Buggy accessory

Abstract

There is provided an accessory (120) for a buggy (100). The accessory (120) comprises a canopy (121), the canopy (121) comprising material decorated to provide visual stimulation to a user of the buggy, the decoration being disposed at least on the interior surface of the canopy (121) in use. The accessory (120) further comprises attachment means (112, 115) configured to couple the canopy (120) to a frame of a buggy (100).

Description

[0001] BUGGY ACCESSORY

[0002] Field of Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a system and method for applying an accessory to the interior surface of a buggy or stroller hood.

[0004] Background of the Invention

[0005] It has become established that providing a stimulating environment for babies is a positive aspect in their early-stage development. Scientific evidence of the benefits of eye-brain stimulation from 2D patterns and shapes for babies and young children has also emerged. To that end, a large number of buggy or stroller toys are available that attach at points to the buggy and provide a visual and / or audio stimulus.

[0006] Whilst these existing products have benefits, they are often attached around the side frame or crossbeam of the buggy and can require removal when the buggy is collapsed. Additionally, such products are typically unable to provide benefits for small infants who predominantly lie within the buggy or stroller, looking up at the interior hood of the stroller, where it is difficult to see such toys.

[0007] The present invention aims to at least ameliorate the above-mentioned issues.

[0008] Summary of the Invention

[0009] According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an accessory for a buggy. The accessory comprises a canopy. The canopy comprises material decorated to provide visual stimulation to a user of the buggy, where the decoration is disposed at least on the interior surface of the canopy in use. The accessory further comprises attachment means configured to couple the canopy to a frame of a buggy.

[0010] Advantageously, the canopy provides visual stimulation to a user of the buggy when a buggy hood is closed / extended, or when lying down. This provides a greater period of time when the user can be provided with stimulation. Further advantageously, the accessory can be fitted to existing buggies. The accessory is a simple construction and so can be easily assembled and retrofitted.

[0011] The decoration may comprise surface patterns on the interior surface of the canopy.

[0012] For clarity and conciseness, the term “buggy” is used throughout the specification. The term is taken to encompass buggies, strollers, prams, pushchairs and any variation thereof.

[0013] In the context of the present invention, the user of the buggy is taken to be the one or more individuals sitting and / or lying in the seat of the buggy. It is envisaged that these users may be young children or babies.

[0014] It is envisaged that the accessory could be used in conjunction with an existing buggy hood, lining the interior of the hood

[0015] The canopy may be a fabric material. Alternatively, the canopy may be a plastic - or a combination of the two. The canopy may comprise a fabric core, coated in plastic. A plastic-coated material advantageously may be waterproof and resistant to damage. A fabric material may be more pleasing to a user to touch and interact with.

[0016] The accessory may be configured to be fitted to a hood of a buggy such that the canopy mirrors the shape of the existing hood, and the interior surface of the canopy is displayed to a user. The accessory may be configured to be fitted to the interior of the hood to provide this effect.

[0017] Advantageously, the canopy mirroring the shape of the existing hood makes the packing of the buggy easier and enables a user to extend and retract the buggy hood with the accessory in place. The accessory could be left on the buggy when packing away, and during use. Further, a mirrored shape can reduce the space taken up by the addition of the accessory, or extensions that could cause damage either to the hood or the accessory itself. Further advantageously, mirroring the shape of an existing buggy hood allows for the accessory to be used across a variety of orientations of buggies, as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 (discussed below).

[0018] The accessory may further comprise an accessory frame configured to retain the shape of the canopy in use. The canopy may be tent-like once assembled (i.e., a dome with the shape retained by the frame). The canopy may be formed by one single piece of fabric or alternatively may comprise more than one piece of fabric. Advantageously, retaining the shape of the canopy independent of coupling to the buggy can improve the structural integrity of the canopy, and reduce the risk of damage in the case of accidental uncoupling between the buggy and the canopy. Further, it can reduce or ameliorate the impact of the canopy being placed in different sized buggy hoods, where the canopy may otherwise be too slack when attached to smaller buggies, or stretched too tightly in larger buggies.

