GB2480278A

GB2480278A - A collapsible support frame for carrying a load

Info

Publication number: GB2480278A
Application number: GB201007864A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Samuel Blackburn Pearce
Original assignee: Jelly Products Ltd
Current assignee: Jelly Products Ltd
Priority date: 2010-05-11
Filing date: 2010-05-11
Publication date: 2011-11-16
Also published as: GB201007864D0

Abstract

Collapsible support frame 10 for carrying load such as a child in a pushchair, the support frame 10 comprising a pair of collapsible support arms 12, pivotably coupled at a first end to the other support arm 12 and pivotably coupled at a second end to a handle 16. The support arms 12 are curved defining an open support structure. Support frame 10 includes a pair of support limbs 18, each carrying a wheel 20 at a first end and being pivotably coupled at a second end to the support arm. Support limbs 18 extend from the support arms 12 to space the wheels 20 from each other. A collapsible linkage assembly 18 extends between the arms 12 and the limbs 18 to control pivotal movement there between. Each support arm 12 is constructed from at least two elements 12a, 12b movable relative to each other. The elements 12a, 12b are curved such that collapsing of the support arms 12 pivots them towards each other. Linkage assembly 22 is collapsible to pivot the limbs 18 relative to the arms 12 to locate the wheels 20 adjacent each other and locate the limbs 18 adjacent the collapsed arms 12.

Description

COLLAPSIBLE SUPPORT FRAME

The invention relates to a collapsible support frame for carrying a load.

Infant pushchairs, golf trolleys and other devices employing support frames for the purposes of carrying loads from one place to another are typically designed so as to be collapsible from an erect configuration to a collapsed configuration so as to facilitate storage when the device is not in use.

In the field of infant pushchairs it is particularly desirable for support frames to be readily convertible between erect and collapsed configurations in a quick and easy fashion, with minimum user interaction, so that a user may operate the support frame at the same time as holding, supporting or otherwise controlling a child.

According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a collapsible support frame for carrying a load, the support frame in an erect configuration comprising: a pair of collapsible support arms, each of the support arms being coupled at or towards a first end to the other support arm for pivotable movement relative thereto and pivotably coupled at or towards a second end to a handle, the support arms being curved to define an open support structure to carry a load; a pair of support limbs, each support limb carrying a wheel at or towards one end and being coupled at or towards its other end to a respective support arm, between the first and second ends thereof, for pivotal movement relative to the respective support arm, the support limbs in use of the support frame in an erect configuration extending from the respective support arms so as to space the wheels from each other and provide ground engaging support below the open support structure; and a collapsible linkage assembly extending between the support ams and the support limbs to control pivotal movement of the support limbs relative to the support arms, each of the collapsible support arms being constructed from at least two support arm elements, the support arm elements being retained movably captive, one relative to the other, to collapse the support arm on movement of the support frame from its erect configuration to a collapsed configuration and the support arm elements of each support arm being curved such that collapsing of the support arms pivots the support arms towards each other; and

I

the linkage assembly being collapsible on collapsing of the support arms to pivot the support limbs relative to the support arms so as to locate the wheel adjacent each other and locate the support limbs adjacent the collapsed support arms.

The use of collapsible support arms constructed form curved support arm elements helps to ensure that the erect-collapsed volume ratio of the support frame is as large as possible to address users' requirements of compactness when collapsed and the generation of a large footprint when erect.

It will be appreciated that minimising the size of the support frame in its collapsed configuration is advantageous for the purposes of storing and transporting the support frame, particularly when the collapsed support frame is stored in the boot of a vehicle where space is often limited.

It will also be appreciated that maximising the size of the footprint defined by the support frame in its erect configuration is advantageous in terms of maximising the stability of the support frame. This is particularly so in the field of infant pushchairs where it is important that the movement of a child carried in a seat supported on the support arms cannot tip the support frame and potentially injure the child.

Preferably, the support arm elements are retained movably captive, one relative to the other, in a telescoping manner, the support arm elements being slidable, one into another, to collapse the support arm.

Such an arrangement provides a neat and attractive support frame that is readily convertible between erect and collapsed configurations in a single-handed operation.

In other embodiments, the support arm elements may be retained movably captive, one relative to the other, in an overlapping manner, the support arm elements being slidable, one past another, to collapse the support arm.

Preferably, so as to maximise the erect-collapsed ratio, the support arm elements of each support arm are equal in length.

