This invention relates to transportation apparatus for manual transport of persons or goods. The invention is particularly, but not exclusively, applicable to the transpo tation of children during hiking or rambling expeditions, over all terrain and obstacles. The invention may also be applicable to related situations such as mountain rescue, military applications, and the like.

There exists a need for transpo tation apparatus suitable for the transportation of children during hiking and rambling expeditions and the like, which is suitable for the varying terrain encountered in such situations. The well known "baby-buggy" or pushcair is unsuitable for this purpose as a result of being designed, basically for use on pavements and side walks (so far as its unfolded, in-use configuration is concerned), and as a result of its extended format when folded, which may well be suitable for transport on buses and trains, but which is inconvenient to carry on hiking and rambling expeditions.

An object of the present invention is to provide transportation apparatus providing ability to transport persons or articles over varying terrain and obstacles, in combination with a reduced size folded or transport configuration in which it can be conveniently carried, and/or such apparatus providing improvements in relation to one or more of the other matters discussed or disclosed herein.

According to the invention there is provided transpo tation apparatus as defined in the accompanying claims.

In a preferred embodiment, t ansportation apparatus comprises a folding mechanism enabling the apparatus to adopt a folded configuration for ease of transport or when not in use. Wheel means of the apparatus is located in a central region across the lateral width of the apparatus, with respect to the direction of normal forward travel

thereof, and has a wheelbase substantially less than said lateral width. In the embodiment, the provision of the central wheel means having a narrow wheelbase enables the apparatus in its in-use configu ation to easily and conveniently negotiate obstacles encountered during hiking and like expeditions. Narrow mountain paths and the like can be very easily negotiated. The apparatus can be pushed or pulled, the latter when negotiating terrain making maximum demands on traction, or soft ground.

In the preferred embodiment, mounting means for the wheel means permits pivoting of the wheel means from a working attitude to a transport attitude, for ease of transport. This feature enables the use of a relatively large diameter wheel, which greatly assists the ease with which the apparatus can pass over obstacles, while not significantly increasing the bulk of the apparatus for transport purposes.

In the embodiment, the frame means is generally flat in form and lies in one plane, or nearly so, and the wheel means lies, in this transport attitude, in a plane generally parallel-to or in said one plane ie said wheel means lies generally flat and in or on the frame. In this way, the apparatus can be conveniently back-packed. The mounting of the wheel means is provided by a pivoted fork member having the wheel means mounted between the forks.

In the embodiment, the folding mechanism permits pivoting of the handle means for manual pulling or pushing of the apparatus, from an extended working position to a folded transport position, in the latter of which positions the handle means lies alongside or over the frame. The handle means can also adopt an intermediate position in which the spaced handle means provides stablising means, whereby the apparatus is self-standing. This is of great benefit, enabling use of the apparatus as a chair or seat during periods of rest, when eating meals and the like.

The embodiment also provides harness means for

attachment to the body of a user and connection means on the handle means to connect the harness to the remainder of the apparatus, whereby the latter can be towed by a user through the harness. In this way, the load on the user during travel is reduced to a minimum.

The preferred embodiment provides for transport of all sorts of supplies and effects and camping gear over all types of terrain. A fabric carrier may be provided in place of a seat. A heavier duty version may be provided for emergency transport of an unwell or exhausted adult. A twin wheel conversion having selectable track width may be provided for use over smoother surfaces.

In the described embodiment, the large single wheel with a pneumatic tyre and rubber suspension provide for a good grip and a relatively shockproof ride. The single wheel can negotiate the narrowest of tracks and over all terrain, the movement taking place through the vertical axis of the vehicle. Only about 30% of the total load is taken through the arms or body harness of the user. The harness frees the arms of the user for negotiating difficult areas.

In a further preferred embodiment, the apparatus is provided with a hard or rigid seat for the child, to provide protection for the child's back. The seat may, for example, be a child's safety seat from an automobile, and may be provided with a safety harness to securely retain the child. The seat may be attachable to and detachable from the frame by quick-attach means enabling the seat to be rapidly interchanged between use in an automobile and on the transportation apparatus, and likewise removed, if necessary, for carrying same on the back of a user. At least one embodiment renders such removal of the seat unnecessary.

In this embodiment the frame includes a generally L- shaped portion following the profile of the seat, and supporting same. The frame is in the form of a relatively

narrow central spine structure, and the wheel pivots generally in the plane of the spine from a working position to a less obtrusive or compact transport position. In this way, the advantages of a generally flat and compact transport configuration are obtained without the need to cause the wheel; to be pivoted from one plane in its working position to another for its transport position.

