A CARRIAGE FOR TRANSPORTING A CHILD OR INFANT

Abstract

A carriage for transporting a child comprising: a chassis; a plurality of ground bearing wheels; a detachable cradle for supporting a child; a system for controlling environmental conditions within the cradle, the system having at least one electrical component for altering an environmental condition disposed on or in the cradle and at least one input means for controlling the or each electrical component disposed on or in the chassis. In the first aspect the carriage comprises a connector assembly for detachably mounting the cradle in different configurations wherein the cradle faces away from, or toward, a carriage operator, the connector and co-locating connector providing an electrical connection between the or each electrical component and the control panel in either configuration. In a second aspect, the canopy is movable by an electric motor. In a third aspect, the cradle is pivotable between a reclined and inclined position.

Claims

1. A carriage for transporting a child comprising: a chassis; a plurality of ground bearing wheels; a detachable cradle for supporting a child; a system for controlling environmental conditions within the cradle, the system having at least one electrical component for altering an environmental condition disposed on or in the cradle and a control interface for controlling the or each electrical component disposed on or in the chassis; and a connector assembly for detachably mounting the cradle to the chassis in a first configuration wherein the cradle faces away from a carriage operator and a second configuration wherein the cradle faces towards the carriage operator, the connector assembly having a connector disposed on or in the cradle and co-locating connector disposed on or in the chassis, the connector and co-locating connector providing an electrical connection between the or each electrical component and the control interface in either configuration.

2. The carriage of claim 1, wherein the electrical connection also provides connection between a power source disposed on or in the chassis and the or each electrical component in the cradle.

3. The carriage of claim 1, wherein the connector assembly comprises a set first set of conductive connectors and a second set of conductive connectors, wherein each conductive connector of the first set corresponds to one conductive connector of the second set of conductive connectors.

4. The carriage of claim 3, wherein the first set of conductive connectors are formed from a plurality of conductive rings or pads on or extending from a surface of the connector of the connector assembly or co-locating connector of the connector assembly, the second set of conductive connectors are formed from a plurality of biased conductors disposed in a recess or extending from a surface of the connector of the connector assembly or co-locating connector of the connector assembly.

5. The carriage of any preceding claim 1, wherein the system for controlling environmental conditions comprises a protective canopy having a plurality of rigid segments, the canopy being movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration.

6. The carriage of claim 5, wherein the carriage comprises a canopy opening and closing means, wherein the opening and closing means allows the canopy to be moved through a series of configurations between the open configuration and closed configuration.

7. The carriage of claim 1, wherein the carriage comprises a cradle inclining means, wherein the cradle inclining means allows the cradle to be rotated about a horizontal axis of the connector assembly.

8. The carriage of claim 7, wherein the cradle inclining means comprises an electrical motor for rotating the cradle about the horizontal axis, the electrical motor being connected to and controlled from the control interface.

9. The carriage of claim 1, wherein the control interface comprises a wireless module for connecting to an external device, the wireless module receiving data and instructions from the external device.

10. The carriage of claim 1, wherein the carriage further comprises an energy storage device for providing power to the system for controlling the environmental conditions.

11. (canceled)

12. (canceled)

13. (canceled)

14. (canceled)

15. (canceled)

16. (canceled)

17. (canceled)

18. (canceled)

19. (canceled)

20. (canceled)

21. (canceled)

22. (canceled)

23. (canceled)

24. (canceled)

25. The carriage of claim 1, wherein the chassis comprises an extendable frame comprising a handle.

26. (canceled)

27. The carriage of claim 1, wherein the system further comprises an air ventilation unit for supplying filtered air to the cradle.

28. The carriage of claim 27, wherein the ventilation unit comprises an air duct having an inlet and outlet, a replaceable filter, and a fan to draw air into the cavity in the cradle through the filter and air duct; wherein the outlet for the air duct is located in a region proximate the intended location of the child or infant.

29. The carriage of claim 1, further comprising a speaker system for controlling the auditory stimulus within the environment of the cradle, the speaker system being connectable to an external signal source.