It is envisaged that in embodiments of the invention each support arm may include two, three or more support arm elements retained movably captive, one relative to another, to collapse the support arm, the greater the number of support arm elements used the greater the erect-collapsed volume ratio of the support frame.

So as to facilitate single-handed operation of the support frame in its erect configuration, the handle preferably extends between, and is pivotably connected at each end to, the second ends of the support arms.

Preferably the handle defines a curved grip portion, the grip portion in use of the support frame in an erect configuration curving upwards from the second end of each of the support arms.

The provision of a curved grip portion that, in use of the support frame in an erect configuration, curves upwards from the second end of each of the support arms facilitates use of the support frame by users of different heights without any modification is to the support frame. This is because the curved grip portion allows a user to grip the support frame at different positions along the length of the grip portion depending on the handle height required.

In embodiments of the invention the handle may further include a coupling mechanism to drivingly couple pivotal movement of the handle relative to each of the support arms so that pivotal movement of the handle relative to one of the support arms drives pivotal movement of the handle relative to the other of the support arms.

Such coupling reduces the risk of jamming during collapsing of the support frame from its erect configuration to its collapsed configuration, and enhances the operation of the support frame.

In embodiments of the invention, the handle may include at least two handle elements pivotably connected in an end to end configuration, the handle elements extending between the opposite ends of the support arms so as to allow folding of the handle on collapsing of the support arms to further pivot the support arms towards each other.

Such an arrangement allows the size of the support frame to be further minimised in its collapsed configuration.

In such embodiments the handle preferably includes a central handle element pivotably connected between outer handle elements in an end-to-end configuration, the handle elements extending between the second ends of the support arms so as to allow folding of the handle on collapsing of the support arms to further pivot the support arms towards each other.

So as to minimise the risk of jamming and enhance conversion of the support frame between its erect and collapsed configurations, the coupling mechanism preferably drivingly couples pivotal movement of the handle relative to each of the support arms by drivingly coupling the pivotable connections between each end of the central handle element and the respective outer handle element so that pivotal movement of the central handle element relative to one of the outer handle elements drives pivotal movement of the central handle element relative to the other of the outer handle elements.

In such embodiments, the coupling mechanism may include a gear wheel mounted on each of the outer handle elements at the pivotal connection between the outer handle element and the respective end of the central handle element for rotation around the pivotal connection on pivotal movement of the outer handle element relative to the respective end of the central handle element, the gear wheels being drivingly coupled via an intervening gear assembly.

In other embodiments the coupling mechanism may include a gear wheel mounted on each of the outer handle elements at the pivotal connection between the outer handle element and the respective end of the central handle element for rotation around the pivotal connection on pivotal movement of the outer handle element relative to the respective end of the central handle element, the gear wheels being drivingly coupled via a toothed drive belt extending between and about the gear wheels.

Preferably, for the purposes of coupling the support arms, the first end of each support arm is pivotably connected to a coupler, the first end of each support arm being coupled to the other support arm for pivotable movement relative thereto, via the coupler.

The use of a coupler allows the pivotal connections of the first ends of the support arms to be spaced apart and thereby reduce the risk of collision between the support arms during collapsing of the support arms. It also allows the support arms to be drivingly coupled such that pivotal movement of one support arm relative to the coupler drives pivotal movement of the other support arm relative to the coupler, and thereby further enhance operation of the support frame.

In such embodiments a toothed member provided on one support arm may be intermeshed with a toothed member provided on the other support arm such that pivotal movement of one support arm relative to the coupler drives pivotal movement of the other support arm relative to the coupler.

The linkage assembly preferably includes a pair of crossed linkage members extending between, and being pivotably connected at each end to, one of the support arms and the support limb coupled to the support arm, and each linkage member including first and second linkage elements retained movably captive, one relative to the other, to collapse the linkage member and thereby collapse the linkage assembly on collapsing of the support arms.

The use of linkage members constructed from first and second linkage elements that are retained movably captive, one relative to the other, allows for reduction in the length of the linkage members on collapsing of the linkage assembly. Such an arrangement thereby helps to reduce the size of the support frame in its collapsed configuration whilst providing a linkage member that is sufficiently long in length so as to be extend between the support limbs and uppermost points on the support arms, and thereby maximise the structural support provided by the linkage members in the collapsed configuration of the support frame.

In such embodiments the first and second linkage members may be retained movably captive, one relative to the other, in a telescoping manner, the linkage elements being slidably, one into another, to collapse the linkage member.

