WO2007053021A1

WO2007053021A1 - Folding stroller, such as a buggy, comprising a detachable and foldable seat

Info

Publication number: WO2007053021A1
Application number: PCT/NL2006/050273
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jacob Geert Arie Den Boer
Original assignee: Royalty Bugaboo Gmbh
Priority date: 2005-11-01
Filing date: 2006-11-01
Publication date: 2007-05-10
Also published as: NL1030332C2

Abstract

The invention relates to a folding stroller (1), in particular a buggy. The buggy comprises a frame provided with a pull/push rod (2,13) and wheels (9,11), a seat (5) which is detachable from the frame and comprises a seat part (15) and a back part (16); and also, on opposing sides of the back part of the seat, an arm. The seat part and back part are fastened to each other in a hinging manner by at least one seat hinge defining a first hinge axis (18). Said first hinge axis (18) extends, when the seat (5) is mounted on the frame, transversely to the direction of travel of the buggy. The arms have, when the seat is mounted, at one end a hinging back fastening (202) to the back part (16) and at the other end (203) a hinging frame fastening (204) to the frame. In the buggy, on the one hand, the seat (5) hinge can be disconnectably fastened to the frame and, on the other hand, the back fastening (202) of the arms (17) or the frame fastening (204) of the arms (17) forms a disconnectable connection, both in such a way that the seat (5) can be detached from the frame and can be placed back into the frame.

Description

Folding stroller, such as a buggy, comprising a detachable and foldable seat

The present invention relates to a folding stroller, such as a buggy, comprising a detachable and foldable seat. Buggies of this type are known, for example, from NL- 1.009.753/WO-00/06437. Said known buggy comprises a main frame and a seat which is detachable from the main frame. However, the seat is not foldable. The main frame has, inter alia, a pull/push rod and wheels. In said known buggy, the seat is detachable so that it can be positioned in the frame in the forward or backward direction. It is thus possible to allow the child to be transported in the buggy to look forward in the direction of travel or counter to the direction of travel, toward the person pushing the buggy. The seat of said known buggy consists of a seat frame in the form of an inflexible vessel containing the seat itself. The vessel is, in plan view, substantially rectangular and, in side view, substantially triangular. In addition, the vessel, which forms a type of seat frame for the seat itself, is rigid and non-deformable. The seat itself is accommodated in said vessel. Said seat itself consists of a whalebone-reinforced textile which defines a seat part and a back part. The back part will support the child's back and the seat part will support the child's posterior and thighs. When the seat is detached, the seat frame - the vessel - is, in the case of said known buggy, detached from the main frame. At the same time as said seat frame, the seat part and back part contained therein will therefore also be detached from the main frame.

The seat of said folding buggy is relatively large in its dimensions. When the buggy with its mounted seat is folded, this assembly takes up a lot of space. In addition, it is practical, when storing folding buggies, to remove the seat from the buggy. The relatively large size of the seat is in this case a drawback for the storing of the buggy and detracts from the manoeuvrability and ease of handling of the seat.

US 6.086.086 discloses a collapsible stroller. However, the construction of this stroller prevents the main frame from collapsing when the seat is mounted in the main frame.

DE 20.2005.0082114 discloses a stroller with detachable seat. In the fig. 2 embodiment the seat has a seat part and back part, which might be - the document is silent about it - hingeable with respect to each other. However, a slanting connection rod prevents the seat from being collapsible.

The aim of the present invention is to provide a folding stroller comprising a detachable seat, in particular a buggy, which stroller overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks. In short, the aim of the present invention is to provide an improved folding stroller comprising a detachable seat.

The aforementioned aim is achieved by providing a folding stroller, such as a buggy, comprising:

• a main frame provided with a pull/push rod and wheels;

• a seat which is detachable from the main frame and comprises a seat part and back part, which parts are fastened to each other in a hinging manner by at least one seat hinge defining a first hinge axis, which first hinge axis extends, when the seat is mounted on the main frame, transversely to the longitudinal direction of the stroller;

• an arm on opposing sides of the back part of the seat, which arms, when the seat is mounted, have at one end a hinging back fastening to the back part and have at the other end a hinging frame fastening to the main frame; wherein, on the one hand, the seat is disconnectably fastenable to the main frame at the seat hinge and, on the other hand, the back fastening of the arms or the frame fastening of the arms forms a disconnectable fastening in such a way that the seat is detachable from the main frame and can be placed back into the main frame.

