GB2404900A

GB2404900A - A tube coupling mechanism for a folding stroller

Info

Publication number: GB2404900A
Application number: GB0418843A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Richard Charles Everett
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2002-08-27
Filing date: 2003-06-25
Publication date: 2005-02-16
Anticipated expiration: 2023-06-25
Also published as: GB0418843D0; GB2404900B

Abstract

A tube coupling mechanism, particularly for a foldable three-wheeled jogging stroller, comprises: an elongate tubular member 34; a structural member such as a connection member 56 which slidably receives the tubular member therethrough; a sleeve 71 mounted on the tubular member, having an aperture 71b extending through the wall of the sleeve; locking means 73,73a which protrudes through the aperture and which, when the sleeve is inserted into the structural member, locks the structural member with respect to the elongate member; and release means 80,81a provided on the structural member for disengaging the locking means thereby releasing the structural member from the tubular member. The sleeve may taper towards the end first inserted into the structural member, and said structural member may be provided with means 56a for mounting a second tubular element.

Description

FOLDABLE JOGGING STROLLER

BACKGROIJJ!1) OF TIl:E VENT:ION The baclc,round of the invention will be discussed in two pans.

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to strollers for children, and more particularly to a three-wheeled jogging stroller that may be utilized during jogging or running exercise, and that is easily foldable for transit and storage.

Descrintion of the Prior Art

With physical fitness in mind, some children strollers have evolved into primarily three- wheeled vehicles that can be utilized while jogging or running. Generally referred to as jogging strollers, He user, while pushing the child, or children, therein, may conveniently exercise by jogging, or running. The typical three-wheeled jogging stroller is configured with a frame assembly formed of tubular aluxa.inum for vehicular strength and light weight, one or two seats usually of a flexible cloth-like material, and pneumatic spoked-wheel tires. The two rear wheels are often of a diameter approximating that of an elementary school childs bicycle with the front wheel of the same or somewhat smaller diameter. Some such jogging strollers have been desired Ed configured for folding, disassembly, or a combination of both, thus providing for convenience and versatility in transportation and storage.

Various jogging strollers having mechanisms for folding the strollers are kJ}OWD in the art and generally include frame member connecting means for retuning the stroller Lame members n non-folded state and release means for folding, or collapsing, the stroller Eame members into a convenient configuration for transportation orstorage. Some such folding mechanisms are disclosed in L.S. Patent Into. 5,536,033 issued to Paul Hinkston on]6 July 1996, in U.S. Patent No. 5,887,889 issued to Michael Andrus on 30 March 1999, in U.S. Patent No. 6,30Z,6l3 Bl issued to Red Lan on 16 October Z001, and in U.S. Patent No. 6,Z67,405 Bl issued to Chin- Chiao Chen on 31 July 2001. Such devices are illustrative of the varied aangenents whereby attempts have been made to improve the folding or collapsing of jogging strollers for ease of transit and storage.

However, in general, the prior art folding devices remain limited in optimum folding characteristics such as ease of operation and simplicity of design. What is needed is a folding mechanism providing for improved folding of jogging strollers that is safe, dependable and more user friendly under different folding conditions.

It is thus an aspect of the present invention to provide a new and improved jogging stroller having a folding mechanism providing for improved folding characteristics, more user- friendly operatior., and greater variation and flexibility under different folding conditions.

It is another aspect of the invention to provide a three-wheeled jogging stroller with a user-friendly foldable frame that may be utilized during jogging exercise and that is easily foldable for transit and storage.

It is also an aspect of the invention to provide a jogging stroller with removable wheels and a foldable or collapsible frame which may be readily assembled and disassembled, and which stroller is compact, stable and lighveight.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided an improved collapsible frame for a logging stroller that is more readily folded and disassembled.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided an improved folding mechanism for a three-wheeled jogging stroller that is simple in design and operation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

There is provided a three-wheeled jogging stroller having a foldable, or collapsible fragile assembly that is transformable from an erected, or upright, user position to a collapsed storage position of reduced length and height. The foldable frame assembly includes a base, or lower structural assembly' and an upper structural assembly. The base assembly includes a rear axle assembly having a member of an enlarged diameter tubular construction with couples at opposite ends thereof for supporting den ountalle or removable large diameter spoked wheels having pneurnaric tires. Tlle rear uncle assembly has a fork assembly pivotally coupled thereto and a pair of upright support members. The fork assembly includes a pair of generally parallel fork rnerubers supporting He front wheel at one end thereof, and at the other end the fork members are pivotally coupled to the rear axle member by means of crank or clevis members.

