GB2481136A - Infant carrier apparatus with adjustable canopy and backrest having multiple configurations of use - Google Patents

Abstract

An infant carrier apparatus 100, such as a stroller, cradle or infant swing comprises a support frame 102, a seat assembly 104, a backrest assembly 105, a canopy assembly 106 and a canopy holder element 103. The seat assembly is connected with the support frame so as to define an accommodating region where a child can be installed. The backrest assembly can be operable to rotate relative to the seat assembly between different angular positions. The canopy assembly has a canopy frame 129 pivotally connected with the seat assembly, and is also connected with the backrest assembly via a link element 107. When the backrest assembly is rotated to a different angular position, the canopy assembly can be driven via the link element in rotation by the backrest assembly relative to the seat assembly for adjustment to either of a first and second position. Once adjusted, the canopy assembly can be held in position by the canopy holder element. A method of operating such a carrier is disclosed, as is a carrier where the canopy can be moved between first and second positions so as to provide cover when the carrier is facing forward and rearward.

Description

I1FANT CARRIER APPARATUS HAVIN.G MULTIPLE CONFIGURATIONS

OF USE AND OPERATING METHOD THEREOF

100011 This application claims priority of China application no. 201010201052.7 filed on June 9, 2010.

[0002] The present invention relates to an infant carrier apparatus, and more particularly to an infant carrier apparatus having a canopy and its operating method.

[0003] The construction of certain infant carrier apparatuses, such as strollers, cradles, infant swings and play yards, can have a canopy connected with a support frame. Once the child is installed in the infant carrier apparatus, the canopy can provide shading for the child and isolate the child from the surrounding environment.

However, the conventional construction of the canopy usually pennits its adjustment between a retracted and deployed position only when the infant carrier apparatus is in a configuration facing forward. When the infant carrier apparatus is in a configuration facing rearward, the canopy cannot be adjusted according to the child's needs.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for an improved infant carrier apparatus that can permit a more convenient and flexible use of the canopy, and address at least the foregoing issues.

[0005] The present application describes an infant carrier apparatus that has multiple configurations of use and its operating method. The infant carrier apparatus includes a backrest assembly and a canopy assembly that permit fast and convenient operation to change the configuration of use of the infant carrier apparatus.

[0006] In one embodiment, the infant carrier apparatus comprises a support frame, a seat assembly connected with the support frame, a backrest assembly operable to rotate relative to the seat assembly between different angular positions, a canopy assembly and a canopy holder element. The canopy assembly includes a canopy frame, and a shade element mounted with the canopy frame, wherein the canopy frame is pivotally connected with the seat assembly and is connected with the backrest assembly via a link element, and the canopy assembly is adjustable relative to the seat assembly between a first and second position of different inclination. The canopy holder element is adapted to hold the canopy assembly in the first and second position. A rotational displacement of the backrest assembly can be transmissible via the link element to move the canopy assembly from the first position to the second position.

[00071 At least one advantage of the structure and method described herein is the ability to adjust the orientation of the backrest assembly and the canopy assembly in accordance with the desired configuration of use of the infant carrier apparatus. The shade element of the canopy assembly can be stretched to provide effective shading or folded and retracted in a convenient manner. Moreover, the canopy assembly and the backrest assembly can be connected with each other via a link element, so that the orientation of. the backrest assembly and the canopy assembly can be modified in a concurrent and efficient manner.

[0008] Viewed from another aspect the present invention provides an infant carrier apparatus comprising: a seat assembly; a backrest assembly pivotally connected with the seat assembly, wherein the backrest assembly is operable to rotate relative to the seat assembly to adjust the infant carrier apparatus between a first configuration facing forward and a second configuration facing rearward; a canopy assembly, including a canopy frame pivotally connected with the seat assembly, ;and a shade element mounted with the canopy frame, wherein the canopy assembly is operable to rotate relative to the seat assembly between a first position and a second position; and wherein the canopy assembly is respectively adjustable to the first position to provide shading above the backrest assembly in the first configuration of use, and to the second position to provide shading above the backrest assembly in the second configuration of use.

