GB2562200A

GB2562200A - Child carriage

Info

Publication number: GB2562200A
Application number: GB1702679.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Robertson Lothian Scott; Lothian Pauline
Original assignee: Original Cub Co Ltd
Current assignee: Original Cub Co Ltd
Priority date: 2017-02-20
Filing date: 2017-02-20
Publication date: 2018-11-14
Also published as: GB201702679D0

Abstract

A child carriage 10 operable to transport a young child in a standing position. The carriage comprises a substantially vertical frame 14 with at least two legs, a height adjustable backrest 26 connected to the frame, a footplate 12 connected to a bottom end of the frame which extends forward, at least two rear wheels 16 positioned at the bottom of the frame and adjacent to a rear portion of the footplate, and at least one steerable front wheel 18 located towards a leading edge of the footplate. The frame is angled from over the footplate and towards the rear wheels. A vertical stabilising member 54 may also be present, wherein the upper end is pivotally connected to the handle, and the lower end is aligned with a rotational axis of the rear wheels. Preferably the carriage includes a telescopically mounted handle, wherein the handle is pivotally attached to the frame. The carriage may also be collapsible, and furthermore comprise a locking mechanism 24 to facilitate opening and closing.

Description

Chhd Carriage

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a child carriage. In particular, the present invention relates to a child carriage operable to transport a young child in a standing upright position. A young child may be a child up to age 5 or weighing in the region of 15 to 20 kilograms.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION A pushchair can be described as a folding chair on wheels in which an older baby or young child sits to be transported around. A pushchair is convenient for transporting older babies who can sit unaided and younger children, who can walk, but may not be capable of walking at the same pace or over the same distance as older siblings or parents accompanying them on a walk.

When young children are able to walk, it is quite common that they do not enjoy the constraints of a pushchair. However, young children typically tire before an older child or adult accompanying them whilst walking. Generally, a child ends up being carried in the arms of an adult or older child to complete a walk. Alternatively, any walking exercise is typically shortened to suit abilities of the youngest child or a pushchair is taken.

Conventional pushchairs are usually designed to a 15kg weight limit. GB2500340 describes a wheeled trolley device, similar to a sack trolley, upon which a child can be transported on an inclined support surface during a walk. The device prevents carrying the child.

The trolley device is foldable such that it can be carried when not required to support the child. GB 2500340 also describes the trolley device as being suitable to transport an elderly person and other loads,

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a child carriage operable to transport a young child in a standing upright position, wherein the carriage comprises: a frame which is substantially vertically oriented when the carriage is configured to transport a child in the upright, in use, configuration, a backrest connected to the frame and arranged such that the height of the backrest is adjustable by shifting the location of the backrest along the frame to align the backrest with the child’s buttocks and hip region, such that a child can rest their buttocks against the backrest, a footplate connected to a bottom end of the frame, wherein the footplate comprises a feet-engaging surface, which extends forward from the frame; at least two rear wheels located at the bottom end of the frame and adjacent to a rear portion of the footplate; and at least one steerable front wheel located towards a leading edge of the footplate: wherein the frame is angled from over the footplate towards the rear wheels such that stability of the carriage is maintained upon movement of the backrest along the frame.

The adjustable backrest is configured to be responsive to the size of a child using the carriage and the location of the child’s hips. In conjunction, with a safety belt the possibility of the child moving is reduced, which means that regardless of the size and weight of the child a stable centre of gravity is maintained to ensure balance and stability of the carriage, thereby reducing the risk of the carriage tipping rearwards. This means that the carriage does not require full time support by the operator of the carriage. Therefore, whilst standing the carriage can be standalone with or without a child on-board the footplate.

The shape of the frame facilitates maintaining a stable centre of gravity of the carriage, in this regard the frame may comprise an arcuate lower portion and a substantially straight upper portion, wherein the arcuate portion is located proximate the rear wheels and curves forward, upward and rearward to join a substantially straight upper portion thereby defining an angle of rearward inclination of the straight portion of the frame. The lower portion of the frame may be provided by a boot attachable to the substantially straight upper portion.

The carriage may further comprise a handle extending from the top of the frame, wherein the handle facilitates moving the carriage by pushing or pulling the carriage via the handle.

