The present invention relates generally to a pushchair and more specifically to a demountable pushchair that allows said pushchair to be moved between different configurations as required.

Pushchairs are frequently used to transport babies and small children across a variety of terrain. Often, certain terrain can be difficult to negotiate a pushchair over, particularly if it is uneven or loose, for example stones or sand. In these cases, it may be impossible to wheel a conventional pushchair over such terrain and it may become necessary to remove the child from the pushchair and carry them instead. This approach creates a further problem of having to carry the child as well as the pushchair.

Attempts have been made to overcome these difficulties, often by modifying the wheels of the pushchair, such as for example by enlarging the wheels or providing a better grip surface to improve traction of the wheels over more difficult terrain. This approach however does not always overcome said difficulties, especially for example over sand or particularly uneven ground.

Aside from the difficulties associated with the potential need to carry a child and pushchair respectively over difficult ground, the present Applicant has also identified the generally restrictive effect that having to wheel a pushchair can have on daily activities. For example, if a person wishes to cycle with their small child, it is necessary to dispense with the pushchair and secure the child into a seat or other carrying device attached to the bicycle. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a demountable pushchair arrangement that is capable of adapting between a plurality of configurations so as to allow the transportation of an infant in a variety of manners, according to requirements.

Thus and in accordance with the present invention there is provided a demountable pushchair comprising a seat frame having a seat mounted thereon for carrying an infant, said seat frame having a handle and at least one carrying strap and being attachable to at least one wheel, said seat frame also being moveable between a series of positions, each position respectively allowing said pushchair to be wheeled or carried independently or moved by attachment to a bicycle.

The demountable pushchair, hereinafter referred to as pushchair, is preferably movable between a plurality of configurations which may include but not be limited to; a first configuration in which the pushchair may be wheeled along with the infant in a substantially upright configuration; a second configuration in which the pushchair is attachable to a bicycle; a third configuration in which the pushchair is in a back-pack arrangement to allow the infant to be carried in the pushchair and a fourth configuration in which the pushchair can be folded into a compact arrangement for transportation and storage.

It is of course to be appreciated that other configurations may be possible without departing from the scope of invention as described herein.

The pushchair most preferably comprises strong, lightweight materials for ease of use. The pushchair preferably comprises a seat frame which is capable of holding a seat in which the infant may be placed. Said seat preferably comprises mountings to secure said seat to said seat frame and further comprises a safety harness arrangement to secure the infant whilst in the seat.

Said seat may also comprise a cushioned covering to provide comfort for the infant whilst in said seat. Said cushioned covering may comprise fabric, leather or any other suitable materials and may be removable from the seat for ease of cleaning.

Said seat frame may comprise metals or any other such suitable materials and is preferably lightweight so as to be easily portable in all configurations.

The seat frame preferably comprises a footplate which may be used to support the infant's feet whilst being transported. Said footplate may be fixed, adjustable or removable. The footplate may also serve as a stability device to prevent the pushchair from tilting too far forward during use.

Said footplate may comprise metals or any other such suitable material and may further comprise a resilient grip preferably on the underside of said footplate, so as to provide additional grip when the footplate is resting on the ground to stabilise the pushchair in the upright, wheel- able configuration.

The seat frame preferably further comprises a panel or supporting member on either side of said frame such as for example, so as to form an arm rest or side panels on the pushchair. Said panel or supporting member may provide additional support and/ or comfort for the infant whilst the seat is in use and may or may not be in direct communication with the seat itself.

Said panel or supporting member forming, for example, an arm rest or side panels, may comprise metals or any other such suitable material and may also further comprise a cushioned or other such suitable surface so as to provide comfort for the infant whilst the pushchair is in use.

The seat frame may also further comprise a connecting member preferably located towards the base of the seat frame, said connecting member being attachable to a bicycle when the pushchair is in the bicycle-compatible configuration. Said connecting member is also preferably capable of being secured to the seat frame whilst not in use and may comprise metals or any other such suitable material.

The seat frame may still further comprise a stabilising member, which preferably comprises metals or any other such suitable material. Said stabilising member is preferably adjustably mounted towards the rear of the seat frame and preferably serves as a stability device to prevent the pushchair from tilting too far backwards during use. Said stabilising member is preferably capable of folding or retracting so that it may be securely stowed away when not required, such as for example, when the pushchair is in the back-pack configuration.

Said stabilising member may further comprise a resilient grip preferably on the underside of said connecting member, so as to provide additional grip when said stabilising member is resting on the ground to stabilise the pushchair in the upright, wheel-able configuration. The seat frame is preferably connected to a handle that may be used to push the pushchair when said pushchair is in the wheel-able configuration. Said handle may be adjustable such that it may perform an alternative function when the pushchair is in alternative configurations.