30. (canceled)

31. The carriage of claim 5, at least one wherein the protective canopy filters ultraviolet light.

32. (canceled)

33. (canceled)

34. (canceled)

35. The carriage of claim 5, wherein the protective canopy in the closed configuration substantially covers at least two thirds of the cradle and in the open configuration substantially covers one third or less of the cradle.

36. (canceled)

37. The cradle for detachably mounting to a carriage for transporting a child or infant, the cradle comprising: a controllable component for altering an environmental condition disposed on or in the cradle; and a connector disposed on or in the cradle, the connector is adapted to connect with a co-locating connector disposed on or in the carriage, wherein the controllable component is connectable to a control interface disposed on or in the carriage through connection of connector and co-locating connector.

38. The carriage for transporting a child or infant, the carriage comprising: a chassis; a plurality of ground bearing wheels mounted to the chassis; a control interface disposed on or in the chassis for controlling controllable components disposed on or in a detachable mounted cradle; and a co-locating connector disposed on or in the chassis, the co-locating connector adapted to connect with a connector disposed on or in the detachable mounted cradle, wherein the control interface is connectable to the controllable component through connection of the co-locating connector and the connector.

39. The cradle of claim 37, wherein the connector is further adapted to detachably mount the cradle to the chassis in a first configuration wherein the cradle faces away from the carriage operator and a second configuration wherein the cradle faces towards the carriage operator, wherein an electrical connection is provided between the control interface and the controllable component through the connection of the co-locating connector and connector in either configuration.

40. The carriage of claim 38, wherein the co-locating connector is further adapted to detachably mount the detachable mounted cradle to the chassis in a first configuration wherein the detachable mounted cradle faces away from the carriage operator and a second configuration wherein the detachable mounted cradle faces towards the carriage operator, wherein an electrical connection is provided between the control interface and the controllable component through the connection of the co-locating connector and connector in either configuration.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0106] For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made by way of example only to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0107] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a carriage for an infant or child according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0108] FIG. 2a shows a view of the carriage in FIG. 1 in which the cradle is in a world-facing configuration;

[0109] FIG. 2b shows a view of the carriage in FIG. 1 in which the cradle is in a parent-facing configuration;

[0110] FIG. 3a shows a view of the carriage in FIG. 1 in which the cradle is in an inclined world-facing configuration;

[0111] FIG. 3b shows a view of the carriage in FIG. 1 in which the cradle is in an inclined parent-facing configuration;

[0112] FIG. 4a shows a view of the coupling assembly for a segment of a canopy according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0113] FIG. 4b shows a view of two segments of the canopy coupled by the coupling assembly;

[0114] FIG. 4c shows a further view of the two segments of the canopy coupled in FIG. 4b;

[0115] FIGS. 5a and 5b shows a view of a connector assembly according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0116] FIG. 6 shows a view of a carriage for an infant or child according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0117] FIG. 7 shows a view of the carriage in FIG. 6 with the cradle detached from the chassis;

[0118] FIG. 8a shows a view of the carriage in FIG. 6 with the canopy in an open configuration;

[0119] FIG. 8b shows a view of the carriage in FIG. 6 with the canopy in a closed configuration;

[0120] FIG. 9 shows a cross section of the cradle with a removable insert according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0121] FIG. 10 shows a cross section of the cradle with a removable insert according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0122] FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of a connector assembly according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0123] FIG. 12 shows a cross-sectional view of the connector assembly shown in FIG. 11; and

[0124] FIG. 13 shows a schematic view of a canopy actuating means.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0125] Referring firstly to FIGS. 1, 2a, 2b, 3a and 3b, a carriage for a baby or child is generally indicated at 10.

[0126] FIGS. 1, 2a, 2b, 3a and 3b show a first embodiment of a carriage 10 for a child or infant. The carriage 10 comprises a foldable chassis formed from a front-frame section 12 and a rear-frame section 14, a plurality of ground bearing wheels coupled to the chassis, a detachable cradle 16 and a storage tray 17. In the current embodiment, there are two fixed wheels 18 connected to the rear-frame section 14 and a caster wheel 20 connected to the front-frame section 12.