The length of the handle may be adjustable. The handle may be provided by a telescopic tubular member.

Orientation of the handle may be pivotally adjustable relative to the frame. The handle may be pivotally attached to the frame, such that the handle can move between an upright configuration and a stowed configuration. Pivotal adjustment of the handle relative to the frame may also allow adjustment of the handle position relative to the frame for comfortable use in the upright configuration.

The carriage may be collapsible, wherein the carriage may comprise a mechanism operable to lock and release, the handle and the frame relative to the footplate to facilitate collapsing the carriage to arrive at a substantially flat unit. Upon collapsing the carriage, the handle may rotate over the frame and the frame may rotate over the footplate in a concertina form.

The carriage may comprise a first locking member located between the frame and the footplate, wherein the first locking member may be operable to lock the frame in an upright position relative to the footplate and wherein upon releasing the first locking member the frame may be collapsible relative to the footplate. The carriage may comprise a second locking member operable to lock the handle relative to the frame, wherein upon releasing the second locking member the handle may be collapsible relative to the frame.

The first and second locking members may be biased to the locked position such that in an upright position the first and second locking members each adopt an engaged and locked configuration to hold the carriage in the upright position and upon release of the first and locking member the frame is free to rotate towards the footplate; and upon release of the second locking member the handle is free to rotate towards the frame such that the carriage adopts the collapsed configuration.

The first locking member may comprise two lock elements, wherein one lock element is arranged on each upright leg of the frame. Upon release of both lock elements the frame may collapse by rotation over the footplate. The first locking member may comprise a cable system, wherein a cable is attached to each lock element and upon pulling the cable each lock element is released simultaneously to permit the frame to rotate over the footplate and adopt the collapsed configuration.

The cable may be concealed within the frame with one or more release members being attached to the cable and wherein the one or more release members are exposed to the outside of the frame and wherein actuation of the one or more release members disengages the lock elements to allow the frame to rotate over the footplate and adopt the collapsed configuration.

The second locking member, operable to lock and release the handle, may comprise at least one lock element engaged with a release element arranged such that upon actuating the release element the one or more lock elements disengage to allow the handle to rotate over the frame and adopt the collapsed configuration.

The release element may comprise a push button such that upon depressing the button the lock element Is disengaged and the handle is released thereby allowing the handle to rotate over the frame and to adopt the collapsed configuration.

The backrest may comprise a concave lower edge, which is configured to receive the leading edge of the footplate as the carriage adopts the collapsed configuration. This arrangement ensures a compact and contained collapsed configuration.

The carriage further comprises a substantially vertical stabilising member, wherein a lower end of the stabilising member is aligned with a rotational axis of the rear wheels and an upper end of the stabilising member is pivotally connected to a lower part of the handle.

Arrangement of the stabilising member and the frame may form a triangular form when the carriage is viewed from the side. The triangular form of the frame and the stabilising member ensures stability of the carriage when a child is standing on the footplate.

The stabilising member may comprise a recess and a clamping member adjacent the recess, wherein the recess is configured to receive part of the handle when in the collapsed configuration and the clamping member is operable to engage with the handle to retain the handle portion within the recess when the handle is in the collapsed configuration.

The clamping member may be resiliency biased to a clamping position from which position it may be displaceable by action of moving the handle to the collapsed configuration and resiliently returns to the clamping position when the handle is received in the recess.

The backrest may comprise pivotally mounted armrests operable to move between a substantially vertical stowed position and a substantially horizontal active position.

The backrest may comprise anchor points for a safety harness, wherein the anchor points are arranged to connect to a safety harness that attaches to the child’s body to prevent falling from the carriage when standing in an upright position.

The footplate may be in the region of 0.5m long by 0.25m wide. The footplate may be oval. The size and shape of the footplate may allow a degree of foot movement on the part of the child, which makes the ride more comfortable. The footplate may be tapered, wherein it is widest at the front and narrow towards the rear. A tapered footplate may deter the child from moving towards the front of the footplate, whilst being transported. The size and shape of the footplate may also reduce the risk of a child falling from the carriage and may avoid the child getting clothes, feet etc. caught in any moving parts during transportation of the carriage.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention are described below, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a side perspective view of a child carriage, in an upright configuration;

Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of the child carriage as illustrated in figure 1 and illustrating how the carriage folds from the upright configuration to a collapsed configuration: and

Figure 3 illustrates a schematic representation of an upper portion of the child carriage viewed from the rear, which shows the external components of the mechanism operable to collapse the carriage from the upright configuration shown in figures 1 and 2 to a collapsed configuration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Figure 1 shows a carriage 10 according io an embodiment of the present invention. In the illustrated example the carriage 10 is shown in an upright configuration ready for use.

