GB2623376A

GB2623376A - A push chair and a method of folding a push chair

Info

Publication number: GB2623376A
Application number: GB2215251.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Dahlström Björn; Schlagman Richard
Original assignee: Jijibaba Ltd
Current assignee: Jijibaba Ltd
Priority date: 2022-10-14
Filing date: 2022-10-14
Publication date: 2024-04-17
Also published as: GB202215251D0

Abstract

A foldable push chair has a handle 7 and a seat 6 coupled to a central body 4 extending across the push chair, and at least three legs 12,14 with wheels rotatable around the central body 4; both forward and rearward extending legs 12,14 being arranged to rotate in the same direction B around the central body 4 during a folding operation and rotate upwards towards the handle 7 during folding. The legs 12,14 can fold against the seat 6 (fig 3B), and the folding can be driven by gears and a motor (figs 8 & 9) or a shuttle (fig 7). The central body 4 may be V-shaped (fig 1B).

Description

A Push Chair and a Method of Folding a Push Chair The present invention relates to a push chair and a method of folding a push chair.

Push Chairs are well known for transporting small children and modern pushchairs can also be used and adapted for the carriage of babies. In this application, the term push chair is intended also to include what are also commonly referred to as to strollers, buggies or prams and is also intended to describe a system comprising a chassis to which can be added a seat or a removable cot or other enclosure suitable for the transport of a baby or a small child. One of the desired features of a pushchair is that it can be folded to a compact dimension, so making it easier to carry, stow in a car or other transport means, such as a bus, train or aircraft.

Many push chairs are known to fold and stow into smaller dimensions. Most only fold into smaller sizes in one or two dimensions. Many examples can be found in the shops and in general use.

US2014/0312599 describes a foldable type of push chair, but in this case foldable to a backpack. The front legs are also foldable to help reduce the overall dimensions.

DE3147657A describes an arrangement having a combination of rods connected to the main support structures for providing the support, the rods being slidably connected to the support to ensure the correct relationship between the support rods.

It is an object of the present invention to overcome at least some of the disadvantages of the known prior art by providing a push chair that will fold so that it is compact when in a folded configuration In our granted patent GB2591211 there is described and disclosed a foldable push chair comprising a central body portion extending across the push chair and defining a central axis, the central axis extending substantially perpendicularly to the normal direction of travel of the push chair, a handle assembly connected to the central body and extending therefrom; at least three wheel supporting legs rotatable around the central axis and extending from the central body, in the unfolded state, one or more wheel supporting legs extending in a forward direction from the central axis and one or more wheel supporting legs extending in a rearward direction from the central axis; the forward and rearward extending legs being coupled together such that they rotate in opposite directions around the central axis during a folding or unfolding operation.

The push chair operates extremely well and provides solutions to a number of problems associated with push chairs described above. In particular it provides a push chair that is smaller in three dimensions when in the folded configuration.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a foldable push chair comprising: a central body extending across the push chair, a handle assembly for engagement by a user to enable the push chair to be pushed; a seat for a passenger;; at least three wheel supporting legs rotatable around the central body and extending from the central body, wherein in the unfolded state, one or more wheel supporting legs extend in a forward direction and one or more wheel supporting legs extend in a rearward direction; the forward and rearward extending legs being arranged such that they rotate in the same direction around the central body during a folding operation and such that they rotate upwards towards the handle during folding.

In an example, the legs are arranged to fold upwards and in a forwards direction so as to sandwich the seat between the handle assembly and the legs when the push chair is in the folded state.

In an example, the legs are arranged to fold upwards and in a rearwards direction such that in the folded state the seat and the folded legs are arranged on opposite sides of the handle assembly when the push chair is in the folded state.

In an example, when moving from a folded state to an unfolded state or from an unfolded state to a folded state, the legs rotate at different speeds.

In an example, the legs are coupled or connected together for rotation around the central body.

In an example, the forward extending legs and the and rearward extending legs are configured to move independently.