[0009] Viewed from a further aspect the present invention provides a method of operating an infant carrier apparatus, wherein the infant carrier apparatus includes a backrest assembly, a backrest holder element, a canopy assembly and a canopy holder element, and the canopy assembly is connected with the backrest assembly via a link element, the method comprising: removing a locking engagement between the backrest assembly and the backrest holder element; rotating the backrest assembly; and as the backrest assembly is rotated, driving the canopy assembly in rotation via the link element from a first position to a second position.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: [0010] Figure 1 is a schematic view illustrating an embodiment of an infant carrier apparatus in a first configuration for placing a child facing forward; [0011] Figure 2 is a schematic view illustrating the infant carrier apparatus in a second configuration for placing a child facing rearward; [0012] Figure 3 is a schematic view illustrating the assembly of a backrest frame with a backrest holder element; [0013] Figure 4 is a schematic view illustrating the operation of the backrest frame and the backrest holder element; [0014] Figure 5 is a schematic view illustrating the connection of the canopy assembly with the seat assembly; [0015] Figure 6 is a schematic view* illustrating the construction of a joint structure used in the canopy frame; [0016] Figure 7 is a schematic view illustrating another construction of the joint structure used in the canopy frame; [0017] Figure 8 is a schematic view illustrating how the shade element can be folded and retracted; and 10018] Figures 9 and 10 are schematic views illustrating how the backrest assembly and the canopy assembly are adjusted for modifying the configuration of use of the infant carrier apparatus.

[0019] The present application describes an infant carrier apparatus having multiple configurations of use, and its operating method. The infant carrier apparatus includes a canopy assembly and a backrest assembly that can be easy to operate for adjustment, and safe in use. Examples of the infant carrier apparatus can include, without limitation, strollers, child seats, swing apparatuses, child cradles, and the like [0020] Figures 1 and 2 are schematic views illustrating a stroller embodiment of an infant carrier apparatus 100. In Figure 1, the infant carrier apparatus 100 is shown in a first configuration of use where the installed child can be placed facing forward.

In Figure 2, the infant carrier apparatus 100 is shown in a second configuration of use where the installed child may be facing rearward. The infant carrier apparatus 100 can include a support frame 102, a canopy holder element 103, a seat assembly 104, a backrest assembly 105, a canopy assembly 106 and a link element 107.

[0021] The support frame 102 can include a handle 108, two armrests 110, front legs 112, rear legs 114 and a plurality of wheels 116. The handle 108 can be formed from a generally U-shaped tubular assembly have side segments coupled with the rear legs 114. Each of the armrests 110 can have a first end portion 11 OA connected with one corresponding side segment of the handle 108, and an opposite second end portion 11 OB connected with associated upper end portions of the front and rear legs 112 and 114. A transverse bar 118 can also be mounted between the two armrests 110. One end of the transverse bar 118 can be pivotally connected with the second end portion I1OB of one armrest 110 (for example, the right armrest 110). The transverse bar 118 can be thereby rotated relative to the armrest 110 coupled thereto so that the other end portion of the transverse bar 118 can be placed connected with the opposite armrest (for example, the left armrest 110), or moved away from it. In alternate embodiments, the transverse bar 118 may also be replaced with a front tray. The wheels -116 can be respectively assembled with the lower ends of the front and rear legs 112 and 114.

[0022] As shown in Figure 1, the seat assembly 104 is mounted with the support frame 102. In one embodiment, the seat assembly 104 can include a seat support 124 having a front end portion 124A and a rear end portion 124B. The front end portion 124A can be connected with the front legs 112. A middle portion of the seat support 124 between the front end portion 1 24A and the rear end portion I 24B can be connected with the rear legs 114 andlor the handle 108. The seat support 124 can include a rigid material (such as a seat board made of molded plastic, metal, wood, etc.), or a flexible or soft material (such as fabric).

[0023] The backrest assembly 105 can include a backrest frame 126 (partially shown with phantom lines), and a backrest support 125 stretched over the backrest frame 126. In one embodiment, the backrest support 125 can include a fabric element, cushion pad, or like soft elements. The backrest frame 126 is connected with two backrest holder element 128. The backrest frame 126 can be formed from a generally U-shaped tubular assembly having right and left side segments connected pivotally with the backrest holder elements 128 provided at the right and left sides of the seat support 124, respectively. In this manner, the backrest frame 126 can be adjustably rotated to different angles of inclinations relative to the seat assembly 104.

