A perambulator

The present invention relates to a manually operated vehicle, preferably for passenger transport, comprising a chassis unit with a bottom frame, two legs and a carrier frame configured with carrier means for temporary accommodation of a person, preferably a child; wherein said bottom frame comprises a first and a second end profile, two parallel lateral profiles having a longitudinal direction; and wherein two wheels are in connection with each lateral profile, said wheels being configured turnably with a direction of rotation in parallel with the longitudinal direction of the lateral profile.

Such manually operated vehicle is known from eg GB 2 324 510 A describing a perambulator which may be configured for transporting a person and preferably a child in both a lying and a sitting position.

A manually operated vehicle, preferably for passenger transport, is found in various configurations, and mostly they are equipped with the functionality that they must be collapsible, eg for being temporarily accommodated in the trunk of a car. It is therefore known to equip the chassis unit of the vehicle/perambulator with a releasable cot and dismountable wheels in order to thereby provide a collapsible chassis unit that takes up only little space when collapsed. It is a characterising feature of the major part of the known manually operated vehicles, however, that, in the situation when they are to be packed and arranged eg in the trunk of a car, they are either too bulky in their packed state or are unnecessarily complex to pack.

A manually operated vehicle which is more easily collapsed is known from

GB 1 600 738, where the lateral profiles carrying the wheels can be bent to a position underneath the plane of the vehicle. Thereby the wheels are laid down to the effect that a smaller height of the collapsed perambulator can be

accomplished without dismounting the wheels. In order to enable that procedure, the frame carrying the wheels is, however, open at one end.

It is the object of the invention to provide a manually operated vehicle, preferably for passenger transport, which is easily and readily packed and, in particular, takes up very little space in a packed state, while simultaneously it has a mechanically robust and stable construction.

According to the invention, this is obtained by the manually operated vehicle according to the characterising part of claim 1 , whereby it is accomplished that the wheels on each lateral profile can simultaneously be folded to a position underneath the plane defined between the lateral profiles. It is thereby possible in a simple and uncomplicated manner to considerably reduce the bulk of the vehicle compared to a non-packed state. The frame carrying the wheels consists of two lateral profiles and a first and a second end piece. Thus a closed bottom frame is concerned which has good mechanical stability.

Advantageous embodiments will appear from the subclaims.

In the following the invention will be described in further detail with reference to the drawing, wherein:

Figure 1A is a perspective view of a manually operated vehicle with frame for cot;

Figure 1 B shows the manually operated vehicle shown in Figure 1A in collapsed state;

Figures 2A and 2B are sectional views of a hinge fitting 20;

Figure 3 shows one embodiment of the mechanism for locking the lateral profile 11 ;

Figures 4A and 4B show a detail of the connection between lateral profile and wheel fitting;

Figures 5A and 5B show one embodiment of the mechanism for braking the manually operated vehicle.

Thus, Figure 1A shows a manually operated vehicle 1 , preferably for passenger transport and in particular for transporting a child, and in the following designated a perambulator 1 in accordance with a particularly advantageous use.

The perambulator 1 comprises a chassis unit 10 with a rectangular bottom frame 9, which bottom frame 9 comprises two parallel lateral profiles (11) that are, by use of suitable fittings 20, 21 , are connected to a first end profile 12 and a second end profile 13, respectively.

Preferably the lateral profiles 11 are circular and comprise two ends 11a and 11 b at which the lateral profiles are turnably configured about a longitudinal direction L. At the ends 11a, 11b, means are also provided that ensure that the lateral profiles 11 can be turned about the longitudinal direction L and also secures the lateral profile 11 against movement in the longitudinal direction L. Between the lateral profiles 11 an essentially horizontal plane is defined in parallel with the supporting surface for the wheels (eg the road/pavement). Moreover, the lateral profiles 11 can support a bottom plate 50 which, in addition to functioning as recipient for luggage such as eg a bag, further contributes to the bracing of the bottom frame 9. The bottom plate 50 may have tubular bushings through which the lateral profiles 11 extend to enable them to turn freely.