In the upright configuration, the carriage 10 is operable to transport a young child, for example a child under 5 years old or a child weighing up to 18 to 20kg, in a standing upright position.

The carriage 10 includes a footplate 12 on which a child stands during transportation. in the illustrated example, the footplate 12 extends out horizontally from a substantially vertical frame 14. The footprint of the footplate 12 has an oval shape and form similar to the shape of a surfboard or skateboard to provide a large stable platform for a child to stand on whilst being transported from one place to another. The footplate 12 may be in the region of 50 centimetres long by 26 centimetres wide.

In the illustrated example, the upper surface 13 of the footplate 12 includes an antislip surface finish. The surface finish is provided by anti-slip material. In the illustrated example, an adhesive grip tape provides the anti-slip surface such that the risk of a child slipping is minimised if the surface 13 of the footplate 12 is wet or if the soles of the child’s footwear are wet.

In the illustrated example, the footplate 12 is supported on three wheels comprising two rear wheels 16 and a single front wheel 18. Each rear wheel 16 is located on a common axle (not visible), which is positioned towards the rear of the footplate 12 and each wheel 16 is located on an outside edge of the footplate 12.

The front wheel 18 is mounted to the underside of the footplate 12 and is concealed by the footplate 12 when viewed from above (see figure 1). This arrangement means that the child is less likely to be caught in the wheel 18 during transportation. The front wheel 18 is a castor-type wheel which stabilises the footplate 12 and provides steerability to the carriage 10 when the carriage 10 is in the upright configuration as illustrated in figure 1.

The outside edge of the footplate 12 is fitted with reflective material strips 15, such that if the carriage 10 is being used on a dark morning or evening, for example during the nursery run, lighting from street lamps or vehicles will illuminate the reflective material strips 15 to ensure visibility of the carriage 10.

In the illustrated example the frame 14 is a modular and tubular construction. The shape of the frame 14 is substantially U-shaped and the orientation of the frame 14, in use is an inverted U-shape, where the open end, and the legs 20, point downwards.

The lower end of each teg 20 of the U-shape frame 14 is received in an upper pad of a corresponding boot 22, Each boot 22 is located towards the outside rear edge of the footplate 12. Each boot 22 has a curved profile and is connected by a hub 24 to an outside edge of the footplate 12, proximate the rear wheels 16. The boots 22 are each arranged such that the hub 24 is located towards the rear of the footplate 12 and that the body of the boot 22 curves towards the front of the footplate 12 and the upper part of the boot 22 rises upwards to define the angle at which the frame 14 inclines towards the rear of the footplate 12.

When the frame 14 is in the upright or open configuration as illustrated in figure 1 the hubs 24 lock the boots 22 relative to the footplate 12. The boots 22 are pivotally connected to the footplate 12, such that when the hubs 24 are released the frame 14 rotates towards the footplate 12 as described further below with reference to figure 3.

The legs 20 provide support and height adjustment for a backrest 26 which is mounted on the legs 20 via collars 28 provided on each edge of the backrest 26. The height of the backrest 26 is adjustable by sliding collars 28 up or down the legs 20 such that the backrest 26 can be aligned with the child’s buttocks and rear hip region to support the child whilst standing on the footplate 12.

Each collar 28 includes a clamping member which is operable to secure the backrest 26 in a desired position along the legs 20, In the illustrated example, locking and release handles 30 are located to the rear of each collar 28 to facilitate operation of the clamping members 30.

The backrest 26 includes a slot 34 located towards the outside edges of the backrest 26, The slots 34 each provide an anchor point for a safety belt or harness (not illustrated) to secure around the child’s hip area against the backrest 26 when a child is standing on the footpiate 12.

