GB2446957A

GB2446957A - Child carrying apparatus with an adjustable child support

Info

Publication number: GB2446957A
Application number: GB0803308A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Stuart James Garner
Original assignee: MOTHERSTORE Ltd
Current assignee: MOTHERSTORE Ltd
Priority date: 2007-02-23
Filing date: 2008-02-25
Publication date: 2008-08-27
Also published as: GB0703517D0; GB0803308D0

Abstract

A child carrying apparatus 40, such as a stroller or buggy (10, figure 1) comprises a base 44. The base is selectively arrangeable in a lying configuration in which a child can lie on the base, and in at least one seating configuration in which the child can be seated on the base. The base may comprise a plurality of portions 44, 46, 48 which are pivotally movable relative to one another, and which may be connected to a support frame 52 by means which also adjust the orientation of the base. The connection means may comprise straps (60, 62, figures 5 and 6) or first and second slide fasteners (zippers 170, 172, figures 24 and 25). The child support base may be connected to a chassis of a stroller by means of spring operated locking devices 102 (figures 9 to 23) situated on either side of the base. These also provide connection points for a handle and hood (106, 42, figure 3).

Description

Child Carrying Apparatus This invention relates to child carrying

apparatus. More particularly, but not exclusively, this invention relates to pushchairs, buggies, prams, seats for children and/or carry cots.

Pushchairs, buggies and perambulators are used to transport very young children.

Pushchairs and buggies are useful when the child is awake, but when the child is asleep, a separate pram is needed to convey the child when he or she is lying down.

According to one aspect of this invention, there is provided a child carrying apparatus comprising a base and adjustment means for adjusting the configuration of the base, wherein the base is selectively arrangeable in a lying configuration in which a child can lie on the base, and in at least one seating configuration in which the child can be seated on the base.

The base may comprise a plurality of base portions, which may be movable relative to one another. In one embodiment, the base portions may be pivotally movable relative to one another.

The base may comprise first and second end base portions, and may also comprise at least one central base portion arranged between the first and second end base portions. The first end base portion may comprise a rear end base portion. The second end base portion may comprise a front end base portion.

The base may be selectively arrangeable in a plurality of seating configurations. In said plurality of seating configurations, the first end portion may be selectively arrangeable in a plurality of conditions. Said plurality of conditions may be at desired angles relative to a base portion adjacent to the first end base portion.

The first end base portion may comprise a back supporting base portion for supporting the back of a child.

In one embodiment, when the base is in the lying configuration, the first and second end base portions and the central base portion may be generally coplanar with one another. In this embodiment, when the base is in the seating configuration, the first end base portion may extend relative to the central base portion in a first direction, and the second end base portion may extend relative to the central base portion in a second direction. The first and second directions may be generally opposite to each other.

When the base is in the, or a selected one of the, seating configurations, the central base portion may extend transverse to the first base portion, and the central base portion may extend transverse to the second base portion.

When the base is in the, or a selected one of the, seating configurations, the first end base portion may extend upwardly from the central base portion. When the base is in the, or a selected one of the, seating configurations, the second base portion may extend downwardly from the central base portion.

If desired, the first and second end base portions may be generally parallel to each other in the seating configuration, but it will be appreciated that the first and second end base portions can be at any suitable angle relative to one another to satisfy the comfort desires of the child.

The child carrying apparatus may comprise support means for supporting the base.

The support means may be any suitable arrangement capable of supporting the base.

In one embodiment, the support means may comprise a support frame which may extend around the base. A connecting element may connect the support means to the base. The connecting element may comprise a flexible material, such as a suitable fabric material, which may extend generally wholly between the base and the support frame. The flexible material may be coloured or decorated for aesthetic reasons.

The support means may comprise first and second end support members, and may also comprise at least one central support member arranged between the first and second end support members. The support means may comprise two central support members between the first and second end support members.

The first end support member may be arranged over the first end base portion. The second end support member may be arranged over the second end base portion.

The child carrying apparatus may further include adjustment means to facilitate the adjustment of the configuration of the base.

The adjustment means may be selectively arrangeable to hold the base in one of the lying and the seating configurations.

The adjustment means may be arranged to adjust the position of the base portions relative to the support means. The adjustment means may comprise a first adjustment arrangement to allow the position of the one of the base portions to be adjusted relative to the support means. The adjustment means may further comprise a second adjustment arrangement to allow the position of another of the base portions to be adjusted relative to the support means.

In one embodiment, the adjustment means may be arrangeable in a secured condition, or a plurality of secured conditions, to hold the base in one of the lying and seating configurations, and in a released condition to allow the base to move to the other of the lying and seating configurations.

When the adjustment means is in the secured condition, the adjustment means may hold the base in the, or a desired one of the, seating configurations. When the adjustment means is in the released condition, the adjustment means may allow the base to be moved to the lying configuration.

In a first embodiment; the adjustment means may comprise a strap arrangement, which may comprise a first strap assembly. The first strap assembly may comprise a strap element extending across the base, and a locking device to lock the strap element in its position. The strap element may extend through the locking device, which may be arranged to grip the strap element.

The strap element may extend through the locking device, and may be arranged to be pulled to tighten the strap element in the secured condition to secure the base in the seating configuration. The locking device may be operable to lock the strap element in the secured condition.

The locking device may include a resilient urging means to urge the locking device to its position to grip the strap element. The locking device may include opposed gripping members to grip the strap element.

The strap element may comprise two strap portions, one extending to one side of the base, and the other extending to the opposite side of the base. Both of the strap elements may extend through the locking device.