In the folding stroller according to the invention, the seat - the seat itself- is fastened to the main frame by a four-point fastening without a seat frame surrounding the seat itself being necessary/provided. In the seat according to the invention, the seat part and back part are fastened substantially directly to the main frame which carries, inter alia, the pull/push rod and the wheels. This is achieved, on the one hand, by fastening the seat according to the invention disconnectably to the frame at the seat hinge. Said fastening will take place on opposing sides of the seat. Moreover, said fastening can be both a direct fastening of the seat hinge to the frame and a fastening via a fastening part provided on opposing sides of the seat at the seat hinge. On the other hand, there is provided on opposing sides of the back part of the seat an arm, via which arm the seat is then fastened, in each case, to the frame. The four fastening points are in this case located on the right-hand side of the seat hinge, the left-hand side of the seat hinge, the right arm and the left arm. The arm can in this case be respectively fastened fixedly to the back part and disconnectably to the main frame and also, conversely, be fastened fixedly to the main frame and disconnectably to the back part.

The absence of a seat frame surrounding the seat itself and the mutual hinging capacity of the seat part and back part - the collapsibility of the seat - has the following consequences: a) the stroller, with the seat mounted in the main frame, can be folded very compactly and b) the uncoupled seat can be stored much more easily. If the seat hinge has sufficient freedom of movement - as is preferably the case - the back part and seat part can be folded against each other. As a result of the fact that the seat part and back part are substantially the only components of the seat as a whole (i.e. the seat consists of the seat part and back part) and are mutually hingeable, the mutual position of the seat part and back part can - depending on the available space - be freely adapted in order to make optimum use of the available storage space. That is to say, owing to the absence of a seat frame, which is conventional in the prior art, the space taken up by the seat will be substantially completely determined by the position assumed by the seat part and back part with respect to each other. Those parts can be collapsed against each other, folded in a position stretched with respect to each other, as well as folded in other positions oblique with respect to each other. It may therefore, as it were, be said that, in the case of a buggy according to the invention: "the seat is configured in such a way that when the seat is detached from the main frame, the seat in its entirety takes up an amount of space which is substantially completely determined by the position assumed by the seat part and back part with respect to each other".

The seat, which is made up substantially of two parts - the seat part and back part - connected in a hinging manner, has still further advantages. The seat part and back part may be configured ergonomically. A person sitting on the seat in the stroller will thus be much more comfortable for, inter alia, the following reasons:

• the person can be supported more effectively and therefore slumps less;

• the person will find it much easier to sit still for long periods of time without feeling the urge to move owing to discomfort;

• the person will be able to sit more comfortably even if the seat is in diverse positions (backrest upright or oblique).

Moreover, it is easily possible, with the stroller according to the invention, to select a seat which optimally suits the size and build of the person to be transported. The seat can, for this purpose, be made specially for the person and it is also possible to offer various more standard seat models from which the user can select.

• All of these advantages allow major advancement in the field of buggies for children, in particular for children younger than 5 years old. According to the invention, the folding stroller is therefore also, in particular, a buggy, especially a buggy provided with a seat for a child ranging in age from 0 months to 4 years inclusive.

The term "a seat for a child from 0 months to 5 years" does not refer to a seat which a child must be able to use throughout this entire period. This is a seat which is suitable for a child in the age range from 0 to 5 years inclusive. The respective seat may vary depending on the age and size of the child. For babies, the seat may be a bed, such as a carrycot.

As will be apparent from the foregoing explanation, the seat part of the seat is fastened to the main frame at the hinge axis thereof. Obviously, the position of the seat part is to be fixable with respect to the main frame. This may, for example, be achieved by configuring the fastening at the seat hinge somewhat eccentrically with respect to the first hinge axis - the hinge axis of the seat hinge - and making the bridge between said fastening points and the first hinge axis very rigid. However, a structure of this type will be heavily loaded when a person, such as a child, sits in the seat, owing to the leverage. For, inter alia, the aforementioned reasons, it is advantageous in accordance with the invention if the main frame comprises at least one seat support on which the seat part can rest. In particular, it is in this connection advantageous if the frame comprises, viewed in the longitudinal direction of the stroller, at least one seat support on opposing sides of the seat hinge. In order to ensure that the position of the seat support, i.e. substantially the angle of inclination of the seat face, is identical when the seat is mounted facing in one direction or in the other direction, it is advantageous in accordance with the invention if the seat support defines on one side of the seat hinge a first seat inclination extending in the direction of travel and intersecting the first hinge axis, if the seat support defines on the other side of the seat hinge a second seat inclination extending in the direction of travel and intersecting the first hinge axis, and if the first and second seat inclinations extend in opposing directions at substantially the same angle with respect to the horizontal.