[0024] As shown in Figure 1, each of the backrest holder elements 128 can be respectively affixed with the right and left sides of the seat support 124. The right and left side segments of the backrest frame 126 can respectively pass through slots 127 formed in the seat support 124, and then be connected with the backrest holder elements 128. The side segments of the backrest frame 126 can also have end portions respectively provided with latch members 1 26A. Each of the latch members I 26A can detachably engage with the associated backrest holder element 128 to lock the backrest frame 126 in a desired angular position.

10025] The canopy assembly 106 can include a canopy frame 129 and a shade element 130. In one embodiment, the canopy frame 129 can exemplary include a first frame portion 131 and an adjustable second frame portion 132. The first frame portion 131 can be formed from the assembly of relatively thick tubes to form a generally U-shape with right and left side segments respectively located at the outer sides of the backrest frame 126. The backrest frame 126 can therefore rotate and travel by the inner side of the first frame portion 131 to be adjusted in inclination. The right and left side segments of the first frame portion 131 can be pivotally connected with the right and left sides of the seat assembly 104, such that the canopy assembly 106 (including the first frame portion 131) can be rotated relative to the seat assembly 104 between multiple angular positions.

10026] The canopy holder element 103 can be used to hold the canopy assembly 106 at multiple positions of different inclination in accordance with the desired configuration of use for the infant carrier apparatus 100. In one embodiment, the canopy holder element 103 can be formed by two straps 136 that are respectively connected with the armrests 110 and the first frame portion 131. In particular, each of the straps 136 can have a first end 1 36A affixed with the corresponding armrest 110 (i.e., right/left armrest 110), and a second end 136B affixed with a corresponding side segment of the first frame portion 131. After the canopy assembly 106 is adjusted to a desired first position (such as shown in Figure 1), the straps 136 can restrain the range of movement of the first frame portion 131 and hold the canopy assembly 106 in a stable manner in the first position. When the canopy assembly 106 is adjusted to an opposite second position (such as shown in Figure 2), the straps 136 can likewise restrain the range of movement of the first frame portion 131 and hold the canopy assembly 106 in a stable manner in the second position.

[0027] The adjustable second frame portion 132 can be formed from an arched or U-shaped frame that has right and left side segments that are respectively connected with the right and left side segments of the first frame portion 131 via joints 134. In operation, the second frame portion 132 can accordingly rotate relative to the first frame portion 131, and pass over the first frame portion 131 from the outer side. The shade element 130 can be stretched and secured with the first and second frame portions 131 and 132. In one embodiment, the shade element 130 can be made of a flexible material, such as fabric cloths, flexible plastic sheet, and the like.

100281 Referring again to Figure 1, the link element 107 can be connected between the backrest assembly 105 and the canopy assembly 106. For example, the link element 107 can be a fabric element 133 that has a first end edge secured with the backrest frame 126 (e.g., the right, left and transverse segments of the backrest frame 126), and a second end edge secured with the first frame portion 131 (e.g., the right, left and transverse segments of the first frame portion 131). The fabric element 133 can be accordingly stretched between the backrest frame 126 and the first frame portion 131.

100291 As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the infant carrier apparatus 100 can have multiple configurations of use. In Figure 1, the infant carrier apparatus 100 is shown in a first configuration of use where a child can be installed oriented forward, and the backrest assembly 105 can be reclined or collapsed rearward to a substantially horizontal position. In Figure 2, the infant carrier apparatus 100 is shown in a second configuration of use where the child can be installed oriented rearward facing the parent, and the backrest assembly 105 can be collapsed forward to a substantially horizontal position. To switch between the different configurations of use, the backrest assembly 105 and the canopy assembly 106 can be constructed with adjustable structures that allow to modify the positions of the backrest assembly 105 and the canopy assembly 106 according to the desired configuration of use. The construction of these adjustable structures is described in details hereafter.