In an example, the foldable push chair comprises a hydraulic, electrical or mechanical element(s) to control the legs when released from their folded to unfolded state.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of folding a foldable push chair, the push chair comprising a central body portion extending across the push chair, a handle assembly for engagement of a user to enable the push chair to be pushed, and a seat for a passenger, and at least three wheel supporting legs rotatable around the central body and extending from the central body, wherein in the unfolded state, one or more wheel supporting legs extend in a forward direction from the central body portion and one or more wheel supporting legs extend in a rearward direction from the central body portion; the method comprising rotating all the legs in the same direction around the central body during a folding operation and such that they rotate upwards towards the handle assembly during folding.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a foldable push chair comprising: a handle assembly for engagement by a user to push the push chair; a seat for a passenger; at least three wheel supporting legs, wherein in the unfolded state, one or more wheel supporting legs extend in a forward direction and one or more wheel supporting legs extend in a rearward direction; the forward and rearward extending legs being arranged such that they rotate in the same direction during a folding operation and such that they rotate upwards towards the handle assembly during folding.

In an embodiment, the push chair comprises a central body in which the legs are connected to the central body and in which the one or more wheel supporting legs extend in a rearward direction and the one or more wheel supporting legs extend in a forward direction are arranged to rotate in the same direction about the central body when moving from a closed to an open configuration, or vice versa.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a foldable push chair comprising: a central body extending across the push chair, a handle assembly for engagement by a user to push the push chair; a seat for a passenger; at least three wheel supporting legs rotatable around the central body and extending from the central body, wherein in the unfolded state, one or more wheel supporting legs extend in a forward direction and one or more wheel supporting legs extend in a rearward direction; the forward and rearward extending legs being arranged such that they rotate in the same direction around the central body during a folding operation and/or during an unfolding operation.

A push chair is provided in which the one or more forward extending legs and he one or more rearward extending legs are arranged such that they both rotate in the same direction about the central body when moving from an unfolded to a folded state or vice versa. For example the rearward extending legs and forward extending legs could both rotate clockwise about the central body (when viewed from the same end) when moving from an unfolded configuration to a folded configuration and then both rotate anti clockwise when moving from a folded configuration to an unfolded configuration.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1A is a schematic view of a push chair; Figure 1B is a schematic view of an alternative chassis for the push chair of Figure 1A; Figures 2A to 2C are examples of a folding push chair at various stages of a folding process; Figures 3A to 3C are examples of a folding push chair at various stages of a folding process; Figures 4A to 4C are examples of a folding push chair at various stages of a folding process; Figure 5 shows a view of a gearing arrangement used in the push chair to ensure folding of the assembly; Figure 6 shows a more detailed view of a gearing arrangement of Figure 5; Figure 7 shows an example of a movement control mechanism as described in PCT/EP2021/081901; Figures 8 and 9 show examples of control systems suitable for controlling the push chair described herein The invention provides a push chair in which a central body is provided. A handle assembly is provided with which a user can engage to push or pull the push chair. The handle assembly is preferably either directly or indirectly connected to the central body (or indeed to any other part of the push chair such that engagement with the handle assembly causes the push chair to be moved in a desired direction).

Extending from the central body there are provided at least three wheel supporting legs rotatable around central body, e.g. around a central axis of the central body. The at least three wheel supporting legs extend from the central body and include one or more wheel supporting legs extending in a forward direction from the central axis and one or more wheel supporting legs extending in a rearward direction from the central axis. The one or more wheel supporting legs extending in a forward direction from the central body and the one or more wheel supporting legs extending in a rearward direction from the central body may simply be referred to as front legs and rear legs respectively. The push chair is arranged such that when being folded, i.e., changing from an unfolded state to a folded state, the legs are arranged to rotate in the same direction towards the handle, i.e., they are arranged to rotate substantially upwards from their position to a closed or folded state in which the legs are adjacent to the handle.

In one example, the legs are not directly connected to the central body. But are coupled to another part of the pushchair, e.g. side frame members or the like. What is important is that the push chair is arranged such that when being folded, i.e., changing from an unfolded state to a folded state, the legs are arranged to rotate in the same direction towards the handle, i.e., they are arranged to rotate substantially upwards from their position to a closed or folded state in which the legs are adjacent to the handle.

It will be appreciated that initially, depending on whether the legs fold clockwise or anti-clockwise, one of the forward or the front wheel supporting legs extending in a forward direction or the wheel supporting legs extending in a rearward direction will rotate downwards initially before reaching a bottom dead centre position and then rotating upwards. The other of the legs will from their open unfolded state fold directly upwards towards the handle. What is important is that the legs rotate in the same direction about the central body and that for at least part of their rotation to a closed state from an open state, they rotate upwards away from the ground.