In order to make the angular position of the back part with respect to a vertical or the range of adjustability of said angular position with respect to the vertical independent of the one or other direction of view from the seat, it is advantageous in accordance with the invention if, when the seat is mounted, the frame fastenings of the arms are located substantially straight above the seat hinge.

In order to be able to transport a person, such as a child, in the stroller both in an upright position and in a backward-leaning, such as a lying, position, it is advantageous in accordance with the invention if the hinging frame fastening, the seat hinge and the hinging back fastening define the angular points of a triangle with three triangular sides, and if the length of one of said triangular sides is adjustable for setting the slant of the back part. Said sides are therefore a triangular side extending between the hinging frame fastening and the seat hinge, a triangular side extending between the seat hinge and the hinging back fastening, and a triangular side extending between the hinging back fastening and the hinging frame fastening. The slant of the back part may be set by adjusting the length of one or more of said sides. In order to prevent the user of the stroller from being presented with too many possible settings, thus detracting from ease of use, the length of the remaining two triangular sides may be selected so as to be invariable.

In principle, each triangular side is in this case available for adjusting the length thereof. The length of the triangular side defined by the hinging frame fastening and the seat hinge could therefore be adjusted by displacing the site of fastening of the seat hinge in the vertical direction along the main frame.

The length of the triangular side defined by the hinging frame fastening and the hinging back fastening is, in accordance with the invention, more preferably configured so as to be adjustable. This may, for example, be realised by configuring the arms such that they may be telescoped.

A further simple solution with regard to realisation is to configure the length of the triangular side defined by the seat hinge and the hinging back fastening so as to be adjustable. This may, for example, be realised by configuring the hinging back fastening so as to be displaceable along the back part in a direction transverse to the first hinge axis. This may be realised fairly simply by providing on opposing sides along said back part a series of locking recesses wherein a pin of the seat hinge may be accommodated. The slanting position of the back part can then be altered by moving the pin of the seat hinge from one recess to another recess.

It is particularly advantageous in accordance with the invention if the frame fastening of the arms forms the disconnectable fastening, whereas the back fastening of the arms forms a fixed, hinging fastening. The term "a fixed, hinging fastening" refers in this case to a fastening which cannot be disconnected without dismantling operations and does not rule out said adjustability of said fastening along the back part as described hereinbefore for possibility b).

However, the invention also makes provision for the back fastening of the arms forming the disconnectable fastening, whereas the frame fastening of the arms forms a fixed, hinging fastening. The drawback of this embodiment compared to the preceding embodiment is that, when the seat is removed, the arms will tend to hang down and will therefore tend to impede the connecting of the seat hinge when the seat is placed back. Obviously, this may be prevented, although, again, this will entail additional provisions. Nevertheless, the advantage of this embodiment is that, when replacing the seat, the arms do not have to be replaced or have to be positioned on the other seat. The present invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to an illustrative embodiment represented schematically in the drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic, perspective view of a buggy according to the invention, which is provided with a detachable seat;

Figure 2 is a view corresponding to Figure 1 , but wherein the detachable seat has been removed;

Figure 3 is a schematic, perspective view of a detachable seat for a buggy according to the invention;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the buggy according to Figures 1 , 2 and 3 in the folded state, Figure 4a showing the folded buggy with the seat and Figure 4b showing the same folded buggy without the seat;

Figure 5 is a detailed, perspective, schematic view of the central portion of the main frame of the buggy according to Figures 1 to 4;

Figure 6 is a side view of a buggy according to the invention with the seat turned forward and in the lying position; Figure 7 is the same illustration as in Figure 6, but in this case with the seat turned backward and in the lying position;

Figure 8 is a highly schematic view of the seat from Figure 6;

Figure 9 is a highly schematic view corresponding to Figure 8, the inclination of the back part being adjusted in a different manner; and Figure 10 is a highly schematic detailed view of an example of an adjustable, hinging back fastening.

