TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates to a perambulator. A perambulator may also be known as a baby carriage, baby carrier, pram or stroller.

BACKGROUND ART

[0003 J A number of problems exist with current perambulators .

[0004] Some perambulators include a cover which covers the opening face of the perambulator in particular environmental conditions, such as rain. However, the cover can limit the air flow within the perambulator which can cause significant discomfort to the child.

[0005] Some perambulators include fixed angular orientation of the support unit, such as a seat or support surface, of the perambulator which the infant is supported therein or

thereupon. This can cause discomfort to both the child and the person operating the perambulator.

[0006] A heavy perambulator is difficult to push, especially up hills, and is difficult to lift up stairs or over

obstacles. A perambulator should be as light as possible, whilst maintaining adequate strength and stiffness. Generally perambulators use frames formed from extruded aluminium alloys or steel, these are heavier than composite materials . The addition of rigid seat supports, commonly formed from wood or plastic, increases the weight of a perambulator. [0007] For easy storage, such as in a car boot, a perambulator should fold up as small as possible. When the perambulator is unfolded it should be a simple process, and the perambulator should take the required shape with only a small number of actions required to unfold it.

[0008] Many peramb lators include a hood w ich can be pushed out to provide shade for the child. The mechanism for moving the hood is often difficult, to use, it. may require buttons to be pressed, it may stick, or it may twist when it is moved. It- is often also difficult to clean the hood, as it contains support struts which cannot be removed, and these make it unsuitable for washing in a. washing machine.

[0009] Some perambulators have a seat or bassinet which can be released by pressing a button. However, other components such as struts may restrict the movement of the button, which in turn limits the movement of a catch which secures the seat or bassinet in position. Where the catch can only move a small distance to lock the seat or bassinet in place, the catch may not have sufficient grip to hold the seat or bassinet

securely.

[0010] Some perambulators have a bassinet which can be

released from the perambulator, allowing the bassinet to be carried. However, if the hood bar is used to carry the

bassinet, then the hood bar may not be aligned with the centre of balance of the bassinet, so that the bassinet does not balance level if lifted by the hood bar alone. If an

additional handle is used to carry the bassinet, then it adds to the cost and weight of the bassinet.

TECHNICAL PROBLEM [0011] Therefore there is a need for a perambulator which overcomes or at least alleviates one or more of the problems encountered in the conventional art.

TECHNICAL SOLU ION

[0012] To overcome the problem of limited airflow there is provided a perambulator including a plurality of apertures located in a support unit of the perambulator, wherein each aperture is located substantially at the back of the support, unit .

[0013] To overcome the problem of a fixed angular orientation of the support unit there is provided a perambulator including an adjustment system including: a first component mounted to a first perambulator portion; a second component mounted to a second perambulator portion which can be rotated relative to the first perambulator portion about a common axis; and a third component _r located between the first and second component, which is biased by a biasing element to engage the first and second components, wherein a user is able to apply a force to the third component to disengage the third component from the first component, allowing rotation of the second perambulator portion.

[0014] To alleviate the problem of a heavy perambulator there is provided a perambulator including a frame, wherein one or more tubular components of the frame are formed by the pultrusion of fibre reinforced polymer.

[0015] To overcome the problem of folding a perambulator to a smaller size there is provided a perambulator including a seat where the seat includes: a frame with one or more supporting elements attached to the frame of the seat such that the supporting elements support some or all of the weight of the child and the supporting elements can rotate relative to. the frame of the seat; and a biasing element that causes the supporting elements to rotate to a position that holds the seat open; wherein the seat can be closed to a smaller size by rotating the supporting elements in opposition to the biasing element.

[0016] To overcome the problem of folding a perambulator to a smaller size there is further provided a perambulator

including a frame where the frame includes a shaped component wherein the shaped component: is attached between the front and rear axles of the

perambulator; and provides some strength and stiffness to the frame of the perambulator; andean rotate around the front axle to permit folding of the perambulator; and can rotate around the rear axle to permit folding of the perambulator; and is indented or cut away near the front, to accommodate the front wheels of the perambulator when the perambulator is folded.

