The invention to which this application relates is to an improved form of perambulator, hereinafter referred to as a pram or pushchair. Prams and pushchairs are well known for use in transporting babies and small infants. The pram or pushchair typically comprises a plurality of wheels fixed to a frame and the frame supports thereon, a seat or cot in which the child is located and typically retained by one or more straps.

The conventional prams or pushchairs, typically can be folded between in use and storage positions but even then the conventional prams or pushchairs which are collapsible to a storage condition, can only be collapsed to a size which is still relatively bulky and difficult to carry. When one considers that in many cases the purpose of moving the same to a storage condition is for the pram to be carried, such as, for example, when an older child of walking age wishes to walk, or when the terrain over which the pram would have to be moved is too rough or bumpy, or when the child is required to be removed from the pushchair for security purposes such as when travelling through airports, then the bulky form of the pram or pushchair is undesirable. Younger walking children have weaker legs but their inquisitive nature means they want to walk everywhere to explore and to be more independent on their own two feet. However, they soon become tired and want to rest their legs. An accompanying adult has as a consequence to provide an empty pushchair, carry the child, or alternatively wear a 'papoose' baby carrier until the child wishes to walk again. This means that the parent can end up having to carry prams or pushchairs which may only be used for a fraction of the time. Typically, the movement from the in use condition to a storage condition brings the wheels together and the seat is collapsed but the overall length of many pushchairs is still largely the same as when in the in use condition and even those which do shorten in length to some extent, still have an overall pushchair size which is bulky in both conditions and therefore the long term carrying of the same is impractical and uncomfortable for an adult.

The aim of the present invention is therefore to provide a pushchair or pram which can be moved efficiently between storage and in-use conditions and, yet further, to ensure that the storage condition is sufficiently small so as to make the transport of the same practical.

In a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a pushchair or pram which is movable between an in use condition and a storage condition, said pushchair or pram including a seating or lying portion for the reception of a child thereon when the pushchair is in an in-use condition, a plurality of wheels, and a frame on which the wheels and seat are located and wherein said pushchair or pram, when in a storage condition, can be retained as part of a bag to be carried.

Typically the bag includes means to allow said bag, and the pushchair or pram therein, to be carried. In one embodiment, the bag takes the form of a rucksack with straps to allow the same to be supported on the shoulders and back of a person.

In one embodiment, the bag is provided so as to be attached as part of the pushchair or pram when the same is in in-use and storage conditions. Typically the frame and seating or lying portion is wholly enclosed within the bag.

In one embodiment, in order to move the pushchair between in- use and storage conditions, the frame members are relatively movable and the seat or lying portion is collapsible.

Typically, the frame includes a rear upright section and a base section and the frame is movable about a plurality of pivot locations. In one embodiment the axes of said pivot locations are substantially parallel and the movement about the axes is performed sequentially when moving the frame and hence pram or pushchair between storage and in-use conditions.

In one embodiment, the movement of the frame between storage and in-use conditions is a three stage process, with a first movement of part of the frame about a first pivot location axis and then, subsequently, a second movement of the frame about a second pivot location axis and a third movement of the frame about a third pivot location axis.

Typically, the subsequent movement about the second and third pivot location axes, when moving the frame from an in-use condition to a storage condition, can only be completed when the rotational movement about the preceding axis is substantially completed.

In one embodiment, the frame incorporates first and second linearly movable members located at the rear of the frame and typically adjacent the first pivot location axis, one of said members including reception means for the other member, said member linearly movable into said reception means as the frame is moved about said first pivot axis to an in-use condition. The movement of said member into said reception means, effectively forms and secures the rear upright section of the frame of the pushchair or pram.

Typically, once the said member is engaged in the reception means to a substantial extent, the movement of the frame about the second pivot location axis is possible to extend the base section of the frame of the pram or pushchair away from the rear section of the frame and rotation about a third pivot location axis extends the pushchair or pram fully to the in-use condition.

Typically, to move the pushchair or pram from the in-use condition to the storage condition, the first movement is about the third pivot location axis and then the second pivot location axis to retract the base section of the frame and then subsequently, about the first pivot location axis to remove the member from the reception means and collapse the rear section of the frame.

In one embodiment, the frame, when in the in-use condition includes gaps to each side of the rear wheels so as to allow reception of a person's feet when walking and pushing the pushchair and hence reduce the chances of the person's feet contacting with the pushchair frame.

Typically, in order to release the pushchair from the in-use condition to the storage condition, at least one release means is required to be actuated. In one embodiment the at least one release means is located adjacent to the first pivot location axis and, when actuated, allows relative movement of the said member with respect to the reception means.