The arrangement of the push chair including legs which are arranged to rotate in the same direction around the central body but generally upwards towards the handle assembly provides for a push chair in which a simple mechanism can be provided for enabling the rotation of the legs and further provides for an arrangement in which the push chair is compact when in a folded configuration.

In addition, the push chair in one embodiment will be such that the folding of the push chair will be a simple operation without requiring any contact at all of the handle assembly or the seat with the ground upon which the push chair is arranged. Alternatively, in another embodiment the wheels could remain in contact with the ground during a part of the folding process. In another embodiment the handle assembly, the seat and the legs can be in contact with the ground during a part of the folding or unfolding process.

Figure la is a schematic view of a push chair. The push chair 2 comprises a central body 4 or chassis, to which is provided a connected handle assembly 7 including one or more generally upright members 8. A seat 6 is provided coupled to the central body 4. The seat is preferably sized and shaped to provide comfortable support for an infant or small child, as is well known in push chairs. Forward directed legs 12 are provided as are rearward extending legs 14 also coupled to the central body 4. Wheels 16 are provided at the end of the legs to enable a simply rolling of the push chair.

The central body 4 is preferably substantially straight, i.e., has the form of a straight cylinder of uniform cross-section. However, it is possible that the body will be v shaped, i.e., as shown in Figure 1 b. By V shape it is meant that the body has two straight or substantially straight cylindrical parts that come together at a centre at some angle (preferably an obtuse angle between 90 and 180 degrees).

Figures 2a to 2c show an example of a push chair such as that described in our granted patent GB2591211, referred to above Looking at Figure 2a, a central body 4 is provided to which is connected a handle assembly 7. The handle assembly extends generally upwardly, i.e. away from the ground and preferably at some angle to the vertical to make pushing of the push chair comfortable for a user. Wheel supporting legs 12 are provided extending in a forward direction and wheel supporting legs 14 are provided extending in a rearward direction, i.e. forward and rearward with respect to the direction of movement of the push chair as it is pushed in normal use.

A seat 6 is provided connected to the central body 4. Typically, the forward direction will be the direction that a child or baby sitting in the push chair will be facing although it is of course possible that the seat be positioned such that a passenger faces rearwardly as well or instead. Wheels 16 are provided at the distal ends of the front and rear extending legs.

S

As the push chair is changed from an unfolded state (shown in Figure 2a) to a folded state (shown in Figure 2c), the legs 12 and 14 are coupled together such that they rotate in opposite directions around the central body 4 to the closed position shown in Figure 2c. Thus, in this example, the rear legs and front legs effectively sandwich the seat and the handle assembly 7 between them in the folded state.

Figures 3a to 3c show an example of a push chair similar to that shown in Figures 2a to 2c except, the example shown in Figures 3a to Sc is according to the

present disclosure.

In this example, again, there are provided forward extending legs 12 and rearward extending legs 14, both connected to the central body 4. The legs are preferably coupled together and to the central body 4 in such a way that as they move from an unfolded state shown in Figure 3a, to a folded state shown in Figure 3c, they fold upwards, i.e., away from the ground upon which they will be positioned in use, such that in a closed or folded state shown in Figure Sc, they sandwich the seat 6 between the handle assembly 7 and the front and rear legs 12 and 14. The legs 12 and 14 all rotate in the same direction (arrow A) and during at least part of the movement from the open state (fig 3A) to the closed state (Fig 3C) the legs rotate upwards away from the ground with the push chair in the orientation as shown in Fig 3A, i.e. a normal use orientation. In other words, the movement of the legs is "upwards' for at least part of the transition of the front and rear legs to the closed state of Figure 3C. It can also be thought of or referred to as movement in the same rotational direction around the central body towards the handle assembly.

Again, as in the example shown in Figures la and lb, a central body 4 can be a substantially straight cylindrical member or it can have a V-shape body such as that shown in Figure lb. What can be appreciated, is that the legs 12 and 14 are both arranged such that they rotate in the same direction about the central body 4.

The handle assembly 7 is preferably arranged to remain fixed angularly with respect to the central body 4, such that it does not rotate relative to the body. It is the legs 12 and 14 that both rotate, in the same direction around the central body 4 to the folded position (and when unfolding, in the same, but opposite direction).