100301 Figure 3 is a schematic view illustrating the assembly of the backrest frame 126 with one backrest holder element 128. The backrest holder element 128 can be exemplary an integrally formed hollow hub 142 that has a half disk shape, and is affixed with the seat support 124. The hub 142 can include a cavity 144 that has a bottom provided with a plurality of lock grooves 146 disposed at different radial directions relative to the axis of rotation of the backrest frame 126. The backrest frame 126 is installed through the cavity 144, and is pivotally connected with the hub 142 via a rivet, pin or like pivot link 148. AccOrdingly, the backrest frame 126 can rotate about the pivot link 148 relative to the backrest holder element 128. Moreover, the backrest frame 126 can include an elongated slot 150 through which the pivot link 148 is movably assembled. An interior of the backrest frame 126 also includes a spring element 152 that has a first end anchored with the pivot link 148, and a second end anchored with the an inner surface of the backrest frame 126 or the latch member 1 26A.

As the pivot link 148 is movably installed the elongated slot 150, the backrest frame 126 can not only rotate, but also slide relative to the backrest holder element 128 along a lengthwise axis X generally parallel to the elongated slot 150 and the direction of extension of the backrest frame 126. The latch member 1 26A can accordingly disengage or engage with any of the lock grooves 146.

[00311 In Figure 3, the backrest frame 126 is shown in a locked or engaged state with the backrest holder element 128. The latch member 1 26A is biased by the spring element 152 to engage with one of the lock grooves 146, so that the backrest frame 126 can be securely held at a desired angular position.

[0032] Referring to Figure 4, when adjustment is needed, the backrest frame 126 can be pulled in the direction F along the lengthwise axis X, such that the latch member I 26A can disengage from the lock groove 146 and the spring element 152 turned to a compressed state. The backrest frame 126 can be then rotated relative to the pivot link 148. Once the backrest frame 126 is adjusted to a desired angular position, the spring element 152 can bias the latch member I 26A to engage with a corresponding lock groove 146 to lock the backrest frame 126 in position.

[0033] As shown with phantom lines in Figure 4, the backrest frame 126 can also be turned to a forward (or rearward) reclined position substantially horizontal, hi this configuration, the latch member 1 26A is moved outside the cavity 144, and can be located at an outer side of the hub 142. Biased by the spring element 152, the latch member I 26A can come in engagement with another locking position (as shown with the horizontal arrow). For example, the latch member 126A can abut against a stop surface 156 to block the backrest frame 126 from rotating in a reverse direction toward the cavity 144. The backrest frame 126 can be thereby securely held in the reclined position.

[0034] In one embodiment, the stop surface 156 can be an upper surface of the hub 142 or seat support 124. When a user wants to adjust the backrest frame 126 from the horizontally reclined position to another angular position, the backrest frame 126 can be pulled to cause the latch member 126A to disengage from the stop surface 156.

The backrest frame 126 can be then adjustably rotated to the desired angular position, which causes the latch member 1 26A to travel through the cavity 144. With this construction, the backrest frame 126 can be switched between multiple configurations of use, such as the rearward horizontally reclined position shown in Figure 1, and the forward horizontally reclined position shown in Figure 2.

10035] In Figures 1 and 2, the canopy holder element 103 can include two straps 136 to restrain the range of movement of the canopy assembly 106 between two positions: a first position where the canopy assembly 106 is shifted rearward to provide shading from the rear of the infant carrier apparatus 100 (Figure 1), and a second position where the canopy assembly 106 is shifted forward to provide shading from the front of the infant carrier apparatus 100 (Figure 2). As described hereafter, another embodiment may also have the canopy holder element 103 constructed in a manner similar to the backrest holder element 128 to allow a similar adjustment of the canopy assembly 106.