The first end profile 12 is connected to the lateral profiles 11 at the ends 11a by means of a particular hinge fitting 20 which also comprises hinge means by which the leg 40 can be moved and angled in relation to the lateral profile 11. The hinge fitting 20 is configured to enable the leg 40 to be moved a certain angle section between eg 0° and 60° compared to the lateral profile. In the Figure the angle is, in the use position, indicated by the designation "V". Moreover the hinge fitting comprises releasable locking means for securing the leg 40 in a predefined angle relative to the lateral profile 11. In extension of the legs 40, a bow handle 44 extends that comprises two side bars 43 that are configured telescopically to slide within the legs 40. The bow handle 44 is intended for manoeuvring/operating the perambulator 1.

A carrier frame 42 for positioning of a carrier element, preferably a cot (not shown) intended for accommodating a child to be transported in the perambulator, is further adjustably secured to a scissor fitting 41 by means of a not shown fitting. Said fitting is configured for allowing an angling of the carrier frame and securing of the carrier frame in any desired angle compared to the horizontal. The carrier element is configured to transport the child while in an either lying position, when the carrier frame is adjusted essentially horizontally, or angling of the carrier frame enables the carrier frame to allow the child to be transported in a sitting position, like in a stroller, by a simple configuration.

Figure 1 B shows the perambulator 1 in collapsed state. It will appear that the height of the perambulator is, in this state, constituted essentially by the thickness of the wheels 22, the diameter of the lateral profiles 11 and the diameter of the legs 40. Collapsing of the perambulator 1 may take place eg when the mechanism(s) locking the position of legs 40 and bow handle 44 is/are released, whereby the legs 40 can be laid down, ie they go from having

the angle V relative to the lateral profile 11 to being approximately in parallel with the lateral profile 11.

In the following reference is made to Figure 2A and 2B that show a section of the hinge fitting 20 in connection with cooperating parts for lateral profile 11 and leg 40, respectively.

As will appear from Figure 2B, the hinge fitting 20 comprises a first and a second part 63, 64 configured for being tumable relative to each other about a central axis indicated by the designation "C". Each part 63, 64 is configured with a first and a second shaft pin 66a, 66b intended for engagement with the lateral profile 11 and the leg 40, respectively. Essentially perpendicular to the shaft pins 66a, 66b, a third part 69 extends which is rotatably stable relative to said first and second part 63, 64, wherein said third part 69 is intended for mounting of the first end profile 12 of the bottom frame.

At a first end 11a, the lateral profile 11 is intended for being immovably journalled in a bushing 62 extending within the lateral profile 11. The bushing is divided in the longitudinally extending parts and comprises an upper and a lower part. The bushing 62 is in turnable engagement with the protruding shaft pin 66 and comprises an interior, longitudinally extending recess 65 configured for cooperating with a displaceable, longitudinally extending locking plate 71 which, upon displacement into the recess 65, provides a locking of the lateral profile 11 against rotation about an centre axis in parallel with the longitudinal axis L.

The locking plate 71 is connected to a flexible, inelastic wire (not shown) which is also secured interiorly of the respective leg 40 to the effect that a change in the angling between lateral profile 11 and leg 40 brings about a displacement of the locking plate 71 in the recess 65. It will thereby be understood that an increased angling of the leg 40 relative to the lateral

profile 11 will cause the locking plate 71 to be shifted into the recess 5 and provide fixation of the lateral profile 11 against turning about the longitudinal axis L. A helical spring 74 is configured for applying a pressure force on the locking plate, whereby the locking plate will, in the use situation, be in engagement with the recess 65 in the bushing 62. By simultaneous engagement with the releasable locking means (not shown) for securing the leg 40 in the predetermined angle, reliable securing is established of the lateral profile 11 and hence the wheel 22 in the use situation.

