The present disclosure relates generally to infant and toddler strollers and move particularly to a compact folding infant and toddler stroller.
Many conventional baby strollers have a frame with one folding mechanism on each side that allows the baby stroller to be converted from an unfolded in-use position to a folded position that has a reduced volume for ease of storage or transportation. In a conventional stroller, the three main frame members, front wheel frame, rear wheel frame and handle frame are approximately the same length so that when the stroller is folded the frame members are approximately aligned. In such cases, the size of the folded stroller is limited to the length of the longest frame member. As such, the size (which refers to the volume of the stroller in the folded position) may still take up more storage space (or be longer than desired) and a larger size or volume may result in inconvenience during transportation or carrying of the baby stroller.
Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale.
Example embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which example embodiments are shown. The concepts disclosed herein may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the example embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the concepts to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like, but not necessarily the same or identical, elements throughout.
Certain dimensions and features of the example foldable stroller are described herein using the term “approximately.” As used herein, the term “approximately” indicates that each of the described dimensions is not a strict boundary or parameter and does not exclude functionally similar variations therefrom. Unless context or the description indicates otherwise, the use of the term “approximately” in connection with a numerical parameter indicates that the numerical parameter includes variations that, using mathematical and industrial principles accepted in the art (e.g., rounding, measurement or other systematic errors, manufacturing tolerances, etc.), would not vary the least significant digit.
In addition, certain relationships between dimensions of the example foldable stroller and between features of the example foldable stroller are described herein using the terms “substantially” and “substantially equal.” As used herein, the terms “substantially” and “substantially equal” indicate that the equal relationship is not a strict relationship and does not exclude functionally similar variations therefrom. Unless context or the description indicates otherwise, the use of the term “substantially” or “substantially equal” in connection with two or more described dimensions indicates that the equal relationship between the dimensions includes variations that, using mathematical and industrial principles accepted in the art (e.g., rounding, measurement or other systematic errors, manufacturing tolerances, etc.), would not vary the least significant digit of the dimensions. As used herein, the term “substantially constant” indicates that the constant relationship is not a strict relationship and does not exclude functionally similar variations therefrom. As used herein, the terms “substantially perpendicular” and “substantially orthogonal” indicate that the perpendicular relationship is not a strict relationship and does not exclude functionally similar variations therefrom.
Each of the upper handle frames 31 can be rotatably coupled to the lower handle frame 32. In one example embodiment, each of the second ends 31B of the upper handle frames 31 is coupled to a corresponding handle frame folding mechanism 50. Further, each of the first ends 32A of the lower handle frame 32 are coupled to the corresponding handle frame folding mechanism 50 to rotatably couple the lower handle frame 32 to the upper handle frame 31 on each of the left and right sides of the stroller frame 1. In certain example embodiments, the handle frame folding mechanism 50 may be disposed substantially in a central portion of the handle frame 30. For example, the upper handle frame 31 and the lower handle frame 32 may be substantially the same length from the pivot axis A2 of the handle folding mechanism 50 (as shown in
In certain example embodiments, the handle frame folding mechanism 50 can include a mechanism to lock the handle frame 30 in at least an unfolded configuration. Further, in this or other example embodiments, the handle frame folding mechanism 50 may be able to be locked in the folded storage position and in a plurality of handle height adjustment positions. In another example embodiment, the handle frame 30 can include two folding mechanisms on each side of the stroller frame 1, one for folding the handle frame 30 (e.g., folding the lower handle frame 32 and the upper handle frame 31) in half and the other for adjusting the height of the handle grip 34. In still another example embodiment, the handle frame 30 can include two handle frame folding mechanisms and three handle frame members on each of the left and right sides of the stroller frame 1 to reduce the handle frame to one third the length of the handle frame 30 in the folded, storage configuration.