[0017] To overcome problems in the conventional art with the adjustment of the perambulator hood there is provided a perambulator including a hood adjustment mechanism including: a first component with a shape that has points both more distant and less distant from the other end of the

component _f with slopes between the more distant points and the less distant points; and a second component also with a shape that has points both more distant and less distant from the other end of the component, with slopes between the more distant points and. the less distant points; and a third component that is a shaft that matches holes in the second component or a housing that matches the outside edge of the second component? and a biasing element? wherein the second component engages the first component, and the second component can be rotated relative to the first component , and the second component cannot rotate relative to the third component,, and the second component may slide backwards or forwards relative to the third component, and when the second component is rotated relative to the first component it is opposed by the biasing element when moving towards more distant points described above.

[0018] To overcome problems in the conventional art securing a seat, or bassinet in the perambulator frame, there is ^" provided a perambulator including a seat or bassinet, wherein: the seat or bassinet has a lug that can be inserted into a socket, on the frame? and the socket on the frame has one or more catches that, engage the plug on the seat or bassinet; and the catches are held in place to engage the plug by using one or more biasing elements; and the catch disengages the plug by pressing one or more buttons which act in opposition to the biasing elements; and at least one button has one or more recesses to accommodate biasing elements . [0019] To overcome problems in the conventional art. carrying or lifting a bassinet,- there is provided a perambulator including a bassinet, wherein: the bassinet has a bassinet hood support that can be used to carry the bassinet; and the bassinet has a bassinet hood, support that can also act as a support for a hood; and the bassinet hood support consists of a bar or a tube or a handle; and two ends of the bassinet, hood support are attached to t e body of the bassinet in any manner that permits the bassinet hood to rotate relative to the body of the bassinet; and the bassinet hood support can rotate by more than 90 degrees, so that the bassinet hood support can be rotated to a position that is approximately above the centre of gravity of the bassinet; and the hood fabric has sufficient length to allow the bassinet hood support to be rotated to a position that is

approximately above the centre of gravity of the bassinet, without separating the hood fabric from the remainder of the bassinet .

ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS

[0020] The perambulator described in the present invention has the following advantageous effects.

[0021] First, adequate airflow to a child in a support unit is achieved when a cover such as a raincover is fitted over the front of the support unit. [0022] Second, the angle of a support unit can be adjusted to provide greater comfort for the child.

[0023] Third, the perambulator can be made lighter without loss of strength.

[0024] Fourth, the perambulator can be folded more compactly, allowing storage in a smaller space,

[0025] Fifthly, the hood over a support unit can be adjusted easily, and the hood can be cleaned more easily.

[0026] Sixthly, a catch assembly is provided which securely holds a support unit in place in the perambulator frame.

[0027] Seventhly, a hood support suitable for carrying or lifting the bassinet is provided in the bassinet.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0028] The present invention may be better understood by referring to the accompanying drawings which are given only by way of illustration only and are not limiting on the present invention,

[0029] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a

perambulator support unit including a plurality of air flow apertures;

[0030] Figure 2 illustrates an exploded perspective- view of an example of an adjustment system for a perambulator;

[0031] Figure 3 illustrates an exploded cross-sectional view of an example of an adjustment system for a perambulator;

[0032] Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of a first- component of the adjustment system of Figure 3; [0033] Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of a second component of the adjustment system of Figure 3;

[0034] Figure 6 illustrates a perspective view of a third component of the adjustment system of Figure 3;

[0035] Figure 7 illustrates a perspective view of a pultruded tube that forms a component of the frame of the perambulator,

[0036] Figures 8 and 9 illustrate perspective views of the frame of a perambulator seat including a supporting element that can rotate and an adjusting element that causes the supporting elements to rotate to a position that holds the seat ope ,

[0037] Figure 10 illustrates a perspective view of a shaped component that is connected between the front and rear axles of the perambulator, showing how the wheels fit when the perambulator is folded to the compact closed position,

[0038] Figure 11 illustrates an exploded perspective view of an example of a hood adjustment mechanism for a perambulator.

[0039] Figure 12 illustrates a perspective view of a first component of the hood adj stment system of Figure 11.

[0040] Figure 13 illustrates a perspective view of a second component of the hood adjustment system of Figure 11.

[0041] Figure 14 illustrates a perspective view of a third component of the hood adjustment system of Figure 11.

[0042] Figure 15 illustrates a perspective view of a fourth component of the hood adjustment system of Figure 11.