[0019] There may be one of several mechanisms for enabling the canopy to mirror the shape of the existing hood. The accessory may be attached to the frame of the buggy at key points (e.g. front and back edges of the hood, and side frames). The accessory frame may be adjustable to vary the shape of the canopy (e.g. widen the base area) to more closely align with the existing hood of the buggy.

[0020] In some embodiments, the accessory may comprise frame coupling means configured to removably attach the canopy to the accessory frame, such that the canopy acquires a “tent-like” configuration once assembled. In some embodiments, the frame coupling means may be part of the canopy. In one example, the frame coupling means may comprise one or more hollow sleeves in the fabric of the canopy, wherein each of the one or more hollow sleeves is configured to receive one or more elements of the frame, such that the canopy can be removably attached to the frame and mirror the shape of the hood. In some embodiments, the frame coupling means may be part of the accessory frame. In some embodiments, the frame coupling means may comprise a number of fastening mechanisms located in various points of the frame, wherein each of the fastening mechanisms is configured to removably attach an area of the canopy to the frame. In some embodiments, the frame coupling means may comprise a plurality of hook-and-loop fasteners configured to couple the canopy to the frame. Each of the fasteners may be configured to loop around the frame and attach to itself, thus indirectly coupling the canopy to the frame. This indirect coupling may advantageously allow for a single canopy to be used with various frame sizes, and / or allow for ease of assembly and disassembly of the accessory. These fasteners may be integrated into the canopy, the frame, or be provided as separate components.

[0021] Additionally or alternatively, the frame coupling means may comprise a plurality of magnet attachments. This may comprise magnetic elements / magnets disposed in one or more of the frame and canopy, configured to couple together. Alternatively, these may be provided as separate ‘clamps’ which are disposed either side of the frame and canopy and couple together to retain the frame against the canopy.

[0022] The accessory frame may be collapsible to reduce the surface area of the canopy. Advantageously, a collapsible frame may improve the ease of unpacking and packing the accessory. It may also allow for the accessory to remain attached to the buggy and buggy hood when the hood is collapsed back (i.e. away, rather than being extended over a user).

[0023] The accessory frame may comprise at least one band along the front or rear edge of the canopy; and at least one arcuate member extending across the width of the canopy, disposed away from the edges of the canopy. The at least one band and at least one arcuate member may be coupled together at one or both corners of the canopy such that they can be pivoted to space apart the band(s) and member(s) at their apex when the canopy unfolds. The pivoting action may give the impression of the unfolding of a paper fan, with a fixed point at the base and the opening of the accessory frame spacing the arcuate member(s) and the band(s) apart at the apex / peak of the frame.

[0024] The fixed point at which the arcuate member(s) and band(s) meet may comprise a plastic mould configured to receive the member(s) and band(s). Alternatively, a flexible webbing may retain these components. The attachment at the corners may comprise an adjustable opening mechanism comprising interlocking teeth, such that a plurality of discrete positions, each corresponding to a different degree of opening of the canopy, can be chosen by a user. This advantageously allows the accessory to mirror a buggy hood that takes a variety of positions, if desirable to a user.

[0025] In some embodiments, the band and / or arcuate member may comprise a plurality of rods made of a flexible material (e.g., plastic). This may improve ease of storage, transport and / or assembly of the accessory.

[0026] The canopy may further comprise an extendable segment extending from the front edge of the canopy. This extendable segment may act as an additional sun visor to protect the user from the sun when the buggy is in use. The extendable segment may be made from the same material as the canopy, or may be darker and thicker so as to reduce the light passing through. The extendable segment may act as additional surface area to enable the canopy to cover the interior surface of a larger buggy hood, so may not extend beyond the front edge of a larger buggy hood.

[0027] The attachment means may comprise one or more ties, clips or hook-and-loop fasteners disposed at one or more corners of the canopy, configured to attach the canopy to a side frame of the buggy. The tying or clipping of the canopy to the side frame of the buggy advantageously allows for straightforward assembly of the accessory. Further, the coupling to the side frame of the buggy may reduce the risk of a user attempting to interact with the attachment means if they cannot clearly see or reach the attachment means. It may also reduce the risk of a user trapping a finger in the attachment means while another party is attaching the accessory, for example.