In other embodiments, the first and second linkage members may be retained movably captive, one relative to the other, in an overlapping manner, the linkage members being slidable, one past another, to collapse the linkage member.

Preferably the crossed linkage members are retained pivotably captive, one relative to the other, via a linkage coupler to allow pivoting movement of the linkage members towards each other on pivoting movement of the support arms towards each other.

The use of a linkage coupler to maintain the relative positions of the crossed linkage members, reduces the risk of the crossed linkage members jamming the support frame as a result of moving out of position relative to each other and thereby enhances conversion of the support frame between its collapsed and erect configurations.

In embodiment of the invention, a biaser may be engaged between each support limb and the respective support arm and the respective support arm to bias the support limbs coupled thereto from the collapsed configuration in which the wheels are located adjacent each other and the support limbs are located adjacent the support arms to the erect configuration in which the support limbs extend from the respective support arms so as to space the wheels from each other and provide ground engaging support below the open support structure.

Such an arrangement encourages movement of the support limbs during conversion of the support frame from its collapsed configuration to its erect configuration and thereby further minimises the amount of user interaction required.

In order to further improve the stability of the support frame in its erect configuration a strut may be provided between each support arm and the support limb coupled thereto, the strut being pivotably connected at or towards one end to the support arm and being pivotably connected at or towards its other end to the support limb and being retained movably captive relative to one of the support arm and the support limb so as to allow movement relative thereto during movement of the support limb between the erect configuration and the collapsed configuration.

So as to provide ground-engaging support below the first ends of the support arms, in use of the support frame in the erect configuration, at least one secondary wheel may be coupled to the first ends of the support arms.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a collapsible support frame for carrying a load, the support frame in an erect configuration comprising: a pair of collapsible support arms, each of the support arms being coupled at or towards a first end to the other support arm for pivotable movement relative thereto and pivotably coupled at or towards a second end to a handle, the support arms being curved to define an open support structure to carry a load; a pair of support limbs, each support limb carrying a wheel at or towards a first end and being coupled at or towards a second end to a respective support arm for pivotal movement relative thereto, the support limbs in use of the support frame in an erect configuration extending from the respective support arms so as to space the wheels from each other and provide ground engaging support below the open support structure; and a linkage assembly extending between the support arms and the support limbs to control pivotal movement of the support limbs relative to the support arms; each of the collapsible support arms being constructed from at least two support arm elements, the support arm elements being retained movably captive, one relative to the other, to collapse the support arm on movement of the support frame from its erect configuration to a collapsed configuration and the support arm elements of each support arm being curved such that collapsing of the support arms pivots the support arms towards each other; and the linkage assembly being collapsible on collapsing of the support arms to pivot the support limbs relative to the support arms so as to locate the wheel adjacent each other and locate the support limbs adjacent the collapsed support arms.

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of non-limiting examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a collapsible support frame according to an embodiment of the invention in an erect configuration; Figure 2 shows the collapsible support frame of Figure 1 in a collapsed configuration; Figure 3 shows the collapsible support frame of Figure 1 during collapsing movement from the erect configuration to the collapsed configuration; Figure 4 shows a linkage coupler of the collapsible support frame of Figure 1; Figures 5a -5c illustrate operation of a strut during movement of a support limb of the collapsible support frame of Figure 1 from a collapsed configuration to an erect configuration; Figures 6a and 6b show in schematic form collapsing of the support arms of a collapsible support frame according to a further embodiment of the invention; Figures 7a and 7b show in schematic form collapsing of the support arms of a collapsible support frame according to another embodiment of the invention; Figures 8a and 8b show in schematic form collapsing of the support arms of a collapsible support frame according to a further embodiment of the invention; Figures 9a and 9b show in schematic form collapsing of the support arms of a collapsible support frame according to a yet further embodiment of the invention; and Figures lOa and lOb show in schematic form collapsing of the support arms of a collapsible support frame according to a yet further embodiment of the invention.

A collapsible support frame 10 according to an embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 1 in its erect configuration.

The support frame 10 includes a pair of collapsible support arms 12. Each of the support arms 12 is coupled at a first end to the other support arm 12, for pivotable movement relative thereto, via a coupler 14. Each of the support arms 12 is also pivotably coupled ta a second end to a handle 16, the handle 16 extending between the second ends of the support arms 12. The support arms 12 are curved to define an open support structure to carry a load there between.