The concepts of "front" and "rear", as in front wheels and rear wheels, are used in the present application with reference, viewed in the longitudinal direction of the stroller/buggy, to one longitudinal end and with reference to the other longitudinal end. Which part is in use the front and which part the rear of the stroller/buggy will depend, inter alia, on the manner of use, i.e. whether the stroller/buggy is pushed or pulled. It is also the case that the firm Bugaboo sells buggies wherein the pull/push rod can be folded over with respect to the remainder of the frame - to take a concrete example, over approximately 90 to 120° - in order optionally to position said rod on one longitudinal end of the buggy or on the other longitudinal end of the buggy. The user can then either pull or push the buggy from one longitudinal end or pull or push the buggy from the other longitudinal end. This capacity of the pull/push rod to be folded over from one longitudinal end to the other longitudinal end is, inter alia, advantageous if there are provided at one longitudinal end swivelling wheels and at the other longitudinal end non-swivellable wheels which remain parallel to each other and may have wider tyres and a larger diameter than the swivelling wheels. As a result, depending on the conditions under which the buggy is used, the position of the pull/push rod may thus be adapted. If there is relatively little space in which to manoeuvre the buggy, such as is the case, for example, in a supermarket, then provision may be made to position the pull/push rod at the longitudinal end with the swivelling wheels. If the buggy is used on a relatively soft ground, for example a sandy ground, then it will usually be advantageous if the pull/push rod is positioned at the end with the fixed, non-swivelling wheels. It will be clear from the foregoing that the concepts of "front" and "rear" are, in the case of a stroller/buggy according to the invention (for example, in relation to the concepts of front wheels and rear wheels), relative concepts which distinguish between provision at one longitudinal end of the buggy and provision at the other longitudinal end of the buggy, although this does not mean that the scope of protection is restricted by the use of the concepts of "front" and "rear". It will also be clear that the same inherently applies to the concepts of "left" and "right".

Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4 show an illustrative embodiment of a buggy according to the invention in its entirety. This embodiment relates to a folding buggy, the folded state of which is shown in Figure 4. In this embodiment, the seat, which is illustrated separately in Figure 3, is also detachable. In Figures 1 and 4a, the seat is shown fastened in the main frame and Figures 2 and 4b show the main frame of the buggy without a seat being provided therein.

In Figures 1 to 4, the buggy is denoted in its entirety by reference numeral 1. Said buggy 1 is constructed from a seat 5 and a main frame of rods and wheels wherein the seat 5 can be carried in a removable manner. The main frame is constructed from: a pull/push handle 13 provided on pull/push rods 4, i.e. a left pull/push rod 4L and a right pull/push rod 4R; - two rear wheel rods 3, i.e. a left rear wheel rod 3L and a right rear wheel rod 3R;

- two curved front wheel rods 2, i.e. a right front wheel rod 2R and a left front wheel rod 2L;

- two rear wheels 11, i.e. a right rear wheel 1 IR and a left rear wheel 1 IL; which rear wheels are provided at the lower ends of the rear wheel rods 3; - two front wheels 9, both configured as spring-mounted swivelling wheels, preferably configured in accordance with NL 1.023.789/WO 2005/002882; the left front wheel is denoted by reference numeral 9L and the right front wheel by reference numeral 9R;

- a front cross bar system 6 provided between the lower ends of the front wheel rods 2; which front cross bar system provides, at least when the buggy is unfolded, a, viewed in the transverse direction T of the buggy, rigid connection between said lower ends of the front wheel rods in such a way that, viewed in said transverse direction T, the mutual distance between said lower ends of the front wheel rods 2 is invariable;

- a rear cross bar system 7 provided at the lower ends of the rear wheel rods 3 in order, viewed in the transverse direction T of the buggy, to produce a rigid connection of said lower ends of the rear wheel rods 3 in such a way that, viewed in the transverse direction T, the mutual distance between the lower ends of the rear wheel rods is fixed, at least when the buggy is unfolded;