To achieve the process of folding the push chair, a user can hold the handle assembly 7 and activate a mechanism (not shown) which can automatically fold the legs upwards such that the handle assembly need not at any point come in contact with the floor or ground.

In the example of Figures 3a to 3c, the legs can both be seen to fold in a clockwise direction around the central body 4 as seen from the left hand side of the push chair. This can be understood by reference to the arrow A. Referring now to Figures 4a to 4c, a similar arrangement is shown, but in this example, the legs 12 and 14 are arranged to rotate in the opposite direction to the legs in the example of figures 3a to 3c. In this example, the front legs and the rear legs are arranged to rotate in an anti-clockwise direction around the body 4, as shown by the arrow B. In this example, as the legs rotate in an anti-clockwise direction, the seat (in particular the seat pan), rotates upwards to a folded position such that both the seat and the legs 12 and 14, in the folded state, are positioned adjacent to the handle assembly 7.

In Figures 3a and 4a, the ground can be seen shown schematically and it can thus be appreciated that the legs in both cases are arranged to fold upwards away from the ground to be in a position adjacent the handle in a folded state. The legs in both examples are arranged to rotate in the same direction, i.e., both the forward extending legs and rearward extending legs rotate clockwise (when viewed from the left) in the example of Figures 3a to 3c, and anti-clockwise (when viewed from the left) in the example of Figures 4a to 4c.

The mechanism by which the legs are coupled and arranged for rotation may be the same as that described in our granted patent GB2591211, or in our co-pending application PCT/EP2021/081901. In PCT/EP2021/081901 a shuttle is provided within the central body, the shuttle engaging with hubs connected to the legs and arranged

I

such that longitudinal movement of the shuttle along the length of the central body causes rotation of the legs about the central body.

Such an arrangement for movement of the legs around the central body could be used in the presently disclosed push chair, albeit that in PCT/EP2021/081901 the legs are couple for rotation such that when folding or unfolding they rotate in opposite directions around the central body whereas in the presently described and disclosed pushchair the legs rotate in the same direction around the central body. This can be achieved using a mechanism (the details of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference) such as that disclosed in PCT/EP2021/081901 by appropriate configuration of the slots or engagement regions on the shuttle.

The mechanism and systems of our other granted patents or co-pending applications including 0B259106, PCT/IB2019/000770, PCT/IB2019/000775, can also be incorporated into the push chair as disclosed herein.

Indeed, figure 5 shows an expanded view of a gearing arrangement used in the push chair of GB259106 and GB2591211to ensure the operation of the folding or unfolding of the push chair. In this particular figure the arrangement comprises an epicyclic gear assembly, detailed construction and operation of which is explained below. The figure shows the arrangement on one arm of the V shaped chassis, the same type of arrangement can be used on the other arm, but is not shown for the purposes of simplicity. Each arm of the chassis defines an axis of rotation 12a of the forward and rearward extending legs 14 and 16. A shaft 50 extends along the axis 12a.

Shaft 50 is connected to a corresponding shaft in the other arm of the V by a universal joint or universal swivel coupling 52. Whilst a universal swivel coupling is a convenient and well known means of coupling the two shafts in the arms of the chassis, other means can be used and envisaged.

In one example, the swivel joint can be replaced by a simple pair of bevel gears, each mounted on one of the shafts 50, the gears engaging to ensure coupled rotation of the shafts. Further examples of the coupling could be any of a flexible elastomeric material, a device similar in construction to an automotive constant velocity joint, a tube of a woven metal mesh capable of transmitting torque.

Forward extending leg 14 has a hub portion 54 comprising the end of the leg and rotatably mounted on the shaft 50 extending through central chassis 12. The hub 54 is provided with internal spur gear teeth 58 comprising the annulus of the gear assembly.

An internal chassis 60 is rotatably mounted on shaft 50. Planet gears 62 are mounted on the internal chassis so that they engage with the spur gear teeth 58 of the annulus. Rearwardly extending leg 16 also has a hub portion 56 where it is mounted on the shaft 50 of the chassis 12. The hub portion 56 is provided with a set of external facing spur gear teeth 64 comprising the sun portion of the gear train which engage with the planet gears 62. The internal chassis 60 includes tongues 61 extending therefrom in a plane substantially parallel to the axis 12a, the tongues engaging in slots 63, 65 respectively in hubs 54 and 56 to limit the rotation of the internal chassis with respect to the hubs.