It is envisaged that in other embodiments the coupler 14 may be omitted and the first end of each support arm 12 may be directly coupled to the other support arm 12 for pivotal movement relative thereto.

The support frame 10 also includes a pair of support limbs 18. Each support limb 18 carries a wheel 20 at a first end and is pivotably coupled at its other end to a respective support arm 12 via a joint 13 located between the first and second ends of the support arm 12 for pivotal movement relative to the support arm 12.

Each of the support limbs 18 extends from the respective support arm l2so as to space the wheels 20 apart from each other and provide ground-engaging support below the open support structure defined by the curved support arms 12.

So as to provide structural support to maintain the support arms 12 in position relative to the ground, and to maintain the wheels 20 in a spaced arrangement below the open support structure, the support frame 10 further includes a collapsible linkage assembly 22 extending between the support arms 12 and the support limbs 18.

The support arms 12 are each constructed from at least two support arm elements 12a,12b that are retained movably captive one relative to the other, in a telescoping manner so that the uppermost support arm elements 12a are slidable into the respective lowermost support arm elements 12b.

In other embodiments, it is envisaged that the lowermost support arm elements 12b may be slidable into the respective uppermost support arm elements 12a.

In further embodiments it is envisaged that the support arm elements 12a,12b may be retained movably captive, one relative to the other, in an over-lapping manner so that the support arm elements 12a,12b are slidable, one past the other.

The uppermost support arm element 12a of each support arm 12 is substantially equal in length to the respective lowermost support arm element 12b.

It is envisaged that in other embodiments the relative lengths of the support arm elements 12a,12b may be constructed from more than two support arm elements 12a,12b. For example, in other embodiments, each support arm 12 may include three support arm elements retained movably captive, one relative to another.

The handle 16 extending between, and pivotably connected at each end to, the second ends of the support arms 12 includes a central handle element 30 pivotably connected between outer handle elements 32 in an end-to-end configuration.

The central and outer handle elements 30,32 define a curved grip portion, which curves upwards from the second end of each of the support arms 12. The use of a curved grip portion renders the handle 16 effectively height adjustable in that it allows a user to grip the handle 16 at whatever position along the grip portion he or she finds to be a comfortable position relative to the ground, and therefore allows for users of varying heights.

The linkage assembly 22 includes a pair of crossed linkage members 24. Each linkage member 24 extends between, and is pivotably connected at each end to, a support arm member 12a of a respective support arm 12 and the support limb 18 coupled thereto.

More specifically, each linkage member 24 extends between, and is pivotably connected at each end to, the second end of the respective support arm 12 and the wheel 20 provided on the respective support limb 18. This arrangement maximises the structural support provided by the linkage assembly 22 and minimises the amount of turning moments about joints 13 that might otherwise be applied to the support arms 12 as a result of downward forces applied to the handle 16 during use.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, each of the linkage members 24 includes first and second linkage elements 24a,24b retained movably captive, one relative to the other, in a telescoping manner so that the lowermost linkage elements 24b are slidable into the respective uppermost linkage elements 24a.

In other embodiments, it is envisaged that the uppermost linkage elements 24a may be slidable into the respective lowermost linkage elements 24b.

In further embodiments, it is envisaged that the linkage elements 24a,24b may be retained movably captive, one relative to the other, in an over-lapping manner so that the linkage elements 24a,24b are slidable, one past the other.

The uppermost linkage elements 24a of the linkage members 24 are retained movably captive, one relative to the other, via a linkage coupler 28 to allow pivoting movement of the linkage members 24 relative to each other about a pivotable joint 26.

A biaser (not shown) is provided in the joint 13 connecting each support limb 18 to the respective support arm 12. The biaser includes a spring engaged between the respective support limb 18 and support arm 12 so as to bias the support limb 18 away from the support limb 12, into its erect configuration.

Referring to Figures 5a -5c, a strut 34 is provided between each support limb 18 and the support arm 12 to which it is coupled.

The strut 34 is pivotably coupled at one end to a sliding joint 36 mounted on the lowermost support arm element 12b of the support arm 12, the joint 36 being slidable along the length of the support arm element I 2b.

The strut 34 is pivotably coupled at its other end to the support limb 18 via a collar 38 provided on the support limb 18 for sliding movement along the length thereof.

In the erect configuration of the collapsible support frame (Figure 5c), the strut 34 extends between the support limb 18 and the support arm 12 so as to hold the support limb 18 in position relative to the support arm 12.

