GB2452296A

GB2452296A - A weather canopy for attachment to a perambulator

Info

Publication number: GB2452296A
Application number: GB0716863A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Linda Mary Haire; Elizabeth Anne Mccord
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-08-30
Filing date: 2007-08-30
Publication date: 2009-03-04
Anticipated expiration: 2027-08-30
Also published as: GB2452296B; GB0716863D0

Abstract

This invention relates to a canopy assembly for a pram or baby conveyance which is for the benefit of the adult using the pram. The invention comprises an umbrella which attaches to a pram by means of two upright supports 12 attached to the pram, supporting a framework (14,16, figure 4) for a canopy of waterproof material (20, figure 2) to overlie the area above the adult therefore providing shelter from the elements. The canopy may have passages through it to allow wind to pass through (figure 2), downwardly extending portions (18a) at the sides, and be made from translucent plastics material. The canopy may be releasably clamped (figure 5) to the pram.

Description

CANOPY ASSEMBLY FOR A PERAMBULATOR

This invention relates to a canopy assembly for a perambulator or other type of baby /child conveyance. A disadvantage that arises with a baby/child conveyance is that while a canopy is available to cover the conveyance during inclement weather and protect the baby/child, the person pushing the conveyance requires to hold a separate umbrella. This creates a problem for a two handed person, namely with one hand holding the umbrella against the elements, only one hand is left to push and control the steering of the conveyance. Not an easy task and fraught with difficulties.

An object of the present invention is to obviate or mitigate this disadvantage.

Accordingly, the present invention is a canopy assembly for a baby/child conveyance of substantially rectangular shape in plan and with means at one end for pushing the conveyance, the assembly comprising a framework having two upright supports carrying a cross-bar between their upper ends, two similar U-frames connected to the cross-bar at their free ends in mirror image fashion and adapted for movement between an open position in which the frames are splayed from the supports and a closed position in which the frames are closed into the supports, the bottom of the supports being adapted for clamping to parts of the conveyance, and a rectangular canopy of waterproof material to overlie the area defined by the frames and cross-bar and be secured to the two frames, said area to include an open sub-area of the conveyance and an open sub-area extending beyond the pushing means.

Preferably, the canopy has downwardly extending portions of waterproof material along each side to provide a tented appearance for the canopy when the frames are splayed in their open position.

Preferably also, means are provided in the canopy for passage of wind therethrough.

The means desirably comprises a first portion of the material of the canopy at the apex and a major part of the material over both frames being in one piece and the remainder or second portions of the material over each of the frames are in separate pieces, the first portion overlying the second portions.

s An embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-Fig. I is a perspective view of a canopy assembly for baby/child conveyances in an erected position according to the present invention; Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a canopy of the assembly, when erected, showing overlapped portions of the canopy; Figs. 3A and 3B are perspective views of the canopy showing respectively and separately the canopy with a first portion of material shaded, and the canopy with second portions of material shaded; Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a framework for the assembly; and Fig. 5 is a side view of a clamping piece provided at the bottom of each of two supports forming part of the framework.

Referring to the drawings, a canopy assembly for a baby/child conveyance is of substantially rectangular shape in plan and has means at one end for pushing the conveyance.

The assembly comprises a framework 10 having two upright supports 12 carrying a cross-bar 14 between their upper ends and two similar U-frames 16 connected to the cross-bar 14 at their free ends in mirror image fashion. The upright supports 12 are telescopic with spring-biased button means to engage in a corresponding aperture for each support 12 to lock the extended support 12 in position. The frames 16 are adapted through ratchet brackets 17 with free release for movement between an open position in which the frames 16 are splayed from the supports 12, and a closed position in which the frames 16 are dosed into the supports 12. The bottom of each support 12 is adapted for clamping to parts of the conveyance (not shown).

A rectangular canopy 18 of waterproof material is provided to overlie the area defined by the frames 16 and cross-bar 14 and be secured to the two frames 16, said area including an open sub-area of the conveyance and an open sub-area extending beyond the pushing means away from the conveyance. The waterproof material of the canopy 18 is of translucent plastics material. The canopy 18 has downwardly extending portions 18A of waterproof material along each side to provide a tented appearance for the canopy 18 when the frames 16 are splayed in their open position. Provision is made in the brackets 17 to be able to rake the canopy and frames at an angle in the direction of travel.

Means are provided in the canopy 18 for passage of wind therethrough. The means comprises, as shown in Figs 3A and 3B, a first portion 20 of the material of the canopy at the apex and a major part of the material over both frames 16 being in one piece and the remainder or second portions 22 of the material over each of the frames 16 are in separate pieces. The first portion of the material overlies the second portions 22 of the material. The second portions 22 are formed with the downwardly extending portions 18A.

The bottom of each support 12 is provided with a clamping piece 24 as shown in Fig. 5 to allow the assembly to be mounted onto a conveyance. Quick release means may be provided between the bottom of the supports 12 and the clamping pieces 24. In this case, the clamping pieces 24 are permanently attached to the conveyance while it is periodically in use.

In use, when the assembly is required, it is mounted onto a conveyance using the clamping pieces 24. The assembly is normally in a closed position when fitted. For use, the frames 16 are manually lifted up to the maximum extent as shown in Fig. 1. The facility for the wind to pass through the canopy is shown in Fig. 2. This serves to prevent the wind catching the assembly in use.

Variations and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention described above.

Claims

1. A canopy assembly for a baby/child conveyance of substantially rectangular shape in plan and with means at one end for pushing the conveyance, the assembly comprising a framework having two upright supports carrying a cross-bar between their upper ends, two similar U-frames connected to the cross-bar at their free ends in mirror image fashion and adapted for movement between the open position in which the frames are splayed from the supports and a closed position in which the frames are closed into the supports, the bottom of the supports being adapted for clamping to parts of the conveyance, and a rectangular canopy of waterproof material to overlie * S. the area defined by the frames and cross-bar and be secured to the two frames, said area to include an open sub-area of the conveyance and an open sub-area extending beyond the pushing means. S...

2. A canopy assembly unit according to claim I which has downwardly extending portions of waterproof material along each side to provide a tented appearance and side waterproof protection for the canopy when the frames are splayed in their open position.

3. A canopy assembly unit according to claim I in which the means are provided in the canopy for passage of wind therethrough, means is provided/comprises a first portion of the material of the canopy at the apex and a major part of the material over both frames being in one piece and the remainder or second portions of the material over each of the frames are in separate pieces, the first portion overlying the second portion

4. A canopy assembly unit according to any of the proceeding claims where means are provided on the frames to be adapted through ratchet brackets with free release for movement between an open position in which the frames are splayed from the supports, to be able to rake the canopy and frames at an angle and varied in the direction of travel and wind.

5. A canopy assembly unit according to any of the proceeding claims, in which the canopy unit is detachable so that it can be stored when not in use.