[0127] The front-frame section 12 is generally a forked section formed by two prongs connected to the rear-frame section 14 by a pivoting means 22. In the current embodiment, each pivoting means is provided by a pin extending from the surface of the rear-frame section 14, the pin extends through a bore in the prong. The pivoting means is also provided with a locking element to lock the front-frame section in a folded configuration or an unfolded configuration.

[0128] The rear-frame section 14 is generally formed from two frame elements extending from a connection point with the fixed wheels 18 to a cradle connection section 24 and an extendable handle section 26 extending from the cradle connection section 24. The extendable handle section 26 comprises a first frame element which is approximately horizontal and two second frame elements extending at an angle from the ends of the first frame element. The second frame elements may be lockable telescopic frame elements.

[0129] The detachable cradle 16 comprises a rigid body 28 defining a cavity for receiving a child or infant, a rigid canopy 30 for covering the cavity and a frame connection means (for example, 38 in FIG. 5a or 112, 114 in FIGS. 11 and 12) for detachably connecting the cradle 16 to the cradle connection section 26. The rigid canopy 30 is movable between an open configuration in which the cavity is accessible through an aperture in the rigid body and a closed configuration in which the cavity is not accessible through the aperture in the rigid body.

[0130] In some embodiments, the cradle 16 may include a system for controlling electrical components which can alter environmental conditions within the cavity, such as the level of UV, the type of auditory stimulus present or the quality of air.

[0131] In some embodiments, a speaker system is provided in the cavity which is wirelessly connectable, for example through Bluetooth, to an external device adapted to provide an audio signal and/or instructions.

[0132] In some embodiments, there may be a ventilation system with a plurality of ventilation units. Each ventilation unit includes a fan and a filter disposed in the cradle. The fans draw air in through the filter from outside. The filtered air is directed towards the infant or child. The fans may be disposed in any portion of the cradle, for example in the side walls or end walls of the cradle. They may be disposed so that the filtered air flows in a particular direction, for example, from the child or infants head to their feet or vice versa.

[0133] A removable support structure for supporting the child or infant within the cavity is provided. The removable support structure may be substantially flat to allow the child or infant to be supported on their back or it may include an undulating surface which allows the child or infant to be supported in a seated position.

[0134] The rigid canopy 30 is generally dome-shaped in a closed configuration and formed from a plurality of segments 32. In the current embodiment, the dome-shape canopy 30, and each segment 32, has a substantially arch-shaped cross section.

[0135] In the current embodiment, a film is applied to the underside of each segment 32. The film filters ultraviolet radiation. In other embodiments, each segment may be made from or include a material which filters ultraviolet radiation.

[0136] Each segment 32 of the canopy 30 is rotatable about a common horizontal axis. When in an open configuration, the majority of segments 32 are nested and are significantly overlapped by at least one other segment 32. When in a closed configuration, the segments 32 create a stepped profile with a portion of a segment being overlapped, or underlapped, by another segment 32. The nested and stepped profile is created as each segment changes in size.

[0137] Each segment 32 of the canopy 30 includes a coupling assembly which couples the movement of one segment 32 to that of at least one other segment 32 and an aperture 33 for receiving an axle or drive means. The aperture aligns with the horizontal pivot point.

[0138] FIGS. 4a, 4b and 4c show one possible embodiment of a coupling assembly. The coupling assembly of each segment 32 includes a coupling pin 34 and a pin receiving slot 36. A first segment 32a is coupled by coupling pin 34a to the receiving slot 36b in the second segment 32b. The receiving slot 36b is an arc of equal radial distance from the aperture 33. By including an elongate slot, it is possible to have the first segment 32a to move independently of the second segment 32b. In Other embodiments there may be any number of segments.