[0043] Figure 16 illustrates a perspective view of part of a hood adjustment mechanism for a perambulator, showing a means of attaching the fabric of the hood to the hood ad ustment mechanism.

[0044] Figures 17 and 18 illustrate a cross sectional view of mechanism to removably hold a plug in a socket on a

perambulator frame, where the movement of the release button is restricted.

[0045] Figures 19 and 20 illustrate a side view of a bassinet hood support, for a bassinet, where the bassinet hood support can also act as a handle so that the bassinet can be used as a carrycot ,

BEST MODE and MODE FOR INVENTION

[0046] The following modes, given by way of example only, are described, in order to provide a more precise understanding of the subject matter of an embodiment or embodiments of the present invention. In the. figures, incorporated to illustrate features of one or more embodiments, like reference numerals are used to identify like parts throughout the figures.

Throughout this document the preferred embodiment or

embodiments of the present invention represent the best mode known at the time of writing this document.

[0047] Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a perspective view of an example of a perambulator support unit 100. In particular, the. perambulator includes one or more apertures 110 located, in support unit 100. The support unit 100 is a child support such as a seat, bassinette, or lying surface, of the perambulator, wherein each aperture 110 is located substantially at the rear of the seating or lying surface. Apertures may be located immediately below the hood, to allow hot air below the hood to escape. [0048] More specifically, the axis of the apertures 110 are located substantially at the rear of the seating or lying surface to restrict entry of rain, etc, whilst allowing sufficient air flow. In a preferred form, the apertures 110 may be covered by a netting or mesh-like material in order to restrict the child from placing an appendage in the apertures 110, and to restrict the entry of insects. Preferably, the apertures 110 are located in the back of the support unit 100 of the perambulator, preferably near the top of the support unit .

[0049] Referring to Figures 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 there is shown an example of an adjustment system 200 for a perambulator,

[0050] As shown in Figures 2 and 3 there is illustrated an exploded view of an example of an adjustment system 200. The adjustment system 200 includes a first component 210, a second component 220, a third component 230 and a fourth component 240» The third component 230 is located between the first, component 210 and the second component 220. The first

component 210 is mounted to a first perambulator portion 250, and the second component 220 is mounted to a second

perambulator portion 260, such that the second perambulator portion 260 can be rotated relative to the first perambulator portion 250. The third component 230 is biased by a biasing element 234 {see Figure 3} to engage both the first and second components 210, 220. A user is able to appl a force to the fourth component 240, which then transfers the force to the third component 230 to disengage the third component 230 from the first component 210, allowing rotation of the second perambulator portion 260 relative to the first perambulator portion 250.

[0051] Referring to Figure 4, preferably the first component 210 includes a first engagement surface in the form of a first spline 211, and a second engagement surface in the form of a second spline 212. The first spline 211 is provided about an outer surface of a central protrusion 213 of the first

component 210. The second spline 212 is provided about an inner surface of a wall 214 of the first component 210. The splines 211, 212 of the first component 210 define a void 219 which is able to accommodate a portion of the third component 230. The first component 210 is attached to a first

perambulator portion 250, such as a frame of the perambulator. The first component 210 may be removably attached to the first perambulator portion 250.

[0052] Referring to Figure 5, preferably the second component 220 includes a first engagement surface in the form of a first spline 221, and a second engagement surface in the form of a second spline 222. The first spline 221 is provided about an outer surface of a central protrusion 223 which extends from an attachment assembly 222. The second spline 222 is provided about an inner surface of a wall 224 of the second component 220. The attachment assembly 227 is configured to attach the adjustment system. 200 to the second perambulator portion 260, such as a portion of the handlebars of the perambulator, or a folding portion of the perambulator frame, or the support unit 100 of the perambulator. Preferably the second spline 222 encircles the central protrusion 223 to define a second void 229 which can accommodate the third component 230 between the second spline 222 and the protrusion 223.

