GB2532219A

GB2532219A - A pushchair

Info

Publication number: GB2532219A
Application number: GB1420056.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Underdown Margaret
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-11-11
Filing date: 2014-11-11
Publication date: 2016-05-18
Also published as: GB201420056D0

Abstract

A frame 10 for a collapsible pushchair, comprising a pair of spaced apart hub assemblies 28,30 wherein each hub comprises an inner static portion (32, figure 10) with a mounted outer rotating portion (34). A proximal leg 14,16 and a handle support 22,24 is mounted on each of the static portions, whilst a distal leg 18,20 is mounted on each of the rotating portions. At least one of the hub assemblies comprises a releasable hub locking means comprising a spring loaded locking pin (36), said means released by tension on a flexible linkage (38) coupled to the movable pin to allow rotation of the outer portion. Preferably the flexible linkage passes through the handle support and releases the hub locking means when the handle 26 is folded down towards the proximal legs; a seat 12 is mounted on the inner static portion via seat clamps (70,72) allowing angular position adjustment.

Description

A Pushchair

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to pushchairs for children and in particular to a pushchair comprising a folding mechanism adapted to be easy to use.

Background

A wide range of designs of pushchairs for children are available as products and an even wider range is disclosed in the prior art. In many cases the folding mechanism has been optimised for low cost and ultra-compact folded configuration rather than ease of use, and in many cases too the overall design has been aimed at attractive aesthetic appearance rather than ease of practical use. Increasingly older people such as grandparents are acting as carers for young children and particularly for this group the designs of present pushchairs are not optimal. In particular complex folding mechanisms are a challenge to older people, especially if a two-handed action is required. The invention provides a pushchair of improved design suitable for use by older people that has a single handed action to initiate folding and a simple folding method.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a pushchair comprising: a frame comprising: a pair of spaced apart proximal legs and a pair of spaced apart distal legs, each leg having at least one wheel located at or adjacent its lowermost end; a pair of spaced apart handle supports, and a handle mounted on the handle supports; and a pair of spaced apart hub assemblies, wherein each hub comprises an inner static portion and an outer rotating portion mounted on the inner portion, and in which a proximal leg and a handle support are mounted on the inner static portion, and a distal leg is mounted on the outer rotating portion, and wherein: one or more of the hub assemblies comprises a releasable hub locking means comprising a spring loaded locking pin movable between a first locked position in which rotation of the outer portion of the hub relative to the inner portion is prevented, and a second released position in which the outer portion is rotatable relative to the inner portion, the hub locking means being adapted to be released by tension on a flexible linkage coupled to the locking pin.

The pushchair may further comprise a seat adapted to be mounted on the frame. Such seat may be divisible or hinged.

In this way the pushchair is adapted to be held in a first unfolded position in which the hubs are locked and the proximal legs are at a first angle with respect to the distal legs. When the hub locking means is released by means of tension on the flexible linkage, the distal legs may be folded relative to the proximal legs by rotation of the outer portion of the hubs relative to the inner portions, to place the pushchair in a second, folded configuration at which the distal legs are at a second, smaller angle relative to the proximal legs. It will be understood that in the folded configuration the second angle may be variable, that is that the hubs may be adapted such that there is no preferred or pre-set folded configuration at which the hubs are locked. In some embodiments however the hubs may be adapted to provide at least a second locking position in which the rear legs are at a second angle with respect to the first. In this way the pushchair is adapted to be locked in a second, folded position.

In some embodiments the pushchair further comprises linkage actuation means 25 operable to apply tension to the flexible linkage in order to release the hub locking means.

In some embodiments the linkage actuation means comprises a control attached to the flexible linkage and operable by the user. In this way a user may manually 30 release the hub locking means by operating the control, to allow the pushchair to be folded.

In some embodiments the linkage actuation means comprises the handle or a portion thereof.

In some embodiments the handle comprises a first and a second handle member arranged in use to be attached to respective handle supports. The handle may further comprise a cross member arranged to engage to each of the handle members so as to join them together. One or more of the handle members may be arranged in use to be attached to the corresponding handle support by means of hinge means such that the handle may rotate with respect to the handle supports.

In some embodiments the hinge means comprises a hinge locking means to lock the left and right side members in position relative to the left and right handle supports, 10 the hinge locking means being releasable to allow the handle to rotate around the hinge.

In some embodiments the linkage actuation means comprises the handle, the flexible linkage being attached to the handle. In this way folding of the handle down towards 15 the front legs acts to apply tension to the flexible linkage, so releasing the hub locking means.