[0139] FIGS. 5a & 5b shows an embodiment of a connection assembly, with FIG. 5a showing the connector 38 and FIG. 5b showing a co-locating connector 40. The detachable cradle 16 has two connectors 38 diametrically disposed thereon. The chassis has two co-locating connectors 40 disposed on or in the cradle connection sections 24. The connection assembly allows the cradle 16 to be coupled to the back-frame section 14 in a world-facing configuration (FIGS. 1, 2a and 3a) or a parent-facing configuration (FIGS. 2b and 3b). In the world-facing configuration the cavity and aperture are generally facing in a forward direction away from the operator, allowing the child or infant to view the world. In the parent-facing configuration the cavity and aperture are generally facing in a rearward direction towards the operator, allowing the child or infant to interact with the parent or caregiver.

[0140] The connector 38, and co-locating connector 40 also allows the detachable cradle 16 to be rotated about the horizontal axis, this allows the cradle 16 to move between an inclined configuration (FIGS. 3a and 3b) and a reclined configuration (as shown in FIGS. 1, 2a and 2b). The inclined configuration allows for the cradle 16 to be used as a seat while the reclined configuration allows for the cradle to be used for keeping a child or infant in the prone position.

[0141] The connection assembly also comprises a locking element to secure the connector and co-locating connector together.

[0142] In the current embodiment, the connector 38 is provided by a cylindrical extension 42 extending from the rigid body 28 of the detachable cradle 16. The co-locating connector 40 extends from the cradle connection region 24 and defines a receiving region 44 for vertically receiving the cylindrical extension 42. The cylindrical extension 42 has a gear 46 or other transmission means which interfaces with a transmission means 48 within the co-locating connector 40. The transmission means 48 is connected to an electric motor within the cradle connection means 24. In an alternative embodiment, the electric motor is within the cradle 16. In some embodiments, an electrical connection is provided between the connector 38 and co-locating connector 40, for example there may be a series of conductive rings 50 located on the cylindrical extension 42 and a corresponding series of conductive rings or conductive brushes 52 in the receiving region 44.

[0143] In another embodiment, a further electric motor is provided in the cradle connection means 24 which connects with a transmission in the detachable cradle 16 when in either the parent-facing configuration or world-facing configuration. The further electrical motor controls the movement of the canopy between the open and closed configuration. In another embodiment, the further electrical motor and transmission means may both be provided in the detachable cradle 16.

[0144] Each cradle connection means 24 includes two illumination means. The first illumination means is forward facing, and the second illumination means is rearward facing. Each illumination means comprises a clear or coloured cover and a light emitting source such as an array of LEDs or incandescent bulbs.

[0145] The electrical systems within the carriage 10 are controllable by input means located on the chassis. For example, the illumination means may be connected to an input means in the handle which allows for the level of illumination provided to be controlled. The input means may be a button or switch.

[0146] The storage tray 17 is provided in the front-frame section 12 between the two prongs. The storage tray 17 is defined by two walls extending vertically from each prong and a wall extending off vertical between each prong. A base wall is connected to the walls extend from each prong.

[0147] Referring to FIGS. 6, 7, 8a, 8b, 9 and 10, a further embodiment of the carriage is generally indicated at 100. Similar features will maintain the same reference numerals as those used previously. The ground bearing wheel and lower section of the chassis is not shown.

[0148] The carriage 100 comprises a foldable chassis formed from a lower-frame section and an upper-frame section 102, a plurality of ground bearing wheels coupled to the chassis, a detachable cradle 16 and a storage tray.

[0149] The upper-frame section 102 defines a region for receiving the detachable cradle 16. The cradle 16 is releasably connected to the upper-frame section 102 through two diametrically disposed connector assemblies 104. Each connector assembly 104 comprises a connector 104a disposed on the detachable cradle 16 and a co-locating connector 104b disposed on or in the upper-frame section 102. The connector assemblies 104 allow for the detachable cradle 16 to be placed in two configurations within the receiving region. The first configuration is the world-facing configuration and the second configuration is the parent facing configuration.