Guide means may be provided to direct the, or each, strap element to the respective side of the base. The guide means may comprise at least one guide member.

Where the strap arrangement comprises two strap elements, the guide means may comprise two guide members each directing a respective one of the strap portions to a respective side of the base.

The strap portions may be fastened to the support member at respective opposite sides of the base. The first strap assembly may include guide elements adjacent the edges of the base to guide the strap portions from the guide members to the support member.

Each strap portion may extend from an edge of the first end base portion via a respective guide member to the respective opposite side of the first end base portion. Each guide member may direct the respective strap element through an angle of greater than substantially 30 . The angle may be between 450 and 135 .

The angle may be between 600 and 120 . The angle may be substantially 90 .

One end of each strap portion may be attached to the other strap portion, for example by sewing the end regions together, to provide a two piece strap element.

Alternatively, each strap portion may be part of a one-piece strap element.

A pulling member may be provided on the strap element to allow the strap element to be pulled to its secured condition thereby tightening it against the base and the support member.

The strap arrangement may comprise a second strap assembly, which may comprise a strap means extending across the base. The second strap assembly may extend across the central base member.

The second strap assembly may further comprise a fastening device to hold the strap means in its secured condition.

The strap means may comprise first and second strap members, which may be fastened to each other by the fastening device. The fastening device may comprise a pair of co-operating fastening members, each being attached to an end of a respective one of the strap members. The co-operating fastening members may co-operate with each other to fasten the end of the strap members to each other.

When the strap members are fastened to each other, the base is held in the seating configuration. When the strap members are released from each other, the base can be moved to the lying configuration.

The strap members may be attached to the support member. In one embodiment, the strap members may be attached to the connecting element extending between the support member and the base.

In a second embodiment, the adjustment means may comprise a fastener assembly for fastening regions of the flexible material to one another. The fastener assembly may comprise a slide fastener arrangement. The slide fastener arrangement may comprise a slide fastener extending alongside the support means between first and second portions of the flexible material.

The slide fastener arrangement may comprise a first slide fastener assembly extending in the region between the front end base portion and the front end support member. The first slide fastener assembly may comprise a slide fastener. The first slide fastener may extend alongside the front end support member.

The slide fastener arrangement may further comprise a second slide fastener assembly between the rear end base portion and the rear end support member.

The second slide fastener assembly may comprise a second slide fastener. The second slide fastener may extend alongside the rear end support member.

The second slide fastener assembly may further comprise a third slide fastener between the second slide fastener and the rear end base portion. The second slide fastener assembly may comprise a third slide fastener. The third slide fastener may extend alongside the second slide fastener.

The, or each, slide fastener may comprise respective upper and lower elongate slide fastener elements, which may comprise upper and lower zipper elements. A region of the flexible material may be provided between the upper and lower elongate slide fastener elements of each of the second and third slide fasteners.

Regions of the flexible material may be provided between the second and third slide fasteners. A further region of the flexible material may be provided above the upper zipper element of the second slide fastener. A further region of the flexible material may be provided below the lower zipper element of the third slide fastener.

The, or each, slide fastener may comprise a zip fastener.

The child carrying apparatus may comprise a locking mechanism for locking the child carrying apparatus to a chassis. The locking mechanism may comprise a locking member movable between an unlocked position and a locked position to lock an article thereto.

The locking mechanism may further comprise a securing member movable between a securing condition, in which the locking member is secured in the unlocked position, and a non securing condition, in which the locking member is in the locking position. The locking mechanism may further comprise urging means to urge the locking member to the locked position.

According to another aspect of this invention, there is provided a locking mechanism comprising: a locking member movable between an unlocked position and a locked position to lock an article thereto; a securing member movable between a securing condition in which the locking member is secured in the unlocked position, and a non-securing condition in which the locking member is in the locking position; and urging means to urge the locking member to the locked position.

The urging means may comprise a spring member, such as a compression spring.

The spring member may be a coil spring.

The locking mechanism may comprise a slider which may comprise the locking member and the securing member. The slider may be configured for linear sliding movement. The slider may be formed as a single piece, wherein the locking member and the securing member are provided as an integral part of the single piece slider.

The slider may comprise a main part, and the locking member and the securing member may be provided on the main part. The locking member and the securing of the slider may be directed toward one another.

The securing member may comprise a detent formation movable to the securing condition to co-operatively engage a fixed detent member, wherein the locking member is held in the unlocked position by the detent member when the detent formation is in the securing condition.

The detent formation and the fixed detent member may have corresponding sliding surfaces, which may slide over each other as the securing member moves to the securing condition. The detent formation and the fixed detent member may have corresponding locking surfaces which may engage each other when the securing member is in the securing condition.

The sliding surfaces on the fixed detent member may be arranged to deform the detent member as the detent member slides over the fixed detent member. When the detent member has passed over the fixed detent member, the detent member may move to the non-deformed position, so that the locking surfaces engage each other.

The securing member may further include a stop member, which may be engageable with the fixed detent member to prevent a movement of the securing member beyond the securing condition.

The locking mechanism may further include a movable stop element, which may be movable between a stopping position to engage to stop member on the securing member, and a non-stopping position to allow movement of the stop member over the stop element. The movable stop element and the stop member may be arranged such that, when the stop member engages the movable stop element, the locking member is not fully moved to the unlocked position.

The movable stop element may be slidably movable. The movable stop element may be movable in a direction transverse to the direction of movement of the slider.