[0028] The attachment means may comprise a fitment configured to couple the front edge of the canopy to a hood of the buggy. The fitment may comprise a push-fit clip. Advantageously, a push-fit attachment is a quick and straightforward means of attaching the accessory to the hood of the buggy that requires no additional tools. A push-fit attachment is also relatively straightforward to remove, and may retain the canopy under action from small forces (such as the user interacting with the canopy), but give way to larger forces to prevent the canopy being damaged (e.g. if the canopy is pulled by a carer to disassemble). Alternatively, the attachment means may comprise a rotating cuff configured to enclose the front edge of the hood frame. Coupling the front edge of the canopy to the hood of the buggy may advantageously improve the mirroring of the shape of the canopy with the hood of the buggy. It may also reduce sagging in the canopy itself during use.

[0029] The attachment means may comprise a magnetic strip extending from the front edge of the canopy, and one or more metallic elements disposed along the spine of the canopy. The magnetic strip may be configured to fold over the front / top of the buggy hood and magnetically couple to the one or more metallic elements, retaining the shape of the canopy against the buggy hood.

[0030] The advantages discussed with respect to the push-fit clip may equally apply here: the magnetic strip may be easily decoupled when desired but strong enough to resist decoupling until a threshold force is reached. Further, the magnetic strip will be away from the user when the canopy is in place, preventing interference or unintentional damage. This also may reduce the risk of a user pulling the canopy on to themselves, improving the safety of the accessory. Further advantageously, the magnetic strip may not apply force to the existing hood or frame of the buggy, reducing the risk of damage to the pre-existing elements. The lack of direct interaction between the accessory and the hood also reduces the risk of any attachment means not being capable of fitting the accessory in place (e.g. a clip being too small to attach to the frame, or being too big and therefore loose).

[0031] The magnetic strip may comprise a fabric strip; and one or more permanent magnets integrated along the length of the fabric strip. This may provide several points of contact, and so distribute the weight of the magnetic strip across the hood. This may reduce the risk of damage to the hood. A plurality of permanent magnets may correspond to a plurality of metallic elements on a 1 :1 basis.

[0032] The attachment means may comprise one or more additional magnetic strips configured to couple the canopy to the hood of the buggy. These additional magnetic strips may be disposed around the canopy and may be configured to retain the accessory in place at one or more corners of the canopy, or the back edge. The one or more additional magnetic strips may be disposed along the front edge of the canopy. The one or more additional magnetic strips may magnetically couple with one or more additional magnetic elements disposed on or in the canopy body to retain the accessory against the buggy.

[0033] In some arrangements, the attachment means may comprise one or more additional magnetic fasteners to prevent sagging of the fabric of the canopy in the top rear region, the top rear region being in the closest proximity (with reference to the canopy mounted to the buggy hood) to the head of a buggy user positioned within the buggy. Each of one or more magnetic fasteners may comprise a magnetic element secured to the canopy in the top rear region of the canopy, and an external magnet to be positioned on an exterior surface of the buggy hood overlapping with the top rear region of the canopy such that the external magnet is detachably coupled to the magnetic element of the magnetic fastener attached to the canopy. Advantageously, the one or more magnetic fasteners can further contribute to retain the canopy as flush as possible. This additional fastening may be particularly beneficial for retaining the canopy around the top rear region of the canopy when mounted to the buggy. One or more of these additional magnetic fasteners may be particularly beneficial for preventing sagging of the fabric of the canopy. Furthermore, one or more of these additional magnetic fasteners may be particularly beneficial because they can be easily applied to / removed from the canopy by a user, thanks to the magnetic element.

[0034] The canopy may comprise one or more adhesive regions, configured to adhere to a buggy hood and retain the canopy flush against the buggy hood. The one or more adhesive regions may be disposed across the width of the canopy, or may be restricted to ‘key’ structural points (such as the peak and / or corners of the canopy). Additionally or alternatively, the canopy may comprise one or more hook and loop fasteners configured to adhere to a buggy hood.