[0150] In one example, the connector 104a is sized and shaped as to be received in a cavity in the co-locating connector 104b. In another example, the co-locating connector 104b is received in the connector 104a. The connector assemblies 104 provide an electrical connection between the electrical system in the cradle 16 and input means disposed in or on the chassis. In the current embodiment, the electrical connection is provided by a two-piece electrical connector. The first piece comprises a central conductive pin for locating a central conductive recess in the second piece and at least one conductive ring surrounding but electrically isolated from the central conductive pin and/or other conductive rings. The second piece comprises a central conductive recess separated by conductive ring receiving recess. The connector assembly 104 may comprises a locking means to secure the connector 104a to the co-locating connector 104b.

[0151] Similar to the embodiments discussed above, the detachable cradle 16 comprises a rigid body 28 defining a cavity for receiving a child or infant, a rigid canopy 30 for covering the cavity. The rigid canopy 30 is movable between an open configuration (See FIG. 8a) in which the cavity is accessible through an aperture in the rigid body and a closed configuration (See FIG. 8b) in which the cavity is not accessible through the aperture in the rigid body.

[0152] The cradle 16 includes a housing 106 disposed on an inner surface and located in a region where the head of the infant or child will be located. The housing will extend partially around the inner circumference of the cavity. The housing will enclose the speaker system and enclose or form part of the ventilation system.

[0153] The speaker system is connectable to an external device for receiving an audio signal through a wireless means, such as Bluetooth®. The speaker system is controllable by input means located on the carriage, preferably on the chassis. Alternatively, the speaker system may be controllable by the external device. The speaker system produces a limited output to ensure that a decibel level within the region where the head of the infant or child will be located does not reach a level which will cause damage.

[0154] The ventilation system comprises an input vent, an output vent connected to the input vent by ducting, a fan and a filter. The output vent is disposed in the housing 106 and directs the flow of filtered air into the region where the head of the infant or child will be located. For example, the vent may direct the flow of filtered air over the head of the baby towards the feet or across the head of the baby. In the current embodiment the input mean is disposed in the outer surface of the cradle 16. In other embodiments, it may be disposed on the internal surface opposite the output vent. The fan is connected to a controller which receives input from input means disposed on the carriage.

[0155] The rigid canopy 30 is generally dome-shaped in a closed configuration and formed from a plurality of segments 32. In the current embodiment, the dome-shape canopy 30, and each segment 32, has a substantially arch-shaped cross section. Each segment 32 is rotatable about a common horizontal axis. When in an open configuration (as shown in FIG. 8a), segments 32 are nested within other segments 32 and significantly overlap at least one other segment 32. When in a closed configuration (as shown in FIG. 8b), the segments 32 create a stepped profile and only overlap slightly with other segments 32. The nested and stepped profile is created as each segment changes in size.

[0156] Each segment 32 of the canopy 30 includes a coupling assembly (as shown in FIGS. 4a and 4b) which couples the movement of one segment 32 to that of at least one other segment 32 and an aperture 33 for receiving an axle or drive means. The aperture aligns with the horizontal pivot point.

[0157] FIG. 9 shows a cross section of the detachable cradle 16 of the carriage 100 in an reclined position. A removable support structure 108 is provided to support a child or infant in a prone position or placed on their back.

[0158] FIG. 10 shows a cross section of the detachable cradle 16 of the carriage 100 in a inclined position. A removable support structure 110 is provided to support a child or infant in a seated position.

[0159] FIGS. 11 and 12 show another embodiment of a connection assembly, with FIG. 11 showing a perspective view and FIG. 12 showing a cross-sectional view. The connection assembly comprises a connector 112 disposed on the cradle 16 and a co-locating connector 114 disposed on the chassis. A carriage, such as those discussed in other embodiments, comprise two connector assemblies disposed on a horizontal axis of a chassis. The connection assembly allows for the cradle to be coupled to the chassis in a world-facing configuration or a parent-facing configuration while maintaining the various functions of the carriage.

[0160] The connector 112 is provided by a substantially circular surface 116 disposed on or in or extending from the body of the cradle 16, an arcuate wall 118 extending from the edge of the substantially circular surface and a male element 120 extending substantially downwardly from the arcuate wall 118. The arcuate wall 118 extends around substantially half of the periphery of the substantially circular surface, that is, around an upper region of the substantially circular surface.