The movable stop element may be movable in a direction which is substantially orthogonal to the direction of movement of the slider.

The locking element may comprise a pushing means to push the movable stop element towards its stopping position. The pushing means may comprise a spring element, such as a compression spring element. The spring element may comprise a coil spring.

The locking mechanism may comprise a reaction support member to provide a reaction support for the pushing means. The reaction support may be substantially L-shaped having longer and shorter limbs. The pushing means may extend from the shorter limb to the movable stop element.

The reaction support member and the detent member may constitute guide means to guide the movement of the movable stop element.

The movable stop element may include an engagement portion to engage the article, wherein the article can move the movable stop element to the non-stopping position.

A button may be provided to move the slider to the unlocked position.

At least one embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a side perspective view of a child conveying arrangement, with a child carrying apparatus facing forward in a seating configuration; Figure 2 is a side perspective view of the child conveying arrangement shown in Figure 1, with the child carrying apparatus facing rearward in a seating configuration; Figure 3 is a side perspective view of the child conveying arrangement shown in Figure 1, with the child carrying apparatus facing forward in a lying configuration; Figure 4 is a side perspective view of the child conveying arrangement shown in Figure 1, with the child carrying apparatus facing rearward in a lying configuration; Figure 5 is a bottom view of the child carrying apparatus in a lying configuration; Figure 6 is a bottom view of the child carrying apparatus in a seating configuration; Figure 7 is a side view of the child carrying apparatus in a lying configuration; Figure 8 is a side view of the child carrying apparatus in a seating configuration; Figures 9, 10 and 11 show the sequence for removal of the child carrying apparatus from the child conveying arrangement; Figures 12 and 13 show steps of operating a locking assembly during removal of the child carrying apparatus from the child conveying arrangement; Figure 14 is a view from below of a locking device on the child carrying apparatus for co-operation with the locking assembly shown in Figures 12 and 13; Figures 15, 16 and 17 show three different positions of the locking device shown in Figure 14 on the child carrying apparatus; and Figures 18 to 20 show the steps of engagement of the locking device shown in Figure 14 with a locking assembly; Figures 21 to 23 show steps or disengagement of the locking device from the locking assembly; Figure 24 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of a child carrying apparatus in a first seating configuration; Figure 25 is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in Figure 24 in a second seating configuration; Figure 26 is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in Figure 24 in a third seating configuration; and Figure 27 is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in Figure 24 in a lying configuration.

Referring to Figures 1 to 4, there is shown the child conveying arrangement in the form of a buggy 10, which comprises a chassis 12 comprising a main chassis assembly 14 formed from a pair of opposed frame members 15. A handle 16 may be provided which comprises a pair of opposed extension members 18 telescopically received in upper ends of the opposed frame members 15.

A release mechanism 20 allows that the handle 16 to be extended in the direction as shown by the arrow A. The release mechanism 20 operates a lever linkage which extends through the handle 16 and the extension members 18. The handle 16 may also be retracted in the direction of the arrow B on operation of the release mechanism 20. During such retraction, the opposed extension members 18 are telescopically received in the opposed frame members 15.

Each of the opposed frame members 15 extends downwardly to a curved region 22 at the end of which, the opposed frame members 15 meet at a wheel carrying assembly 24. Two wheels 26 are rotatably mounted on two laterally extending wheel carrying members 28.

A subsidiary chassis assembly 30 is slidably mounted on the main chassis assembly 12 by two opposed sliding members 32, which can slide up and down the respective frame member 15 as indicated by the double headed arrow C. The sliding members 32 are held in the positions shown in Figures 1 to 4 by a catch (not shown) which extends from the frame members 15, and engages the respective sliding member 32. The catch is released by engagement with the respective extension member 18 on the extension member 18 being telescopically fully received in the frame members 15.

The sliding members 32 are mounted on the upper end of a pair of opposed subsidiary frame members 34 which are connected together by a cross member 36.

Wheels 38 are mounted on an axle (not shown) extending laterally from the lower end of each subsidiary frame member 34.

In the above description, mention has been made of two of various components, such as the frame member 15, the subsidiary frame members 34, the sliding members 32, and the wheels 38. It will be appreciated by the skilled person that, although only one of each of these features is shown in Figures 1 to 4 on one side, a corresponding feature is present on the opposite side but is obscured from view in some of the Figures.

The buggy 10 also includes a child carrying apparatus 40 which can be arranged in a seating position shown in Figures 1 and 2, in which the buggy 10 can be used as a pushchair. The child carrying apparatus 40 faces away from the person pushing the buggy 10 in Figure 1, and faces towards the person pushing the buggy 10 in Figure 2.

The child carrying apparatus 40 can also be arranged in a lying position shown in Figures 3 and 4, in which the buggy 10 can be used as a pram. The child carrying apparatus 40 has a hood 42. In Figure 3, the child carrying apparatus 10 is arranged such that the hood 42 faces away from the person pushing the buggy 10, and in figure 4, the child carrying apparatus 40 is arranged such that the hood 42 faces towards the person pushing the buggy 10.

Figures 5 to 8 show the child carrying apparatus 40, which comprises a base 44.

The base 44 comprises rear and front end base portions 46, 48 respectively, and a central base portion 50. The child carrying apparatus also includes a support frame 52 for supporting the base 44. The support frame 52 is attached to the base 44 by a flexible fabric material 54. The fabric material 54 extends wholly around the support frame 52, and wholly around the base 44, but in Figure 7 only some parts of the flexible fabric material 54 are shown, in order to show the support frame 52.