- a central frame part 14 which is shown in detail in Figure 5 and will be discussed at greater length hereinafter. As will be clear from the foregoing, the letters L and R are added to the reference numerals in order to distinguish between a left and a right element which are otherwise identical to each other. This addition of the letters L and R having the same meaning will also be used with other elements to be discussed in greater detail. It will also occur that a reference numeral is used in the text of the description without the added letter L or R, whereas in the drawings this reference numeral is found only with the added letter L and/or R, or vice versa. It will, however, be clear that the respective element is the same in each case. If, for example, the text refers to the rear wheel 11, then it will be clear that the reference numeral 1 IR and/or 1 IL from the drawings is included. With reference, in particular, to Figure 3, the seat 5 of the buggy according to the invention consists of a seat part 15, a back part 16 and two arms 17, i.e. a right arm 17R and a left arm 17L. The seat part 15 and the back part 16 are connected to each other so as to be able to hinge about a hinge axis 18. When the seat is removed from the main frame, as illustrated in Figure 3, the seat part 15 can be pivoted upward, in the direction of arrow 19, to a position approximately parallel to that of the back part. An, as it were, tightly folded state of the seat is thus obtained. As may be seen in Figure 4a, the seat can also produce this "tightly folded state" when the seat is fastened in the main frame.

With reference, in particular, to Figures 1 , 2 and 4, it may be seen that the front wheel rods 2 and rear wheel rods 3 are fastened to the respective push rod 4 via a common sliding part 38. The sliding part 38 can be moved in the longitudinal direction of the push rod 4, along the push rod, between a low position corresponding to the unfolded state of the buggy - see Figure 2, wherein the sliding part is located relatively close to the lower end of the push rod 4 - and a high position corresponding to the folded state of the buggy - see Figure 4b, wherein the sliding part 18 is located further away from the lower end of the push rod 4 than when the buggy is unfolded. The rear wheel rods are fastened to the sliding part 38 via a hinging fastening 39 and the front wheel rods 2 are fastened to the sliding part 38 via hinges 40. In the case of the buggy shown in Figures 1 to 4, the front wheel rods 2 and rear wheel rods 3 become, as it were, parallel to the pull/push rod 4, when the buggy is folded (see Fig. 4), by moving the sliding part 38 upward along the pull/push rod in the direction of the push handle 13. In order to prevent accidental folding of the buggy there is provided on each pull/push rod 4 a lock which, in the unfolded state, locks the sliding parts 38 with respect to the pull/push rods 4. Said lock can consist of a respective pin which can be retracted into the respective pull/push rods. Said pins can be operated via sliding knobs 41 which are provided on each pull/push rod and are able to retract said pins, via a transmission means, counter to the action of a drawback spring. The pull/push rods 4 are configured so as to telescope (at the sliding knobs 41). As may be seen in Fig. 4, a more compact overall structure can thus be achieved in the folded state. This telescoping also allows the height of the handle 13 to be adapted as the user desires. The buggy illustrated in Figures 1 to 4 is also provided with a central frame part 14 which is shown in detail in Figure 5. Said central frame part comprises a central cross part 8 fastened between the lower ends of the pull/push rods 4. Said central cross part 8 comprises a base 36 and a central cross bar 37 joined together in a non-rotatable manner. From the base 36 there extend in the forward direction F a left front base arm 2OL and a right front base arm 2OR. The front base arms 20 are each fastened, at one end, to the base 36 so as to hinge about a hinge axis 21 and, at the other end, to a respective front wheel rod 2 so as to hinge about a hinge axis 22. The hinging fastening of the front base arms 20 to the respective front wheel rods 2 is an immovable fastening, i.e. the location of the hinge axis 22 with respect to the respective front wheel rod is, viewed in the longitudinal direction of the front wheel rod, invariable. As a result of the fact that the hinge axes 21 extend neither parallel to the transverse direction T of the buggy nor transverse to the longitudinal direction L of the buggy but rather obliquely with respect to both the longitudinal direction L and the transverse direction T of the buggy, the free ends 23 of the front base arms 20, if they pivot upward in the direction indicated by arrow 24 in Figure 5, will, viewed in the transverse direction T of the buggy, move closer to each other. The result of this is that the lower ends of the front wheel rods 2, and thus the front wheels 9, move toward each other. Owing to the fact that when the buggy is folded, the sliding part 38 slides upward along the pull/push rod, the front wheel rods 2 will, when the buggy is folded, fold the front base arms 20 upward in the direction of arrow 24, as a result of which the front wheels 9 will move toward each other when the buggy is folded. When the buggy is unfolded, precisely the opposite will occur.