Figure 3 shows a further preferred locking mechanism for ensuring locking of the lateral profile 11 against rotation about a centre axis CL in parallel with the longitudinal axis L. This locking will thus secure the wheels 22 in their driving position and prevent the wheels 22 from unintentionally folding to their position underneath the perambulator. In this locking mechanism, the second part 64' of the hinge fitting 20 is provided with a longitudinally extending aperture 75. In this aperture 75 a wire 72 is provided, on the one hand, which is connected to the first part 63' of the hinge fitting 20 and, on the other, a locking bar 70 is provided which is preferably square and continues out of the second part 64' of the hinge fitting 20 and into the cavity 79. The cavity 79 is delimited by the tubular member 100 and is open at the one end, into which the second part 64' of the hinge fitting is tumably arranged. The tubular member 100 is able to rotate about its axial axis and is connected to a lateral profile 11.

At the bottom of the cavity 9, an aperture 76 is provided which extends into the tubular member 100 and comprises a first part 76a which is preferably circular. In extension of the first part 76a, the aperture 76 continues into another part 76b with a smaller cross-sectional are and which is preferably square. The dimensions of the aperture part 76b and the locking bar 70 are adapted to each other to the effect that the locking bar 70 is able slide back and forth in the axial direction within the aperture 76; however, when the

locking bar 70 is in the aperture 76b, the tubular member 100 is unable to rotate. Thereby the lateral profile is also prevented from rotating.

When the leg 40 is arranged at the angle V and the perambulator is unfolded for use, a spring 74a will exert pressure on an abutment flange 77 on the locking bar 70 and press it into the aperture 76b, thereby locking the position of the lateral profile.

When the bow handle 44 is released and pushed inwards and the leg 40 ist turned clockwise (in Figure 3) about the hinge fitting 20, the first part 63' of the hinge fitting will also turn clockwise, whereby a pull is exerted in the wire 72 which pulls the locking bar 70 out of the aperture 76b. Now, the locking bar 70 will only enter the aperture 76a which has such dimensions as to enable the locking bar 70 and the tubular member 100 to rotate relative to each other, while still, however, maintaining the locking bar centred relative to the aperture 76b with a view for subsequent insertion there into. Thus, the lateral profile 11 will now be able to rotate, whereby the wheels 22 mounted on the lateral profile are able to turn 90°, thereby causing them to lie underneath the collapsed perambulator.

When the perambulator is again to be unfolded, the spring will turn the leg 40 and hence the first part 63' of the hinge fitting 20 counter-clockwise (in Figure 3). Thereby the wire 72 is loosened, causing the locking bar 70 to move from the first part 76a of the aperture 76 towards the second part 76b. However, the locking bar 70 will abut on the transition between the first part 76a and the second part 76b of the aperture 76, until the lateral profile 11 and hence the tubular member 100 are turned to a position in which the cross section of the locking bar 70 fits into the cross-section of the aperture 76b. In this position the spring 74a will press the locking bar 70 further into the second part 76b of the aperture 76, and lateral profile 11 with wheels 22 will be locked in driving position.

In the following reference is made to Figures 4A and 4B that show sectional views of the bottom frame 10 in the area at the right corner fitting 21. As will appear from the figure, a wheel fitting 23 is mounted on the lateral profile 11 which is intended for securing the wheel shaft (not shown) for the wheel 22. The wheel fitting 23 turns along with the lateral profile 11. The wheel fitting 23 has an expanse in a direction away from the lateral profile and it is, at a lower end, configured for receiving and securing said wheel shaft for the wheel 22. At a distance from the lateral profile, means 53 are provided on the wheel fitting 23 for securing the one end 55 of a gas spring 54. Other securing means are configured on the bottom plate 50 and serve to secure another end 56 of the gas spring 54. At the opposite lateral profile a further gas spring 54 is configured in a corresponding manner. Hereby the gas spring exerts a compression force between bottom plate 50 and wheel fitting 23 serving to secure the bottom plate 50 in a specific position relative to the horizontal, when the perambulator is in an unfolded use situation. Moreover the gas spring exerts a compression force on the wheel fitting 23, which pressure force contributes to tipping the wheels 22 out of vertical position when the lateral profile with wheel fittings 23 are unfolded, and contributes to securing the lateral profile and hence the wheel fitting 23 in a specific position (vertical) when the wheels 22 are tipped outwards and the perambulator is in unfolded use situation.