A first end support member 56 of the support frame 52 is pivotally movable about a pivot 58 between raised and lowered positions, as indicated in Figure 8. In Figure 8, the broken lines show the raised position of the first end support member 56 of the support frame 52. This allows the front end base portion 48 to be moved between raised and lowered positions, as shown also in Figure 8, in which the broken lines indicate the raised position for the front end base portion 48. The front end base portion 48 provides support for the legs of the child.

The support frame 52 also comprises a front end support member 57 at the opposite end of the support frame 52 to the first end support member 56 The child carrying apparatus 40 further includes adjustment means in the form of first and second strap assemblies 60, 62.

The first strap assembly 60 comprises a strap element 64 which comprises a first strap portion 66A extending to a first side 68A of the base 44, and a second strap portion 66B extending to the opposite second side 68B of the base 44. As can be seen from Figure 7, the first strap portion 66A extends from the first side 68A of the base 44 to the support frame 52, to be secured to the support frame 52 by a suitable fastener, for example a screw 69. Although not shown in the drawings, the second strap portion 66B extends from the second side 68B of the base to support frame 52, in the same manner as the first strap portion 66A, and is secured to the support frame 52 by a similar fastener to the screw 69.

As shown in Figure 5, the first and second strap portions 66A and 66B extend to the opposite sides 68A and 68B via guide means 70 in the form of two triangular clips each having a slot 71 defined therein to receive therethrough the respective strap portions 66A and 66B. The slots 71 are arranged at an angle of substantially 450 to the straps 66A and 66B, which has the effect of turning each of the strap portions 66A and 66B through substantially 90 , as shown in Figures 5 and 6.

The strap portions 66A, 66B extend from the guide means 70 to a region beyond the rear end 72 of the base of 44 and are stitched together by stitching 74 to form a loop 76 in which is secured a D-ring 78. The provision of the D-ring 78 allows the strap element 64 to be pulled in the direction indicated by the arrow X in Figure 5 to pull the strap element 64 and, consequently, the strap portions 66A and 66B from a released condition shown in Figure 5 to a secured or tightened condition shown in Figure 6. The purpose of this will be explained below.

A locking device 80 is provided on the underside of the first base member 46, as shown in Figures 5 and 6. The locking device 80 comprises a gripping member 82 which is pivotally attached to a mounting member 84 and is spring-loaded towards the first end base member 46, thereby gripping the strap element 64 to secure it to the first end base member 46.

A release tag 86 is attached to the gripping member 82, which can be pulled to move the gripping member 82 to release it from its gripping position and allow the strap element 64 to be moved. The release tag 86 is provided with a further D-ring 88 to allow the release tag 86 to be pulled thereby releasing the gripping member 82 from its gripping position.

The second strap assembly 62 comprises first and second strap members 90A, 90B which are provided at their respective free ends 91A, 91B with co-operating clip members 92A, 92B, which are known to those skilled in the art. The clip member 92B can be received and secured in the clip member 92A.

The first and second strap members 90A, 90B extend to the opposite sides of the base 44 and continue upwardly to the frame member 52 to be secured thereto by a

suitable fastener.

The first strap assembly 60 can be arranged in a released, or loosened, condition, as shown in Figure 5. This can be effected by releasing the gripping member 82, and pulling the first and second strap portions 66A and 66B until the strap element 64 is in the position shown in Figure 5.

The second strap assembly 62 can also be arranged in a released condition, as shown in Figure 5, by releasing the co-operating clip members 92A and 92B. When the first and second strap assemblies 60, 62 are arranged in the released, or loosened, conditions, and the crotch strap released from the handle the base 40 can be disposed in the lying configuration, as shown in Figure 7, and the buggy 10 can be used as a pram.

The first strap assembly 60 can be arranged in a secured, or tightened, condition, as shown in Figure 6, in which the strap element 64 is pulled tight by pulling the D-ring until the first and second strap portions 66A and 66B are pulled tight. The second strap assembly 62 can also be arranged in a secured, or tightened, condition by connecting the first and second strap members 90A and 90B to each other by clipping the co-operating clip members 92A and 92B to each other, as shown in Figure 6.

Where the first and second strap assemblies 60, 62 are arranged in the secured, or tightened, conditions, the base 40 is held in the seating configuration, as shown in Figure 8, in which a child can be sat on the child carrying apparatus 10, and the buggy 10 can be used as a pushchair.

The support frame 52 carries a connecting assembly 100 mounted on of the each opposite sides of the child carrying apparatus 40. The connecting assembly 100 comprises a locking device 102, a first connecting means 104 for connecting the support frame 52 to a carrying handle 106 (see Figures 1 to 4), and a second connecting means 108 for connecting the child carrying apparatus 40 to the hood 42.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, when the base 44 is in the seating configuration, a crotch strap 107 may be secured to the carrying handle 106. In order to move the base 44 to the lying condition, the crotch strap 107 has to be released. This is a safety feature that prevents inadvertent movement of the base 44 to the lying condition.

The first and second connecting means 104, 108 are in the form of co-operating clip members to securably co-operate with corresponding clip members on the handle 106 and on the hood 42, as would be understood by those skilled in the art.

In order to mount the child carrying apparatus 40 on the chassis 12, the main chassis assembly 14 is provided with two locking assemblies 110 arranged on opposite sides of the main chassis part 14. In Figures 1 to 4, only one of the locking assemblies 110 can be seen. The other lockingassembly 110 is provided on the other side of the main chassis assembly 14 directly opposite the locking assembly visible in Figures 1 to 4.