It will be apparent that when assembled, the forward extending leg and rearward extending leg are connected by the epicyclic gear train so that as the push chair is folded, the two legs will rotate in opposite directions as the chair is folded or unfolded. A cover unit 66 is provided at the end shaft 50 to protect the gear assembly. Preferably, the cover unit also provides a hub for mounting the handle 26 (not shown) which extends therefrom.

A further improvement to the push chair is provided by the addition of a spring 68, which, depending on the chosen configuration can be used to assist the folding or unfolding of the push chair. In this embodiment, the spring shown is a coil spring in which a central axis of the coil is parallel to, if not co-axial with, the axis 12a. The spring 68 has end parts or arms 70, 72 which each extend away tangentially from the central axis of the coil to provide stabilising or mounting arms. One of the arms 70 engages with a retaining stop 74 in the hub 56, the other arm 72 engages in a retaining slot or hole 76 in cover assembly 66.

Figure 6 shows a close up view of the epicyclic gear assembly partially assembled and in which the internal chassis 60 is located inside the hub 54 and the planet gears 62 are engaged with gears 58 of the annulus.

In the example shown in Figures 5 and 6 the gears are arranged to enable rotation of the legs in opposite directions around the central body. Through suitable configuration of the gears it is possible that the legs be arranged for rotation in the same direction around the central body.

Figure 7 shows an example of a movement control mechanism as described in PCT/EP2021/081901 referred to above. As can be seen a shuttle is arranged to move longitudinally in the direction A along the internal axial cavity of a cylindrical chassis. The shuttle has slots that are arranged at an angle to the longitudinal axis. The slots engage with hubs or legs which are fixed longitudinally along the cylindrical chassis.

Accordingly as the shuttle moves longitudinally the legs are caused to rotate about the chassis.

As explained above, in PCT/EP2021/081901 the legs are couple for rotation such that when folding or unfolding they rotate in opposite directions around the central body whereas in the presently described and disclosed pushchair the legs rotate in the same direction around the central body. This can be achieved using a mechanism as shown in Figure 7 (corresponding to Figure 13B of PCT/EP2021/081901) by appropriate configuration of the slots or engagement regions on the shuttle such that as it moves longitudinally, the legs are caused to rotate in the same direction around the chassis.

In another example, one or more motors can be provided coupled to the legs to cause the rotation of the legs about the central body when desired or selected by a user.

Any suitable mechanism can be used to cause or control rotation of the legs about the central body.

In this example, there is described a mechanism by which the central body comprises generally a cylindrical outer housing together with a shuttle arranged to slide longitudinally within the cylindrical housing. The shuttle comprises slots that extend along the circumferential surface of the cylindrical shuttle and are arranged to engage with pegs provided on hubs to which the legs are rotated. Thus, as the shuttle slides axially, it causes the legs to rotate. By orientation of the angle of the slots provided on the circumferential surface of the shuttle, it can be configured such that the legs rotate in the same direction around the central body when moving from a folded to an unfolded state or to an unfolded state to a folded state.

Referring once more to Figures 2a to 2c and 3a to 3c, it will be appreciated that what is shown here is that the legs are moving from an unfolded state to a folded state. In fact, the same mechanism operates in reverse when moving from the folded state to the unfolded state. Thus, when, moving from the folded state shown in Figure 4c to the unfolded state shown in Figure 4a, both the rear and front legs 14 and 12 are arranged to rotate in a clockwise direction (as viewed from the side shown in Figures 4a to 4c) with respect to the central body 4.

In the present push chair, different types of control can be provided for the legs. The important feature is that the legs rotate in the same way or direction around the central body in a direction generally upwards towards the handle assembly when moving to a folded configuration of the push chair.

Figures 8 and 9 show examples of control systems suitable for controlling the push chair described herein. In particular they show exemplary systems for controlling the legs such that they rotate the same way around the central body in a direction generally upwards towards the handle assembly when moving to a folded configuration of the push chair (and vice versa).

In Figure 8 a mechanism is provided similar to that shown in and described above with reference to Figure 7. Each side of the central body has a shuttle that can be driven longitudinally and then as a consequence of the shape (typically S-shape) of the slot, the coupled leg or hub is driven in a defined direction about the axis of the central body. The legs will be driven to rotate in the same direction about the body, i.e. when moving to a folded configuration both upwards towards the handle and away from the ground when in a normal position.