The pivotable coupling is displaced, or offset, a given distance from the axis of the rear axle member, so that on folding the fork and the upright support members are generally parallel to one another.

The upper structural assembly includes a unitary handlebar member including a generally U-shaped handlebar portion and a handlebar tube extending in substantially parallel relationship from each end of the Ushaped portion. The U-shaped member has a brake lever for a caliper type brake, which engages the rim of the front wheel. The other, or free, ends of each of' the substantially parallel handlebar tubes are slidably engaged with a respective interconnect member that is pivotally coupled to the free end of a respective upright support member extending from the rear axle member. Two additional tubes each have first ends fixedly attached to respective interconnects and are curved inwardly to second ends pivotally coupled to the fork members supporting the front wheel. A footrest is mounted on these tubes in proximity to the front wheel.

The interconnect member has hold and release means for holding the upper frame in an upright user position and for releasing the interconnect member to slide up the respective handlebar tube to collapse the upper frame over the base frame. In the process the upright support members pivotally coupled to the interconnects rotate forwardly, the fixed axle also rotating forwardly due to the pivotal coupling to the fork members.

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided tube coupling mechanism comprising: an elongate tubular member: a structural member configured for slidably receiving said tubular member therethrough; said tubular member having a sleeve mounted thereon and having an aperture extending through the wall oi'said tubular member; locking means protruding through said aperture for coaction with said structural member whereby upon insertion of said sleeve into said structural member said locking means locks said tubular member within said structural member; and said structural member has release means for disengaging said locking means thereby releasing said tubular member tube from said structural member.

Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from a reading of the specification, when taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like elements in the several views.

The sleeve preferably includes stop means for limiting insertion ofthe sleeve into the structural member. The sleeve may taper downwardly toward the insertion end thereof to facilitate movement of the sleeve within the structural member. 'I'he structural member beneficially includes means for fixedly mounting a second tubular member and/or means for pivotally mounting a third tubular member. The locking means may comprise a spring urged locking button and said release means is a pushbutton for depressing said locking button.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure I is a perspective view of the foldable jogging stroller according to the invention; Figure 2 is a partially exploded perspective view of the interconnection mechanism in accordance with the invention showing the interconnect member, slidable frame member with hold and release mechanism, upright support tube, and in phantom the fixed upper fork tube; Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the interconnect member of Figure 2 taken along the line 3-3 thereof; Figure 4 is a perspective view of the interconnect member of Figure 2 locked in the erect or user position as shown in F igure 1; Figure 5 is a perspective view of the interconnect member of Figure 2 released as shown in Figure 7; Figure 6 is a left side elevational view of the stroller foldable frame of Figure 1 showing the interconnect member locked in the erect or user position; l igure 7 is a left side elevational view of the stroller foldable frame of Figure I showing the interconnect member partially displaced along a frame member in collapsing the stroller; and Figure 8 is a left side elcvational view of the foldable frame of the stroller of Figure I showing the interconnect member completely displaced along a frame member to collapse the stroller.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to Figure 1, there is shown a thrce- wheeled jogging stroller having a foldable, or collapsible frame assembly that is transformable from an erected, or upright, user position to a collapsed position of reduced length and height for transportation or storage.

The foldable frame assembly, generally designated 10, includes a lower or base structural assembly, generally designated 20, and an upper structural frame assembly, generally designated 30. The lower assembly 20 includes a rear axle member 22 of an enlarged diameter tubular construction with couples at opposite ends thereof for supporting identical de-mountable or removable, large diameter spoked wheels 28 having pneumatic tires. The lower assembly further includes a pair of upright support members 24, 26, and a fork assembly, generally designated 20, pivotally coupled thereto. As will be further explained herein below, the free ends of upright members 24, 26, are pivotally coupled respectively to handlebar tubes 33,34.