Said handle preferably comprises metals or any other such suitable material and may further comprise a resilient grip which may also be cushioned, so as to provide maximum comfort for the infant's carer whilst pushing the pushchair.

The seat frame and/ or seat arrangement, including but not limited to the backrest, may further be capable of receiving additional accessories, including but not limited to drinks holders, storage compartments and visibility flags.

When the pushchair is in the back-pack configuration, said handle preferably folds in such a manner that it does not impair movement of the person carrying the pushchair, nor cause discomfort. Such folding of the handle may be achieved, for example, by folding the handle downwards so that it lies directly adjacent to the seat frame and thus not impairing the user's movement.

When the pushchair is in the bicycle-compatible configuration, said handle most preferably extends outwards away from the pushchair to be used as a means of securing said pushchair to a part of the bicycle, such as for example by engaging with the seat post of the bicycle. In this instance, said handle may comprise additional mountings to further increase the security of the connection between the pushchair handle and the bicycle. In this configuration, it is also preferred that the additional supporting member connected to the seat frame is attachable to the bicycle frame, such as for example to the rear axle, to further increase the security of the connection between the bicycle and the pushchair.

The pushchair also preferably comprises two wheels which may be connected by a common axle such that they are able to rotate in unison. Said wheels are preferably connected to the base of the seat frame so as to allow the seat frame and seat to be moved and supported by the adjacent wheels. It is to be appreciated that said wheels may also have the ability to move independently from one another.

Said wheels may comprise metals or any other suitable material and preferably further comprise a sturdy grip surface so as to provide traction when said wheels are rolled over the ground. Said sturdy grip surface preferably comprises rubber materials.

Said wheels may be either fixed in a forward facing position so that they are orientated in a substantially parallel manner with respect to the sides of the seat frame, or rotatable such that they may move in any direction about a fixed point, said fixed point being preferably connected to the seat frame.

The pushchair also most preferably comprises a suspension arrangement in association with the wheels and/or axle to which the wheels are connected. Said suspension arrangement may allow for the absorption of impact associated with moving the pushchair along uneven terrain and in particular, when the pushchair is connected to a bicycle. The pushchair may also comprise at least one further suspension arrangement that may be associated with one or more of the components that connect the pushchair to a bicycle, so that the suspension arrangement may absorb impact resulting from moving the pushchair over uneven terrain. This arrangement preferably reduces the intensity of impact-induced stress concentrations in the pushchair frame, as well as preferably providing enhanced comfort for the infant.

The pushchair may further comprise a harness and/ or carrying straps or handles, to allow the pushchair to be carried either in a back-pack arrangement, over the shoulder or by hand. Said harness or carrying straps or handles may comprise webbing formed from nylon or any other suitable materials and is most preferably padded to afford maximum comfort for the user.

The pushchair preferably comprises at least one storage feature, which may be a pocket or compartment and/ or provide for additional storage capacity, such as for example, the ability to receive a mobile phone holder, a bottle holder or other such accessory holder.

It will further be appreciated that the pushchair may be adapted to receive other accessories, including but not limited to a rain cover, and that such accessories will be adapted to ensure that the functionality of the pushchair as described herein is accommodated.

The invention will now be described further by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which;

Figure 1 shows a side view of the pushchair 31 in the wheel-able configuration and; Figure 2 shows a side view of the pushchair 31 in the back-pack configuration and;

Figure 3 shows a side view of the pushchair 31 in the bicycle-compatible configuration.

Referring now to Figure 1, there is shown a side view of the pushchair 31 in the wheel-able configuration.

The seat frame comprises a U-shaped handle comprising metals, having a first component 1 and a second component 2 joined at the top of each component by a cross member 3. The cross member 3 comprises a cushioned or resilient grip material to provide a comfortable handle for the user to grip.

The first handle component 1 is connected to a side member 4 at a connection point 5. Said connection point 5 has a releasable locking mechanism that allows articulation of the first handle component 1 and the side member 4, so as to allow the handle to be moved into alternative configurations as necessary.

The second handle component 2 is similarly connected to a side member 6, located on the opposite side of the pushchair 31 to side member 1. The second handle component 2 and side member 6 articulate about a point 7, which comprises a releasable locking mechanism as with the first side member 4, to allow the handle to be aligned into an alternative configuration. The handle components 1 and 2 respectively, have telescopic portions which are releasable via a release mechanism and allow the handle height to be adjusted when the pushchair 31 is in the present configuration. Said telescopic portions are further utilised to extend the length of handle components 1 and 2, in particular when the pushchair 31 is in the bicycle-compatible configuration, to allow the pushchair 31 to be connected to the seat post 29 of the bicycle 28 without obstructing the rear wheel 30 of the bicycle 28, as shown in Figure 3.