During pivotal movement of the support limb 18 relative to the support arm 12, either from or towards the collapsed configuration, the sliding joint 36 and collar 38 facilitate movement of the strut 34 relative to the support arm 12 and the support limb 18 so as to allow relative movement between the support arm 12 and the support limb 18, as shown in Figures 5a -5c.

A pair of secondary wheels 34 is coupled to the first ends of the support arms 12 via the coupler 14. The secondary wheels 34 provide ground-engaging support below the first ends of the support arms 12.

It is envisaged that in other embodiments the secondary wheels 34 may be omitted. In such embodiments the support frame 10 may be tipped backwards on the wheels 20 provided on the support limbs 18 so as to lift the coupler 14 off the ground and allow movement of the support frame 10. In such embodiments a stopper may be provided on the coupler 14 for engagement with the ground to prevent movement of the support frame 10 until such time as the support frame 10 is tipped to lift the stopper off the ground.

The support arms 12 preferably include a latch mechanism to retain the support arm elements 12a,12b in position relative to each other in a fully extended position.

The handle 16 also preferably includes a latch mechanism to prevent pivotal movement of the central handle element 30 relative to the outer handle elements 32, and thereby prevents folding of the handle 16.

In embodiments of the invention these latch mechanisms may be interconnected so that a user may release the latch mechanisms on the operation of a single button located on the handle 16.

The linkage assembly 22 may also include a latch mechanism to retain the linkage members 24 in an erect configuration, extending between the support arms 12 and the support limbs 18. The latch mechanism may be provided on the linkage coupler 28 and may include a spring biased pin that automatically engages apertures provided in the uppermost linkage elements 24a of the linkage members 24, which only align and allow automatic engagement with the spring biased pin there through when the linkage member 24 are located in the erect configuration. A user may release this latch mechanism by pulling the pin out of the holes and thereby allowing pivotal movement of the uppermost linkage elements 24a, and therefore the linkage members 24, relative to each other. It will be appreciated that engagement of the pin in such apertures will also prevent telescoping movement of the uppermost and lowermost linkage elements 24a,24b relative to each other since the engagement of the pin through the uppermost linkage elements 24a will prevent relative movement of the lowermost linkage elements 24b into the respective uppermost linkage elements 24a.

On release of any such latch mechanisms, and any other latch mechanism included to maintain the collapsible support frame in an erect configuration, the support frame 10 may be collapsed from its erect configuration to a collapsed configuration, which is shown in Figure 2.

The support frame 10 is converted to a collapsed configuration by folding the handle 16, collapsing the support arms 12 and collapsing the linkage assembly 22.

The handle 16 is folded by pushing the central handle element 30 forward relative to the outer handle elements 32 so as to cause pivoting movement of the central handle element 30 relative to the outer handle elements 32. This in turn causes pivoting movement of the outer handle elements 32 relative to the second ends of the support arms 12 and draws the second ends of the support arms 12 towards each other, thereby causing pivotal movement of the support arms 12 towards each other about the pivotal connections between the first ends of the support arms 12 and the coupler 14.

A gear wheel (not shown) is mounted on each of the outer handle elements 32 at the pivotal connection between the outer handle element 32 and the central handle element for rotation around the pivotal connection on pivotal movement of the outer handle element 32 relative to the central handle element 30. The gear wheels are drivingly coupled via an intervening gear assembly (not shown) to ensure that pivotal movement of the central handle element 30 relative to one of the outer handle elements 32 will drive pivotal movement of the central handle element 30 relative to the other of the outer handle elements 32. Movement of each of the outer handle elements 32 relative to the central handle element 30 in turn results in pivotal movement of each outer handle element 32 relative to the second end of the respective support arm 12.

In other embodiments it is envisaged that the intervening gear assembly may be replaced by means of a toothed belt extending between and about the gear wheels to transfer drive from the gear wheel mounted at one of the pivotal connections to the gear wheel mounted at the other of the pivotal connections.

Drivingly coupling the pivotal connections between the central handle element 30 and the outer handle elements 32 therefore ensures that the outer handle elements 30 move relative to the respective support arms 12 at the same rate. This is advantageous because it ensures that the continued application of a force to the central handle element 30, to in turn push the uppermost located support arm element 12a into the lowermost arm element 12b, results in collapsing of the support arms 12 at an equal rate to each other. It therefore reduces the risk of jamming that might otherwise occur if one support arm was collapsed at a quicker rate than the other support arm.

