOU et al), See figures 1-24, noting a stroller having seat 5 with back rest hub 521, seat base hub 511, bumper bar seat 541, and locking element 53 A - CN 214524020 U (YI), See figures 1-8, noting stroller seat 100 having connector hub 6, seat base hub 11, seat back hub 21, and bumper bar hub 41, with locking mechanism 7Non-patent literatureCategory Relevant claims Document of relevanceCategoriesLetter or DescriptionsymbolDocument indicating lack of novelty or inventive step.Letter or symbol Description Y Document indicating lack of inventive step, if combined with another docu men t of the same category. & Member of the same patent family. A Document indicating technological background. P Document published on or after the priority date but before the fling date of the present application. E Earlier application published on or after the filing date of the present application.

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