In this embodiment the wheel folds into a region of the frame in which, in use, the seat is located. Lateral support members for the seat may also fold so as to lie generally in or close to the plane of the narrow spine-like frame of the apparatus.

An embodiment ©f the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which :-

Fig 1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment;

Fig 2 shows a detail of handle means of the first embodiment, and its connection to a harness;

Fig 3 shows the apparatus in its transport configuration for back-packing;

Figs 4, 5 and 6 show various modes of use of the apparatus ;

Fig 7 shows, in a view similar to Fig 1, a similar embodiment with detailed modifications;

Fig 8 shows the apparatus of Fig 7 in its seat configuration;

Fig 9 shows it in its folded configuration;

Fig 10 shows the apparatus in use;

Figs 11, 12 and 13 show details of the construction of the frame and the wheel suspension of the embodiment of Figs 7 to 10; and

Figs 14, 15, 16 17 show a further embodiment, Fig 14 showing a perspective view, Fig 15 a side elevation view, Fig 16 its intermediate free-standing configuration, and Fig 17 a detail of the folding handle mechanism;

Figs 18, 19 and 20 show front and side elevation views

of a third embodiment, Fig 20 showing the normal in-use attitude of same; and

Figs 21 to 24 show two further embodiments, otherwise similar to those of Figs 18 to 20, but incorporating a modified wheel mounting permitting pivoting of the wheel to a particularly compact transport configuration as shown in Figs 22 and 24.

As shown in Figs 1 to 6 of the drawings, transportation apparatus 10 comprises carrier means 12, frame means 14, handle means 16 and wheel means 18. A folding mechanism 20 enables the apparatus to adopt a folded configuration, as shown in Fig 3, for ease of transport or when not in use.

Wheel means 18 is located in a central region across the lateral width 22 of the apparatus 10, and has a wheelbase (meaning the lateral width of the wheel means 18) substantially less than the width 22. In this embodiment, a single wheel 24 is employed. In a modification, a double wheel assembly may be employed, particularly for use on smoother terrain.

Wheel means 18 is mounted on frame 14 by wheel mounting means 26 which permits pivoting of the wheel 24 from its working attitude shown in Figs 1 and 4 to 6, to a transport attitude shown in Fig 3.

Frame 14 is in the form of a generally flat construction and lies in one plane. As shown in Fig 3, wheel 24 lies, in its transport attitude, generally flat on and within the confines of the frame, so as to occupy a minimum of space.

Mounting means 26 for wheel 24 comprises a pivoted fork member with wheel 24 mounted between the forks 30 thereof. The fork member can pivot about its lengthwise axis 32, between the positions shown.

Folding mechanism 20 permits pivoting of handle means 16 from its extended working position shown in Figs 1 _and 4 to 6, to a folded transport position shown in Fig 3, in

which it lies alongside the frame. Such adjustment is provided by means of a pair of screw-threaded adjustment knobs 34. Further details of this arrangement are described below.

Harness means 36 is provided for attachment to the body of a user 38 together with connection means 40 on the handle means to connect the harness to the handle so that the apparatus 10 can be towed by the user, with or without the use of the user's hands on the handles to steady them.

Carrier means 12 is in the form of a fabric shaped seat element which readily adopts the minimum space configuration shown in Fig 3 while, when in use, providing a suitable form for a seat for a child. The fabric is mounted on frame means 14 by stitching or welding.

Frame means 14 is of generally rectangular form comprising side members 42 and end members 44. A central carrying handle 46 is provided at the forward end of the frame for use in the manner indicated in Figs 4 and 5.

Handle means 16 comprises side members 48 and 50 linked by a cross member 52 and having hand grips 54, apertured at 56 to receive a spring clip 58 for connection to harness 36.

Figs 4 to 6 show the apparatus in use, Fig 6 showing it being towed from harness 36, Fig 5 showing a carrying routine in use on a sloping surface with the upper person utilising a strap 60 extended around handle 46. Fig 4 shows a related situation on less steeply sloping ground, where the second carrying person directly lifts the apparatus 10 on frame 14, lifting on the end member 44 thereof.

In the embodiment of Figs 7 to 10, the general structure and arrangement and mode of use are very much as described above, and corresponding parts are given the same reference numerals as in the above embodiment.

Fig 8 shows an intermediate free-standing position of the apparatus in which the handle means 16 is fixed in an

intermediate position and engages the ground and stabilises the apparatus for use as a f ee-standing seat.

Fig 10 shows the apparatus in use, in a manner similar to that of Fig 6.