The curved nature of the support arm elements 12a,12b means that on movement of the uppermost support arm elements 12a into the lowermost support arm elements 12b, the support arms 12 are pivoted towards each other about the pivotal connections between the first ends of the support arms 12 and the coupler 14 so as to collapse the support structure.

The first ends of the support arms 12 are drivingly coupled so that movement of one support arm 12 relative to the coupler 14 drives pivotal movement of the other support arm 12 relative to the coupler 14. This ensures that the support arms pivot towards each other at an equal rate and reduces the risk of the support frame 10 jamming during collapsing movement from its erect configuration to its collapsed configuration which might otherwise occur if one support arm 12 was to move at a greater rate relative to the coupler 14 than the other support arm 12.

The first ends of the support arms 12 are driving coupled by means of the teeth (not shown) of a toothed member (not shown) provided on the first end of one of the support arms 12 is intermeshed with the teeth (not shown) of a toothed member (not shown) provided on the first end of the other of the support arms 12.

Movement of the uppermost support arm elements 12a towards each other and into the respective lowermost support arm elements 12b, on folding of the handle 16 and collapsing of the support arms 12, forces the uppermost linkage elements 24a pivotably connected thereto to pivot relative to the support arm 12. This in turn causes pivotal movement of the uppermost linkage members 24a relative to each other about the pivotal joint 26 of the linkage coupler 28.

It also forces the uppermost linkage elements 24a of the linkage members 24 to move relative to the lowermost linkage elements 24b so that the lowermost linkage elements 24b slide into the uppermost linkage elements 24a, as shown in Figure 3.

Collapsing of the linkage members 24 causes pivoting movement of each of the support limbs 18 relative to the support arm 12 to which it is coupled so as to pivot the support limbs 18 towards each other and locate the wheels 20 adjacent each other.

The position of the joint 13 coupling each support limb 18 to the respective support arm 12 means that on pivoting movement of the support limb 18 relative to the support arm 12, the wheel 20 mounted thereon is moved into a position where it is located the secondary wheels 34. This can provide advantages during storage of the support frame in its collapsed configuration stood up against a wall in that it allows all wheels to be located on or towards the ground and ensures that wheels 20,34 do not rest against the waIl, the first ends of the support arms 12 instead resting against the wall. It therefore reduces the risk of dirty wheels marking the wall, which might otherwise occur if the collapsed storage frame is position so that the wheels 20 rest against the wall.

While the operation described above concentrates on collapsing of the collapsible support frame 10, it will be appreciated that conversion of the support frame 10 from its collapsed configuration to its erect configuration will work in a corresponding manner in that a user may pull on the handle 16, which in turn will pull the support arms 12 so as to extend the support arms 12, causing relative pivotal movement of the support arms 12 relative to the coupler 14 and the resultant movement of the linkage assembly 22 and the support limbs 18 by virtue of the coupling of these components outlined above. It will be appreciated that the ability to start and control conversion of the collapsible support frame 10 between its erect and collapsed configuration allow single-handed operation of the collapsible support frame 10.

Collapsing of the support arms 12 reduces their overall length within the support frame by approximately half. This reduction in size may be increased in other embodiments by increasing the number of support arm elements used to construct the support arms 12. For example, constructing each support arm 12 from three support arm elements will lead to reduction of two thirds of the overall length of the support arms 12 on collapsing ofthesupportarms 12.

Altering the structure of the handle 16 will affect the extent to which the support arms 12 may pivot towards each other during collapsing of the support frame 10.

Figures 6a and 6b illustrate collapsing of the support arms 12 of a collapsible support frame 10 according to a similar embodiment of the invention to that shown in Figure 1, Figure 6a showing the support arms 12 and the handle 16 in the erect configuration of the support frame 10 and Figure 6b showing the support arms 12 and the handle 16 in the collapsed configuration of the support frame 10. The support arms 12 shown in this embodiment differ from the support arms 12 of the support frame 10 shown in Figure 1 only in that the support arm elements 12a,12b of each support arm 12 are retained movably captive, one relative to the other, in an overlapping manner as opposed to a telescoping manner.

Figures 7a and 7b illustrate collapsing of the support arms 12 of a collapsible support frame 10 according to another embodiment of the invention in which the handle 16 is constructed from two handle elements 16a,16b pivotably coupled to each other in an end-to-end configuration between the second ends of the support arms 12.