The child carrying apparatus 40 has two locking devices 102 which are arranged on opposite sides of the child carrying apparatus 40, in a location to allow each locking device 102 to co-operate with a respective one of the locking assemblies 110.

Each locking device 102 comprises a body part 112, and an insertion part 114 projecting downwardly from the body part 112, for insertion into the locking device 110. A pin 116 extends laterally outwardly from the insertion part 114, the purpose of which is to engage a locking mechanism within the locking assembly 110, as explained below.

Each locking device 102 further includes a button 118, which can be pressed to allow the locking device 102 to be pivoted about the button 118 between three ratcheted positions shown respectively in Figures 15, 16 and 17. This allows the child carrying apparatus 40 to be pivoted between lying and seating positions, where desired.

Each locking assembly 110 comprises a casing 120 in which is provided a movable locking mechanism 122 shown in Figures 18 to 23. The casing 120 defines a recess 124 which receives therein the insertion part 114 on the locking device 102. A slot 126 is defined in the casing 120 adjacent the recess 124. The pin 116 on the insertion part 114 is received in the slot 126.

The recess 124 has provided therein a pair of locating members 128 which co-operate with respective locating recesses 129 extending inwardly from the lower end of the insertion part 114.

The locking mechanism 122 is provided in the casing 120 adjacent to the slot 126.

Reference is now made to Figures 18 to 21, which show the steps during insertion of the insertion part 114 into the recess 124 in the locking assembly 110.

The locking mechanism 122 comprises a slider 130 slidably mounted in the casing 120. The slider 130 is movable in the direction indicated by the arrow X on pushing a button 132. The slider 130 is urged in the direction indicated by the arrow Y by resilient urging means in the form of a main spring 134. The main spring 134 extends between a recess 136 defined in the slider 130, and a lug 138 mounted on the casing 120. As a result, the slider 130 can slide back and forth across the slot 126.

The slider 130 is formed of a one-piece unit, for example by injection moulding. The slider 130 comprises a main part 140 and a locking member 142 on the main part to lock the pin 116, and thereby the locking device 102, to the locking assembly 110.

The slider 130 also includes a securing member 144 to secure the slider 140 in an unlocked condition. The securing member 144 comprises a downwardly extending detent formation 151 and a downwardly extending stop member 153 spaced from the detent formation 151. The functions of the detent formation 151 and the stop member 153 are described below.

The locking mechanism 122 also includes a movable stop element 145, which is movable between a stop position shown in Figure 18 and a release position, shown in Figures 20 and 21. The stop element 145 comprises a pin engaging portion 147 for engaging the pin 116 on the insertion part 114 of the locking device 102.

A subsidiary spring 155 urges the stop element 145 in an upward direction. First and second guide members 157, 159 are provided on the casing. The first guide member 157 is in the form of a reaction support member and is generally of an L-shaped configuration. The subsidiary spring 155 is provided to extend between the lower limb of the L-shaped reaction support member 157 and the movable stop element 145.

The second guide member 159 is in the form of a fixed detent member to co-operate with the detent formation 151, as explained below.

A stop portion 149 is also provided on the stop element 145, which can engage the stop member 153 during some operations of the locking mechanism 122.

In order to secure the locking device 102 to the locking assembly 110, the insertion part 114 on the locking device 102 is inserted into the recess 124 in the locking assembly 110. As a result of inserting the insertion part 114 into the recess 124, the pin 116 is inserted into the slot 126.

On insertion of the pin 116 into the slot 126, as shown in Figure 18, the pin 116 engages the locking member 142. The locking member 142 has a sloping edge 148, which slopes across the slot 126 from the top left to the bottom right, as shown in Figure 18.

Movement of the pin 116 downwardly in the direction of the arrow Z thereby engaging against the sloping edge 148, pushes the slider 130 in the direction of the arrow X, until the pin 116 has moved the locking member 142 across the slot 126, thereby allowing the pin 116 to move downwardly to engage the engaging portion 147 of the movable stop element 145, as shown in Figure 19.

Further downward movement of the pin 116 pushes the stop element 145 down further to the position shown in Figure 20, in which position, the pin 116 has cleared below the underside of the locking member 142. The main spring 134 then pushes the slider 130 in the direction indicated by the arrow V to a position overlying the pin 116, thereby locking the pin 116 in the position shown in Figure 20. This happens at both locking mechanisms on opposite sides of the chassis 12, thereby securing the child carrying apparatus 40 to the chassis 12 of the buggy 10.

Reference is now made to figures 21 to 23, which show the sequence for release of the child carrying apparatus 10 from the locking mechanism 122. In order to remove the child carrying apparatus 40 from the chassis 12, the button 132 on each locking mechanism 122 is pressed inwardly in the direction of the arrow X. This moves the slider 130 in the same direction, until the securing member 144 engages the fixed detent member 159. The detent formation 151 and the fixed detent member 159 have corresponding sloping surfaces, 160 162 which slide over one another, deform ing the detent formation 151 upwardly, as shown in Figure 21.

Further pushing of the button 132 moves the detent formation 151 beyond the fixed detent member 159. The detent formation 151 snaps back to its non deformed position, and engages the fixed detent member 159 as shown in Figure 22, thereby preventing movement in the opposite direction to the arrow X by the spring 134.

Thus, the pins 116 are now released and can be removed as described below.