100361 Figure 5 is a schematic view illustrating another embodiment of a canopy holder element 103'. As shown, the canopy holder element 103' can include a hollow hub 160 that can be formed integral with a half-disk shape, and affixed with the seat assembly 104. For reducing the assembly space, the hub 160 of the canopy holder element 103' can be placed adjacent to the hub 142 shown in Figure 4, or contiguously at an outer sidewall of the hub 142. However, the hub 160 can also be mounted at any other suitable locations of the seat assembly 104 or support frame 102. The hub 160 can include a cavity 162 provided with a plurality of restrain grooves disposed circumferentially, such as first and second restrain grooves 164A and 164B. The first frame portion 131 of the canopy frame 129 can have one side segment installed through the cavity 162, and pivotally connected with the hub 160 via a rivet, pin or like pivot link 166. Moreover, the side segment of the first frame portion 131 can also include an elongated slot 168 through which is movably assembled the pivot link 166. An interior of the first frame portion 131 can include a spring element 170 that can have a first end anchored with the pivot link 166, and a second end anchored with a latch member 131 A provided ata distal end of the first frame portion 131. Accordingly, the first frame portion 131 can rotate about the pivot link 166, and also slide relative to the hub 160 along a lengthwise axis Y generally parallel to the eIongatd slot 168 and the direction of extension of the first frame portion 131 to engage or disengage the latch member 131A from the restrain grooves 164A or 164B.

F00371 In Figure 5, the solid lines show the first frame portion 131 engaged with the canopy holding element 103' in a locked state. The latch member 13 1A of the first frame portion 131 can be biased by the spring element 170 to engage with the first restrain groove 1 64A, whereby the canopy frame 129 can be held in a rearward position with the first frame portion 131 inclined rearward (as shown in Figure 1).

[0038J When adjustment of the canopy frame 129 is needed, the first frame portion 131 can be pulled in a direction Y parallel to the lengthwise axis Y of the first frame portion 131 to disengage the latch member 131A from the first restrain groove 1 64A and compress the spring element 170. Then the first frame portion 131 can be adjustably rotated about the pivot link 166. Once the first frame portion 131 reaches the desired forward inclined position (shown with phantom lines in Figure 5), the side segment of the first frame portion 131 can abut against an opposing stop surface 1 24C provided in the cavity 162 of the hub 160, and the spring element 170 can bias the latch member 131 A to engage with the second restrain groove 1 64B. The first frame portion 131 can be thereby held in position. In this manner, the canopy frame 129 can be switched between multiple configurations of use, such as the rearward position shown in Figure 1, or the forward position shown in Figure 2. Moreover, the canopy holder element 103' can effectively lock the canopy frame 129 in position to prevent accidental movements.

100391 Figure 6 is a schematic view illustrating the construction of a joint 134 provided in the canopy frame 129. The joint 134 can include a base 176 secured with the first frame portion 131, and a rotary hub 178 secured with the second frame portion 132 and pivotally connected with the base 176. A side surface 176A of the base 176 facing the rotary hub 178 can include a stud 1 76B eccentric from the axis of rotation of the joint 134. An inner circumferential surface 1 78A of the rotary hub 178 can include a plurality of lock grooves (such as lock grooves 178B, 178C and 178D) into which the stud 176B can come in locking engagement to hold the second frame portion 132 in different angular positions relative to the first frame portion 131.

100401 When adjustment is needed, the second frame portion 132 can be rotated relative to the first frame portion 131, such that the rotary hub 178 also rotates in unison relative to the base 176. As a result, the stud 176B can disengage from the lock grooves and rotate along the inner circumferential surface 1 78A of the rotary hub 178.

The stud 1 76B can be designed to be elastically deformable so. that it can deform and rest in contact with the inner circumferential surface 1 78A when the rotary hub 178 rotates relative to the base 176. As the stud 1 76B reaches and engages with another lock groove, the second frame portion 132 can be locked in position at another inclination relative to the first frame portion 131. Accordingly, the second frame portion 132 can be desirably adjusted from a first side L to an opposite second side R of the first frame portion 131, so that the shade element 130 can be flipped on the canopy frame 129.