In some embodiments the hub locking means comprises a locking pin mounted slidably on the inner hub portion and a locking projection mounted on the outer hub portion, wherein the locking pin is movable between a first locked position in which movement of locking projection past the locking pin is prevented and a second released position in which such movement is possible.

In some embodiments the flexible actuation linkage is attached to the locking pin and 25 passes through the interior of the handle support portion.

In some embodiments the flexible actuation linkage is attached at its opposing end to a rotatable spool adapted to rotate when the handle is folded relative to the hub. In some such embodiments the rotatable spool comprises a first gear means and the handle comprises a second gear means engaged with the first and adapted to drive the first when the handle is so folded. In this way folding of the handle relative to the handle support means causes the spool to rotate so as to apply tension to the flexible release linkage, so sliding the locking pin back away from the locking projection and releasing the hub locking means.

In some embodiments the seat is mounted on one or more, or both, of the hub assemblies. In some embodiments the seat is mounted on the inner static portion of the hub assemblies.

In some embodiments the seat comprises first and second seat clamps configured to mount on the inner face of the inner static portion of the hub assemblies. The seat clamps may be arranged in use to be spaced apart from each other. In some embodiments the left and right seat clamps are configured to clamp the seat at a chosen angular position relative to the hub assemblies and to be releasable so as to adjust the angular position.

In some embodiments the seat comprises first and second seat clamps configured to engage with an engagement region on the inner static portion of the left and right hub assemblies respectively, the seat clamps comprising: A body having an internal face to face the hub and an axis substantially perpendicular to the internal face, A seat support frame mounted rigidly on the body and configured to support a flexible seat material, A movable seat clamp portion mounted on the body and configured to slide parallel to the axis to reach an extended position beyond the internal face, and A clamping means to move the seat clamp portion to the chosen said extended position.

In this way the seat clamp portion engages with the engagement region of the inner hub portion and can be locked to hold the seat in place. By withdrawing the movable seat clamp portion on both sides the seat may be disengaged from the engagement regions of the inner hub portions and may be removed from the pushchair. In some embodiments the seat clamp portion comprises a circular locking face and the engagement region has a circular geometry, such that the circular locking face and the circular engagement region may rotate with respect on to another, allowing the seat to be locked to the inner hub portion at a chosen angle.

In some embodiments the movable seat clamp portion comprises a first screw thread 35 and the seat clamp comprises a drive means configured to engage with the first screw thread to cause the movable seat clamp portion to move parallel to the axis.

In some embodiments the drive means comprises a second screw thread adapted to engaged with the first. In some embodiments the second screw thread is provided on a gear means mounted on the body and driven by a rotatable handle. In some embodiments the rotatable handle is provided on a shaft comprising a toothed portion to engage the gear means.

In this way when the handle is rotated, the shaft rotates the gear means, whose second screw thread engages with the first screw thread on the movable clamp portion, causing the movable clamp portion to move parallel to the axis. In this way the handle causes the movable clamp portion to advance to an extended position such that the clamp face engages the engagement region on the inner hub portion, so causing the seat to lock in position. In this way the invention provides a convenient means to clamp the seat into position at a chosen angle with respect to the hubs and hence to the frame.

In some embodiments one or both of the locking face and the engagement region comprise locking features configured to assist locking against rotation one with respect to another.

In some embodiments the locking features comprise one or more projections and depressions adapted to interfit one with another.

In some embodiments the locking features comprise two or more radial ridges or depressions.

In this way the seat clamp and the locking hub are adapted to allow locking together at one or more chosen angles at which a projection on the locking face engages with a recess on the engagement region or vice-versa.

Further details of the invention will be described with respect to an embodiment.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows a front isometric view of a first embodiment of a pushchair according 35 to the invention.

Figure 2 shows a front view of the embodiment shown in figure 1.

Figure 3 shows a side view of the embodiment shown in figure 1.

Figures 4 show isometric views of the first embodiment as shown in Figure 1.

Figures 5 show isometric views of a second embodiment of a pushchair according to the invention.

Figures 6 show plan views of the second embodiment as shown in Figures 5, showing the pushchair in use, laid flat, and collapsing down, respectively.

Figures 7 stages of collapsing the second embodiment of the pushchair.

Figure 8 shows a detail sectional view of the hub in use with the second embodiment of the pushchair.