In the following, reference is made to Figures 5A and 5B for detailed description of the mechanism which is used to brake the perambulator to prevent it from rolling when left. Figure 5A shows the second end profile 13 of the perambulator in an opened state. To the one side a foot-operated handle

80 is shown which is in engagement with an exchange system 84. By means of the handle 80 and the exchange system 84 it is possible to tighten or loosen two inelastic wires, preferably of metal, that run within the end profile

13. The one wire runs from the exchange system one way in the end profile

13 via the one corner fitting 21 and onwards to a braking mechanism at the one wheel 22. The second wire runs the other way via the second corner fitting 21 and onwards to a braking mechanism at the second wheel. Both wires will be in the same state (tightened or loosened) simultaneously. This state will be decisive as to whether the braking mechanism is activated or whether it is not activated.

In Figure 5A the wheel fitting 23 is shown to the left in Figure 5A, while the wheel fitting 23 that should have been arranged to the right in the drawing was omitted to reveal an H-shaped transmission member 81 which is the central part of the braking mechanism. Likewise the lateral profile 11 was omitted to the right in Figure 5A so as to reveal the spring 83 and the block 82. The spring 83 and the block 82 are movable within the lateral profile 11. The wire that extends from the exchange system 84 via end profile 13 and corner fitting 21 to the braking mechanism will, when the wire is tightened, pull the spring 83 in the direction of the arrow a. The spring is coupled to the block 82 which is also pulled in the direction of the arrow a. Thereby the block 82 will push with its sloping face 82a against the sloping face 81a on the one of the bars 81 b of the H-shaped member which passes through a aperture in the lateral profile 11 , thereby enabling it to slide towards the sloping face 82a on the block 82. When the block 82 is pulled by the wire in the direction of the arrow a, the H-shaped member will be pressed in the direction of the arrow b. The second bar 81c on the H-shaped member will be moved in the same direction. Since the uppermost part of the bar 81c engages with the wheel 22, a movement of the bar 81c in the direction of the arrow b could contribute to the wheel becoming freely tumable.

This means that, when the wire is tightened, the block 82 will press the H- shaped member downwards, and the wheel 22 is freely tumable.

Oppositely, when it is desired that the wheel 22 be braked and not freely turnable, the wire is to be loosened by means of the handle 80 and the exchange system 84. Thereby the spring 83 will press the block 82 in the direction of the arrow a, whereby the block 82 no longer keeps the H-shaped member pressed downwards. Thereby the spring 85 will press the H-shaped member in the direction of the arrow b, whereby the bar 81c of the H-shaped member is pressed against the wheel rim 22 and hence brakes or prevents the wheel 22 from turning. One option is to provide the wheel rim with a corrugated inner side 90 provided with a number of crests 91 and valleys 92, whereby the bar 81c of the H-shaped member 81 can be pressed into a valley 92 and hence lock the position of the wheel 22.

Typically, a braking mechanism will be provided at each of the two wheels, arranged most proximate the bow handle 44. The two braking mechanisms will usually be of predominantly identical construction.

Figure 5B shows the H-shaped transmission member 81 from another angle and closer up to show how this H-shaped transmission member 81 can both be in engagement with the block 82 and the internal part 90 of the wheel 22.

The lateral profile 11 is omitted in Figure 5B. In use the block 82 will move within the lateral profile 11. A part of the one bar 81 b of the H-shaped transmission member 81 extends through a aperture (not shown) in the lateral profile 11 in order for the face 81a to be able to bear on the face 82a on the block 82. Besides, the lateral profile 11 will be in turnable engagement with the corner fitting 21.

The wheel fitting 23 is also omitted in Figure 5B. The H-shaped transmission member 81 will be secured in and move within the wheel fitting 23. Likewise, the spring 85 abut on a face within the wheel fitting, thereby enabling it to press the H-shaped transmission member 81 in the direction opposite the

one indicated by the arrow b. The bar 81c of the H-shaped transmission member 81 which is intended for engagement with the wheel 22 is able to move within the part 23a of the wheel fitting 23 which is shown to the left in Figure 5A.

It will be understood that, to exercise the invention, one is not limited to using a bottom frame, albeit the use of such structural element yields particular advantages.