Figures 8a and 8b illustrate collapsing of the support arms 12 of a collapsible support frame 10 according to a further embodiment of the invention in which the handle 16 is constructed from a single handle element pivotably coupled at each end between the second ends of the support arms 12.

It will be appreciated from the figures that the absence of an additional handle element in the handle 16 of the support frame 10 shown in Figures 9a and 9b, that would otherwise allow folding of the handle 16 during collapsing of the support arms 12, prevents pivoting movement of the support arms 12 towards each other to the same extent as shown in Figures 6b and 7b.

In embodiments in which the handle 16 includes a single handle element, the overall size of the collapsed support frame may be reduced by directly coupling the first ends of the support arms, as shown in Figures 9a and 9b.

The overall size of the collapsed support frame may be reduced further by providing a handle 16 that pivotably couples the second ends of the support arms 12 directly to each other, as shown in Figures lOa and lOb.

It will be appreciated that to ensure smooth conversion of the support arms 12 between their erect and collapsed configurations, the curvature of each of the support arm elements 12a,12b is equal.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A collapsible support frame for carrying a load, the support frame in an erect configuration comprising: a pair of collapsible support arms, each of the support arms being coupled at or towards a first end to the other support arm for pivotable movement relative thereto and pivotably coupled at or towards a second end to a handle, the support arms being curved to define an open support structure to carry a load; a pair of support limbs, each support limb carrying a wheel at or towards one end and being coupled at or towards its other end to a respective support arm, between the first and second ends thereof, for pivotal movement relative to the respective support arm, the support limbs in use of the support frame in an erect configuration extending from the respective support arms so as to space the wheels from each other and provide ground engaging support below the open support structure; and a collapsible linkage assembly extending between the support ams and the support limbs to control pivotal movement of the support limbs relative to the support arms, each of the collapsible support arms being constructed from at least two support arm elements, the support arm elements being retained movably captive, one relative to the other, to collapse the support arm on movement of the support frame from its erect configuration to a collapsed configuration and the support arm elements of each support arm being curved such that collapsing of the support arms pivots the support arms towards each other; and the linkage assembly being collapsible on collapsing of the support arms to pivot the support limbs relative to the support arms so as to locate the wheel adjacent each other and locate the support limbs adjacent the collapsed support arms.
2. A collapsible support frame according to Claim 1 wherein the support arm elements are retained movably captive, one relative to the other, in a telescoping manner, the support arm elements being slidable, one into another, to collapse the support arm.
3. A collapsible support frame according to Claim 1 wherein the support arm elements are retained movably captive, one relative to the other, in an overlapping manner, the support arm elements being slidable, one past another, to collapse the support arm.
4. A collapsible support frame according to any preceding claim wherein the support arm elements of each support arm are equal in length.
5. A collapsible support frame according to any preceding claim wherein the handle extends between, and is pivotably connected at each end to, the second ends of the support arms.
6. A collapsible support frame according to Claim 5 wherein the handle defines a curved grip portion, the grip portion in use of the support frame in an erect configuration curving upwards from the second end of each of the support arms.
7. A collapsible support frame according to Claims 5 and 6 wherein the handle further includes a coupling mechanism to drivingly couple pivotal movement of the handle relative to each of the support arms so that pivotal movement of the handle relative to one of the support arms drives pivotal movement of the handle relative to the other of the support arms.
8. A collapsible support frame according to any of Claims 5 to 7 wherein the handle includes at least two handle elements pivotably connected in an end to end configuration, the handle elements extending between the opposite ends of the support arms so as to allow folding of the handle on collapsing of the support arms to further pivot the support arms towards each other.
9. A collapsible support frame according to Claims 5 to 8 wherein the handle includes a central handle element pivotably connected between outer handle elements in an end to end configuration, the handle elements extending between the second ends of the support arms so as to allow folding of the handle on collapsing of the support arms to further pivot the support arms towards each other.
10. A collapsible support frame according to Claims 7 to 9 wherein pivotal movement of the central handle element relative to each of the outer handle elements results in pivotal movement of the outer handle elements relative to the respective support arms and the coupling mechanism drivingly couples pivotal movement of the handle relative to each of the support arms by drivingly coupling the pivotable connections between each end of the central handle element and the respective outer handle element so that pivotal movement of the central handle element relative to one of the outer handle elements drives pivotal movement of the central handle element relative to the other of the outer handle elements.