Typically there is provided a secondary release means in the form typically of a swing release catch or latch which holds frame members together and, if the first release means fails the secondary release means maintains the pushchair in its in use condition

In one embodiment, the frame is provided in attachment with the bag into which the same is moved when in a storage condition. In one embodiment, at least one retaining means is provided so as to retain the frame within the bag when in the storage condition.

In one embodiment, the seat or lying portion is held in tension when in the in-use condition and said tension preferably acts to help retain the frame in the in-use condition.

Preferably, the seat or lying portion is removable from the frame so as to allow the same to be washed. In addition or alternatively the seat may include a portion, such as a padded portion, which is removable from the remainder of the seat.

In one embodiment, the frame rear section has an aperture through which at least part of the seating or lying portion can be moved so as to allow the angle of the back of the seating or lying portion to be adjusted.

In one embodiment, the handles are telescopic thereby allowing the handle to be range taking for use by persons of different height. This telescopic movement also allows the pushchair to fold more compactly inside the backpack.

In one embodiment, the frame incorporates brace members which serve to brace the rear section of the frame against impact.

In one embodiment of the invention, the pushchair or pram incorporates lighting, said lighting either selectively operable by the user of the pram and/or operable by means of a sensor which detects when light conditions have deteriorated to a predetermined level and which automatically switch on the lighting function or, if light conditions improve, switch off the lighting function. The lighting function can be used to indicate more clearly the presence of the pushchair or pram when in an in-use condition, and in one embodiment is provided at the front of the pram or pushchair and/or in advance of the seating position of the infant or child in the pram or pushchair.

In one embodiment, the apparatus further includes a thermal insulated reception means for location of bottles or containers therein in which, for example, a baby or infant's milk may be carried.

In one embodiment the seating or lying portion may include a portion which can be selectively moved through part of the back rest and supported at that position to allow a lying position to be established.

In one embodiment the seating or lying portion can be provided with a padded seating portion. In one embodiment this portion is removable from the seating or lying portion.

In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a pram or pushchair wherein the pushchair or pram incorporates lighting which can be selectively operated by the user of the pram or pushchair and/or by means of a sensor which detects the light conditions in which the pram or pushchair is being used.

In a yet further aspect of the invention there is provided a frame for a pushchair or pram, said frame supporting a plurality of wheels thereon and allowing the support of a lying or seating portion thereon, said frame comprising a plurality of members and a plurality of pivot locations, wherein the said frame can be moved between storage and in-use conditions by sequential movement of the frame about the said pivot locations.

Typically, the frame includes a rear upright section and a base section and the frame is movable about a plurality of pivot locations. In one embodiment the axes of said pivot locations are substantially parallel and the movement about the axes is performed sequentially when moving the frame and hence pram or pushchair between storage and in-use conditions.

In one embodiment, the movement of the frame between storage and in-use conditions is a three stage process, with a first movement of part of the frame about a first pivot location axis and then, subsequently, a second movement of the frame about a second pivot location axis and a third movement of the frame about a third pivot location axis.

Typically, the subsequent movement about the second and third pivot location axes, when moving the frame from an in-use condition to a storage condition, can only be completed when the rotational movement about the preceding axis is substantially completed.

In one embodiment, the frame incorporates first and second linearly movable members located at the rear of the frame and typically adjacent the first pivot location axis, one of said members including reception means for the other member, said member linearly movable into said reception means as the frame is moved about said first pivot axis to an in-use condition. The movement of said member into said reception means, effectively forms and secures the rear upright section of the frame of the pushchair or pram. Typically, once the said member is engaged in the reception means to a substantial extent, the movement of the frame about the second pivot location axis is possible to extend the base section of the frame of the pram or pushchair away from the rear section of the frame and rotation about a third pivot location axis extends the pushchair or pram fully to the in-use condition.

Typically, to move the pushchair or pram from the in-use condition to the storage condition, the first movement is about the third pivot location axis and then the second pivot location axis to retract the base section of the frame and then subsequently, about the first pivot location axis to remove the member from the reception means and collapse the rear section of the frame.

In one embodiment, the frame, when in the in-use condition includes gaps to each side of the rear wheels so as to allow reception of a person's feet when walking and pushing the pushchair and hence reduce the chances of the person's feet contacting with the pushchair frame.

Typically, in order to release the pushchair from the in-use condition to the storage condition, at least one release means is required to be actuated. In one embodiment the at least one release means is located adjacent to the first pivot location axis and, when actuated, allows relative movement of the said member with respect to the reception means.

Typically there is provided a secondary release means in the form typically of a swing release catch or latch which holds frame members together and, if the first release means fails the secondary release means maintains the pushchair in its in use condition In one embodiment, the frame is provided in attachment with a bag into which the same is moved when in a storage condition. In one embodiment, at least one retaining means is provided so as to retain the frame within the bag when in the storage condition.