The fork assembly 20 includes a pair of fork tubes 21a, 21b, supporting the front wheel 29 at one end thereof; and at the other end pivotally coupled to the rear axle member 22 by means of couplers 22a, 22b. The pivotable couplers 22a, 22b are offset a given distance from the center of the rear axle member 22 and may be of any convenient configuration allowing for the upright support members 24,26 to fold downwardly to the outside of the fork assembly 20 to approach a near parallel relationship as illustrated in l igure 8. In the embodiment illustrated couplers 22a, 22b are formed with a tubular portion that encircles and is secured to the axial tube 22 and a stub portion for pivotally accepting and securing fork members 21 a, 21 b. (:

The upper structural assembly includes a handlebar member including a generally U- shaped handlebar portion 32 b.aving handle bar anus 33, 34 extending from a respective end of handlebar portion 32. [-shaped member 32 and has a brake lever assembly, generally designated 77, attached substantially at the center thereof, for a caliper type brake (not shown) that engages the rim of the front wheel 29. Member 32 may have handle-grippin material as appropriate. As more clearly shown in Figures 6-S, U-shaped member 32 has an upturned pushing portion,2a that provides for a more comfortable use as well as providing a more opt mum pushing force toward the axis of the front wheel 29.

The other ends of the handlebar tubes 33, 34, are slidabl.y coupled respectively through interconnect members 54, 56 and through press-ftted sleeves (see sleeve 71 in Figure 3) to be fixedly terminated by clevis members 72,74. As will be filrther explained, clevis members 72,74 pivotally receive the free ends of. upright tubes 24, 26 respectively. . The free ends of (J-shaped member 32 are approximately the same distance apart as the interconnect members 54, <6, thus handlebar tubes 33, 34 are substantially parallel to mate properly with interconnects 54, 56 Upper assembly frame tubes 36, 38; are at an upper end engaged with and fixedly attached to interconnect members 54, 56, respectively, and at the other end project downwardly and converge inwardly to conjunct to a respective fort; member at the front wheel.

As shown more clearly in Figures 2 and 3, each interconnect member 54' 56, has associated therewith a hold and release assembly, generally designated 10 When in the locking, mode the hold and release assemblies are operable to hold the upper frame in an upright user position. When in the release mode the interconr.ect members are released to slide up the respective tubes 3, 34 to thereby collapse the upper frame onto the base France. The collapsed position is as illustrated in Figures 7 and 8.

Additior.al tubes 40a, 40b each have first ends fixedly coupled to the bottom, or lower end, of footrest 40 ard then project downwardly and are converged inwardly for coupling the other ends thereof to parallel fork tubes 21a, Bulb supporting the front wheel Zg The coupling to the wheel 29 is ofthe type used in bicycles having quick-release wheels.

Footrest 40 is positioned over tubes 40a, 40b and fixedly attached thereto by welding or riveting at appropriate locations. It is romped of a generally trapezoidallY configured plate- shaped injected plastic material with the lower, or forward, end thereof bent upwardly to form a splash-guard in the Everett the front wheel conies into contact with ground water dunned use. The upraised or bent portion provides a better footrest as it also serves as a foot-stop for the occupant.

As mounted, footrest 40 provides additional front-end strength and stability.

interconnects 54, 56 and associated hold and release mechanisms, are mirror images of each other. Thus, by reference to one interconnect, as illustrated in Figures 2 and 3 there is shown interconnect S6 having a saddle-shaped main body portion 56a and a depending tubular portion 56b for slidably receiving handlebar tube 34 through aperture 57. Saddleshaped body portion 56a is configured and dimensioned for receiving the free end of upper frame tube 3S, shown in phantom, that is fixedly positioned and secured therein with first and second bolts 63 and nuts 64. Interconnect 56. The saddie-shaped main body portion 56a has a depth and length sufficient to enable opposing sidewalls to receive a significant length of tube 4 snugly and fully therein in the depth-wise and lengthwise directions. This provides stability at the coupling location so that wobbling, and rattlers is eliminated and the body por ion 56a and tube 4 act as an integral unit during use.

Clevis 74 is fixedly attached to the free end of handlebar tube 34 by means of bolt 75, aperture 75a, and nut 16 arid pivotally receives, in any appropriate manners the free end of upright tube 26. As indicated in Figure a, the free end of upright 26 is terminated with a bar- shaped flange portion of a thickness less than the diameter of the upright tube 26 and sli,htly less than the distance between opposing sidewalls of the clevis 74. The flange portion has an aperture 26a tlerethrough for alignment with Like sized aperture 60 extending through the walls of the clevis 74. The aperture 60 is dimensioned for receiving a suitable fastener, such as a bolt 61 and nut 60 for pivotally connecting, the free end of the upright tube 26 to clevis 74.

