AU8086198A

AU8086198A - Support stand for a stroller

Info

Publication number: AU8086198A
Application number: AU80861/98A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Gregg R. Espenshade; Kristopher M Konawalik
Original assignee: Graco Childrens Products Inc
Current assignee: Graco Childrens Products Inc
Priority date: 1997-08-20
Filing date: 1998-08-20
Publication date: 1999-03-04
Also published as: FR2767509A1; GB9818232D0

Description

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AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 GRACO CHILDREN'S PRODUCTS INC.

ORIGINAL

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Invention Title: Support stand for a stroller The following statement is a full description of this invention including the best method of performing it known to us:r lC11- -rri~~nr*zi~- BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field. oaflentian The present invention relates to an improved stroller, and more particularly, to a support structure that automatically moves into a storing position when the stroller is folded.

Description of Related Art In order to save space, it is often desirable to store and transportjuvenile strollers in a folded configuration. Several conventional strollers fold into a flat configuration. See for example, the stroller disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,454,584, issued October 3, 1995, which is Sincorporated by reference. However, the vertical storage of folded strollers is difficult because of their folded configuration and shape, which typically includes one or more wheels at a comer which roll when the stroller is folded. Additional objects, such as blocks or props, may be required to keep the wheels from rolling and the stroller from falling by placing these objects next to the wheels. This task is difficult, especially, if the care giver is holding the child.

As a result of these problems, strollers are stored horizontally or flat on a floor. Storing 5 the stroller in this fashion requires extra effort to place the stroller in the stored location and makes it difficult for the care giver to pick it up and unfold the stroller while carrying a child.

Conventional storage techniques also take up more floor space than in the vertical position.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a stroller that substantially eliminates S one or more of the problems due to limitations of the related art An object of the invention is to provide a support structure for a stroller that does not require additional objects to keep the stroller in place when it is collapsed.

1/' Another object of the invention is to simplify the storage of a stroller.

Another object of the invention is to facilitate the storage of a stroller by using a support structure that is moved into a storing position automatically when the stroller is folded.

Another object of the invention is to provide a support structure that does not require any manual manipulation by the operator of the stroller.

Another object of the invention is to provide a design which is easily and economically manufactured.

Another object of the invention is to provide a support structure that is easy to connect to a stroller.

0 Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the following detailed description or may be learned by practicing the invention. The objectives and other advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description and claims as well as the appended drawings.

To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the present 5 invention, as embodied and broadly described, the invention includes a stroller comprising a Sframe operable between a deployed position and a folded position, a connector connected to the frame, and a support structure connected to the connector wherein the support structure extends from the frame upon operation of the frame from the deployed position to the folded position. -1 It is to be understood that both the general description above, and the following detailed 0 description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The accompanying drawings which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate an embodiment of the invention and together with the written description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings: Figure 1 is a side view of a stroller in a deployed position; Figure 2 is a side view of a stroller in a folded position; Figure 3 is a rear view of a stroller in a deployed position; Figure 4 is a view of a support structure; 0 Figures 5A. 5B, and 5C are front, side and cross-sectional views of a connector; and Figures 6A, 6B, and 6C are front, side and cross-sectional views of a guide member.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

Referring to the drawings in detail, wherein like numerals indicate like elements throughout, there is shown in Figures I and 2 a preferred embodiment of a collapsible stroller, generally designated 100, for transporting a passenger (not shown). The stroller 100 shown in the Figures is only intended to be exemplary of the many types of strollers, and related devices 3 on which the support structure will work. An example of a preferred stroller 100, shown on Figures 1 through 4, is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,454,584, issued October 3, 1995, previously incorporated by reference. In accordance with the invention, the preferred 3 ~t i embodiment comprises a frame 102 operable between a deployed position (as shown in Figure I) and a folded position (as shown in Figure As will be appreciated, the frame moves continuously through a variety of intermediate positions during the folding operation.

Referring to Figures 1 through 4, in the preferred embodiment the frame 102 comprises a first sub-frame 104a and a second sub-frame 104b. The first sub-frame 104a comprises a front leg 106 and a wheel 116 connected thereto. The second sub-frame 104b comprises'a rear leg 110 having a wheel 120 connected thereto. Appropriate corresponding structure is preferably provided on the opposite side of the stroller (Not shown in Figure Preferably, stroller 100 includes three axles, a first axle 124 and second axle (not shown) in the front and a third axle 126 0 in the rear, connecting the wheels to the stroller. The stroller also includes a handle 114.