In an alternate example embodiment, the handle frame folding mechanisms can be eliminated and replaced with a telescoping handle frame that includes the lower handle frame portion and the upper handle frame portion. In this alternate embodiment, the upper handle frame portion can adjusted between a retracted position, where a substantial portion (e.g., more than 50% and preferably more than 70% and more preferably more than 90% of the longitudinal length (e.g., from the first end 31A to the second end 31B) can be received within a hollow interior of each of the lower handle frames 32, and an extended position substantially similar to that shown in
The example folding stroller 1 can also include one or more front wheel frames 10 that extend from a pair of first ends 10A to a distal second end 10B. Each front wheel frame 10 can be constructed of a solid core or tubing material made of metal or plastic. In certain example embodiments, each of the first ends 10A of the front wheel frame 10 is rotatably coupled to the corresponding second ends 32B of the lower handle frames 32 via corresponding frame folding mechanisms 40 on each of the left and right sides of the stroller frame 1. One or more front wheels 11 can be coupled to the front wheel frame 10. In certain example embodiments, two front wheels 11 are provided. In another example embodiment, one front wheel 11 is provided on the stroller frame 1. Each front wheel 11 can rotate about a horizontal axis parallel or substantially parallel to the surface that the stroller frame 1 is disposed on. In certain example embodiments, each front wheel 11 can also rotate about a vertical axis that is orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to surface that the stroller frame 1 is disposed on. In some example embodiments, the front wheels 11 may be rotatably or foldably connected to the front wheel frame 10 such that the wheels 11 may be rotated or folded to a position that reduces the size, length, or volume of the stroller frame 1 in its folded, storage configuration. In other example embodiments, the front wheels 11 may be removably coupled to the front wheel frame 10 such that the front wheels 11 may be removed from the front wheel frame 10 to reduce the size, length, or volume of the stroller frame 1 in its folded, storage configuration.
The example folding stroller 1 can also include one or more rear wheel frames 20 that extend from a pair of first ends 20A to a distal second end 20B. For example, as shown in
In the example embodiment of the stroller frame 1 shown in
The example stroller frame 1 can also include a seat or seat connector (not shown). In certain example embodiments, the seat can be permanently coupled to the stroller frame 1. Alternatively, the seat can be removably coupled to the stroller frame 1. For example, the stroller frame can further include a pair of seat connectors, each disposed on corresponding left and right sides of the stroller frame adjacent, for example the frame folding mechanism 40. The front wheel frame 10, the rear wheel frame 20, and the handle frame 30 are rotatably connected to one-another by the frame folding mechanism 40 and rotate relative to each other from the folded, storage configuration (as shown in
In certain example embodiments of the stroller frame of
For example, as shown in
In this or other example embodiments, the handle frame folding mechanism 50 may also include one or more stops between the linear position of the upper frame member 31 and the lower frame member 32 (shown in
For example, each stop may be used to adjust the height of the first end 31A of the upper handle frame 31 in a number of positions above and/or below the linear position. For example, with reference to
Thus, in certain example embodiments, the handle frame folding mechanism 50 allows rotation of the upper handle frame 31 from a position adjacent to and substantially parallel to the lower handle frame 32 to a position past the relative linear position (as shown in
In some example embodiments, the upper handle frame 31 can rotate counterclockwise (as shown relative to
In certain example embodiments the combined linear distance of the upper handle frame 31, from the first end 31A to the second end 31B, and the second linear distance of the lower handle frame 32, from the first end 32A to the second end 32B, is approximately twice as long as either the linear distance of the front wheel frame 10, from the first end 10A to the second end 10B, the linear distance of each of the rear wheel frames 20, from the first end 20A to the second end 20B, or both. However, the upper handle frame 31 is rotatably coupled to the lower handle frame 32 via the handle folding mechanism 50. That allows the handle frame 30 to be folded such that the length of the handle frame 30 in the folded configuration is approximately the same length as linear distance of the front wheel frame 10, the rear wheel frame 20 or both the front wheel frame 10, rear wheel frame 20.
For example, as shown in
The lengths of the major frame members 31, 32, 10, and 20 are measured from their respective rotational axes of the folding mechanisms 40, 50. For example, as shown in
Referring back to
The folding stroller frame 1 can also include a frame folding mechanism unlocking strap 43 coupled to each of the unlocking mechanisms 44. In one example embodiment, the frame folding mechanism unlocking strap 43 can include a first end 43A coupled to a first unlocking mechanism 44 and a distal second end 43B coupled to a second unlocking mechanism 44. The frame folding mechanism unlocking strap 43 can be made from fabric, plastic, or a combination thereof. In use, a user of the stroller can provide a pull force on the frame folding mechanism unlocking strap 43 to simultaneously cause each of the unlocking mechanisms 44 to move from the first, locking position, to the second, unlocking position to unlock both of the frame folding mechanisms 40 with one hand at one time and allow one or more of the handle frame 30, front wheel frame 10, and rear wheel frame 20 to rotate about the frame folding mechanism 40.