It will be appreciated that when a linear central body is provided the rotation will be about a single common axis, but where, say, a V shape central body is provided, each arm of the V will have a corresponding axis. In both cases (linear body and V-shape body), the legs are arranged to rotate about the central body in the same direction, i.e. upwards and towards the handle assembly when moving to the folded configuration In Figure 9 the same movement of the legs is achieved with the use of a planetary gear system 70 connected or coupled to a shaft 72.

In both Figures 8 and 9 a motor 75 is provided to drive rotation of the legs via the described and shown mechanism. The motor 75 is, the nonlimiting examples shown, arranged to drive a bevel gear arrangement to, in turn, drive the mechanisms described above. The motor can be provided in a housing coupled to the central body or in any suitable way. Preferably the motor is driven by a rechargeable power source (not shown).

A number of preferred and possible features of a push chair will now be described. Any appropriate combination of these features can be provided in an exemplary push chair.

The folding of the legs may be manual or electrical. All the legs rotate in the same direction however the legs may rotate at different speeds. The legs may rotate forwards or backwards The legs may be coupled or connected together or alternatively they may move independently.

In one example, the legs move in a specific sequence to ensure the push chair can be folded to its smallest dimensions. The front legs may rotate first followed by the back legs (or vice versa).

In one example, the speed of the leg movement is controlled. The push chair is preferably configured such that a user has the option to fold all legs at the same time manually or under electronic control, i.e. a connection between each of the legs that gets pulled or released so all legs fold simultaneously in one movement.

The legs may contain sensors Of movement is electrical) and in one non-limiting example, the legs contain a charging point. Alternatively, the charging point is provided in the central body of the push chair or within or on any other suitable location on the push chair.

The movement of the back legs may trigger the folding of the front legs (or vice versa). In one example, a locking mechanism or means is provided so that the legs may be locked when folded.

Preferably, the push chair may be held (lifted) by a user to allow for legs to move from the open unfolded configuration to the closed folded configuration.

In one example the method of folding or unfolding the chair comprises positioning the push chair on its side to enable folding or unfolding of the legs.

The legs may have a mechanism such as a hydraulic or mechanical element to control the legs when released from their folded to unfolded state (or vice versa) In one example, the legs are shaped to fold into each other for improved foldability i.e. curved or thin profile. Thus, in a folded configuration the legs are shaped such they in effect tesselate.

In one example, the legs are shaped to allow for easy foldability when rotating.

In another example, the legs are provided with an additional part made from another material to protect the legs from contact with the ground during a folding process or operation. In an example the wheels may have a cover such as a mud guard to prevent dirt or debris from the ground contacting the seat or the handle assembly when the push chair is in a folded configuration.

In one example, the legs are arranged to fold without manual interaction, e.g. the legs are arranged to fold under control of electronic control system or a motor(s).

In one example, all of the legs have the same profile, whereas in another example the legs have complementary profiles so as to be able to assume a compact configuration when in the folded state.

The legs are able to fold or unfold with the wheels attached or detached, or, if provided, with one or more baskets of the push chair attached/detached.

Folding of the legs may be operated by a parental handle or on any other component or piece of the push chair as a whole.

Each of the legs of the push chair may have attached to it a wheel in which all the wheels of the push chair are the same size wheels. Alternatively, different size wheels can be provided, e.g. larger wheels on the rear directed legs, and smaller wheels on the front directed pointing legs.

The legs or wheels may contain or include a braking mechanism for the push chair.

The push chair legs can be arranged such that they can protect the textile seat of the push chair when they are in a folded configuration. In addition the legs can be configured such that when they close they do not contact a user.

One or more of the legs may be positioned higher than another leg when in the folded configuration.

The legs may contain an inbuilt stand for ease of storage or the have a stand attached to the legs.

In one example, the legs may have a magnetic element to support in folding or locking once folded.

In one example, a single button or switch is provided and activation or pressing of the button or switch may release all legs for folding. Alternatively, multiple buttons or switches may be provided.

A handle may be positioned on the central chassis or body to release the legs for folding and for holding the push chair once in the folded configuration.