In accordance with the invention, the preferred embodiment includes a latch and hinge S* mechanism connecting the front leg and the rear leg in each sub-frame. The latch mechanism H preferabiy includes slidable catch 138, a first hinge 134 and a second hinge 136. The operation of the latch and hinge mechanism is set forth in U.S. Patent No. 5,454,584.

S 5 In the preferred embodiment, the frame generally comprises metallic frame tubes and plastic interconnection elements. It should be understood that the frame may be any shape or configuration and need not be limited to the structure of the embodiment shown in the Figures.

In accordance with the invention, the preferred embodiment frame comprises a tube member connected to the frame. A tube member 132 (preferably a basket tube member) is .0 pivotally connected to the frame with fasteners 152 and 156. The tube member 132 is generally U-shaped, and a mesh basket 130 is shown hanging from the tube member 132. Figure 3 shows the tube member 132 in more detail.

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In accordance with the invention, the prefered embodiment comprises a connector connected to the frame (the tube member 132). While the preferred embodiment contemplates a connector 142 on each side of the stroller 100, the number of connectors used in the invention may be varied and depends on the specific structure utilized. In an alternative embodiment, there may be only one connector 142 connected to the frame 102. The connector 142 has holes 506, 512 through which fasteners 154 are mounted.

In accordance with the invention, the invention comprises a support structure connected to the connector wherein the support structure extends from the frame upon operation of the frame from the deployed position to the folded position. In the preferred embodiment, a support S..3 structure 140 is connected to tube member 132. Preferably, the support structure 140 is connected near the rear end 146 of the tube member 132. It is noted that the support structure S* 140 may be connected to the frame 102 ina variety of locations.

Referring to Figure 4, the preferred embodiment of the support structure 140 is shown.

The support structure 140 may have a variety of shapes and configurations. Preferably, the 5 support structure comprises a tube having a U-shape. The support structure 140 may also S comprise a rod, a rod with a foot, a tube with a foot, or any U-shaped member. The support structure 140 has holes (not shown) near each end for receiving fasteners 154 so that the support structure 140 may be connected to the connector 142.

In accordance with the invention, the preferred embodiment comprises the connector including a first portion defining an opening to receive a portion of the frame and a second portion to receive a portion of the support structure. Referring to Figures 5A through 5C, the preferred embodiment of the connector 142 is shown. Connector 142 has a first portion 500 7Mi defining an opening 502. The opening 502 is a substantially circular opening and is defined in part by shoulders 504. The first portion 500 has mounting holes 506 for a fastener 154 to mount the connector 142 to the tube member 132.

Preferably, the connector 142 has a second portion 508 including two extensions 510 to which the support structure 140 is connected. Each extension 510 has a mounting hole 512 for a fastener 154 to connect the connector 142 and the support structure 140. While the connector 142 is fixed to the tube member 132, the second portion 508 of the connector 142 is sized to permit the support structure 140 to pivot relative to both the connector 142 and the tube member 132. Although plastic is preferably used for connector 142, metal or any other suitable material .0 may be used.

In accordance with the invention, the preferred embodiment further includes a guide member connected to the frame to guide movement of the support structure. Referring to Figures 6A through 6C. a guide member 144 is shown with a first portion 600 and a second portion 604.

*I The first portion 600 defines an opening 602. Opening 602 is used to guide the movement ofthe S 5 support structure 140. Second portion 604 has a hole 606 into which a fastener (not shown) is mounted to connect the guide member 144 to the frame 102. Although the guide member 144 is preferably plastic, a metal or any other suitable material may be used.

Fasteners 152, 154, 156 and the other fasteners of the invention are preferably standard connecting elements, such as rivets, screws or nuts and bolts. It is noted that other fastening .0 elements may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

As the frame 102 is moved from the deployed position (Fig. 1) to the folded position (Fig. the sub-frames 104a, 104b move relative to one another and sub-frame 104a is moved I _VI I~V_ i out of contact with the ground to a raised position. This movement of sub-frame 104a causes the tube member 132 to pivot due to its connection with front leg 106. As a result, tube member 132 pivots.clockwise about its connection with rear leg I10. As the tube member 132 pivots clockwise, the rear end 146 of the tube member 132 moves toward the bottom end of rear leg 110 S and the distance between the rear end 146 and the bottom end of rear leg 110 decreases.