The folding stroller frame 1 can also include a frame lock latch receiver 42 coupled to the other one of the handle frame 30 and the front wheel frame 10 that the frame lock latch 41 is not coupled to. The frame lock latch receiver 42 can be coupled to the other one of the handle frame (e.g., the lower handle frame 32) and the front wheel frame 10 adjacent the frame folding mechanism 40 and on an opposite side of the frame folding mechanism 40 from the frame lock latch 41. The frame lock latch receiver 42 can include a receiving area for receiving and coupling to the engagement tab of the frame lock latch 41. In one example embodiment, the receiving area can include a detent, such as a recessed portion surrounded or at least partially surrounded by a raised portion, that is configured to receive at least a portion of the engagement tab in the recessed portion of the frame lock latch receiver 42.
The belly bar 62 can include a front member 65 having a first end and a distal second end. A first side member 69 can be coupled to and extend from or be integrally formed with first end of the front member 65. In one example, the first side member 69 can have a longitudinal axis that extends in a direction orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the front member 65. The belly bar 62 can also include a second side member 70 that is coupled to and extends from or is integrally formed with the second end of the front member 65. In one example, the second side member 70 can have a longitudinal axis that extends in a direction orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the front member 65 and parallel or substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the first side member 69. In one example, all or a portion of the belly bar can be covered with soft goods or other fabric or plastic material.
The first side member 69 can further include an attachment member 64 disposed at a distal end of the first side member 69. The attachment member 64 can include a planar or substantially planar surface for engaging and coupling to an attachment mechanism at the frame folding mechanism 40. While the example embodiment of
The attachment member 64 can also include one or more apertures/holes 68 that extend through the attachment member. These apertures/holes 68 can be configured to receive an attachment tab, button, or other mechanism disposed on the frame folding mechanism 40. In certain example embodiments, the attachment member 64 can include a first aperture 68 that is configured to receive the attachment tab or other mechanism on the frame folding mechanism 40 when the stroller frame 1 is in an unfolded, in-use configuration, and a second aperture 68 that is configured to receive the attachment tab or other mechanism on the frame folding mechanism 40 when the stroller frame 1 is in a folded, storage configuration. In this example embodiment, each of the first and second apertures 68 are positioned on the attachment member 64 such that the belly bar 62 extends out further from the frame folding mechanism 40 when the second aperture 68 is used than when the first aperture 68 is used to couple the attachment member 64 to the frame folding mechanism 40.
The second side member 70 can further include an attachment member 63 disposed at a distal end of the second side member 70. The attachment member 63 can include a planar or substantially planar surface for engaging and coupling to an attachment mechanism at the other frame folding mechanism 40.
The attachment member 63 can also include one or more apertures/holes 67 that extend through the attachment member 63. These apertures/holes 68 can be configured to receive an attachment tab, button, or other mechanism disposed on the frame folding mechanism 40. In certain example embodiments, the attachment member 63 can include a first aperture 67 that is configured to receive the attachment tab or other mechanism on the frame folding mechanism 40 when the stroller frame 1 is in an unfolded, in-use configuration, and a second aperture 67 that is configured to receive the attachment tab or other mechanism on the frame folding mechanism 40 when the stroller frame 1 is in a folded, storage configuration. In this example embodiment, each of the first and second apertures 67 are positioned on the attachment member 64 such that the belly bar 62 extends out further from the frame folding mechanism 40 when the second aperture 67 is used than when the first aperture 67 is used to couple the attachment member 63 to the frame folding mechanism 40.