[0035] The accessory may further comprise one or more lights and / or mirrors integrated into the canopy. These may provide further visual stimulation to a user of the buggy. A power source / battery for the lights may be integrated into the accessory, or may be provided separately. For example, the power source may comprise one or more solar panels configured to absorb sunlight to power the lights, and may be connected to the accessory such that the panels can be placed on the exterior hood of the buggy, or the frame of the buggy. Alternatively, the power source may be one or more batteries integrated into the accessory (e.g. coupled to the accessory frame).

[0036] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of attaching the accessory of the first aspect. The method comprises: aligning the canopy of the accessory with the buggy hood; attaching the canopy to a side frame of the buggy with the one or more clips or ties or hook-and-loop fasteners; and attaching the front edge of the canopy to the front of the buggy hood with the attachment means.

[0037] The step of attaching the front edge of the canopy may optionally comprise extending the magnetic strip over the front of the buggy hood to magnetically couple the strip to the one or more metallic elements in the canopy.

[0038] The method may further comprise attaching the canopy to the buggy hood with one or more additional magnetic strips interacting with one or more additional metallic elements in the canopy.

[0039] Attaching the canopy to a side frame of the buggy with the one or more clips, ties or hook-and-loop fasteners may comprise attaching a first and second corner of the canopy to the side frame of the buggy.

[0040] The method may further comprise attaching the base of the canopy to the buggy frame with one or more clips, ties or hook-and-loop fasteners.

[0041] These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from, and elucidated with reference to, the embodiments described hereinafter. Embodiments described in relation to either aspect may be employed for either aspect.

[0042] Brief description of Drawings

[0043] Embodiments will be described, by way of example only, with reference to the drawing, in which: Figures 1 and 2 illustrate a buggy comprising an accessory of an embodiment of the present invention, in different orientations;

[0044] Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of the accessory of Figures 1 and 2;

[0045] Figure 4 illustrates side views of the accessory of Figures 1 to 3 in two different arrangements;

[0046] Figure 5 illustrates a buggy comprising an accessory according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 6 illustrates a perspective view of the accessory of Figure 5;

[0048] Figure 7 illustrates a plan view of the accessory of Figures 5 and 6;

[0049] Figures 8a and 8b illustrate views of a magnetic strip according to some embodiments; and

[0050] Figure 9 illustrates a plan view of an accessory according to some embodiments.

[0051] It should be noted that the Figure is diagrammatic and not drawn to scale. Relative dimensions and proportions of parts of the Figure have been shown exaggerated or reduced in size, for the sake of clarity and convenience in the drawings. The same reference signs are generally used to refer to corresponding or similar features in modified and different embodiments.

[0052] Detailed Description

[0053] Figures 1 and 2 show an accessory 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention, coupled to two different buggies 100, 200. Buggies 100, 200 may be distinct buggies, or the same buggy in different orientations. Figure 3 shows the same accessory 110 separate from the buggies 100, 200. The accessory 120 comprises a canopy 121 , which in the illustrated embodiment comprises a main section 121a and an extended segment 121 b. The extended segment 121 b extends from the front of the main section 121a. The extended segment 121 b may act as a sun visor for the user of the buggy 100, and may extend beyond an edge of a hood 110 of the buggy 100. The extended segment 121 b may be made of the same material as the main section 121 b of the canopy 121 , or it may be at least one of a darker, thicker or more weather proof material. The underside of the canopy 121 (not pictured) comprises a decorative pattern configured to provide visual stimulation to a user of the buggy 100, 200. The underside of the canopy may comprise different decorative patterns, allowing a purchaser to select a pattern of their choice.

[0054] The accessory 120 comprises a frame, comprising a central extending member 125 and a band 128. The band 128 assists in retaining the shape of the canopy 121 by maintaining the width of the canopy 121 at the edge, while the central extending member 125 retains the tent shape at the apex of the canopy 121. The central extending member 125 and band 128 may be made of the same material. The central extending member 125 and band 128 may each be formed of a single member, or may comprise a plurality of flexible rods that are coupled together by a user to assemble the frame.