On the rear side B, the base part 14 carries two rear base arms 25, i.e. a right rear base arm 25R and a left rear base arm 25L. The right rear base arm 25R and the left rear base arm 25L form part of a one-piece U-shaped plastics material part. It will, however, be clear that the rear base arms 25R and 25L can also be two separate components and also that they do not have to be made from plastics material. The rear base arms 25 are fastened to the base 36 so as to hinge about a hinge axis 26. At their other end, the free end 27, the rear base arms 25 are fastened to the rear cross bar system 7. This is also a hinging fastening, the free ends 27 of the rear base arms 25 being rotatable about the rear cross bar system 7. When the buggy is folded up, the sliding part 38 is slid upward along the pull/push rod and thus pulls the rear wheel rods 3 upward. The upward pulling of the rear wheel rods 3 causes the rear cross bar system 7 to be pulled upward, so the rear base arms 25 will pivot upward in the direction of arrow 28.

That which has been described hereinbefore with reference to Figures 1 to 5 concerns a general description of an illustrative embodiment of a buggy according to the invention. The subject-matter of the invention of the present application will be considered hereinafter more specifically. It will be clear to a person skilled in the art that said subject-matter of the invention is more broadly applicable than only with the embodiment, described hereinbefore. in relation to the figures.

With reference to Figure 3, it may be seen that the seat is provided on opposing sides with, in each case, two pins for fastening the seat to the main frame. The seat is provided on opposing sides with a pin 220 which is centred on the hinge axis 18.

For accommodating the pins 220, the main frame is provided on opposing sides with a pin receptacle 218 (see Figure 2). In order to allow the seat to be removed from the main frame and in order to allow the seat to be positioned in the main frame, the pins 220 may be retracted, counter to spring action, into the seat hinge 205. The seat is also provided on opposing sides with a further pin 203. Said pin 203 (Fig. 3) is attached, in each case, to the respective arm 17. Each pin 203 may be accommodated in a pin receptacle 219 provided in the main frame (see Fig. 2). In order to be able to detach the pin 203 from the pin receptacle 219 and to place it back therein, there is provided a locking mechanism (not shown). Figures 6 and 7 are each a side view of the buggy according to Figures 1 to 5. In

Figure 6, the seat is turned in the forward direction F, i.e. a child sitting on the seat 5 will look in the forward direction, in the direction of arrow F (or at least its legs will point in direction F). In Figure 7, the seat is mounted the other way round, i.e. a child sitting on the seat 5 will look in the backward direction, the direction of arrow B (or at least its legs will point in direction B), i.e. in the direction of the person pushing the buggy in the direction of arrow F or pulling it in the direction of arrow B.

Figures 6 and 7 illustrate a seat support 206 and a seat support 207. The seat support 206 (see also Figure 2) is provided on the central frame part 14 and supports the seat part 15 when the seat 5 is mounted in the forward direction, as shown in Figure 6. The seat support 207, which may be seen in Figure 2 in the form of a pin, is provided on each of the rear wheel rods 3 and supports the seat part 15 when said part is turned in the backward direction, arrow B, as illustrated in Figure 7. Both seat supports 206 and 207 form substantially free bearing points for supporting the seat part 15. The seat part 15 is not fixed to the seat supports 206 and 207, although some form of locking means for holding the seat part 15 fixed to the seat support 206 or 207 is not ruled out within the scope of the invention defined by the claims of the present application.

Figures 6 and 7 also show that the seat supports 206 and 207 are attached in such a way that the seat part 15 extends, both in the forward orientation as shown in Figure 6 and in the backward orientation as shown in Figure 7, at an angle α to the horizontal. The seat support 206 and seat support 207 are each located at a different distance from the seat hinge 205. The identical angle of inclination α for forward orientation and backward orientation is ensured as a result of the fact that both the seat support 206 and the seat support 207 are each located, on a axis perpendicularly intersecting the seat hinge 205, at the same angle with respect to the horizontal.