The hold and release mechanism for holding the stroller in an erect position and for releasing tube 34 for folding of the upper frame assembly includes sleeve 11 press-fitted over tube 34 adjacent the free end therecf, generally V-shaped spring nouns 7,, and pushbutton release means, generally designated 80. Sleeve 71 includes sleeve cap 71a and aperture 71b that extends through the wall of handlebar tube 34. As indicated in Figure 3, except for sleeve cap 71a7 sleeve 71 has a disuniter less than the diameter of interconnect aperture 57 and can be tapered reanardly upward to cap 71a to facilitate movement of sleeve 11 in and our of aperture 57 Spring means 73 includes Locking button 73a, the spring 73 dimensioned and positioned within tube 34 for continued spring tension within the interior of tube i4 to maintain locking, button 73a protruding through aperture 71b in sleeve 71. Thus, in the erect, or nor-folded state of the stroller frame, sleeve 11 is fully inserted into aperture 57 with locking button 13a forced into interconnect aperture 85 by spring 73a to thereby lock the upper frame into the erect position.

Release pushbutton Sla is securely and sJ.idably positioned within button holder al, holder 81 mounted onto interconnect 56 over aperture 85 and secured by bolts 83 and nuts 84.

Pushbutton 81a is has a contact tip configured and dimensioned for penetrating aperture 85 and has sufficient freedom of depression or freelloaiing movement, withLn holder 81 to disengage locking button Ma to thereby allow sleeve 71 to be released from interconnect 56. This in turn allows for sliding of the interconnect 56 upwardly along the tube 34 to thereby fold the upper frame over the lower assembly as shown in Figure 8. Thus, in the erected state interconnect 56 is moved along tube 34 until sleeve 11 is inserted into aperture 37 and locking button Ma is forced into aperture 85 under tension from spring 73, thereby to lock the stroller into the erect state. For Folding, pushbutton Sla is depressed to disengage locking button 73a Mom aperture 85 to permit movement of interconnect 56 upwardly Glory tube 34 and to the folding position.

Figure 6 illustrates the frame of the invention in the erect position as viewed from the left side with the interconnect locked into the sleeve. Figure 7 illustrates the frame of the invention in an intermediate position as viewed from the left side with the interconnect unlocked from the sleeve and recessed along the handlebar tube. The arrows indicate the direction of movement or rotation of the respective members the folding procedure. For instance, respective interconnects are released by respective pushbuttons to slide along respective handlebar tubes, respective uprights are pivoted downwardly toward the louver assembly, and the fixed axle rotates forwardly dale to the pivotal coupling to the fork members.

Figure illustrates the frame of the invention in the folded position as viewed from the left side with the interconnect Filly recessed along the handlebar tube and the upper Fame folded over the lower assembly.

The construction of the jogger stroller 10 is of aluminum tubing that, with the exception of the axle tube 22, are of the same diameter, thus effecting econorxies of assembly. Further, with the exception of the handlebar portion 32 arid upper frame tubes 36 and 3S, the tubular stock consists of straight or linear lengths of material.

The interconnects are formed of injected plastic of wall thickness sufficient to provide the required strength and stability at points of connection. The spacing between opposing walls closely approximate the diameter of the tube sections for lateral as well as lengthwise stability In use, the stroller 10 is stable and efficient in the use of the energy of the operator, whether while walking, jogging or running While there has been shown and described a preferred embodiment, it is understood that other adaptations and modifications may be made without departing Dom the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, although the description has utilized directional references, such a up, down, leR, right, upwardly, downwardly, Eric, these terms are utilized with reference tO the orientations iD the figures and are not intended to be limiting.

What is claimed is:

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. Tube coupling mechanism comprising: an elongate tubular

member: a structural member configured for slidably receiving said tubular member therethrough; said tubular member having a sleeve mounted thereon and having an aperture extending through the wall of said tubular member; locking means protruding through said aperture for coaction with said structural member whereby upon insertion of said sleeve into said structural member said locking means locks said tubular member within said structural member; and said structural member has release means for disengaging said locking means thereby releasing said tubular member tube from said structural member.
2. 'l'he tube coupling mechanism of claim 1, wherein said sleeve includes stop means for limiting insertion of said sleeve into said structural member.
3. The tube coupling mechanism of claim I or claim 2, wherein said sleeve tapers downwardly toward th insertion end thereof to facilitate movement of said sleeve within said structural member.
4. The tube coupling mechanism of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said structural member includes means for fixedly mounting a second tubular member.
5. The tube coupling mechanism of any one of claims I to 4, wherein said structural member includes means for pivotally mounting a third tubular member.
6. The tube coupling mechanism of any one of claims I to 5, wherein said locking means is a spring urged locking button and said release means is a pushbutton for depressing said locking button.