The backrest 26 includes armrests 36. In the example illustrated in figure 3, the armrests 36 are positioned in the stowed configuration, where the free end of each armrest 36 points upwards and the edge of the armrest 36 is positioned adjacent to the backrest 26.

Each armrest 36 is pivotally connected to a lower side edge of the backrest 26 and is arranged to rotate forward from the stowed position to the deployed position as illustrated in figure 1, where the armrest 36 extends forward from the backrest 26 to provide forearm support and hand grips for the child standing on the footplate 12.

The armrests 36 include a soft lock mechanism 38 which allows quick release of the armrest 36 from the stowed or deployed positions and locks the armrests 36 at the extreme points designating the stowed position (as illustrated) or the deployed position where the armrests 36 extend forward from the backrest 26 and provide forearm supports and hand grips for the child standing on the footplate.

In the illustrated example, each armrest 36 is curved to emulate the natural position of the forearm in a rest position relative to the body to ensure comfort for the user. The shape of the armrests 36 also helps with storage because, whilst the armrests 36 are in the stowed position, they can rest close to the backrest 26 such that the carriage 10 is compact when folded in the collapsed and dosed configuration, as discussed further below.

In the Illustrated example, the backrest 26 includes a concave lower edge 40. In addition to being aesthetically pleasing, the concave lower edge 40 has a functional purpose because it is configured to receive the correspondingly shaped front edge of the footplate 12 upon folding the carriage 10, thus ensuring compactness when the carriage 10 is in the collapsed and dosed configuration. The folding operation is described further below with reference to figure 3.

The inverted U-shape frame 14 is completed by an upper member 42, which joins the upper part of the legs 20 to bridge the gap between the upper ends of each teg 20 and extends parallel to the footplate 12 and across the width of the footplate 12.

The carriage 10 includes a parental handle 44 for pushing the carriage 10 when a child is standing on the footplate 12. The parental handle 44 includes an elongate shaft 45 that is pivotally attached to the upper member 42 via a fist-shaped connector 46.

The fist-shaped connector 46 includes a fist portion 47, which includes a horizontal sleeve 48, in which the upper member 42 is received and an arm portion 49, which includes a vertical sleeve 50 in which one end of the elongate shaft 45 is received. The free end of the elongate shaft 45 is fitted with a connector 53, which includes a horizontal sleeve section 55 and a vertical sleeve section 57. The vertical sleeve section 57 receives an end of the elongate shaft 45 and the horizontal sleeve section 55 receives a bar 59 to form a T-shaped grip 52 for the user, for example an adult, to hold whilst pushing the carriage 10,

The carriage 10 includes a stabilising member 54, which is pivotally connected to the footplate 12, towards the rear edge of the footplate 12. At the upper end of the stabilising member 54, the stabilising member 54 is pivotally connected to the fistshaped connector 46, which is attached to the lower end of the parental handle 44 and the upper member 42 of the frame 14.

The connector 46 includes a locking mechanism 60, which is operable to lock the stabilising member 54 and the parental handle 42 in the upright configuration as illustrated in figure 1. When released the locking mechanism 60 releases the parental handle 44 such that it can rotate relative to the upper member 42 towards the stabilising member 54.

The stabilising member 54 includes a groove 56 towards its lower end and a spring clamp 58. When the parental handle 44 rotates, upon release of the locking mechanism 60, the grip 52 moves towards the groove 56 and displaces the spring clamp 58 such that the grip 52 can be received in the groove 56. Bias of the spring clamp 58 means that after being displaced to allow the grip 52 to enter the groove 56 the spring force of the spring clamp 58 will act to hold the grip 52 against the groove 56 whilst the carriage 10 is in the collapsed configuration.

When the carriage 10 is viewed from the side (see figures 1 and 2), the arrangement of the footplate 12, the frame 14 and the stabilising member 54 define a triangle, which gives stability to the pivotal connections between the footplate 12 and the frame 14 and the parental handle 44 and the frame/stabilising member 54.

The arrangement of the footplate 12 and the frame 14 is substantially an inclined L-shape, wherein the substantially vertical portion of the frame 14 inclines slightly rearwards as described above and the footplate 12 inclines upwards from the rear to the front (see figures 1 and 2), due to the arrangement of the front castor wheel 18 and the rear wheels 16. A footbrake 61 is provided at the rear of the carriage 10, such that the person pushing the carriage 10 can lock the axle and rear wheels 16 against movement when the carnage 10 is stationary.