By pushing the buttons 132 on both sides of the child carrying apparatus 40, both of the pins 116 are released, and by lifting the child carrying apparatus 40 upwardly, each pin 116 engages the detent formation 151 lifting it upwardly, as shown in Figure 23. This moves the detent formation 151 up over the fixed detent member 159, and the spring 134 then pushes the slider 130 in the direction of the arrow Y, thereby returning the slider 130 to the position shown in Figure 18. This fully releases the pin 116 and allows it to be removed from the locking mechanism 122.

Various modifications can be made without departing from scope of the invention, for example, the slider could be formed of more than one piece.

A further embodiment of the child carrying apparatus 40 is shown Figures 24 to 27, which comprises many of the features of the embodiment shown in Figures 5 to 8, and these features have been designated with the same reference numerals as in Figures 5 to 8, and function in the same way as the corresponding features of Figures 5 to 8.

The embodiment shown in Figures 24 to 27 differs from the embodiment shown in Figures 5 to 8 in that the first and second strap assemblies are replaced by first and second slider fastener assemblies 170,172. The first slide fastener assembly 170 is arranged in the fabric material 54 below the first end support member 56.

The first slider fastener assembly 170 comprises a front zipper 174, having an upper front zipper element 1 74A, and a lower front zipper element I 74B. The first zipper 174 divides the fabric material 54 at the front of the child carrying apparatus 40 into a first front region 54A above the upper front zipper element 1 74A, and a second front region 54B below the lower front zipper element 174B. A third region 54C of the fabric material 54 is provided between the upper and lower front zipper elements 174A, 174B.

The upper and lower front zipper elements I 74A, I 74B can be connected to each other along their lengths when the front zipper 174 is closed. This connects the first and second front regions 54A, 548 together, and when the front zipper 174 is opened, as shown in Figure 27, the third fabric region 54C is spread out. The reason for this is explained below.

The second slide fastener assembly 172 comprises first and second rear zippers 176, 178, arranged one above the other. The first rear zipper 176 comprises a first rear upper zipper element 176A and a first rear lower zipper element 176B. The second rear zipper 178 comprises a second rear upper zipper element 1 78A, and a second rear lower zipper element I 78B.

A first rear region 54D of the fabric 54 extends between the front end support member 57 and the first upper zipper element I 76A. A second rear region 54E of the fabric 54 extends between the front end base portion 46 and the second rear lower zipper element 178B. A third rear region 54F extends between the first rear lower zipper element 1766 and the second rear upper zipper element 1 78A. Thus, when the first and second rear zippers 176, 178 are closed, as shown in Figure 24, the first and second rear zippers 176, 178 connect the first rear region 54D of the fabric 54 to the third rear region 54F, and connect the third rear region 54F to the second rear region 54E.

Referring to Figure 24, there is shown the second embodiment of the child carrying apparatus 40, arranged in an upright seating condition. As can be seen from Figure 24, all three of the front zipper 174 and the first and second rear zippers 176, 178 are closed.

In order to move the child carrying apparatus 40 into a more reclined position, the first rear zipper 176 is opened, as shown in Figure 25. As can be seen, a fourth rear region 54G of the fabric material 54 extends between the first rear upper and lower zipper elements 176A, 1766. In the position shown in Figure 25, the first front of the 174 and the second rear zipper 178 remained closed. The front end base portion 46 is moved to extend to a generally co-planar position relative to the central base portion 50.

Figure 26 shows a further reclined position of the child carrying apparatus 40, in which both of the first and second rear zippers 176, 178 are opened and, as can be seen, a fifth rear region 54H of the fabric material 54 extends between the second rear upper and lower zipper elements 1 78A, 1 78B. The front end base support portion 46 and the central base support portion 50 can be moved into a more reclined position as compared to the position shown in Figure 25. In Figure 26, the front zipper 174 is closed.

In Figure 27, the child carrying apparatus 40 is in its lying position, in which the front zipper 174 and the first and second rear zippers 176, 178 are open. The first and front end base portions 46, 48 and the central base portion 50 are all arranged co-planar with each other.

Claims

Claims 1. A child carrying apparatus comprising a base, wherein the

base is selectively arrangeable in a lying configuration in which a child can lie on the base, and in at least one seating configuration in which the child can be seated on the base.

2. A child carrying apparatus according to Claim 1, including adjustment means to facilitate the adjustment of the configuration of the base.

3. A child carrying apparatus according to Claim I or 2, wherein the base comprises a plurality of base portions, which are pivotally movable relative to one another.

4. A child carrying apparatus according to Claim 3, wherein the base comprises front and rear end base portions, and at least one central base portion arranged between the rear and front end base portions.

5. A child carrying apparatus according to Claim 4, wherein the base is selectively arrangeable in a plurality of seating configurations, in which the rear end base portion is selectively arrangeable in a plurality of conditions, said plurality of conditions being at desired angles relative to the central base portion.

6. A child carrying apparatus according to Claim 4 or 5, wherein the rear end base portion comprises a back supporting base portion for supporting the back of a child.

7. A child carrying apparatus according to Claim 4, 5 or 6, wherein when the base is in the lying configuration, the rear and front end base portions and the central base portion are generally coplanar with one another.

8. A child carrying apparatus according to Claim 7, wherein when the base is in the, or a selected on of the, seating configuration, the rear end base portion extends relative to the central base portion in a first direction, and the front end base portion extends relative to the central base portion in a second direction, the first and second directions being generally opposite to each other.

9. A child carrying apparatus according to Claim 8, wherein the central base portion extends transverse to the rear base portion, and transverse to the second base portion.