[0055] In some embodiments, the accessory 120 may comprise frame coupling means configured to removably attach the canopy 121 to the frame of the accessory 120, such that the canopy 121 acquires a “tent-like” configuration once assembled. In some embodiments, the frame coupling means may be part of the canopy 121. In one example, the frame coupling means may come in the shape of one or more hollow sleeves in the fabric of the canopy 121 , wherein each of the one or more hollow sleeves is configured to receive one or more members and / or bands of the frame, such that the canopy 121 can be removably attached to the frame and mirror the shape of the hood 110. For example, one of the one or more hollow sleeves may be configured to receive the central extending member 125. For example, one of the one or more hollow sleeves may be configured to receive the band 128.

[0056] In some embodiments, the frame coupling means may be part of the frame. In some embodiments, the frame coupling means may comprise a number of fastening mechanisms (such as clips, hooks, pins or others) located in various points of the frame, wherein each of the fastening mechanisms is configured to removably attach an area of the canopy 121 to the frame. For example, fastening mechanisms may include a series of hooks, pins or clips attached in various points of the extending member 125 and / or the band 128.

[0057] Advantageously, the frame coupling means may allow the user to quickly and / or easily attach / remove the canopy from the accessory frame. This may be particularly beneficial when the user intends to detach a first canopy with a first visual pattern from the frame and replace it with a second canopy with a second visual pattern. The user can, therefore, easily change the visual pattern of the canopy according to, for example, the stage of development of the buggy user. Advantageously, the frame coupling means may allow a visual pattern of a canopy to be displayed correctly to the buggy user, by having the canopy mirroring the shape of the hood. For example, if the visual pattern displays a portrait of an animal, such as a cat, the frame coupling means may allow the portrait of the animal to be displayed with the correct proportions to the buggy user on the underside of the canopy, because the canopy correctly mirrors the shape of the hood.

[0058] The accessory 120 further comprises attachment means 112, 115. In the illustrated embodiment, the attachment means 112, 115 comprises corner fasteners 112 that extend from the corners of the canopy 121 to connect to the frame of the buggy 100. The corner fasteners may comprise one or more of ties, clips or hook-and-loop fasteners. In other embodiments, the hook-and-loop fasteners may comprise flexible and stretchy material, such that the corners of the canopy 121 can be secured to the frame without pulling the canopy 121 out of position within the buggy hood 110. The attachment means further comprises a push-fit clip 115. The push-fit clip 115 couples the accessory 120 to the front edge of the buggy hood 110. It is envisaged that alternative coupling means could be provided for both the corner ties 112 and the push-fit clip 115. For example, all of the attachment means 112, 115 could be one of the two mechanisms, or alternatively a zip / popper mechanism could be used with a corresponding portion already attached to the frame of the buggy 100.

[0059] Figure 4 illustrates accessory 110 in an open and packed configuration. In the packed configuration, the canopy 120 is collapsed, with the central extending member 125 of the accessory frame (not visible) folding inside the rigid base 128 of the accessory 120. The corner tie 112 acts as a fixed point to which the frame members 125, 128 are pivotally coupled, to enable the opening and collapsing motion. Figure 4 illustrates a back tie 113, which is not visible in Figures 1 to 3, and enables further securing of the accessory 110 to a buggy. Figures 5 to 7 illustrate an alternative accessory 520. In Figure 5, the accessory 520 is coupled to a buggy 100. Figures 6 and 7 illustrate perspective and plan views of the accessory 520 respectively. Similar to the accessory 120 of Figures 1 to 4, accessory 520 comprises a canopy 521 having a main section 521a and extendable segment 521 b. Accessory 520 also comprises corner ties 112, in common with accessory 120. Accessory 520 also comprises a band 528 along the base of the accessory 520 to assist in retaining the shape of the canopy 521. In contrast with accessory 120, accessory 520 does not comprise a further central extending member (125, Figures 1 to 4). However, it is envisaged that this feature could be compatible if a segmented canopy 521 would be desirable.