11. A collapsible support frame according to Claim 10 wherein the coupling mechanism includes a gear wheel mounted on each of the outer handle elements at the pivotal connection between the outer handle element and the respective end of the central handle element for rotation around the pivotal connection on pivotal movement of the outer handle element relative to the respective end of the central handle element, the gear wheels being drivingly coupled via an intervening gear assembly.
12. A collapsible support frame according to Claim 10 wherein the coupling mechanism includes a gear wheel mounted on each of the outer handle elements at the pivotal connection between the outer handle element and the respective end of the central handle element for rotation around the pivotal connection on pivotal movement of the outer handle element relative to the respective end of the central handle element, the gear wheels being drivingly coupled via a toothed drive belt extending between and about the gear wheels.
13. A collapsible support frame according to any preceding claim wherein the first end of each support arm is pivotably connected to a coupler, the first end of each support arm being coupled to the other support arm for pivotable movement relative thereto via the coupler.
14. A collapsible support frame according to Claim 13 wherein the support arms are drivingly coupled such that pivotal movement of one support arm relative to the coupler drives pivotal movement of the other support arm relative to the coupler.
15. A collapsible support frame according to Claim 14 wherein a toothed member provided on one support arm is intermeshed with a toothed member provided on the other support arm such that pivotal movement of one support arm relative to the coupler drives pivotal movement of the other support arm relative to the coupler.
16. A collapsible support frame according to any preceding claim wherein the linkage assembly includes a pair of crossed linkage members extending between, and being pivotably connected at each end to, one of the support arms and the support limb coupled to the other support arm, and each linkage member including first and second linkage elements retained movably captive, one relative to the other, to collapse the linkage member and thereby collapse the linkage assembly on collapsing of the support arms.
17. A collapsible support frame according to Claim 16 wherein the first and second linkage elements of each linkage member are retained movably captive, one relative to the other, in a telescoping manner, the linkage elements being slidable, one into the another, to collapse the linkage member.
18. A collapsible support frame according to Claim 16 wherein the first and second linkage elements of each linkage member are retained movably captive, one relative to the other, in an overlapping manner, the linkage members being slidable, one past another, to collapse the linkage member.
19. A collapsible support frame according to any of Claims 16 to 18 wherein the crossed linkage members are retained pivotably captive, one relative to the other, via a linkage coupler to allow pivoting movement of the linkage members towards each other on pivoting movement of the support arms towards each other.
20. A collapsible support frame according to any preceding claim further including a biaser engaged between each support limb and the respective support arm to bias the support limbs coupled thereto from the collapsed configuration in which the wheels are located adjacent each other and the support limbs are located adjacent the support arms to the erect configuration in which the support limbs extend from the respective support arms so as to space the wheels from each other and provide ground engaging support below the open support structure.
21. A collapsible support frame according to any preceding claim wherein a strut is provided between each support arm and the support limb coupled thereto, the strut being pivotably connected at or towards one end to the support arm and pivotably connected at or towards its other end to the support limb and being retained movably captive relative to one of the support arm and the support limb so as to allow movement relative thereto during movement of the support limb between the erect configuration and the collapsed configuration.
22. A collapsible support frame according to any preceding claims further including at least one secondary wheel coupled to the first ends of the support arms to provide, in use of the support frame in its erect configuration, ground engaging support below the first ends of the support arms.
23. A collapsible support frame for carrying a load, the support frame in an erect configuration comprising: a pair of collapsible support arms, each of the support arms being coupled at or towards a first end to the other support arm for pivotable movement relative thereto and pivotably coupled at or towards a second end to a handle, the support arms being curved to define an open support structure to carry a load; a pair of support limbs, each support limb carrying a wheel at or towards a first end and being coupled at or towards a second end to a respective support arm for pivotal movement relative thereto, the support limbs in use of the support frame in an erect configuration extending from the respective support arms so as to space the wheels from each other and provide ground engaging support below the open support structure; and a collapsible linkage assembly extending between the support arms and the support limbs to control pivoting movement of the support limbs relative to the support arms; each of the collapsible support arms being constructed from at least two support arm elements, the support arm elements being retained movably captive, one relative to the other, to collapse the support arm on movement of the support frame from its erect configuration to a collapsed configuration and the support arm elements of each support arm being curved such that collapsing of the support arms pivots the support arms towards each other; and the linkage assembly being collapsible on collapsing of the support arms to pivot the support limbs relative to the support arms so as to locate the wheel adjacent each other and locate the support limbs adjacent the collapsed support arms.
24. A collapsible support frame generally as herein described with reference to any or as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.