Figure 9 shows a cross-section through the embodiment at A-A in figure 2, showing the internal mechanism of the hubs and the seat clamps on each side of the seat. Figure 10 shows a cross-section through the left hub as shown in figure 9.

Figure 11 shows a cutaway isometric view of the left hub and the left handle support showing the hub locking means.

Figure 12 shows a cross-section through left handle support and attached handle, showing the linkage actuation means forming part of the handle and the handle support.

Figure 13 shows a three dimensional view of the seat clamps and the inner faces of the hubs, showing the clamping surface forming part of the seat clamp and the 20 engagement surface forming part of the inner surface of the hub.

Figure 14 shows a cross-section through the left hand seat clamp.

Detailed Description of Figures

Referring to figures 1 to 4 and 9 to 14, an embodiment of a pushchair according to the present invention comprises a frame 10 and a seat 12 adapted to be mounted on the frame, the frame comprising: a first 14 and second 16 proximal leg each having a wheel at its lower end, a first 18 and a second 20 distal leg each having a wheel at its lower end, first 22 and second 24 handle supports and a handle 26 mounted on them, a first 28 and a second 30 hub assembly, wherein for each of the hub assemblies: the hub (for example left hub 28) comprises an inner static portion 32 and an outer rotating portion 34 mounted on the inner portion, the first proximal leg 14 and a handle support 22 are mounted on the inner static portion 32, and the first distal leg 18 is mounted on the outer rotating portion 34, and wherein: the hub comprises a releasable hub locking means comprising a spring loaded locking pin 36 movable between a first locked position in which rotation of the outer portion of the hub relative to the inner portion is prevented and a second released position in which such rotation is possible, the hub locking means being adapted to be released by tension on a flexible linkage 38 coupled to the locking pin.

In this way the pushchair is adapted to be held in a first unfolded position as shown in figures 1 to 3 in which the hubs are locked and the proximal legs are at a first angle with respect to the distal legs. When the hub locking means is released by means of tension on the flexible linkage, the distal legs may be folded relative to the proximal legs by rotation of the outer portion of the hubs relative to the inner portions, to place the pushchair in a second, folded configuration as shown in further figures in which the distal legs are at a second, smaller angle relative to the proximal legs. It will be understood that in the folded configuration the second angle may be variable, that is that the hubs may be adapted such that there is no preferred or pre-set folded configuration at which the hubs are locked. In some embodiments however the hubs may be adapted to provide at least a second locking position in which the distal legs are at a second angle with respect to the first. In this way the pushchair is adapted to be locked in a second, folded position.

In this embodiment the pushchair further comprises linkage actuation means 40 operable to apply tension to the flexible linkage 38 in order to release the hub locking means, the linkage actuation means comprising the handle 26 and being operated by movement of the handle relative to the handle supports. The handle 26 comprises left 42 and right 44 side members and a cross member 46 joining them, the left and right side members being attached to the first and second handle supports by means of hinge means 48 such that the handle may rotate with respect to the handle supports. The flexible linkage 38 is attached to the handle 26. In this way folding of the handle down towards the proximal legs acts to apply tension to the flexible linkage, so releasing the hub locking means.

In this embodiment the hinge means 48 comprises a hinge locking means to lock the first and second side members 42, 44 in position relative to the first and second handle supports 22, 24, the hinge locking means being releasable by pressing a release button 49 on the handle to allow the handle to rotate around the hinge.

In this embodiment the hub locking means comprises a locking pin 36 mounted slidably on the inner hub portion 32 and a locking projection 50 mounted on the outer hub portion, wherein the locking pin is movable between a first locked position as shown in figure 10, in which movement of locking projection past the locking pin is prevented and a second released position in which the locking pin 36 is pulled back into recess 52 against while compressing spring 54, in which such movement is possible.

As seen most clearly in figures 10, 11 and 12 in this embodiment the flexible actuation linkage 38 is attached to the locking pin 36 and passes through the interior 56 of the handle support portion 22. The flexible actuation linkage 38 is attached at its opposing end to a rotatable spool 58 adapted to rotate when the handle 26 is folded relative to the hub 28. In some such embodiments the rotatable spool comprises a first gear means 60 and the handle comprises a second gear means 62 engaged with the first and adapted to drive the first when the handle is so folded. In this way folding of the handle relative to the handle support means causes the spool 58 to rotate so as to apply tension to the flexible release linkage 38, so sliding the locking pin 36 back away from the locking projection 50 and releasing the hub locking means.