Figures 6 and 7 also show that the frame fastenings 203 of the arms 17 are located above the seat hinge 205, on the vertical 208 perpendicularly intersecting the seat hinge 205, or at least the hinge axis 18 thereof. It may thus be ensured that, provided that the position of the hinging back fastening 202 with respect to the back part 16 does not change and the arms 17 remain the same length, the angle of inclination of the back part 16 with respect to the horizontal is the same, indicated by β, for the forward orientation of the seat 5, as illustrated in Figure 6, and the backward orientation of the seat, as illustrated in Figure 7. The position of the back part 16 with respect to the horizontal is thus the same for both orientations of the seat, at least provided that the slanting position of the back part 16 is not adjusted differently, as will be described hereinafter with reference to Figures 8 and 9. If the position of the back part 16 with respect to the horizontal is adjustable, the provision of the hinging frame fastening 203 straight above the seat hinge 205 means that the range over which the slant angle (β) of the back part 16 with respect to the horizontal is adjustable is the same for both orientations of the seat. Thus, for example, if, in the forward orientation as illustrated in Figure 6, the back part 16 is adjustable between 10° and 75° with respect to the horizontal, then the back part 16 will also be adjustable, in the backward orientation as illustrated in Figure 7, over a range from 10° to 75° with respect to the horizontal.

Figure 8 shows the seat 5 as illustrated in a highly schematic manner in Figure 6. In the embodiment according to Figure 8, the back part 16 is adjusted with respect to the horizontal by moving the hinging back fastening 202 in the longitudinal direction of the back part 16. In Figure 8, the range of adjustability is indicated by S.

With reference to Figures 3 and 10, the latter being of a highly schematic nature, it may be seen how this adjustability, described with reference to Figure 8, is realised. The hinging back fastening 202 consists of two parts 210 and 211 which are movable with respect to each other. Shown on the left-hand side of Figure 10 is a locked state wherein the parts 210 and 211 are in abutment and shown on the right-hand side is an unlocked state wherein the part 211 is raised at a certain distance with respect to the part 210. The part 211 is provided with recesses 216, of which there are in this case six. A pin 209, fastened to the seat end of the arm 17, can be accommodated, in each case, in the recesses 216. When the parts 211 and 210 are positioned one on top of the other, the pin 209 is held in place (illustrated in the left-hand half of Figure 10). When the parts 210 and 211 are set apart from each other, the pin 209 is able to slide back and forth in the direction indicated by arrow 217 (illustrated in the right-hand half of Figure 10). The part 211 can be raised from the part 210 using this operating mechanism 213, 215 (see both Figure 3 and Figure 10). Pulling the handle 215 in Figure 3 upward results in the U-shaped part 213 being pulled upward, at least in Figure 3. In the schematic illustration in Figure 10, the part 213 then moves to the right. The part 213 carries a pin 212 extending along an oblique face 214 provided on the part 211. As a result of the movement toward the right of 213 in Figure 10, the pin 212 tends to descend along the face 214 and thus raises the part 211. Releasing the handle 215 will cause the part 211 to fall back downward to the part 210. This may be assisted by prestressing the parts 210 and 211, using springs, to the state as illustrated in the left-hand side of Figure 10.

With reference to Figure 9, it may be seen that the back part 16 may also be adjusted in a different manner. The hinging back fastening 202 may also be configured so as to be immovable with respect to the back part 16 and the arm 17 may be configured so as to be able to telescope. Even continuous adjustability may thus be realised. It will be clear to a person skilled in the art that the embodiment according to Figures 8 and 9 may also be combined. A crude adjustment, supplemented by a fine adjustment, may thus be realised.

As will have become clear, the present invention relates substantially to the manner in which, in a buggy, the detachable seat is fastened to the main frame. The main frame of buggies of this type is usually foldable so as to allow the buggy to be stored compactly when it is not being used. However, in relation to the manner in which the detachable seat is fastened to the main frame, the main frame does not have to be of the folding type. The main frame may thus, in contrast to the embodiment described in the present case, be non- folding. The seat will be foldable in the sense that the back part and the seat part can be collapsed in order to make the seat more compact for the purposes of storage, or else so as to be able to adjust the angular position of the seat part and the back part during storage in order to make optimum use of the available storage space. Conceivable in this regard is, for example, positioning of the seat part at 90° with respect to the back part in order to allow the seat to turn during storage. This may, for example, occur if there is just enough space in the boot of car to be able to position the back part vertically, for example parallel to an upright suitcase, and to position the seat part in the horizontal state on top of the suitcase, just below the parcel shelf.