Figs 7, 8 and 9 show more detail of the wheel mounting means 26, including fork member 28. The latter is pivoted between a pair of flanges 62 projecting from frame end member 44, extends through a central U-shaped portion 64 in a frame cross member 66, and forks 30 can be pivoted (as more fully described below) between the positions shown in Fig 9 and Fig 7.

Turning now to the details of the suspension for the above embodiment, these details are shown in Figs 11, 12 and 13, parts correspon ing to those described above are given the same reference numerals in Figs 11 to 13.

The fork member 28 comprises a generally square - section housing 68, apertured at 70 to be pivoted between the apertured flanges 62. The forks 30 have a stem 32 received in housing 68 and having a threaded end portion 74 to receive fixing nut 76, a captive coiled compression spring 78 maintaining the assembly in a spring-loaded state, the spring acting between a spring seat 80 adjacent nut 76, and an end stop 82 on forks 30. Fig 13 shows the assembly in its working configuration.

Turning now to the direct suspension arrangements for aparatus 10, it is first to be noted that wheel 24 comprises a pneumatic tyre 84, and to further cushion the ride, there is provided resilient suspension means 86 acting between cross member 66 of frame 14, and portion 88 of the forks 30, and between housing 68 and portion 90 of U-shaped structure 64 on cross member 66.

In each, the suspension means 86 comprises a respective block 92, 94 of rubber having an appropriate hardness factor to give the required suspension characteristics. In the case of the upper blocks 92, two such blocks are provided, one at each side of U-portion 64

of cross member 66. In the case of the lower block 94, only one such block is required. The blocks are attached to the frame by means of headed grommets 96 which enter apertures 98 in the frame to retain the blocks in position when the fork assembly is removed for transport purposes.

Turning now to the embodiment of Figs 14 to 17, it will be seen that the apparatus 100 is a simplified version of that described above in which the frame 102 is shaped to accommodate the form of a child, handles 104 pivot, as previously, through the intermediate position of Fig 16 to a fully folded position (not shown in Figs 14 to 17).

In this embodiment, wheel 106 is mounted in a fixed position relative to the frame 102, for simplicity of construction. The carrier means 108, is either of fabric as previously described, or may be of a stiffer or even rigid construction since, in this embodiment, the apparatus is not intended to fold completely flat, as in the previous embodiment .

Fig 17 provides details of the structure of the handle folding mechanism. Hand-operable nut 110 has a screw threaded shank 112 which extends through handle 104 and movable and fixed plastic clamping elements 114, 116 respectively. The former has a groove to receive handle 104 the latter has a pair of grooves 118, 120, disposed at right angles, to define the two end positions of the handles, and the intermediate position. It is believed that the mode of use of this assembly is self-apparent from the above description.

In this embodiment, wheel 106 is mounted on fixed forks 122 carried by a frame cross member 124. In a modification, member 124 is controllably pivotable to permit the forks to be moved downwards and rearwards to a transport position (not shown) .

The shaped form of frame 102 includes a back rest portion 126 and a foot rest portion 128, forming the lower end of the frame.

Turning now to the embodiment of Figs 18, 19 and 20, it should be noted that this embodiment, and indeed that of Figs 21 to 24 is, except where otherwise expressly indicated, constructed in accordance with matters described above.

In this embodiment, a seat 200 is of the kind used as a child's safety seat in automobiles, being a rigid plastic or reinforced resin construction to protect the child, and having a harness (not shown) to securely locate the child.

Seat 200 is attachable-to and detachable-f ro frame 202 by quick-attach/detach fastening means 204 and 206 engaging transverse brackets 208, 210 projecting laterally from frame 202.

Frame 202 includes a generally L-shaped portion 212 which follows the corresponding profile of the rear 214 of the seat 200. At its upper end the frame comprises handle means 216 connected to the frame 202 by a hinge 218 to permit the handle to be folded to a compact transport position. The handle means 216 comprises laterally spaced handles 220, 222 to permit easy lateral control of the apparatus during use.

As shown in Fig 18, frame 202 is in the form of a relatively narrow central spine structure, of generally L- shaped configuration, and having wheel 224 mounted thereon by means of forks 226 mounted at a mounting bracket 228. The arrangement is such that wheel 224 lies in the same plane as the L-shaped frame, which is conducive to a compact transport configuration.

In front of wheel 224 there is provided a foot rest 230, extending laterally as shown in Fig 18, and carried by a link 232 mounted at 234 on one end of frame 202.

