Patent Application
20060237931
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a combination of a fabric and a perimeter frame. In particular, the present invention relates to a combination of a fabric and a perimeter frame of a stroller.
2. Description of the Related Art
A stroller is a necessity for a family having a small child. A typical stroller comprises a main frame, a perimeter frame mounted to the main frame, and a fabric is coupled to the perimeter frame to define a space for accommodating a child. The fabric is roller to form a tubular portion through which the perimeter frame extends, and sewing, nailing or buckling is then carried out to fix the fabric to the perimeter frame. If the fabric is fixed to the perimeter frame by sewing or nailing, cleaning of the fabric is not easy, as it is difficult to detach the fabric from the perimeter frame. Detachment of the fabric is also difficult for the fabric mounted to the perimeter frame by buckling, as the force required for reliably maintaining the engaging relationship between the fabric and the perimeter frame while supporting the child is relatively large.
An objective of the present invention is to provide a combination of a fabric and a perimeter frame for a stroller, in which the fabric can be easily and rapidly coupled to or detached from the perimeter frame.
The combination in accordance with the present invention comprises a perimeter frame mounted to a main frame of a stroller and a fabric that is coupled to the perimeter frame by at least one coupling member. The coupling member includes a first end and a hooked second end. A thumb piece projects outward from an outer face of the hooked second end of the coupling member to allow application of force.
In an example of the invention, the coupling member comprises a horizontal bar on the first end thereof The horizontal bar is fixed to the fabric. The hooked second end of the coupling member is releasably engaged with the perimeter frame. The hooked second end of the coupling member includes a protrusion for reliably engaging with the perimeter frame.
In another example of the invention, a buckle member is mounted on the fabric. A sleeve is securely mounted around the perimeter frame. The first end of the coupling member is pivotally mounted to the sleeve. A hook is formed on an outer face of the coupling member for releasably engaging with the buckle member. The hooked second end of the coupling member is releasably engaged with the sleeve. The hooked second end of the coupling member includes a protrusion for reliably engaging with the sleeve.
Other objectives, advantages, and novel features of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
Referring to
The coupling device 13 further includes at least one sleeve 137 fixed around the perimeter frame 11. The coupling device 13 further includes a substantially C-shaped coupling member 132 including a first end 133 pivotally mounted to the sleeve 137 and a substantially hooked second end 134. The coupling member 132 is resilient and sized to allow the hooked second end 134 to be securely engaged with the sleeve 137 when the coupling member 132 is pivoted to an engaged position. Preferably, the hooked second end 134 includes a protrusion 140 on an inner face thereof to provide required secure engagement between the hooked second end 134 and the sleeve 137. Further, the coupling member 132 includes a thumb piece 135 projecting outward from an outer face of the hooked second end 134 of the coupling member 132. The coupling member 132 includes a hook 138 on an outer face adjacent to the first end 133 thereof.
Referring to
Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described, numerous modifications and variations are still possible without departing from the essence of the invention. The scope of the invention is limited by the accompanying claims.