[0053] Referring to Figure S, the third component 230 includes a third engagement surface and a fourth engagement surface . The third engagement surface is provided in the form of an inner spline 231, which is able to mate with the engagement surface 211 of component 210, and to mate with the engagement surface 221 of component 220. The fourth engagement surface is provided in the form of an outer spline 232 which is able to mate wit the engagement, surface 212 of component 210, and to mate with the engagement surface 222 of component 220. The inner spline 231 of the third component 230 defines an aperture 233 of the third component 230 which is able to receive through aperture 233 the central protrusion 223 of component 220,

[0054] Referring back to Figures 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6, the first and second voids 219, 229 of the fi st and second, components 210, 220 respectively are able to accommodate the third component 230 located within voids 219, 229 when installed. The central protrusions 213 of the first component 210, and 223 of the second component 220, protrude through the central aperture 233 of the third component 230. The splines 221 and 222 of the second component 220 engage the splines 231 and 232 of the third component 230. When the adjustment system 200 is locked splines 211 and 212 of the first component 210 also engage the splines 231 and 232 of the third component 230,

[0055] As shown in Figures 3 and 6, a biasing element 234, such as a spring, is located in a groove 235 of the third component 230 such that the biasing element 234 biases the adjustment system 200 to a locked position, wherein the third component 230 is engaged by both the first component 210 and the second component 220. Specifically, the spring 234 biases against, the second component 2.20 and the third component 230 to urge the adjustment system 200 to the locked position.

Thus, in the locked position, the first perambulator portion 250 and. th second perambulator portion 260 are restricted from moving relative to each other due to the engagement of the various components 210, 220 and 230.

[0056] In order to move the adjustment, system 200 to an adjustment position, the fourth component 240 is urged against the third component 230. The third component 230 is 1J correspondingly urged against the bias such that, the third component 230 is disengaged from the first component 210 and only the second component 220 engages the third component 230. One or more apertures 217 may be provided in the first component 210 to allow the fourth component 240 to urge the third component 230 toward the second component 220 against the. bias of the spring ^' 234. Preferably the fourth component is a button. The fourth component is operably connected to the third component 230 via one or more apertures 217, wherein the user is able to hold down the button to urge the third component 230 toward the second component 220, thus

disengaging the first component 210 from the third component 230,

[0057] Once the first component 210 is disengaged from the third component 230, the first and second components 210, 220 are able to rotate relative to each other to adjust the inclination of the second perambulator portion 260 relative to the first perambulator portion 250. Thus the inclination of th support unit 100, such as the seat or bassinette, or the handlebars of the perambulator, or a folding portion of the perambulator frame, may be adjusted relative to the frame of the eramb 1ator .

[0058] Once the user has adjusted the inclination of the second perambulator portion 260 relative to the first

perambulator portion 250, the user is able to release the fourth component 240, thereby removing the force applied to th third component 230, hence the energised spring 234 urges the third component 230 back into simultaneous engagement with both the first, component 210 and the second component 220. It will be appreciated that when the central button 240 is released, the splines 21.1, 212 of the first component 210 may not align with the splines 231, 232 of the third component 230 due to the relative rotation. Therefore, the user may need to adjust the inclination of the perambulator portions 250 or 260 such that the engagement surfaces of the first and third components 210, 230 are aligned, thereby returning the adjustment system 200 to the locked position.

[0059] In a preferred form the angles of all of the splines 211, 2.12, 221, 222, 231 and 232 align, to ease sim ltaneous engagement of the third component 230 with components 210 and 220.

[0060] In a preferred form, the first component includes a first rotation limiting arrangement in the form of one or more apertures 215 which cooperate with a second rotation limiting arrangement 225 provided in the form of one or more lugs in the central protrusion 223 of the second component 220 to define an angular limit for the rotation of the first

component 210 relative to the second component 220. The one or more lugs 225 protrude through the one or more apertures 215, wherein when the adjustment system 200 is moved to the disengaged position, the edges of the one or more apertures 215 act as a stop against the one or more lugs 225, thereby limiting the relative rotation of the first and second components 210, 220. Preferably the lugs and apertures correspond one to one. In an alternate arrangement, the lugs may be located on the first component 210 and the apertures on the second component 220.

[0061] Preferably, the second component 220 includes a bore 228 and the first component 210 includes snaplocks 218, to allo the components to be held together. Preferably the components 210, 220 and 230 are also held together via a rivet passing through the bores 216, 228. Also ^' preferably, the outer wail 214 of the first component 210 encloses the outer wall 224 of the second component 220 to assist the first and second components 210, 220 being held in alignment. [0062] Referring to Figure 7, there is shown a perspective view of an example of a portion of a perambulator frame. The portion of a perambulator frame is formed by the pultrusion of fibre reinforced polymer, to create a hollow tube 700.