It will be clear to a person skilled in the art that a buggy according to the invention does not per se have to have four wheels (two front and two rear), but may also be a three- wheeler, and also that the wheels may be configured in a large number of ways, in various combinations of swivelling wheels and fixed wheels, or just fixed wheels or just swivelling wheels. It will be clear to the person skilled in the art that many modifications to the above- described embodiment are conceivable, all of which fall within the scope of the invention defined by the claims of the present application.

Claims

1. Folding stroller (1), such as a buggy, comprising:

• a main frame provided with a pull/push rod (2, 13) and wheels (9, 11); • a seat (5) which is detachable from the main frame and comprises a seat part (15) and back part (16), which parts are fastened to each other in a hinging manner by at least one seat hinge defining a first hinge axis (18), which first hinge axis (18) allows collapsing of the seat and extends, when the seat is mounted on the main frame, transversely to the longitudinal direction (L) of the stroller (1); • an arm (17) on opposing sides of the back part (16) of the seat (5), which arms

(17r, 171), when the seat (5) is mounted, have at one end (201) a hinging back fastening (202) to the back part (16) and have at the other end (203) a hinging frame fastening (204) to the main frame; wherein, on the one hand, the seat (5) is disconnectably fastenable to the main frame at the seat hinge (205) and, on the other hand, the back fastening (202) of the arms

(17) or the frame fastening (204) of the arms (17) forms a disconnectable fastening in such a way that the seat (5) is detachable from the main frame and replaceable back into the main frame.

2. Folding stroller according to claim 1, wherein the main frame of the stroller is foldable while the seat is mounted in the main frame.

3. Folding stroller according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the back part and the seat part are, when the seat is mounted in the frame, foldable against each other by folding up the main frame of the stroller.

4. Folding stroller according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the main frame comprises at least one seat support (206, 207) on which the seat part (15) is restable.

5. Folding stroller according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the frame comprises, viewed in the longitudinal direction (L) of the stroller, at least one seat support (206, 207) on opposing sides of the seat hinge (205).

6. Folding stroller according to Claim 4, wherein the seat support (206) defines on one side of the seat hinge (205) a first seat inclination extending in the longitudinal direction (L) and intersecting the first hinge axis (18), wherein the seat support (207) defines on the other side of the seat hinge (205) a second seat inclination extending in the longitudinal direction and intersecting the first hinge axis (18), and wherein the first and second seat inclinations extend in opposing directions at substantially the same angle (α) with respect to the horizontal.

7. Folding stroller according to one of the preceding claims, wherein, when the seat is mounted, the frame fastenings (203) of the arms (17) are located substantially straight above the seat hinge (205).

8. Folding stroller according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the hinging frame fastening (203), the seat hinge (205) and the hinging back fastening (202) define the angular points of a triangle with triangular sides, and wherein the length of one of said triangular sides is adjustable for setting the slant (β, γ) of the back part (16).

9. Folding stroller according to Claim 8, wherein the length of the remaining two triangular sides is invariable.

10. Folding stroller according to Claim 8 or 9, wherein the length of the triangular side defined by the hinging frame fastening (203) and the hinging back fastening (202) is adjustable.

11. Folding stroller according to one of Claims 8 to 10, wherein the length of the triangular side defined by the seat hinge (205) and the hinging back fastening (202) is adjustable.

12. Folding stroller according to one of Claims 8 to 11, wherein the hinging back fastenings (202) are displaceable along the back part (16) in a direction transverse to the first hinge axis (18).

13. Folding stroller according to one of Claims 8 to 12, wherein the arms (17) are configured such that they may be telescoped.

14. Folding stroller according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the frame fastening (203) of the arms (17) forms the disconnectable fastening, whereas the back fastening (202) of the arms (17) forms a fixed, hinging fastening.

15. Folding stroller according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 14, wherein the back fastening (202) of the arms (17) forms the disconnectable fastening, whereas the frame fastening (203) of the arms (17) forms a fixed, hinging fastening.

16. Folding stroller according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the stroller is a buggy for a child younger than 5 years old.