10. A child carrying apparatus according to Claim 8, wherein the rear end baseportion extends upwardly from, or generally co-planar with, the central base portion.

11. A child carrying apparatus according to Claim 8, 9 or 10, wherein the front end base portion extends downwardly from the central base portion.

12. A child carrying apparatus according to any of Claims 4 to 11, wherein the child carrying apparatus comprises support means for supporting the base, the support means comprising a support member and a connecting element to connect the support member to the base.

13. A child carrying apparatus according to Claim 12, wherein the support means comprises a support frame extending over an edge region of the base, and the connecting element connects the support frame to the base.

14. A child carrying apparatus according to Claim 13, wherein the connecting element comprises a flexible material extending generally wholly between the base and the support frame.

15. A child carrying apparatus according to Claim 12, 13 or 14, wherein the support means comprises rear and second end support members and at least one central support member arranged between the rear and second end support members.

16. A child carrying apparatus according to Claim 15, wherein the rear end support member is arranged over the rear end base portion, and the second end support member is arranged over the front end base portion.

17. A child carrying apparatus according to any of Claims 12 to 16, wherein the adjustment means is selectively arrangeable to hold the base in one of the lying and the seating configurations.

18. A child carrying apparatus according to Claim 17, wherein the adjustment means is arranged to adjust the position of the base portions relative to the support means, the adjustment means comprising a first adjustment arrangement to allow the position of the one of the base portions to be adjusted relative to the support means, and a second adjustment arrangement to allow the position of another of the base portions to be adjusted relative to the support means.

19. A child carrying apparatus according to any of Claims 12 to 18, wherein the adjustment means is arrangeable in a first condition, or in a selected one of a plurality of first conditions, to hold the base in the, or a selected one of the, seating configurations.

20. A child carrying apparatus according to Claim 19, wherein the adjustment means is arrangeable in a second condition to allow the base to move to the lying configuration.

21. A child carrying apparatus according to Claim 20, wherein the first condition is a released or a secured condition, and the second condition is a released or a secured condition.

22. A child carrying apparatus according to Claim 21, wherein when the adjustment means is in the secured condition, the adjustment means may hold the base in the, or a desired one of the, seating configurations, and when the adjustment means is in the released condition, the adjustment means may allow the base to be moved to the lying configuration.

23. A child carrying apparatus according to any of Claims 4 to 22, wherein the adjustment means comprises a strap arrangement.

24. A child carrying apparatus according to Claim 23, wherein the strap arrangement comprises a first strap assembly comprising a strap element extending across the base, and a locking device to lock the strap element in its position.

25. A child carrying apparatus according to Claim 24, wherein the strap element extends through the locking device, and the locking device is adapted to grip the strap element.

26. A child carrying apparatus according to Claim 24 or 25, wherein the strap element extends through the locking device, and is arranged to be pulled to tighten the strap element in the secured condition to secure the base in the seating configuration, and the locking device is operable to lock the strap element in the secured condition.

27. A child carrying apparatus according to Claim 24, 25 or 26, wherein the locking device includes a resilient urging means to urge the locking device to its position to grip the strap element, and the locking device further includes opposed gripping members to grip the strap element.

28. A child carrying apparatus according to any of Claims 24 to 27, wherein the strap element comprises two strap portions, one extending to one side of the base, and the other extending to the opposite side of the base, and both strap portions extend through the locking device.

29. A child carrying apparatus according to Claim 28, comprising guide means to direct the, or each, strap element to the respective side of the base, the guide means comprising at least one guide member.

30. A child carrying apparatus according to Claim 29, wherein where the strap arrangement comprises two strap portions, the guide means comprise two guide members each directing a respective one of the strap portions to a respective side of the base.

31. A child carrying apparatus according to Claim 29 or 30, wherein the strap portions are fastened to the support member at respective opposite sides of the base, and the first strap assembly includes guide elements adjacent the edges of the base to guide the strap portions from the guide members to the support member.

32. A child carrying apparatus according to Claim 29 or 30, wherein each strap portion extends from an edge of the rear end basemember via a respective guide member to the respective opposite side of the rear end basemember.

33. A child carrying apparatus according to Claim 32, wherein each guide member directs the respective strap element through an angle of greater than substantially 30 , desirably between 450 and 135 .

35. A child carrying apparatus according to Claim 32, 33 or 34, wherein each guide member directs the respective strap element through an angle of between 600 and 120 .

36. A child carrying apparatus according to any of Claims 32 to 35, wherein each guide member directs the respective strap element through an angle of substantially 900.

37. A child carrying apparatus according to any of Claims 24 to 36, wherein a pulling member is provided on the strap element to allow the strap element to be pulled to its secured condition thereby tightening it against the base and the support member.

38. A child carrying apparatus according to any of Claims 23 to 37, wherein the strap arrangement comprises a second strap assembly, comprising a strap means extending across the base.

39. A child carrying apparatus according to Claim 38, wherein the second strap assembly further comprises a fastening device to hold the strap means in a secured condition.

40. A child carrying apparatus according to Claim 39, wherein the strap means comprises first and second strap members fastened to each other by the fastening device.

41. A child carrying apparatus according to Claim 39 or 40, wherein the fastening device comprises a pair of co-operating fastening members, each being attached to an end of a respective one of the strap members, the co-operating fastening members co-operating with each other to fasten the end of the strap members to each other.

42. A child carrying apparatus according to Claim 41, wherein when the strap members are fastened to each other, the base is held in the seating configuration, and when the strap members are released from each other, the base can be moved to the lying configuration.