[0161] The co-locating connector 114 is provided by a fixed element 122 disposed on or in the chassis and a rotatable element 124 disposed on the fixed element. The rotatable element 124 comprises a substantially circular wall 126 which substantially corresponds with the substantially circular surface 116 when the connector 112 and co-locating connector 114 are mated, a wall 128 extending from the edge of the circular wall and a recess 130 formed in the wall. The wall 128 may include a weight bearing portion which corresponds with the arcuate wall 118 to bear the weight of the cradle 16. The bearing portion may be recessed to receive the arcuate wall 118.

[0162] The recess 130 is sized and shaped to receive the male element 120 when the connector 112 and co-locating connector 114 are mated. For example, the recess may have a substantially rectangular cross section to match a male element which has a substantially rectangular cross section.

[0163] In the current embodiment, the male element 120 comprises a plurality of conductive contacts which each correspond with a conductive contact in the recess 130 of the rotatable element 124 when mated. Alternatively or in combination, the circular surface 116 of the connector 112 may have a plurality of conductive rings or arcs which each correspond with a conductive contact on the bearing wall of the rotatable element 124 when mated. The conductive rings or arcs may be similar to those shown in FIG. 5A or FIG. 14.

[0164] The conductive contacts disposed on or in the male element 120, and/or the circular surface 116, provide an electrical connection to components, such as motors or fans, within the cradle 16. The conductive contacts disposed on or in the rotatable element 114, either in the recess 130 or the wall 126, provide an electrical connection to at least one power source disposed in or on the chassis and input means disposed on or in the chassis. The power source includes a plurality of electrochemical cells, the cells may be mounted to the rotatable element 124 or the stationary element 122. The electrochemical cells may be rechargeable.

[0165] In the current embodiment, one electric motor 132 for moving the cradle 16 between a reclined and inclined position is provided in the chassis. In other embodiments, there may be a further electric motor disposed on the same horizontal axis. A spindle of the electrical motor 132 is coupled to the rotatable element 124 of the co-locating connector 114. The spindle may be coupled fixedly or with a transmission means so that rotation of the spindle causes rotation of the rotatable element 124. This arrangement allows the detachable cradle to be rotated about a horizontal axis from an inclined configuration to a reclined configuration.

[0166] Referring to FIG. 13, a canopy actuating means is indicated generally at 140. Two canopy actuating means may be provided, each being disposed opposite the other on or in a cradle.

[0167] An electric motor 142 of the canopy actuating means is disposed on or in the cradle 16, preferably to an inner surface of a body of the cradle. The electric motor 142 is coupled to a first axle 144. The first axle extends through the body of the cradle into a housing 146. A first set of gears are disposed on the first axle, the first set of gears comprise a first gear, a second gear and a third gear. The first gear has a smaller diameter than the second gear which has a smaller diameter than the third gear.

[0168] A second axle 148 is disposed within the housing 146 and provides an axis around which each segment of the canopy may rotate. The second axle 148 extends through the housing 146 and body of the cradle 16. A second set of gears are disposed around the second axle, the second set of gears comprise a first gear, a second gear and a third gear. The first gear has a larger diameter than the second gear which has a larger diameter than the third gear.

[0169] A first gear pair is provided by the first gear of the first set of gears engaging with the first gear of the second set of gears. A second gear pair is provided by the second gear of the first set of gears engaging with the second gear of the second set of gears. A third gear pair is provided by the third gear of the first set of gears engaging with the third gear of the second set of gears.

[0170] Each gear of the second set of gears is disposed on a segment of canopy. Rotation of the first set of gears rotates the second set of gears and causes each segment of the canopy to rotate. Each gear pair may have a different gear ratio so as to allow each segment of the canopy to rotate at a different rate.

[0171] The gearing enables the canopy segments to move smoothly and concurrently, with rotation from a single driving axle. The outer, or end canopy, thus moves further and faster than the inner end canopy. The canopy elements may have a similar starting position, or may be slightly spaced as shown in FIG. 8a. The canopy retracts to the starting position when the motor is driven in the other direction. The embodiments described above are provided by way of example only, and various changes and modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.