The belly bar 62 can also include a release button 66. The release button 66 can be disposed along and at least partially within the front member 65. In one example embodiment, the release button 66 can be operably coupled to the attachment mechanisms for attaching the belly bar 62 to the frame folding mechanisms 40 and can be configured to detach the belly bar 62 from each of the frame folding mechanisms when the release button 66 is depressed. The release button 66 can also include a biasing mechanism to spring-bias the release button into a first position corresponding to the belly bar being locked to each of the frame folding mechanisms 40.
While the example belly bar 62 of
As shown in
With the aforementioned disclosed structure, when the stroller frame 1 is in the unfolded, in-use configuration as shown in
Although example embodiments of the disclosure have been described, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that numerous other modifications and alternative embodiments are within the scope of the disclosure. Furthermore, while various example implementations and architectures have been described in accordance with example embodiments of the disclosure, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that numerous other modifications to the example implementations and architectures described herein are also within the scope of this disclosure.
Thus, according to one or more example embodiments, a stroller can include a handle frame that includes an upper handle frame, a lower handle frame, and a handle frame folding mechanism rotatably connecting the upper handle frame to the lower handle frame. The stroller can further include a front wheel frame, a rear wheel frame, a frame folding mechanism rotatably connecting the handle frame, the front wheel frame, and the rear wheel frame, and an adjustable belly bar coupled to the stroller, wherein the adjustable belly bar is configured to be adjusted from a first length to a second length greater than the first length. The stroller can be configured such that the handle frame folding mechanism is configured to adjust the upper handle frame and the lower handle frame from an in-use, extended position to a folded, storage position. The stroller can further be configured such that in the folded, storage position the upper handle frame is disposed alongside the lower handle frame and a longitudinal axis of the upper handle frame is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the lower handle frame. The stroller can further be configured such that the lower handle frame and the upper handle frame have substantially equivalent lengths. The stroller can be configured such that the front wheel frame and the rear wheel frame have substantially equivalent lengths to the length of the lower handle frame and the length of the upper handle frame. The stroller can be configured such that a length of each of the lower handle frame, the upper handle frame, the front wheel frame, and the rear wheel frame is within 25% of an average of the lengths of the lower handle frame, the upper handle frame, the front wheel frame, and the rear wheel frame. The stroller can be configured such that a length of each of the lower handle frame, the upper handle frame, the front wheel frame, and the rear wheel frame is within 10% of an average of the lengths of the lower handle frame, the upper handle frame, the front wheel frame, and the rear wheel frame. The stroller can also include a handle grip portion disposed along an end of the upper handle frame, and a handle folding mechanism latch disposed at least partially with the handle grip portion and operably coupled to the handle frame folding mechanism, wherein the handle frame folding mechanism latch is configured to release the handle frame folding mechanism from a locked configuration. The stroller can also include a frame lock latch operably coupled to the frame folding mechanism, wherein the frame lock latch is configured to move from a first position to a second position, wherein in the second position the frame lock latch releases the frame folding mechanism from a locked configuration. The belly bar of the stroller can include a first side member and a second side member, wherein each of the first side member and second side member are adjustable from the first length to the second length. The stroller can be configured such that the belly bar is coupled to at least a portion of the frame folding mechanism. The stroller can be configured such that the belly bar include one or more telescoping members configured to adjust the belly bar from the first length to the second length. The belly bar of the stroller can include a front member that includes a first end and a distal second end, a first side member coupled to the first end and removably coupled to a first frame folding mechanism, the first side member that includes at least a first and a second mutually exclusive point for coupling the first side member to the first frame folding mechanism and adjust the first side member from the first length to the second length, and a second side member coupled to the distal second end and removably coupled to a second frame folding mechanism, the second side member that includes at least a third and a fourth mutually exclusive point for coupling the second side member to the second frame folding mechanism and to adjust the second side member from the first length to the second length.