[0060] Accessory 520 may comprise frame coupling means configured to removably attach the canopy 521 to the frame of accessory 520. In some embodiments, the frame coupling means may be part of the canopy 521 . In one example, the frame coupling means may comprise one or more hollow sleeves in the fabric of the canopy 521 , wherein each of the one or more hollow sleeves is configured to receive one or more members and / or bands of the frame, such that the canopy 521 can be removably attached to the frame and mirror the shape of the hood. For example, one of the one or more hollow sleeves may be configured to receive the band 528.

[0061] In some embodiments, the frame coupling means may be part of the frame. In some embodiments, the frame coupling means may comprise a number of fastening mechanisms (such as clips, hooks, pins or others) located in various points of the frame, wherein each of the fastening mechanisms is configured to removably attach an area of the canopy 521 to the frame. For example, fastening mechanisms may include a series of hooks, pins or clips attached in various points of the band 528.

[0062] The attachment means of accessory 520 also differs from that of accessory 120. Accessory 520 comprises a magnetic strip 522 extending from the front edge of the main section 521 a of the canopy 521 . In the illustrated embodiment, the magnetic strip 522 comprises a fabric strip with a plurality of permanent magnets 523 integrated into the strip. These permanent magnets 523 could be sewn into the hem of the strip 522, for example. The magnetic strip 522 is configured to interact with the canopy 521 along the magnetic region 524. In use, the magnetic strip 522 is configured to fold over the front edge of the hood of a buggy, back across over the canopy 521. In some embodiments, the magnetic strip is configured to fold over the front edge of the hood of a buggy, back across over the canopy, when the hood is the closed / extended position. It will interact with the magnetic region 524, coupling through the exterior hood of the buggy, and retain the canopy 521 in place against the hood of the buggy. In the illustrated embodiment, the magnetic region 524 lies perpendicular to the front edge of the canopy 521 , such that the magnetic strip 522 aligns with the magnetic region 524 once the strip 522 is folded back over the canopy 521 . The magnetic region 524 may comprise one or more metallic elements configured to magnetically couple with the permanent magnets 523. These one or more metallic elements may be integrated into the material of the canopy 521.

[0063] Figures 8a and 8b illustrate a magnetic strip 822 according to some embodiments. The magnetic strip 822 may comprise a flexible and stretchy material 801. In some embodiments, the magnetic strip 822 may comprise a portion of flexible and stretchy material 801 between two adjacent magnets 823a and 823b, such that the magnetic strip 822 can more easily and flexibly be pulled and folded over the magnetic region 524 of the buggy hood (Figure 5). A portion of flexible and stretchy material 801 between two adjacent magnets 823a and 823b may allow the user to easily tailor the distance between the two adjacent magnets 823a and 823b when the adjacent magnets 823a and 823b are coupled to the magnetic region 524. A portion of flexible and stretchy material between two adjacent magnets 823a and 823b may be particularly beneficial for retaining the canopy flush to the buggy hood and prevent sagging. For example, the areas where a canopy presents sagging may vary from time to time (for example, the properties of the canopy’s fabric may change with the age of the canopy), and / or may depend on which buggy hood they need to mirror the shape of (the shape of buggy hoods may vary dependently on the model). The ability to stretch the strip 822 to control where different magnets 823a and 823b are applied on the canopy may allow the user to retain the canopy flush on the buggy hood and reduce sagging of the canopy in use. Advantageously, the ability to stretch the magnetic strip 822 may allow the user to control how a visual pattern of a particular canopy is displayed to the buggy user. Adjusting the distance of adjacent magnets 823a and 823b of the strip 822 may provide the user with an easy and quick way of stretching areas of the canopy such that proportions of the images of the visual pattern of the canopy can be changed.