[00411 Figure 7 is a schematic view illustrating a variant embodiment of the joint 134. Likewise, the joint 134 can include a base 176' secured with the first frame portion 131, and a rotary hub 178' secured with the second frame portion 132 and pivotally connected with the base 176'. However, the rotary hub 178' includes an arc-shaped guide slot 179 provided with a plurality of locking positions 1 79A, 1 79B and 179C, whereas the base 176' includes a knob l76A' that is movably assembled in the guide slot 179. The knob 176A' can engage with any of the locking positions to hold the second frame portion 132 in position. When adjustment is needed, the second frame portion 132 can be rotated relatiye to the first frame portion 131, which causes rotation of the rotary hub 178' relative to the base 176'. As a result, the knob 176A' can disengage from the locking position and slide along the guide slot 179. The knob 176A' can be designed to be elastically deformable so that it can deform and rest in contact with the rim edge of the guide slot 179 when the rotary hub 178' rotates relative to the base 176'. As the knob 176A' reaches and engages with another locking position, the second frame portion 132 can be locked in position at another inclination relative to the first frame portion 131. Accordingly, the second frame portion 132 can be likewise adjusted from a first side L to an opposite second side R of the first frame portion 131 to change the orientation of the shade element 130 on the canopy frame 129.

100421 Operation of the infant carrier apparatus 100 is exemplary described hereafter with reference to Figures 1, 2, and 8 through 10. In Figure 1, the infant carrier apparatus 100 is shown in the first configuration facing forward. The backrest assembly 105 is reclined rearsvard to a substantially horizontal position adjacent to the rear end portion I 24B of the seat support 124. Accordingly, the front end portion 1 24A of the seat support 124 and the first side 1 05A of the backrest assembly 105 can define a first accommodating region Vi oriented forward where a child can be seated or laid down (the head of the child can be placed at the rear when the child is installed in the down-laid position). The canopy assembly 106 can be held in the rearward position by using the canopy holder element 103 shown in Figure 1, or the canopy holder element 103' shown in Figure 5. A first side 13 OA of the shade element 130 is faced toward the seat assembly 104, whereas an opposite second side 1 30B of the shade element 130 is faced upward. Accordingly, the shade element 130 can provide effective shading above the first accommodating region Vi. The fabric element 133 can be stretched between the first frame portion 131 and the backrest frame 126 so as to enclose at least partially the first accommodating region VI.

100431 Figure 8 is a schematic view illustrating the shade element 130 in a retracted state. When the shade element 130 is to be retracted, the second frame portion 132 can be pushed in the direction M so as to rotate about the pivot axis of the joint 134. to a position adjacent to the first frame portion 131. As a result, the shade element 130 can be folded and retracted between the first and second frame portions 131 and 132.

[0044] Figures 9 and 10 are schematic views illustrating how the infant carrier apparatus 100 is switched from the first configuration facing forward (as shown in Figure 1) to the second configuration facing rearward (as shown in Figure 2).

Referring to Figures 1 and 9, the transverse bar 118 is first opened to clear a space for adjustment of the backrest assembly 105 and the canopy assembly 106. The backrest frame 126, which rests in the rearward horizontally reclined position, can be then pulled along its lengthwise axis to remove the locking engagement between the backrest frame 126 and the backrest holder element 128 (as shown in Figure 4). In case the canopy holder element 103 of Figure 1 is used, no unlocking operation is required and the backrest frame 126 can be directly turned forward in the direction P so as to travel by the inner side of the canopy frame 129. As the backrest frame 126 rotates forward, the second frame portion 132 can be concurrently rotated downward in the direction Q, which drives the first frame portion 131 to turn forward.

[0045] In case the canopy holder element 103' of Figure 5 is used, the canopy frame 129 can be pulled to remove the locking engagement between the latch member 131A and the canopy holder element 103'. As shown in Figure 9, the backrest frame 126 then can be turned forward in the direction P to travel by the inner side of the canopy frame 129. As the backrest frame 126 rotates forward, the second frame portion 132 can be concurrently rotated downward in the direction Q. Because the backrest frame 126 and the canopy frame 129 are connected with each other via the fabric element 133, the first frame portion 131 can also be driven by the backrest frame 126 in forward rotation.

[0046] Figure 10 is a schematic view illustrating the backrest frame 126 adjusted to the forward horizontally reclined position. In this configuration, the backrest frame 126 is located adjacent to the front end portion 124A of the seat support 124. The first side 1 05A of the backrest assembly 105 is oriented toward the front end portion 1 24A of the seat support 124, such that the opposite second side 1 05B of the backrest assembly 105 and the rear end portion 1 24B of the seat support 124 can define a second accommodating region V2 where a child can be seated or laid down oriented rearward.