Figure 3 illustrates a rear upper view of an upper portion of the frame 14 and a rear view of the backrest 26. In the illustrated example the backrest 26 is shown as a moulded plastic structure.

Figure 3 also Illustrates the external components of a lock and release mechanism 63, which is operable to collapse the carriage 10 from the upright configuration illustrated in figures 1 and 2 to the collapsed and closed configuration.

To release the parental handle 44 from the upright configuration, as Illustrated in figures 1, 2 and 3, the user, for example a parent, depresses the button 70 shown to the right-hand side of the connector 46 (see figure 3). This action releases the lock and the parental handle 44 is freed such that it can rotate relative to the upper member 42 of the frame 14 as indicated by arrow ROT1 in figure 2. The parental handle 44 comes to rest against the stabilising member 54 and the grip 52 locks in the groove 56 provided at the lower end of the stabilising member 54. A handle 72 is provided on each edge of the upper member 42. Each handle 72 is connected by a cable (not visible) to the hub 24 located on the boot 22 at the lower end of the frame 14 (see figures land 2),

By pulling each handle 72 the cable releases the hub 24 which allows the upright portion of the carriage to rotate towards the footplate 12 as indicated by arrow RGT2 in figure 2. The upright components of the carriage 10, I.e. the frame 14 and the parental handle 44, concertina towards the footplate 12 to adopt a collapsed configuration.

Prior to collapsing the carriage 10 the backrest 26 is slid in the direction of arrow MOV1 in figure 2, to the highest parton the frame 14 such that when the locking mechanisms 63, 70 are released the carriage 10 can collapse in a single motion and the frame 14 and the backrest 26 will pass over the footplate 12.

When the carriage 10 adopts the collapsed configuration the locks 63, 70 are operable automatically to lock down again to retain the carriage 10 in the collapsed configuration.

The parental handle 44 comes to rest against the stabilising member 54 and the centre of the grip 52 is locked by the spring clamp 58 in the external groove 56 provided at the lower end of the stabilising member 54,

Prior to collapsing the carriage 10 the backrest 26 is slid in the direction of arrow MOV1 (see figure 3) to the highest point on the frame 14 such that upon release of the handles 72, the footplate 12 passes between the legs 20 of the frame 14 and beneath the concave edge 40 on the backrest 26,

The footplate 12 comes to rest, in the collapsed configuration, against the front side of the stabilising member 54. The hubs 24 are operable to automatically lock the frame 14 in the collapsed configuration, wherein pulling the handles 72 will again release the hubs 24 to allow the carriage 10 to be erected again.

To minimise the length of the collapsed carriage 10 and to safeguard against accidental deployment of the carnage 10 the backrest 26 is moved along the legs 20 towards the rear wheels 16 such that the footplate 12 is sandwiched between the backrest 26 and the stabilising member 54 in the collapsed configuration.

To minimise the space taken by the collapsed configuration, the rear wheels 16 are removable from the collapsed carriage 10. The wheels 16 can be stowed on the surface of the footplate 12 for transportation of the carriage 10 in the collapsed configuration.

The carriage 10 may include a cany handle (not illustrated), which makes transportation of the collapsed carriage 10 easier, for example when loading the carriage 10 into a family vehicle or boarding public transport with a child.

The carriage 10 as described above has been designed as a fun, convenient alternative to a seated pushchair. The carriage 10 is designed to offer a more enjoyable ride for young children and to be easy to control and manoeuvre by an adult.

The shape and form of the footplate 12 resembles sports equipment, such as a surfboard or a skateboard to provide aesthetic appeal to the child and to provide ample space for the child to stand on whilst being transported.

The backrest 26 is adjustable to ensure safety and comfort for the child whilst the child is being transported on the carriage and whilst the carriage 10 is stationary. Re positioning the backrest assures stability of the carriage, i.e. wheels in contact with the ground, when a child is standing on the footplate 12.

The configuration of the frame 14, the footplate 12 and the stabilising member 54 provides a balanced, stable carriage 10. The configuration of the carriage 10 is such that pushing a child is not heavy for the handler, for example a parent, and the carriage 10 does not fall backwards when the parental handle 44 is released.