According to one example embodiment, a stroller can include a first handle frame that includes a first plurality of telescoping frame members configured to adjust the first handle frame from a first extended position to a first retracted position, a second handle frame that includes a second plurality of telescoping frame members configured to adjust the second handle frame from a second extended position to a second retracted position, a first rear wheel frame, a second rear wheel frame, at least one front wheel frame, a first frame folding mechanism rotatably connecting the at least one front wheel frame, the first rear wheel frame and the first handle frame, and a second frame folding mechanism rotatably connecting the at least one front wheel frame, the second rear wheel frame, and the second handle frame. The stroller can be configured such that a length of each of the first upper handle frame, the first lower handle frame the second upper handle frame, the second lower handle frame, the first rear wheel frame, the second rear wheel frame, and the at least one front wheel frame are substantially equal. The stroller can also include a handle grip portion coupling the first upper handle frame to the second upper handle frame and a telescoping mechanism release latch disposed along the handle grip portion and operably coupled to a first adjustable latching mechanism in the first handle frame and a second adjustable latching mechanism in the second handle frame, wherein the telescoping mechanism release latch is configured to release the first and second adjustable latching mechanisms in the first handle frame and second handle frame and facilitate adjustment of the first handle frame from the first extended position to the first retracted position and adjustment of the second handle frame from the second extended position to the second retracted position. The stroller can also include a first frame lock latch operably coupled to the first frame folding mechanism and configured to move from a first position where the first frame folding mechanism is in a locked configuration to a second position where the first frame folding mechanism is in an unlocked configuration, a second frame lock latch operably coupled to the second frame folding mechanism and configured to move from a third position where the second frame folding mechanism is in a locked configuration to a fourth position where the second frame folding mechanism is in an unlocked configuration, and a frame folding mechanism unlocking strap that includes a first end coupled to the first frame lock latch and a distal second end coupled to the second frame lock latch. The stroller can also include a belly bar coupled to the first frame folding mechanism and the second frame folding mechanism, wherein the belly bar is configured to be adjusted from a first length to a second length greater than the first length. The belly bar can include a front member that includes a first end and a distal second end, a first side member coupled to the first end and removably coupled to the first frame folding mechanism, the first side member that includes at least a first and a second mutually exclusive point for coupling the first side member to the first frame folding mechanism, and a second side member coupled to the distal second end and removably coupled to the second frame folding mechanism, the second side member that includes at least a third and a fourth mutually exclusive point for coupling the second side member to the second frame folding mechanism. The belly bar can include a front member that includes a first end and a distal second end, a first telescoping side member coupled to the first end and the first frame folding mechanism, wherein the first telescoping side member is adjustable from the first length to the second length greater than the first length, and a second telescoping side member coupled to the distal second end and the second frame folding mechanism, wherein the second telescoping side member is adjustable from the first length to the second length greater than the first length.
According to one example embodiment, a method of adjusting a stroller from an in-use configuration to a folded configuration can include providing a stroller that includes a handle frame that includes an upper handle frame, a lower handle frame aligned with the upper handle frame, and a handle frame folding mechanism rotatably connecting the upper handle frame to the lower handle frame; a front wheel frame aligned with the upper handle frame and the lower handle frame; a rear wheel frame; a frame folding mechanism rotatably connecting the handle frame, the front wheel frame, and the rear wheel frame; and an adjustable belly bar coupled to the stroller, wherein the adjustable belly bar is configured to be adjusted from a first length to a second length greater than the first length. The method can further include rotating the upper handle frame about a first pivot axis of the handle frame folding mechanism to position the upper handle frame substantially parallel with the lower handle frame, rotating the upper handle frame and lower handle frame about a second pivot axis of the frame folding assembly to abut the rear wheel frame and be substantially parallel with the rear wheel frame, rotating the from wheel frame about the second pivot axis of the frame folding assembly to abut the rear wheel frame and be substantially parallel with the rear wheel frame, and adjusting the belly bar from the first length to the second length.
Certain aspects of the disclosure are described above with reference to example methods of use of the foldable stroller frame. It will be understood that one or more steps of the described example methods may not necessarily need to be performed in the order presented, or may not necessarily need to be performed at all, according to some embodiments. Further, additional components and/or operations beyond those depicted in example methods may be present in certain embodiments.
Although example embodiments have been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as illustrative forms of implementing the example embodiments. Conditional language, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain example embodiments could include, while other example embodiments do not include, certain features, elements, and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements, and/or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments.
This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/194,350 filed Jul. 20, 2015, and titled “Baby Stroller,” the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.
Number | Date | Country | |
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62194350 | Jul 2015 | US |