[0047] In case the canopy holder element 103 of Figure 1 is used, the first frame portion 131 of the canopy frame 129 can be held in the forward inclined position by the straps 136 connected between the first frame portion 131 and the armrests 110. In case the canopy holder element 103' is used, the latch member 131 A can engage with the second restrain groove 1 64B and the stop surface 1 24C of the hub 160 can abut against the side seguient of the first frame portion 131 (such as shown in Figure 5) to hold the first frame portion 131 in the forward inclined position. Moreover, the fabric element 133 can be stretched between the backrest frame 126 and thefirst frame portion 131 to close at least partially the second accommodating region V2. When it is unused, the shade element 130 can be flipped to wrap at least partially around the link element 107 (as shown in Figure 10). If needed, the shade element 130 can be adjusted rearward to provide shading for the second accommodating region V2 (as shown in Figure 2).

[0048] Eventually, the second frame portion 132 can be turned rearward and travel by the outer side of the first frame portion 131 toward the other side of the first frame portion 131. This adjustment of the second frame portion 132 can cause the * shade element 130 to flip, i.e., the second side 130B of the shade element 130 can be oriented toward the seat assembly 104, and the first side 130A of the shade element 130 turned upward. Accordingly, the shade element 130 can be arranged substantially above the second side I 05B of the backrest assembly 105 to provide effective shading over the second accommodating region V2. It is worth noting that aside the aforementioned horizontally collapsed positions, the backrest frame 126 can also be adjusted to any intermediate forward or rearward angular positions according to the child's needs.

100491 For recovering the first configuration of use shown in Figure 1, the locking engagement of the backrest frame 126 is first removed. The backiest frame 126 then can be turned rearward, and the second frame portion 132 can be turned downward in a concurrent manner. As the backrest frame 126 rotates, the first frame portion 131 can also be driven in movement to the rearward inclined position owing to the connection of the fabric element 133. Once the first frame portion 131 is in the rearward inclined position, the second frame portion 132 can be rotated forward so as to travel by the outer side of the first frame portion 131 to the other side of the first frame portion 131. As a result, the first side I 30A of the shade element 130 can be oriented toward the seat assembly 104, whereas the second side 130B of the shade element 130 can be turned upward, as shown in Figure 1.

[0050) With the constructions and methods described herein, the canopy assembly and the backrest assembly can be desirably adjusted to multiple configurations of use. The shade element of the canopy assembly can be stretched to provide effective shading or folded and retracted in a convenient manner. Moreover, the canopy assembly and the backrest assembly can be connected with each other via a link element, so that the orientation of the backrest assembly and the canopy assembly can be modified in a concurrent and efficient manner.

[0051] Realizations in accordance with the present invention therefore have been described only in the context of particular embodiments. These embodiments are meant to be illustrative and not limiting. Many variations, modifications, additions, and improvements are possible. Accordingly, plural instances may be provided for components described herein as a single instance. Structures and functionality presented as discrete components in the exemplary configurations may be implemented as a combined structure or component. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements may fall within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims that follow.

Claims (23)