Specific embodiments of the invention are now described with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:-

Figure 1 illustrates a pushchair in accordance with one embodiment of the invention in an in-use condition;

Figure 2 illustrates the pushchair of Figure 1 with the seat or portion of the seat removed;

Figures 3a to f illustrate the stages of movement of the pushchair or pram between in-use and storage conditions in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

Figure 4 illustrates the frame of the pushchair or pram in accordance with one embodiment of the invention with the seating and bag removed;

Figure 5 illustrates a further feature of the invention;

Figure 6 illustrates a perspective view of a further embodiment of the invention;

Figure 7 illustrates the frame and seat or lying portion of the embodiment of Figure 6 separated;

Figure 8 illustrates the frame of the embodiment of Figure 6 in an in-use condition; and Figures 9 and 10 illustrate the movement of the frame of Figure 8 towards a storage condition.

Referring firstly to Figure 1 there is illustrated a pushchair or pram 2 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The pushchair or pram incorporates a seating or lying portion 4 which is mounted on a frame indicated by the general reference 6 which, in turn, includes wheels 8 which allow the pushchair or pram to be moved along the surface. The frame also includes a handle portion 10 which can be telescopically moved as indicated by arrow 12. The seat or lying portion 4 can include a padded portion 14.. The seating or lying portion 4 can be selectively removed from the frame as shown in Figure 2 by the release from securing points 16, 18 on the handle portion and 20, 22 on the frame portion. This allows the seat or lying portion to be removed for cleaning as required. There is also provided an aperture 24 in the frame which allows the back rest portion 26 of the seat or lying portion to be selectively moved as indicated by arrow 29 thereby allowing the angle of the back rest portion 26 of the seat to be adjusted to suit particular requirements.

Turning now to Figures 3a to f, the manner in which the pram or pushchair 2 can be moved between an in-use condition and storage condition is illustrated. For ease of illustration, the seat or lying portion 4 is removed and not shown, although it should be appreciated that it is intended that the seat or lying portion 4 be retained in position with the frame, and moves with the frame, during movement between storage and in-use conditions.

Figure 3a illustrates the frame 6 in an in-use condition and illustrates three pivot locations 28, 30 and 32. In this condition, the frame is locked in position thereby preventing the same from moving or collapsing. However, when it is desired to move the pushchair to a storage condition, the user first operates a release means in the form of latch 81 which releases the frame and then operates the further release means 38, 40 shown in Figure 4. In one embodiment the release means 38, 40 include one or more pins that lock in place when the pushchair is open fully. The provision of the type of release means can vary and in certain circumstances or designs the release means 81 may not be provided. Figures lla-f illustrate various examples of release means and will be described subsequently.

With the release means released, the user can then pivot the rear section 36 of the frame about pivot location axis 32 as indicated by arrow 42 in Figure 3b, to move the frame to the position shown in Figure 3c. This also acts, via frame members 46, to bring the rear wheels 8' together as shown in Figure 3c.

This moves the rear section 36 towards the base section 48 of the frame. Subsequent movement of the frame about pivot location axis 30 allows the front portion 48' of the base section 48 of the frame to be folded as indicated by arrow 50 to bring the wheels 8" thereon substantially into line with the wheels 8' on the rear section of the frame as shown in Figures 3d and e.

Finally, rotation of the frame about axis 28 as indicated by arrow 52 in Figure 3d causes the rear section 36 to be split into two. Thus in operation, the rotation about axis 32 works against levers 74 and 76 and acts to split the top part 79 from the rear upright section 36 as the main metal stem or member 80 is withdrawn back through part 79 like a sliding bolt. The act of levers 74 /76 on the rear section 36 causes the separation of part 79 from the part 82 and the attached stem or member 80 to the point at which it is no longer located within the reception means inside member or part 79, thus allowing it to pivot freely about pivot location axis 28 and the two parts 79, 82 part by rotating on pivot location axis 28. The act of the leverage lift on the rear uprights section 36 by the action of the levers 74,76 simultaneously causes a scissor action, and members 46 pivot and pull the rear wheel legs 83 inwards which allows the frame to fold.

As the buggy is folding and is moved about pivot location axis 32 so that the end of base section 48 meets the section 36, it allows part 79 to be lifted clear and beyond base section 48 so that it can move about pivot location axis 28 about nearly 180 degrees to lie over base section 48 and nest everything neatly away and as it does so moving the frame and seating or lying portion attached thereto into the bag 54.

To move the frame from the storage to in-use conditions the reverse process is followed in terms of movement about the respective pivot location axes and the sequence of the same.