In this embodiment the seat 12 is mounted on the inner static portion of hub assemblies. The seat comprises first 70 and second 72 seat clamps configured to mount on the inner faces 74 of the inner static portions 32 of the hub assemblies. In this embodiment the first and second seat clamps are configured to clamp the seat at a chosen angular position relative to the hub assemblies and to be releasable so as to adjust the angular position.

In this embodiment the first and second seat clamps configured to engage with an engagement region 76 on the inner static portion of the first and second hub 35 assemblies respectively. The seat clamps each comprise: A body 80 having an internal face 82 to face the hub 28 and an axis 84 substantially perpendicular to the internal face, A seat support frame 86 mounted rigidly on the body and configured to support seat material 88, A movable seat clamp portion 90 mounted on the body and configured to slide parallel to the axis 84 to reach an extended position beyond the internal face, and A clamping means 92 to move the seat clamp portion to the chosen said extended position.

In this way the seat clamp portion 90 engages with the engagement region 76 of the inner hub portion 32 and can be locked to hold the seat in place. By withdrawing the movable seat clamp portion 90 on both sides the seat may be disengaged from the engagement regions 74 of the inner hub portions and may be removed from the pushchair. In this embodiment the seat clamp portion comprises a circular locking face 94 and the engagement region 74 has a circular geometry, such that the circular locking face and the circular engagement region may rotate with respect on to another, allowing the seat to be locked to the inner hub portion at a chosen angle.

In this embodiment the movable seat clamp portion 90 comprises a first screw thread 96 and the seat clamp comprises a drive means configured to engage with the first screw thread to cause the movable seat clamp portion to move parallel to the axis. In some embodiments the drive means comprises a second screw thread 98 adapted to engaged with the first. In this embodiment the second screw thread 98 is provided on a gear means 100 mounted on the body and driven by a rotatable handle 102 mounted on a shaft 104 comprising a toothed portion 106 to engage the gear means 100.

In this way when the handle 102 is rotated, the shaft 104 rotates the gear means 100, whose second screw thread 98 engages with the first screw thread 96 on the movable clamp portion 90, causing the movable clamp portion to move parallel to the axis 84. In this way the handle causes the movable clamp portion 90 to advance to an extended position such that the clamp face 94 engages the engagement region 74 on the inner hub portion, so causing the seat to lock in position. In this way the invention provides a convenient means to clamp the seat into position at a chosen angle with respect to the hubs and hence to the frame.

In this embodiment the locking face 94 and the engagement region 74 comprise locking features 108 configured to assist locking against rotation one with respect to another, comprising radial projections and depressions adapted to interfit one with another.

The releasable seat clamps in this embodiment allow the seat to be positioned either rear-facing as shown in the figures or forward facing, so allowing for use with older children who prefer to face forwards.

This embodiment comprises the following features: A canopy 120 mounted on the seat clamps 70, 72 and supported by a canopy frame 122 hinged to the seat clamps; Transverse braces 124 at or adjacent the distal portion, that also may acts as a footrest for the child, and 126 at or adjacent the proximal portion. The braces act to give stability to the distal and proximal legs. A netting carrier 128 is supported by the 20 braces.

Wheels 130 mounted on the legs and braking assemblies 132 provided on the first and second distal wheels and adapted to bear on the rubber tyres 134 of the wheels. A harness 136 to hold the child in the seat 12.

The method of folding this embodiment is shown in figures 3b and 4.

First close the canopy, then unlock the seat clamps 70, 72 and pivot the seat back until it lies parallel with the front legs as shown in figure 3b.

Press the unlock button 49 located on the handle 26 then pivot the handle forwards as shown in figure 4a. The motion of the handle unlocks the distal legs by means of 30 the hub locking means as described previously.

Continue to close up the handle with a foot pressed firmly against the foot rest 124. When the rear legs unlock completely, push them forwards to meet the proximal legs as shown in figures 4b and 4c.

Once folded the entire pushchair collapses down to a compact configuration as 35 shown in figure 4d. This embodiment comprises a fabric and foam seat that can also be compressed to save space.

With reference to Figure 7 the steps of collapsing the second embodiment are shown wherein the Figures 7a to 7f correspond respectively to the following instructions: To collapse the pushchair, roll up the rain cover and pack it into the pocket; Close the canopy and unlock the seat pivot points and pivot the seat back until it lays parallel with the front legs; Press the unlock button located on the handle then pivot the handle forwards. The motion unlocks the rear legs; Continue to close up the handle with foot pressed firmly against the foot rest; When the rear legs unlock completely, push them forwards to meet the front legs; Once completed the entire pushchair collapses down to a neat parcel.