The concertina folding mechanism and sliding backrest 26, provides for a compact and lockable carriage, which means that the carriage 10 is also easy to transport in the collapsed configuration, for example by hand, in a family car, on public transport, and on most airlines because the carriage 10 folds compactly to meet the hand baggage size requirements of most airlines.

In the closed configuration, the carriage 10 is also easy to store when not in use. for example at home or in nursery and a carriage 10

The carriage 10 includes a twin locking hinge design, which means the carriage 10 meets relevant safety standards and regulations.

Using a carriage 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention promotes the development of balance skills in a child.

Standing on the carriage 10 during transportation may serve to discourage a child from falling asleep. From a parent's perspective, this is valuable because sleep whilst being transported from one place to another can adversely affect a normal evening routine.

The example described above relates to a collapsible carriage 10, for example how to make the collapsed configuration of the carriage 10 as compact as possible for ease of carrying and storing when the carriage 10 is not being used to transport a child, the example given for such an arrangement is home use or nursery use. An alternative example, may be a carriage 10 that does not collapse, for example for use in theme parks, shopping centres, etc. It will be appreciated, such a carriage would be similar in appearance to the upright configuration of carriage 10 as illustrated in figure 1, having a footplate 12, rear wheels, front wheel, frame, handle and stabilising member. For such an application, it may not be necessary to collapse the carriage and it may be more cost efficient for such applications not to include a locking and folding facility. Such an example of an upright carriage may deem a compact configuration redundant and therefore may exclude a locking mechanism.

For ease of transportation, the rear axle may be motorised, for example a power pack may be attached to automate transportation. For example, a lithium-ion battery pack may be provided to power rotation of the axis, hence the rear wheels. The handle may be equipped with a start/stop control to facilitate easy starting and stopping the motor and for steering the carriage. The motor may be utilised less frequently in flat or downhill applications and more frequently in uphill applications to make control of the carriage easier.

The carriage 10 may also include lighting. For example, light strips or banks of LED lighting may be provided on the footplate 12 in place of the reflective strips 15 described above. Lighting may also be provided on the handle, for example on the shaft or proximate the grip. Providing lighting is considered an added safety feature for use on a dark morning or evening. It will be appreciated that lighting may provide aesthetic appeal to the child using the carriage. For example, colour changing lights could be used.

To make the carriage more aesthetically appealing to the child and to encourage the child to use the carriage, the carriage may include personalised features such as personalised hand grips, a personalised footplate surface, etc.

Whilst specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it will be appreciated that departures from the described embodiments may still fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A child carriage operable to transport a young child in a standing upright position, wherein the carriage comprises: a frame comprising at least two upright legs, wherein the frame is substantially vertically oriented when the carriage is configured to transport a child in the upright, in use, configuration, a backrest connected to the frame and arranged such that the height of the backrest is adjustable by shifting the location of the backrest along the frame to align the backrest with the child’s buttocks and hip region, such that a child can rest their buttocks against the backrest, a footplate connected to a bottom end of the frame, wherein the footplate comprises a feet-engaging surface, which extends forward from the frame; at least two rear wheels positioned at the bottom end of the frame and adjacent to a rear portion of the footplate; and at least one steerable front wheel located towards a leading edge of the footplate; wherein the frame is angled from over the footplate towards the rear wheels such that stability of the carriage is maintained upon movement of the backrest along the frame.

2. A child carriage as claimed in claim 1, wherein the frame comprises an arcuate lower portion and a substantially straight upper portion, wherein the arcuate portion is located proximate the rear wheels and curves forward, upward and rearward to join with the substantially straight upper portion thereby defining an angle of rearward inclination of the substantially straight upper portion.

3. A child carriage as claimed in claim 2, wherein the lower portion of the frame is provided by a boot attachable to the substantially straight upper portion.

4. A child carriage as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a handle extending from the top of the frame, wherein the handle facilitates moving the carriage by pushing or pulling the carriage via the handle.

5. A child carriage as claimed in claim 4, wherein length of the handle is adjustable.

6. A child carriage as claimed in claim 5, wherein the handle is provided by a telescopic tubular member

7. A child carriage as claimed in claim 4, 5 or 6, wherein orientation of the handle is pivotally adjustable relative to the frame.