The support structure 140 is connected to and extends away from the connector 142. As described previously, the rear end 146 of the tube member 132 moves downward with the folding of the fame 102. This movement moves the connector 142 downward and accordingly, the support structure 140 downward as well. As the tube member 132 pivots, eventually the support S0 structure 140 engages the ground and provides support for the frame 102.

-As the frame 102 is folded and the support structure 140 is moved, a small margin of play in the guide member 144 is preferred to guide the support sructure 140 during its path of movement. This play may be accomplished several ways. A first way is to allow guide member 144 to slightly rotate about the fastener connecting it to the frame 102. Another way is to make 5 the opening 602 slightly larger than the cross section of the support structure 140.

During the opening of the frame 102 from the folded position, the sub-frames 104a and [04b, the tube member 132, and the support structure 140 operate in reverse manner from that described above for the folding of the fame 102. As the frame 102 is opened, the tube member 132 pivots counter-clockwise around its connection with rear leg 110. This movement of the 0 tube member 132 pulls the support structure 140 out of its supporting position until the support structure 140 is in its non-supporting position as shown in Figure 1.

7 7 r. r, ft %rill be apparent to those skilied in the art Ellat various modifications and variations can.

be made in the support stand of the presenE invention without departing fromn the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations o I this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their

Claims

1. A stroller comprising: fr-ame operable between a deployed position and a folded position, a cc nnector connected to the fraime; and a support structue connected to the connector wherein the support structure extends fron the frame uipon operation of the fame from the deployed position to the folded pesition-

2. A. stroller as recited in claim Iwherein the firame comprises a latch mechanism, a front lea connected to the latch mechanism and a rear leg connected to the latch mechanism. A stroller as recited in claim L, wherein the fr-ame comprises a tube member connected to the frame.

4. A stroller as recited in claim 1, wherein the connector includes a first portion definig a D substantially circular opening to receive a portion of the frame and a second portion to receive a portion of the support structure. Astroller as recited in claim 4, v,-herein the second portion includes two extensions.

36. A stroller as recited in claim 1, wiereia the support structure comprises a rod. 7- A stroller as recited ift claim 1, wherein the support strucne comprises a rube. 9 8. Astroler as recited in claim wherein the support structure comprises a UJ-shaped member. 9. A stroller as recited in claim 3, wherein the support structure operates between a S supporting position and a non-supporting position and the support structure moves to the supoig pitoasheitance between an end of the tube member and an end of a rear leg decreases. LO0. A stro Ile:: as recited in claim 1, wherein the support structure comprises a rube with a, a a1.1. A stroller as recited in claim 4, fther comprising: a: a connecting member to connect the second portion and the support structure. L 12- A stroller as recited in claim futrher carnsing: a guide member connected tw the frame, to guide movement of the support structure. A, strofter as recited in claim L2, wherein the guide member includes a ffirst portion deffning an opening to receive a portion of the support structure and a second portion to connect Ithe guide member to the frame. to 14. A stroller as recited in claim 12, wherein the guide member substantially surrounds the support structure. A stand for a collapsible structure having a frame operable between a deployed position and a folded position, the stand comprising: a connector connected to the frame; and a support structure connected to the connector wherein the support structure extends from S the frame upon operation of the frame from the deployed position to the folded position. 3 16. A stand as recited in claim 15, wherein the connector includes a first portion defining an opening to receive a portion of the frame and a second portion to receive a portion of the support Sstructure. 17. A stand as recited in claim 15, wherein the support structure comprises a tube. 18. A stand as recited in claim 15, wherein the support structure comprises a U-shaped member. 19. A stand as recited in claim 15, wherein the support structure operates between a S supporting position and a non-supporting position and the support structure is moved to the non- supporting position as the frame is moved to the deployed position. 11 A stand as recited in claim 15, further comprising: a guide member connected to [he frame to guide movement of the support structure. DATED THIS*2O DAY OF AUGUST 1998 GRACO CHILDREN'S PRODUCTS, INC. Patent Attorneys for the Applicant: F.B.RICE CO. a