The two side members 4 and 6, comprising metals, are further joined towards their respective bases by a further cross member 8 (not visible), also comprising metals. In combination, the two side members 4 and 6 form the main upright portion of the seat frame.

The seat member 9, comprising metals, supports the seat base 10 and is connected to the two side members 4 and 6 respectively at connection points 11 and 12 respectively (12 not shown on Figure 1). Said connection points comprise a releasable locking mechanism that allows the seat member 9 to be folded when the pushchair 31 is in the storage/ transportation configuration.

The seat member 9 and side member 4 are further releasably attached to a supporting member 13, which provides a supportive side bar for the infant whilst the pushchair 31 is in use and further provides structural strength to the pushchair 31 arrangement.

The seat member 9 has a cushioned seat cover over the seat base 10, designed to afford comfort and support to the infant during use of the pushchair 31. The seat base 10 and cushioned seat cover further extends upward against the back support 14 of the pushchair 31 to provide maximum comfort. It is envisaged that the cushioned seat cover can be removed from the seat member 9 if necessary, such as for example for cleaning purposes. In the present embodiment, the cushioned seat cover comprises fabric, however it will be appreciated that alternative materials may be used including but not limited to leather.

The seat member 9 further comprises a footplate 15 designed to support the infant's feet whilst in the pushchair 31. The footplate 15 is located in a fixed position on the underside of the seat member 9, however in alternative embodiments, said footplate 15 may be removable and/ or adjustable.

Said footplate 15, comprising metals, further comprises a pair of opposing side members joined by a substantially perpendicularly arranged cross member. The footplate 15 may further comprise a plate that joins the two side members 4 and 6 respectively to provide a solid surface on which an infant may rest their feet.

In addition to providing support for the infant's feet during transportation, the footplate 15 also serves as a stability device by preventing excessive tilting forward of the pushchair 31.

The pushchair 31 further comprises a back support 14, comprising cushioned nylon fabric or any other suitable material including but not limited to leather. Said back support 14 is in direct communication with the seat base 10 and further comprises a pocket 32 that may be suitable for carrying a laptop although it will be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, storage pockets may be located in alternative locations on the pushchair 31. The pocket 32 on the backrest 14 further comprises a smaller pocket 33 which provides additional storage capacity for smaller items, including but not limited to a mobile phone or purse. Located at the base of the back support 14 and side members 4 and 6 respectively, there is a stabilising member 16. Said stabilising member 16, comprising metals, further comprises a pair of opposing side members 17 and 18 respectively, joined by a substantially perpendicularly arranged cross member 19.

Said stabilising member 16 is located at an angle, most optimally 45° relative to a horizontal plane and prevents the pushchair 31 from excessively tilting backwards during use and when the pushchair 31 is stationary. Said stabilising member 16 further comprises a resilient grip underside which provides additional traction when it is placed in contact with the ground when the pushchair 31 is self-supporting in the upright wheel-able configuration.

Said stabilising member 16 is also capable of being arranged at alternative angles, including but not limited to being stowed away underneath the seat member 9 of the pushchair 31, so as not to cause an obstruction when the pushchair 31 is configured in the alternative arrangements.

In combination, the stability functionality of the footplate 15 and stabilising member 16 enable the pushchair 31 to be self-supporting when said pushchair 31 is in the upright configuration.

The side member 4 further comprises an attachment to connect a wheel 20 to the base of the side member 4. A further wheel 20 is connected in the same manner to the opposing side member 6. In the present embodiment, the two wheels are connected by common axle (not shown) to provide simultaneous rotation of the wheels, however it is to be appreciated that in certain embodiments, said wheels may not be connected via a common axle and may therefore be capable of independent rotation. In the present embodiment, the wheel 20 is connected at point 21 to the common axle (not shown) which is then further connected to the other wheel 20 on the opposite side of the pushchair 31.

The wheels of the pushchair 31 comprise a sturdy construction and grip feature to increase traction and the ability of the pushchair 31 to negotiate challenging terrain.

It will be appreciated that the present invention comprising a two-wheeled arrangement, significantly enhances the ability for the pushchair 31 to navigate a variety of terrain, including but not limited to sand, uneven surfaces and loose stones.

Referring now to Figure 2 the pushchair 31 is shown in the back-pack configuration.