Preferably the outside of the tube 700 is coated with a layer of polymer so that loose fibres are not exposed on the outside of the tube. The pultruded tube is then cut to length to form, components of the perambulator frame,

[0063] Referring to Figures 8 and 9, there is shown a

perspective view of an example of a frame of a perambulator seat 800. Attached to the seat frame, or formed into the seat frame 801, there are one o more hinges 802. The hinges 802 permit the supporting element 803 to rotate relative to the seat frame 801, There may foe one or more supporting elements 803 allowing the seat to be folded flat, and to take the desired shape when opened. There is at least one locking element 804 attached to at least one supporting element. 803. If there are multiple supporting elements 803 then they may each have a locking element 804, or alternatively two or more supporting elements 803 may be connected by cords or straps,, so that a single set of locking elements 004 locks multiple supporting elements 803.

[0064] The locking element 804. prevents the supporting element 803 from rotating to a more closed position relative to the seat frame 801 as shown in Figures 8 and 9. This locks the seat in the open position as shown in Figure 9, in the open position the seat is in a suitable position for the child to sit on the seat. Preferably the amount of rotation is limited by the seat cover, where the fabric and straps in the seat, cover only permit fit over the seat frame 801 and restrict how far the seat frame 801 can rotate. The amount of rotation may be limited either by one of a number of techniques, for exam le : - a stop mechanism 806 associated with one or more hinges 802 or

- by fitting the support elements 803 into a seat cover that limits movement; or

- by attaching cords or straps to one of the support element 803.

[0065] Releasing the locking element S04 allows the seat to move to the closed position as shown in Figure 8, in the closed position it is folded flat to reduce the storage space requi ed,

[0066] It will be appreciated that other locking arrangements could be used rather than the strap 804 depicted, such as catches fitted at or near one or more hinges 802.

[0067] Referring to Figure 10, there is shown a perspective view of a shaped component that forms the base of a

perambulator frame. The shaped component 901 has bores 902, and the front round tube 903 and the rear round tube 904 of the perambulator frame pass through these tubes. This allows the round tubes 903, 904 to rotate relative to the component 901, which permits the perambulator to fold. Preferably the shaped component 901 substantially encloses the extents of the front round tube 9.03 and the rear round tube 904, near the edges where the round tube meets the other parts of the

perambulator frame. This reduces the range of sideways movement of the shaped component 901 on the perambulator frame. The shaped component 901 is indented or cut away near the front as shown at 909 and 910, this accommodates the front wheels of the perambulato when the perambulator is folded.

[0068] Referring to Figures 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15, there is shown a perspective view of a hood adjustment mechanism 1100 that attaches to the hood support bars and to one or more of the following: the frame of the perambulator; or the frame of the perambulator seat; or the frame of the perambulator bassinet.

[0069] The first component 1110 has a surface with a wave shape 1112. The wave shape 1112 on the first component 1110 matches a corresponding wave shape 1142 on the fourth

component 1140. There is a second component 1120 which has an internal spline 1126. The second component 1120 also functions as a housing for the fourth component 1140. The fourth component 1.140 has an external spline 1146 that fits into the internal spline 1126 of the second component, so that the fourt component 1140 cannot rotate relative to the second component 1120,- but the fourth component 1140 can slide backwards or forwards inside the second component. .1120.

[0070] A biasing element 1128 (not shown) fits between the Second component 1120 and the fourth component 1140. The biasing element. 1128 applies pressure to the wave shaped surfaces 1112 and 1142, so that the crests on one surface are biased to align with the troughs on the other surface. This encourages the fourth component 1140 to rotate to one of a set of positions, and to be fixed in that position until

sufficient force is applied to move it to the next position. The second component 1120 correspondingly is encouraged to rotate to one of a set of positions, as it cannot rotate relative to the. fourth component 1140, because of the splines 1126 and 1146,

[0071] The front hood support fits into socket 1121 on the second component 1120. Preferably the front hood support is fixed into the socket 1121 using a rivet, bolt or screw; this maintains the hood support in the correct association with the hood adjuster. Hence the front hood support will slip into one of the set positions, and will be stable in that position until sufficient force is applied to move it to a different set position.