8. A child carriage as claimed in claim 7, wherein the handle is pivotally attached to the frame, such that the handle can move between an upright configuration and a stowed configuration.

9. A child carriage as claimed in any of claims 4 to 8, wherein the carriage is collapsible, wherein the carriage comprises a mechanism operable to lock and release, the handle and the frame relative to the footplate to facilitate collapsing the carriage to arrive at a substantially flat unit.

10. A child carriage as claimed in claim 9, wherein upon releasing the mechanism the handle is rotatable over the frame and the frame is rotatable over the footplate in a concertina form.

11. A child carriage as claimed in claim 9 or 10, wherein the mechanism comprises a first locking member located between the frame and the footplate, wherein the first locking member is operable to lock the frame in an upright position relative to the footplate and wherein upon releasing the first locking member the frame is rotatable relative to the footplate and a second locking member operable to lock the handle relative to the frame, wherein upon releasing the second locking member the handle is rotatable relative to the frame.

12. A child carriage as claimed in claim 11, wherein the first and second locking members are each biased to the locked position such that in an upright position the first and second locking members each adopt an engaged and locked configuration to hold the carriage in the upright position and upon release of the first and locking member the frame is free to rotate towards the footplate; and upon release of the second locking member the handle is free to rotate towards the frame such that the carriage adopts the collapsed configuration.

13. A child carriage as claimed in claim 11 or 12, wherein the first locking member may comprise two lock elements, wherein a lock element is arranged on each upright leg of the frame.

14. A child carriage as claimed in claim 13, wherein the frame is collapsible by rotation over the footplate upon release of both lock elements.

15. A child carriage as claimed in claim 13 or 14, wherein the first locking member comprises a cable system, wherein a cable is attached to each lock element and upon pulling the cable each lock element is released simultaneously to permit the frame to rotate over the footplate and adopt the collapsed configuration.

16. A child carriage as claimed in claim 15, wherein the cable system is concealed within the frame with one or more release members are attached to the cable and the one or more release members are exposed to the outside of the frame and wherein actuation of the one or more release members disengages the lock elements to allow the frame to rotate over the footplate and adopt the collapsed configuration.

17. A carriage as claimed in any of claims 11 to 16, wherein the second locking member, operable to lock and release the handle, comprise at least one lock element engaged with a release element arranged such that upon actuating the release element the one or more lock elements disengage to allow the handle to rotate over the frame and adopt the collapsed configuration.

18. A carriage as claimed in claim 17, wherein the release element comprises a push button such that upon depressing the button the lock element is disengaged and the handle is released thereby allowing the handle to rotate over the frame and to adopt the collapsed configuration.

19. A carriage as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the backrest comprises a concave lower edge, which is configured to receive the leading edge of the footplate as the carriage adopts the collapsed configuration.

20. A carriage as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising a substantially vertical stabilising member, wherein a lower end of the stabilising member is aligned with a rotational axis of the rear wheels and an upper end of the stabilising member is pivotally connected to a lower part of the handle.

21. A carriage as claimed in claim 20, wherein the stabilising member and the frame are arranged to define a triangular form when the carriage is viewed from the side.

22. A carriage as claimed in claim 20 or 21 when dependent on claims 4 to 9, wherein the stabilising member comprises a recess and a clamping member adjacent the recess, wherein the recess is configured to receive part of the handle when the carriage is in the collapsed configuration and wherein the clamping member is operable to engage with the handle to retain the handle portion within the recess in the collapsed configuration.

23. A carriage as claimed in claim 22, wherein the clamping member is resiliently biased to a clamping position from which position it may be displaceable by action of moving the handle to the collapsed configuration and resiliently returns to the clamping position when the handle is received in the recess.

24. A carriage as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the backrest comprises pivotally mounted armrests operable to move between a substantially vertical stowed position and a substantially horizontal active position.

25. A carriage as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the backrest comprises anchor points for a safety harness, wherein the anchor points are arranged to connect to a safety harness that attaches to the child’s body to prevent the child falling from the carriage when standing on the footplate.

26. A carriage as claimed in claim 25, wherein the footplate is in the region of 0.5m long by 0.25m wide.