[0064] Figure 9 illustrates a canopy 921 of accessory 920 according to some embodiments. The attachment means may comprise one or more additional magnetic fasteners 930 to prevent sagging of the fabric of the canopy 921 in the top rear region, the top rear region being in the closest proximity (with reference to the canopy 921 mounted to the buggy hood) to the head of a buggy user positioned within the buggy. Each of one or more magnetic fasteners 930 may comprise a magnetic element 932 secured to the canopy 921 in the top rear region of the canopy 921 , and an external magnet 931 to be positioned on an exterior surface of the buggy hood overlapping with the top rear region of the canopy 921 such that the external magnet 931 is detachably coupled to the magnetic element 932 of the magnetic fastener 930 attached to the canopy 921. Advantageously, the one or more magnetic fasteners 930 can further contribute to retain the canopy 921 as flush as possible especially around the top rear region of the canopy 921 mounted in the buggy. Preferably, the one or more magnetic elements 932 are sewn inside the canopy 921 . In some arrangements the one or more magnetic elements 932 are removably coupled to the canopy 921 , by means such as (but not limited to) adhesives, clips or pins. Preferably, the external magnet 931 is housed within a case, wherein the case may be comprised of fabric or other material. One or more of these additional magnetic fasteners 930 may be particularly beneficial for preventing sagging of the fabric of the canopy 921 . Furthermore, one or more of these additional magnetic fasteners 930 may be particularly beneficial because they can be easily applied to / removed from the canopy 921 by a user, thanks to the magnetic coupling mechanism.

[0065] The canopy 921 of Figure 9 further comprises a plurality of magnetic regions 923a, 923b, 923c. These magnetic regions 923a, 923b, 923c may comprise one or more metallic elements integrated into the canopy 921. The magnetic regions 923a, 923b, 923c are configured to interact with one or more magnetic strips (not pictured) to couple the accessory 920 to the buggy hood and retain the canopy 921 flush to the buggy hood. The canopy 921 of Figure 9 further comprises a pair of hollow sleeves 926, configured to receive one or more members and / or bands of the accessory frame (not pictured), such that the canopy 921 can be removably attached to the frame and mirror the shape of the buggy hood.

[0066] From reading the present disclosure, other variations and modifications will be apparent to the skilled person. Such variations and modifications may involve equivalent and other features which are already known in the art, and which may be used instead of, or in addition to, features already described herein.

[0067] Although the appended claims are directed to particular combinations of features, it should be understood that the scope of the disclosure of the present invention also includes any novel feature or any novel combination of features disclosed herein either explicitly or implicitly or any generalisation thereof, whether or not it relates to the same invention as presently claimed in any claim and whether or not it mitigates any or all of the same technical problems as does the present invention.

[0068] Features which are described in the context of separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub combination. The applicant hereby gives notice that new claims may be formulated to such features and / or combinations of such features during the prosecution of the present application or of any further application derived therefrom.

[0069] For the sake of completeness it is also stated that the term "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, the term "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality, and reference signs in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

Claims

Claims1 . An accessory for a buggy, the accessory comprising: a canopy, the canopy comprising material decorated to provide visual stimulation to a user of the buggy, the decoration being disposed at least on the interior surface of the canopy in use; and attachment means configured to couple the canopy to a frame of a buggy.

2. The accessory of claim 1 , wherein the accessory is configured to be fitted to a hood of a buggy such that the canopy mirrors the shape of the existing hood, and the interior surface of the canopy is displayed to a user.

3. The accessory of claim 2, wherein the accessory is fitted to the interior of the hood.

4. The accessory of any of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: an accessory frame configured to retain the shape of the canopy in use.

5. The accessory of claim 4, wherein the accessory frame is collapsible to reduce the surface area of the canopy.

6. The accessory of claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the accessory frame comprises: at least one band along the front or rear edge of the canopy; and at least one arcuate member extending across the width of the canopy, disposed away from the edges of the canopy.

7. The accessory of any preceding claim, wherein the canopy further comprises an extendable segment extending from the front edge of the canopy.

8. The accessory of any preceding claim, wherein the attachment means comprises: one or more ties, clips or hook-and-loop fasteners disposed at one or more corners of the canopy, configured to attach the canopy to a side frame of the buggy.