[0072] The rear hood support, fits into socket .1.131 on

component 1130. Component 1130 can rotate relative to the first component 1110, and the rear hood support is located behind the front hood support. Preferably the corners of the front head support are higher than corners of the rear head support, so that the rear head support cannot move in front of the front head support,

[0073] It. will be appreciated that an equivalent design can be used where the second component is fixed to the frame and the first component is attached to the front hood support.

[0074] Referring to Figure 16, there is shown a perspective view of a hook and loop to attach the fabric of the hood to the hood ad ustment mechanism. The hood adjustment mechanism includes a hook 1503 which is attached to the body of the hood adjustment mechanism 1100. The fabric hood 1502 includes a loop of elastic material 1504 wherein the loop of elastic material can be fitted over the hook, thereby holding the fabric hood in place on the hood adjustment, mechanism.

[0075] Referring to Figures 17 and 18, there is shown a cross section view of a mechanism to releasably attach a support- unit to the perambulator frame. The support unit includes a plug 1602. The perambulator frame includes a socket. 1601, a catch 1603, a button 1604 and a biasing element 1605. Another component 1606 may be part of the support unit, or may be part of the perambulator frame. The support unit may be attached to the perambulator frame by inserting the plug 1602 on the seat or bassinet, into the socket. 1601 on the perambulator frame. The catch 1603 then holds the plug 1602 in the socket 1601. The catch 1603 is attached to a button 1604. The movement of the button 1604 may be restricted by another component 1606. A biasing element 1605 acts on the button 1604, this in turn acts to pull the catch 1603 into a corresponding hole in the plug 1602, so that the plug 1602 is attached inside the socket 1601, Pressing ^' on the button 1604 acts in opposition to the biasing element 1605 and pushes the catch 1603 out of the hole in the plug 1602, so that the plug 1602 can then be removed from the socket 1601. The biasing element 1605 is recessed into the button 1604, this allows the button 1604 to be pushed in to a greater depth. If the biasing element 1605 was not recessed into the button, then the compressed biasing element 1605 would still take up some space and would reduce the possible movement of the catch 1603. If the movement of the catch 1603 is reduced it either prevents the full release of the catch 1603; or it correspondingly reduces the depth of engagement, of the catch 1603 in the plug 1601 when the button 1604 is released, so the seat or bassinet will not be attached to the perambulator frame as securely. Figure 17 shows a cross section view of a mechanism to releasably attach the seat or bassinet to the perambulator frame, where the plug 1602 is locked into the. socket 1601 by the catch 1603, so that the seat or bassinet is attached to the perambulator frame. Figure 18 shows a cross section view of a mechanism to releasably attach the seat or bassinet to the perambulator frame, where the plug 1602 is not locked into the socket 1501 as the catch 1603 is disengaged by pressing the button 1604, so that the seat or bassinet can be removed from the perambulator frame.

[0076] Referring to Figures 19 and 20, there is shown a side view of a hood support for a support unit, which forms part of a perambulator, where the hood support can also act as a handle so that the support unit can be used as a carrycot. The support unit 1701 includes a hood support 1702, which consists of a bar or a tube or a handle. The hood support 1702 is attached to the support unit 1701 by two hinges 1704, there is one hinge 1704 on each side of the support unit 1701. At least one hinge 1704 releasably locks the hood support 1702 into at least one position; where the locking positions include the hood support 1702 in a position approximately above the centre of gravity of the support unit as shown in Figure 20,

Preferably at least one hinge 1704 releasably locks the hood support 1702 into a range of positions that allows the hood to be partially opened or fully opened. The other hinge 1704 at least permits the hood support 1702 to rotate into the open position as shown in Figure 19, and to a position

approximately above the centre of gravity of the support unit as shown in Figure 20. The other hinge 1704 may optionally lock the hood support 1702 into a range of positions. The hood 1703 can be attached permanently or releasably to the hood support 1702. Figure 19 shows the support unit 1701 with the hood support 1702 rotated to a position where the hood 1703 is fully open. Figure 20 shows the support unit .1701 with the hood support 1702 rotated to a position where the hood support 1702 is approximately above the centre of gravity of the support unit.

[0077] it will be appreciated that embodiments of features of the perambulator disclosed in Figures 1 through to 20 can be combined in various manners to provide an improved

perambulator as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

[0078] Man modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention . INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0079] The present invention can be applied industrially using only the information disclosed herein and known art.