With the frame in the storage condition shown in Figure 3e, the same can be retained within the bag 54 which is located as part of the frame and a flap 56 can be moved as indicated by arrow 58 in Figure 3e to enclose the frame and seat or lying portion within the bag. Figure 3f shows the rear view of the bag and shows how the same can be used as a rucksack with shoulder straps 60.

Figure 4 illustrates the frame only and also illustrates how further components can be fitted to the frame, namely thermal fabric bottle stores 62 can be engaged on frame members as can other bottle clips and other retaining means as required. The thermal bottle storage shown in fig 4, is positioned such that the pushchair can be folded to the final storage condition with the bottle storage still engaged on the frame. It is intended that the thermal bottle storage can be directly accessible whether the pushchair is in storage or in an in-use position, without having to move the frame between positions. The frame also includes brace members 66 which serve to resist the impact of bumps or knocks on the rear section 36 and hence maintain the frame in an in-use position. The lever arms 74, 76 are shown which, as described previously assist in the movement of the frame between storage and in-use conditions.

It is also shown in Figure 5 how a lighting function can be provided which can be used, in poor light, to indicate the location of the pushchair or pram to onlookers and typically, this lighting function will be fitting to the front of the pushchair or pram. In one embodiment, the same is electrically operated by an on/off switch operated by the user or, alternatively, a sensor may be provided so as to allow the automatic switching on and off of the lighting function when particular light conditions are detected.

Figures 6- 10 illustrate a further embodiment of the invention in which the same reference numerals have been used to denote the same or similar components.

In this embodiment the seat or lying portion 4 has a part 100 which can be released and moved rearwardly to form a back rest at an angle which can be determined by the user and catches or other locating means can be used to retain the part 100 at the desired position. The frame 6 includes a rear upright section 36 and a base section 48. The rear upright section can split into two parts 79 and 82 and the front part 48' of the base section can be pivotally moved so as to allow the frame to be moved between storage and in use conditions. Figure 7 shows how the seat or lying portion 4 can be separated from the frame 6 and how the frame also includes the bag forming portion 54 into which the frame and seat or lying portion, when in the storage condition, is located and retained. Figure 8 shows the frame 6 in the in use condition and illustrates the pivot locations 28, 30, 32 about which the frame is moved to move the same between in use and storage conditions. With the release means released the frame can be moved about pivot location axis as shown in Figure 9 to move the base section 48 and rear upright section 32 towards each other. As shown in Figure 10 the base section can be moved about pivot location axis 30 to move the part 48' of the base section 48 towards the section 36 as indicated by arrow 102. The movement about these two axes also causes the member 103 to be released from the reception means 105 provided in the part 79 and hence allow movement of the part 79 about pivot location axis 28 as indicated by arrow 104 so that the part 79 lies around the base 48 and the frame is now of a size to be accommodated in bag 54.

To move the frame to the in use condition the part 79 is moved about the pivot location axis 28 so as to be in line with the part 82 of the rear upright section and then movement about the axes 30, 32 and, as this occurs, the member 103 of the rear upright section is moved into the reception means 105 of the part 79 so as to secure the frame in the in use condition once again.

Turning now to Figures l l a-f there are illustrated examples of release means which can be used for the operation of the upright section. In Figure H a one locking pin 107 is provided on the part which, when the frame is in the in use position engages with the aperture 109 in the reception means of part 79. The pin is typically biased to an extended position so as to move into the aperture when the frame is erected. Figure H b again utilises a single locking pin 107 albeit in a different position on the member 80 as shown. The location of the aperture 109 on the reception means of part 79 is altered accordingly. Figure H c illustrates the frame back section in an exploded form and also in the in use position with again a single pin 107 being provided for location in aperture 109. In this case the pin and aperture are provided on the side wall and Figure H d shows a further variation in the position of the pin and aperture 107, 109. Figures l i e and f illustrate further embodiments of the arrangement show in Figure H a in which the pin 107 is positioned further along the member 80 and the aperture 109 is positioned appropriately on the part 79. In each case, it is preferred that rather than the user having to press the pin inwardly to release the same from the aperture 109 and hence release the frame for it to be moved to the storage position, that a user actuable lever or handle be provided which is located to be more easily usable by the user and typically provides a mechanical advantage to allow the pin to be moved inwardly and hence release the frame parts for subsequent movement.

There is therefore provided in accordance with the invention a pram or pushchair which when in the in-use condition can be used to provide secure transport for a child and which can be moved to a storage condition in which the pushchair or pram is reduced in size to a sufficient extent so as to allow the same to be carried conveniently and comfortably on the person thereby allowing the person's hands to be free to hold or support the child.