The pushchair may be fabricated from materials and with techniques known in the art. The frame may comprise metal extrusions, such as aluminium extrusions, for the legs, handle supports and handle. The hub components, seat clamps, wheels and braking assemblies may be plastic moulded components. Dimensions may similar to those in prior art pushchairs.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention. Firstly it will be understood that any features described in relation to any particular embodiment may be featured in combinations with other embodiments.

With respect to the specification therefore, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention, with variation and implementation obvious and clear on the basis of either 35 common general knowledge or of expert knowledge in the field concerned. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as set out in the accompanying claims.

Claims

Claims 1. 1. A pushchair comprising a frame a pair of spaced apart proximal legs and a pair of spaced apart distal legs, each leg having at least one wheel located at or adjacent its lowermost end; a pair of spaced apart handle supports, and a handle mounted on the handle supports; and a pair of spaced apart hub assemblies, wherein each hub comprises an inner static portion and an outer rotating portion mounted on the inner portion, and in which a proximal leg and a handle support are mounted on the inner static portion, and a distal leg is mounted on the outer rotating portion, and wherein: one or more of the hub assemblies comprises a releasable hub locking means comprising a spring loaded locking pin movable between a first locked position in which rotation of the outer portion of the hub relative to the inner portion is prevented, and a second released position in which the outer portion is rotatable relative to the inner portion, the hub locking means being adapted to be released by tension on a flexible linkage coupled to the locking pin.
2. A pushchair according to claim 1 adapted to be held in a first unfolded position in which the hubs are locked and the proximal legs are at a first angle with respect to the distal legs and upon unlocking of the hub locking means the distal legs may be folded relative to the proximal legs by rotation of the outer portion of the hubs relative to the inner portions to place the pushchair in a second folded configuration at which the distal legs are at a second smaller angle relative to the proximal legs.
3. A pushchair according to claim 1 or claim 2 comprising linkage actuation means operable to apply tension to the flexible linkage in order to release the hub locking means.
4. A pushchair according to claim 3 wherein the linkage actuation means comprises a control attached to the flexible linkage and operable by the user.
5. A pushchair according to claim 4 wherein the linkage actuation means comprises the handle or a portion thereof.
6. A pushchair according to claim 5 wherein the handle comprising hinge means such that the handle may rotate with respect to the handle supports.
7. A pushchair according to claim 6 wherein the hinge means comprises a hinge locking means to allow the handle to rotate around the hinge.
8. A pushchair according to claims 6 or 7 wherein the handle is adapted to fold down towards the proximal legs and such folding is adapted to apply tension to the flexible linkage in order to release the hub locking means.
9. A pushchair according to any preceding claim wherein the hub locking means comprises a locking pin mounted slidably on the inner hub portion and a locking projection mounted on the outer hub portion, wherein the locking pin is movable between a first locked position in which movement of locking projection past the locking pin is prevented and a second released position in which such movement is possible.
10. A pushchair according to claim 9 wherein the flexible actuation linkage is attached to the locking pin and passes through the interior of the handle support portion.
11. A pushchair according to claim 10 wherein the flexible actuation linkage is attached at its opposing end to a rotatable spool adapted to rotate when the handle is folded relative to the hub.
12. A pushchair according to any preceding claim wherein the seat is mounted on the inner static portion of the hub assemblies.
13. A pushchair according to claim 12 wherein the seat comprises first and second seat clamps configured to mount on the inner face of the inner static portion of the hub assemblies.
14. A pushchair according to claim 13 wherein the first and second seat clamps are configured to clamp the seat at a chosen angular position relative to the hub assemblies and to be releasable so as to adjust the angular position.
15. A pushchair according to claim 14 wherein the seat clamps comprise: A body having an internal face to face the hub and an axis substantially perpendicular to the internal face, A seat support frame mounted rigidly on the body and configured to support a flexible seat material, A movable seat clamp portion mounted on the body and configured to slide parallel to the axis to reach an extended position beyond the internal face, and A clamping means to move the seat clamp portion to the chosen said extended position.
16. A pushchair according to claim 15 wherein the movable seat clamp portion comprises a first screw thread and the seat clamp comprises a drive means configured to engage with the first screw thread to cause the movable seat clamp portion to move parallel to the axis.