In order to convert the pushchair 31 into the back-pack configuration, the handle release mechanism located at points 5 and 7 are activated via a button or other such means to allow the handle arrangement, comprising components 1, 2, and 3, to fold down against the back of the pushchair 31, adjacent to the edges of the back support 14. The handle arrangement is then locked into place by a locking means that engages the handle arrangement with the main body of the seat frame.

The stabilising member 16 is folded underneath the seat member 9 of the pushchair 31 by activating release mechanisms located towards the base of the side members 4 and 6 respectively. The stabilising member 16 is then secured into position underneath the seat member 9 by means of a locking or other such fastening mechanism to prevent said stabilising member 16 from protruding towards the carer's body whilst the pushchair 31 is being carried as a back-pack.

The present embodiment comprises two shoulder straps 22 attachable to points adjacent to the release mechanism points 5 and 7 respectively on the main seat frame. Said shoulder straps 22 are further directly attached to a fabric panel 23 that joins the two shoulder straps 22 together, to provide a secure harness arrangement on which to support the pushchair 31 in its back-pack configuration. The harness arrangement is secured around the body of the infant's carer by means of an adjustable strap 24 having a releasable clip.

It is to be appreciated that the harness attached to the pushchair 31 to allow it to be carried in a back-pack arrangement, may be either fixed or removable.

Said harness comprises in the present embodiment, strong webbing materials comprising nylon or other such suitable fabrics. Said webbing harness further comprises padding so as to provide maximum comfort for the wearer when carrying the pushchair 31 in the back-pack configuration.

With the pushchair 31 in its present configuration, it is possible to securely carry an infant using the pushchair 31 in a back-pack arrangement, thus dispensing with the requirement for a separate carrying harness to carry the infant in. Furthermore, the present configuration also prevents a carer from having to carry an infant and pushchair 31 separately, such as for example, over uneven terrain. The child and pushchair 31 can be carried easily and safely on the carer's back, leaving the carer's hands free to carry additional items if required, or to hold onto a safety rail or other such support structure to assist with balance. Referring now to Figure 3 there is shown a side view of the pushchair 31 in the bicycle- compatible configuration.

The pushchair 31 is attached to a bicycle 28 via the seat post 29 and rear wheel axle 27. The handle arrangement of the pushchair 31 is connected to the seat post 29 of the bicycle 28, by firstly, releasing the locking mechanism that secures the telescopic portions of the handle components 1 and 2 respectively. This allows the handle to be adjusted to lengthen the handle components 1 and 2 so that the pushchair 31 may be placed directly behind the bicycle 28, without obstructing the rear wheel 30. The central handle component (cross member) 3 is placed over the seat post 29, to secure the top of the pushchair 31 to the bicycle 28. The handle components 1 and 2 are capable of articulation at their respective connection points on the components 5 and 7 of the seat frame and further comprise a suspension arrangement (not shown) to absorb excessive movement of the pushchair in relation to the bicycle when negotiating uneven terrain.

The pushchair 31 is further secured towards the base by means of a connecting member 25 that connects each side member 4,6, respectively, to the rear wheel axle 27 of the bicycle 28, via a connection point 26. The connecting member 25 lies adjacent to the outside aspect of the rear wheel 30 so as to maintain wheel clearance whilst the pushchair 31 is connected to the bicycle. Said connecting member 25 comprises metals in the present embodiment and further comprises a suspension arrangement (not shown) to absorb impact resulting from the pushchair 31 and bicycle 28 negotiating uneven terrain. When not in use, the connecting member 25 is retained on the inside aspect of each side member 4 and 6 respectively, via a fastening means (not shown).

The pushchair 31 is also capable of being folded up into a compact storage configuration (not illustrated in the attached figures). In this configuration, the pushchair 31 may be easily stowed away due to its compact form, but furthermore, may also be used as a storage means itself, such as for example as a laptop storage case, by utilising pockets or other such storage means within the pushchair arrangement 31. In the present embodiment, the back rest 14 comprises a pocket 32 that may be suitable for carrying a laptop although it will be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, storage pockets may be located in alternative locations on the pushchair 31. The pocket 32 on the backrest 14 further comprises a smaller pocket 33 which provides additional storage capacity for smaller items, including but not limited to a mobile phone or purse.

When the pushchair 31 is in the storage configuration, it is possible to carry the pushchair 31 using a carrying strap or handle (not shown), or alternatively, the pushchair 31 may be wheeled along using the handle arrangement. In this configuration, the carrying strap or handle (not shown) is padded to provide additional comfort and is attachable to points 5 and 7 respectively on the seat frame. It will of course be appreciated that further attachment points may be alternatively located on the seat frame so as to allow the pushchair 31 to be carried in a variety of manners.

It is of course to be understood that the invention is not intended to be restricted to the details of the embodiments described above which are described by way of example only.