I Embodiments of the present invention have been described with particular reference to the examples illustrated. However, it will be appreciated that variations and modifications may be made to the examples described within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

Claims 1. A foldable push chair comprising: a central body extending across the push chair, a handle assembly for engagement by a user to push the push chair; a seat for a passenger; at least three wheel supporting legs rotatable around the central body and extending from the central body, wherein in the unfolded state, one or more wheel supporting legs extend in a forward direction and one or more wheel supporting legs to extend in a rearward direction; the forward and rearward extending legs being arranged such that they rotate in the same direction around the central body during a folding operation and such that they rotate upwards towards the handle assembly during folding.
2. A foldable push chair according to claim 1 in which the legs are arranged to fold upwards and in a forwards direction so as to sandwich the seat between the handle assembly and the legs when the push chair is in the folded state.
3. A foldable push chair according to claim 1 in which the legs are arranged to fold upwards and in a rearwards direction such that in the folded state the seat and the handle assembly are arranged on opposite sides of the handle assembly when the push chair is in the folded state
4. A foldable push chair according to any of claims 1 to 3, in which when moving from a folded state to an unfolded state or from an unfolded state to a folded state, the legs rotate at different speeds or the same speed.
5. A foldable push chair according to any of claims 1 to 4, in which the legs are coupled or connected together for rotation around the central body.
6. A foldable push chair according to any of claims 1 to 4, in which the forward extending legs and the and rearward extending legs are configured to move independently.
7. A foldable push chair according to any of claims 1 to 6, comprising a hydraulic or mechanical element to control the legs when released from their folded to unfolded state.
8. A foldable push chair according to any of claims 1 to 3, in which when moving from a folded state to an unfolded state or from an unfolded state to a folded state, the to legs rotate at the same speed.
9. A foldable push chair according to any of claims 1 to 8, comprising a charging point for the pushchair.
10. A foldable push chair according to any of claims 1 to 9, in which rotation of the one or more wheel supporting legs extend in a forward direction triggers folding of the one or more wheel supporting legs extend in a rearward direction, or vice versa.
11. A foldable push chair according to any of claims 1 to 10, in which each of the legs of the push chair have attached to them a wheel in which all the wheels of the push chair are the same size wheels.
12. A foldable push chair according to any of claims 1 to 11, including a braking mechanism.
13. A foldable push chair according to any of claims 1 to 12, comprising a magnetic element to support in folding or locking once folded.
14. A foldable push chair according to any of claims 1 to 13, in which the handle assembly is coupled or couplable to the central body and extends therefrom.
15. A foldable push chair according to any of claims 1 to 14, in which the seat is coupled or couplable to the central body.
16. A method of folding a foldable push chair, the push chair comprising a central body extending across the push chair, a handle assembly and a seat respectively for engagement by a user to push the push chair and in which a passenger can sit, and at least three wheel supporting legs rotatable around the central body and extending from the central body, wherein in the unfolded state, one or more wheel supporting legs extend in a forward direction from the central body and one or more wheel supporting legs extend in a rearward direction from the central body; the method comprising rotating all the legs in the same direction around the central body during a folding operation and such that they rotate upwards towards the handle assembly during folding.
17. A method according to claim 16, in which the legs are arranged to fold upwards and in a forwards direction so as to sandwich the seat between the handle assembly and the legs when the push chair is in the folded state.
18. A method according to claim 16, in which the legs are arranged to fold upwards and in a rearwards direction such that in the folded state the seat and the handle assembly are arranged on opposite sides of the handle assembly when the push chair is in the folded state.
19. A method of folding a push chair, wherein the push chair is a foldable push chair according to any of claims 1 to 15.
20. A foldable push chair comprising: a handle assembly for engagement by a user to push the push chair; a seat for a passenger; at least three wheel supporting legs, wherein in the unfolded state, one or more wheel supporting legs extend in a forward direction and one or more wheel supporting legs extend in a rearward direction; the forward and rearward extending legs being arranged such that they rotate in the same direction during a folding operation and such that they rotate upwards towards the handle assembly during folding.
21. A push chair according to claim 20, comprising a central body in which the legs are connected to the central body and in which the one or more wheel supporting legs extend in a rearward direction and the one or more wheel supporting legs extend in a forward direction are arranged to rotate in the same direction about the central body when moving from a closed to an open configuration, or vice versa.