43. A child carrying apparatus according to Claim 40, 41 or 42, wherein the strap members are attached to the support member.

44. A child carrying apparatus according to Claim 43, wherein the strap members are attached to the connecting element extending between the support member and the base.

45. A child carrying apparatus according to any of Claims 12 to 22, wherein the adjustment means comprises a fastener assembly for fastening regions of the connecting element to one another.

46. A child carrying apparatus according to Claim 45, wherein the fastener assembly comprises a slide fastener arrangement comprising a slide fastener assembly extending alongside the support means between first and second portions of the connecting element.

47. A child carrying apparatus according to Claim 46, wherein the slide fastener arrangement comprises a first slide fastener assembly extending in the region between the front end base portion and the front end support member, the first slide fastener assembly comprising a first slide fastener extending alongside the front end support member.

48. A child carrying apparatus according to Claim 46 or 47, wherein the slide fastener arrangement further comprises a second slide fastener assembly between the rear end base portion and the rear end support member, the second slide fastener assembly comprising a second slide fastener extending alongside the rear end support member.

49. A child carrying apparatus according to Claim 48, wherein the second slide fastener assembly further comprises a third slide fastener between the second slide fastener and the rear end base portion.

50. A child carrying apparatus according to Claim 49, wherein the second slide fastener assembly comprises a third slide fastener, the third slide fastener extending alongside the second slide fastener.

51. A child carrying apparatus according to any of Claims 47 to 50, wherein the, or each, slide fastener comprises respective upper and lower elongate slide fastener elements, and a region of the connecting element is provided between the upper and lower elongate slide fastener elements of each of the second and third slide fasteners.

52. A child carrying apparatus according to any of Claims 47 to 51, wherein the, or each, slide fastener comprises a zip fastener.

53. A child carrying apparatus according to any preceding Claim, wherein the child carrying apparatus comprises a locking mechanism for locking the child carrying apparatus to a chassis, the locking mechanism comprising a locking member movable between an unlocked position and a locked position to lock an article thereto.

54. A child carrying apparatus according to Claim 53, wherein the locking mechanism further comprises a securing member movable between a securing condition, in which the locking member is secured in the unlocked position, and a non securing condition, in which the locking member is in the locking position.

55. A child carrying apparatus according to Claim 54, wherein the locking mechanism further comprises urging means to urge the locking member to the locked position.

56. A locking mechanism comprising: a locking member movable between an unlocked position and a locked position to lock an article thereto; a securing member movable between a securing condition in which the locking member is secured in the unlocked position, and a non- securing condition in which the locking member is in the locking position; and urging means to urge the locking member to the locked position.

57. A locking mechanism according to Claim 56, wherein the urging means comprises a spring member.

58. A locking mechanism according to Claim 56 or 57, comprising a slider comprising the locking member and the securing member, the slider being configured for linear sliding movement.

59. A locking mechanism according to Claim 58, wherein the slider is formed as a single piece, wherein the locking member and the securing member are provided as an integral part of the single piece slider.

60. A locking mechanism according to Claim 58 or 59, wherein the slider comprises a main part, and the locking member and the securing member are provided on the main part, the locking member and the securing member being directed toward one another.

61. A locking mechanism according to any of Claims 56 to 60, wherein the securing member comprises a detent formation movable to the securing condition to co-operatively engage a fixed detent member, wherein the locking member is held in the unlocked position by the detent member when the detent formation is in the securing condition.

62. A locking mechanism according to Claim 61, wherein the detent formation and the fixed detent member have corresponding sliding surfaces, which slide over each other as the securing member moves to the securing condition, and wherein the detent formation and the fixed detent member have corresponding locking surfaces which engage each other when the securing member is in the securing condition.

63. A locking mechanism according to Claim 62, wherein the sliding surfaces on the fixed detent member are arranged to deform the detent member as the detent member slides over the fixed detent member, whereby when the detent member has passed over the fixed detent member, the detent member moves to the non-deformed position, so that the locking surfaces engage each other.

64. A locking mechanism according to Claim 61, 62 or 63, wherein the securing member further includes a stop member, which is engageable with the fixed detent member to prevent a movement of the securing member beyond the securing condition.

65, A locking mechanism according to Claim 64, wherein the locking mechanism further includes a movable stop element, which is movable between a stopping position to engage to stop member on the securing member, and a non-stopping position to allow movement of the stop member over the stop element.

66. A locking mechanism according to Claim 65, wherein the movable stop element and the stop member are arranged such that, when the stop member engages the movable stop element, the locking member is not fully moved to the unlocked position.

67. A locking mechanism according to Claim 65 or 66, wherein the movable stop element is slidably movable in a direction transverse to the direction of movement of the slider.

68. A locking mechanism according to Claim 65, 66 or 67, comprising a pushing means to push the movable stop element towards its stopping position, the pushing means comprising a spring element.

69. A locking mechanism according to Claim 68, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a reaction support member to provide a reaction support for the pushing means, the reaction support member being substantially L-shaped having longer and shorter limbs, and the pushing means extends from the shorter limb to the movable stop element.

70. A locking mechanism according to Claim 69, wherein the reaction support member and the detent member constitute guide means to guide the movement of the movable stop element.

71. A locking mechanism according to any of Claims 65 to 70, wherein the movable stop element includes an engagement portion to engage the article, wherein the article can move the movable stop element to the non-stopping position.

72. A child carrying apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

73. A locking mechanism substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.