For transport purposes, handle means 216 can be pivoted downwards (as indicated by arrow T in Fig 19), about the axis of hinge means 218, so as to adopt a compact transport position in which the assembly can be readily carried. If seat 200 is removed, as shown in Fig 18, then

the apparatus is of relatively limited lateral width. This latter quality can be accentuated by providing hinge means (not shown) to enable the opposite lateral ends of the brackets 208, 210 to pivot upwards, and thus into the plane of the spine 202. With this modification, the folded apparatus can be readily carried in a flat condition, in which the handles 220 and 222 represent the widest part of the apparatus.

Alternatively, if seat 200 is allowed to remain, then the apparatus is still readily carried due to its compact form and lightweight.

In this latter connection, in this embodiment, as in the others, the frame and handles and other components are formed of a lightweight alloy material, or aluminium, so as to minimise weight while providing adequate strength. Where necessary, steel reinforcements can be provided.

In connection with the dimensions of the apparatus for carrying purposes, it is noted that the folding of the handle means in this embodiment produces a transport configuration of the apparatus which is in the region of 50 to 60 cm. Such a length is comfortably acceptable for back-packing purposes. Any s ignf iciantly greater length produces discomfort during hiking due to rubbing contact with the head and/or lower portions of the body.

Turning now to embodiments of Figs 21 to 24, these will be described simply be reference to the differences from the embodiment of Figs 18 to 20. Otherwise than as mentioned, the embodiments of Figs 21 to 24 are the same or similar to that of Figs 18 to 20.

In Figs 21 to 24, reference numerals are adopted as in the embodiment of Figs 18 to 20, but increased by 100. Thus, seat 200 of Figs 18 to 20 becomes seat 300 of Figs 21 to 24.

The principal differences between the embodiment of Figs 21 to 24, from the preceding one, concern the arrangements for mounting wheels means 324, and the

mounting 328 so as to be moveable between the in-use position shown in Figs 21 and 23, and a folded or compact transport position shown in Figs 22 and 24. In this latter position, it will be noted that the wheel position is such that it can enter, at least to some extent as shown in Fig 22, ^' the "sitting space" of seat 300. Thus, as shown in Fig 22, the seat can be retained in position for back-packing purposes in this embodiment. In Fig 22 the position of handle means 316 in its folded configuration is indicated somewhat loosely. It could be accommodated by forming a suitable slot in seat 300, or arranging for the separate handles 322 to pass each side of the upper end of the seat.

Movement of wheel 24 between its in-use position and its transport position is controlled by a simple catch mechanism (not shown). A catch or detent serves to positively retain the wheel in its working position. The catch or detent can be released manually, for example by applying finger pressure against a resiliently biased catch or detent which enters a corresponding recess or hole. In this way, the catch or detent is released and the wheel can then pivot to its transport position. In the return movement, the catch or detent automatically enters its recess so as to define the working position of the wheel.

The two different handle configurations shown in Figs 21 and 23 thus have some effect on the folded or compact position of the apparatus shown in Figs 22 and 24. The two handle configurations also serve to meet user preferences. It may be possible to arrange for the handle assembly to pivot between the two attitudes shown in Figs 21 and 23.

Interestingly, the above embodiments provide transportation apparatus offering the combination of minimum space requirements for carrying when not in use, maximum manoeuvrability when in use, and relatively low loading imposed on the user. In addition, the construction is simple and the apparatus can be be made in

a relatively lightweight form. In short, the invention provides a means for enabling young children to accompany their parents on trekking and hiking expeditions o.ver a tremendous variety of terrain, and with a reasonable degree of safety and security. Manoeuvrability of the apparatus is at a maximum due to the single wheel arrangement in combination with the spaced handles. Weight of the apparatus is kept to a minimum by the simple construction and use of lightweight alloys and the like. Easy carrying of the apparatus is permitted for those periods when such transportation is not needed. Notably, the compact form of the apparatus is such that interference with the head and lower body portions of the user does not occur, and the apparatus can easily be added to a conventional back-pack.

Amongst other modifications which could be made in the above embodiments while remaining within the scope of the invention are the use of wheel means having twin wheels with inclined axes, so that the wheels are closely spaced at one portion of their peripheries and widely spaced at another. The wheel mounting for this twin wheel assembly permits same to be switched from a narrow wheel base to a wider wheelbase so far as ground-contact is concerned, the former for trekking and the like, the latter for use on smoother ground or pavements.

A modified hard seat could be provided comprising at least two foldable panels, one providing the back and the other the seat portion of the seat. These panels would be mounted to permit same to pivot and slide relative to each other so as to be able to adopt an approximately coplanar flat attitude for non-use transportation.