1. CLAIMS: 1. An infant carrier apparatus comprising: a support frame; a seat assembly connected with the support frame; a backrest assembly operable to rotate relative to the seat assembly between different angular positions; a canopy assembly, including a canopy frame, and a shade element mounted with the canopy frame, wherein the canopy frame is pivotally connected with the seat assembly and is connected with the backrest assembly via a link element, the canopy assembly being adjustable relative to the seat assembly between a first and second position of different inclination; and a canopy holder element adapted to hold the canopy assembly in the first and second position; wherein a rotational displacement of the backrest assembly is transmissible via the link element to move the canopy assembly from the first position to the second position.
2. 2. The infant carrier apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the canopy holder element comprises at least a strap that has a first end connected with the support frame, and a second end connected with the canopy assembly.
3. 3. The infant carrier apparatus according to claim I or 2, wherein the canopy frame comprises a first frame portion pivotally connected with the seat assembly, and a second frame portion pivotally connected with the first frame portion.
4. 4. The infant carrier apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the canopy holder element includes at least two restrain grooves, and the first frame portion includes a latch member adapted to engage with one of the two restrain grooves to lock the canopy assembly in either of the first and second position.
5. 5. The infant carrier apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the first frame portion has a lengthwise axis along which the first frame portion is movable relative to the canopy holder element to cause the latch member to engage with or disengage from any of the two restrain grooves.
6. 6. The infant carrier apparatus according to claim 3, 4 or 5, wherein the second frame portion is located at an outer side of the first frame portion, and is pivotally connected with the first frame portion via a joint.
7. 7. The infant carrier apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the joint includes a plurality of locking positions to hold the second frame portion at different angular positions relative to the first frame portion.
8. 8. The infant carrier apparatus according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the second frame portion is operable to rotate from a first side of the first frame portion to an opposite second side of the first frame portion.
9. 9. The infant carrier apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the shade element is connected between the first and second frame portions, and a rotation of the second frame portion from the first side to the second side of the first frame portion is adapted to flipthe shade element.
10. 10. The infant carrier apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the backrest assembly is operable to rotate relative to the seat assembly to switch the infant carrier apparatus between a first configuration facing forward and a second configuration facing rearward.
11. 11. The infant carrier apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the canopy assembly is adjusted to the first position when the infant carrier apparatus is in the first configuration of use.
12. 12. The infant carrier apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the canopy assembly is respectively adjustable to the first position to provide shading above the backrest assembly in thefirst configuration of use, and to the second position to provide shading above the backrest assembly in the second configuration of use.
13. 13. The infant carrier apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the link element includes a fabric element.
14. 14. The infant carrier apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the backrest assembly includes a backrest frame that is operable to detachably engage with a backrest holder element secured with the seat assembly.
15. 15. An infant carrier apparatus comprising: a seat assembly; a' backrest assembly pivotally connected with the seat assembly, wherein the backrest assembly is operable to rotate relative to the seat assembly to adjust the infant carrier apparatus between a first configuration facing forward and a second configuration facing rearward; a canopy assembly, including a canopy frame pivotally connected with the seat assembly, and a shade element mounted with the canopy frame, wherein the canopy assembly is operable to rotate relative to the seat assembly between a first position and a second position; and wherein the canopy assembly is respectively adjustable to the first position to provide shading above the backrest assembly in the first configuration of use, and to the second position to provide shading above the backrest assembly in the second configuration of use.
16. 16. The infant carrier apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the canopy assembly is connected with the backrest assembly via a link element, whereby the canopy assembly is driven in movement by the backrest assembly when the backrest assembly is adjusted between the first and second configuration of use.
17. 17. The infant carrier apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the link element includes a fabric element.
18. 18. The infant carrier apparatus according to claim 15, 16 or 17, wherein the shade element has a side surface that is facing the seat assembly when the infant carrier apparatus is in the first configuration of use, and turned outward when the infant carrier is in the second configuration facing.
19. I 9 A method of operating an infant carrier apparatus, wherein the infant carrier apparatus includes a backrest assembly, a backrest holder element, a canopy assembly and a canopy holder element, and the canopy assembly is connected with the backrest assembly via a link element, the method comprising: removing a locking engagement between the backrest assembly and the backrest holder element; rotating the backrest assembly; and as the backrest assembly is rotated, driving the canopy assembly in rotation via the link element from a first position to a second position.
20. 20. The method according to claim 19, wherein the canopy assembly comprises a first frame portion connected with the canopy holder element, a second frame portion pivotally connected with the first frame portion, and a shade element connected between the first and second frame portion, the second frame portion being operable to rotate relative to the first frame portion to adjust the position of the shade element above the backrest assembly in accordance with a configuration of use of the infant carrier apparatus.
21. 21. The method according to claim 20, further comprising rotating the second frame portion from a first side of the first frame portion to an opposite second side of the first frame portion.
22. 22. An infant carrier apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
23. 23. A method of operating an infant carrier apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.