9. The accessory of any preceding claim, wherein the attachment means comprises: a fitment configured to couple the front edge of the canopy to a hood of the buggy.

10. The accessory of claim 9, wherein the fitment comprises a push-fit clip.

11. The accessory of any of claims 4 to 10, further comprising frame coupling means configured to removably couple the canopy to the accessory frame, such that the canopy acquires a tent-like configuration once assembled.

12. The accessory of claim 11 , wherein the frame coupling means comprises one or more hollow sleeves disposed in or on the canopy, wherein each of the one or more hollow sleeves is configured to receive one or more elements of the accessory frame.

13. The accessory of any of claims 2 to 8, wherein the attachment means comprises: a magnetic strip extending from the front edge of the canopy; and one or more metallic elements disposed along the spine of the canopy; wherein the magnetic strip is configured to fold over the front of the buggy hood and magnetically couple to the one or more metallic elements, retaining the shape of the canopy against the buggy hood.

14. The accessory of claim 13, wherein the magnetic strip comprises: a fabric strip; and one or more permanent magnets integrated along the length of the fabric strip.

15. The accessory of claim 14, wherein at least a portion of the magnetic strip comprises a flexible and stretchy material.

16. The accessory of claim 15, wherein the portion comprising the flexible and stretchy material is disposed at least between two adjacent permanent magnets of the one or more permanent magnets.

17. The accessory of any preceding claim, further comprising: one or more magnetic fasteners, wherein each of the one or more magnetic fasteners comprises: a magnetic element secured to the canopy and disposed in the rear of the canopy when in use; and a permanent magnet configured to be positioned on the exterior surface of the buggy hood, such that the permanent magnet magnetically couples with the magnetic element and to retain the canopy in position.

18. The accessory of any of claims 13 to 17, wherein the attachment means further comprises: one or more additional magnetic strips extending from the canopy; and one or more additional metallic elements disposed in or on the canopy body; wherein the one or more additional magnetic strips are configured to magnetically couple to the one or more additional metallic elements,19. A method of attaching the accessory for a buggy according to any of claims 1 to 18, comprising: aligning the canopy of the accessory with the buggy hood; attaching the canopy to a side frame of the buggy with the one or more clips, ties, or hook-and-loop fasteners; and attaching the front edge of the canopy to the front of the buggy hood with the attachment means.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein attaching the front edge of the canopy comprises extending the magnetic strip over the front of the buggy hood to magnetically couple the strip to the one or more metallic elements in the canopy.21 . The method of claim 20, further comprising: adjusting the fit of the canopy, by adjusting the distance between adjacent magnetic elements of the magnetic strip, wherein adjusting the distance between adjacent magnetic elements of the magnetic strip comprises stretching or slackening the portion(s) of flexible and stretchy material of the magnetic strip positioned between adjacent magnetic elements of the magnetic strip.

22. The method of any of claims 19 to 21 , further comprising: attaching the canopy to the buggy hood with one or more additional magnetic strips interacting with one or more additional metallic elements in the canopy.

23. The method of any of claims 19 to 22, wherein attaching the canopy to a side frame of the buggy with the one or more clips, ties or hook-and-loop fasteners comprises attaching a first and second corner of the canopy to the side frame of the buggy.

24. The method of any of claims 19 to 23, further comprising: attaching the base of the canopy to the buggy frame with one or more clips, ties or hook-and-loop fasteners.

25. The method of any of claims 19 to 24, further comprising: attaching the canopy to the buggy frame with one or more magnetic fasteners, comprising: magnetically coupling an integrated magnetic element of the canopy with a permanent magnet disposed on the exterior surface of the buggy hood.

26. The method of any of claims 19 to 25, further comprising: prior to aligning the canopy with the buggy hood, removably attaching the canopy to an accessory frame with frame coupling means, such that the canopy acquires a tent-like configuration once assembled.

27. The method of claim 24, wherein: the canopy comprises one or more hollow sleeves, each configured to receive one or more elements of the accessory frame; and removably attaching the canopy to the accessory frame comprises threading one or more elements of the accessory frame through the one or more hollow sleeves of the canopy.

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