GB2489330A

GB2489330A - A mechanism for folding an infant stroller

Info

Publication number: GB2489330A
Application number: GB1205270.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Xiaojian Zhang
Original assignee: Wonderland Nurserygoods Co Ltd Hong Kong
Current assignee: Wonderland Nurserygoods Co Ltd Hong Kong
Priority date: 2011-03-23
Filing date: 2012-03-23
Publication date: 2012-09-26
Anticipated expiration: 2032-03-23
Also published as: FR2972988B1; DE102012102531B4; FR2972988A1; DE102012102531A1; CN102689645B; GB2489330B; CN102689645A; GB201205270D0

Abstract

A frame actuating assembly suitable for use with an infant stroller comprises a first linkage 10 and a second linkage 12, an actuator handle 14, a first latch 16, and a first spring 18. The first linkage and the second linkage are pivotally connected with each other about a pivot axis x, the first and second linkages being adapted to respectively affix with two leg frames (301, 302, figure 1) of an infant stroller (200). The actuator handle is pivotally assembled with the second linkage. The first latch is assembled with the second linkage such that it is movable relative to the second linkage along the pivot axis. The first spring is mounted between the first latch and the second linkage. The first latch is driven by the actuator handle to switch between a first state that rotationally locks the first linkage relative to the second linkage, and a second state that rotationally unlocks the first linkage from the second linkage. A method of operating the actuating assembly is also disclosed. The assembly is intended to allow a person to operate it using only one hand, thus providing an easily collapsible stroller.

Description

INFANT STROLLER, ITS FRAME ACTUATING ASSEMBLY, AND METHOD

OF OPERATING THE SAME

10001] This application claims priority of China application no. 201110070454.2 filed on March 23, 2011.

[0002] The present invention relates to infant strollers having collapsible frame structures.

TEO [0003] For facilitating portability and convenience of use, infant strollers are generally provided with collapsible frame structures. The frame structure can be unfolded for use, and collapsed into a compact size for storage or during transportation.

For this purpose, many design approaches have been proposed with diverse degrees of success: some frame designs may be relatively complex in construction, which may not is be economical to manufacture, require the use of two hands for folding the stroller frame, and even lead to erroneous manipulations; other designs may have primitive structures that can be easily damaged as the frame repeatedly folds and unfolds.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for an infant stroller that has a collapsible frame structure easy to operate, reliable in use, and that addresses at least the foregoing issues.

[0005] Viewed from on aspect the present invention provides a frame actuating assembly suitable for use with an infant stroller, comprising: a first linkage and a second linkage pivotally connected with each other about a pivot axis, the first and second linkages being adapted to respectively affix with two leg frames of an infant stroller; an actuator handle pivotally assembled with the second linkage; a first latch assembled with the second linkage, the first latch being movable relative to the second linkage along the pivot axis; and a first spring operatively connected with the first latch; wherein the first latch is driven in movement by the actuator handle to switch between a first state that rotationally locks the first linkage relative to the second linkage, and a second state that rotationally unlocks the first linkage from the second linkage.

[0006J The present application describes a frame actuating assembly suitable for use with an infant stroller. The frame actuating assembly comprises a first linkage and a second linkage, an actuator handle, a first latch, and a first spring. The first linkage* and the second linkage are pivotally connected with each other about a pivot axis, the first and second linkages being adapted to respectively affix with two leg frames of an infant stroller. The actuator handle is pivotally assembled with the second linkage.

The first latch is assembled with the second linkage, the first latch being movable relative to the second linkage along the pivot axis, The first spring is mounted between the first latch and the second linkage. The first latch is driven by the actuator handle to switch between a first state that rotationally locks the first linkage relative to the second linkage, and a second state that rotationally unlocks the first linkage from the second linkage.

[0007J Viewed from another aspect, the present invention provides an infant stroller that includes the frame actuating assembly. In this aspect the frame actuating assembly is respectively connected with a first transverse bar of a front leg frame, and a second transverse bar of a rear leg frame.

10008] Moreover, viewed from another aspect, the present invention provides a method of operating an infant stroller including front and rear leg frames respectively having first and second transverse bars, and a frame actuating assembly respectively connected with the first and second transverse bars, the frame actuating assembly including first and second linkages pivotally connected with each other and respectively affixed with the first and second transverse bars, a first latch and an actuator handle.

The method comprises rotationally locking the first and second linkages by a locking engagement effected via the first latch to hold the infant stroller in a deployed state, and rotating the actuator handle to drive displacement of the first.latch for removing the locking engagement.

[00091 Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: [00101 Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of an infant stroller in a deployed state; [0011] Figure 2 is a perspective view illustrating the infant stroller in a collapsed state; [00121 Figure 3 is a perspective view illustrating a frame actuating assembly implemented in the infant stroller; [0013] Figure 4 is an exploded view of the frame actuating assembly; [0014] Figure 5 is a schematic view illustrating an actuator handle of the frame actuating assembly; a [0015] Figure 6 is a schematic view illustrating the construction of a first linkage in the frame actuating assembly; [00161 Figure 7 is a schematic view illustrating the construction of a second linkage and lock mechanism in the frame actuating assembly; 100171 Figure 8 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along section A-A shown in Figure 3 that illustrates the actuator handle in a locking state; 100181 Figure 9 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating the actuator handle turned to an unlocking state; [0019] Figure 10 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along section B-B shown in Figure 3 that illustrates the lock mechanism in a locking state; [0020] Figure 11 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating the lock mechanism turned to an unlocking state; and (0021] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the frame actuating assembly locked in a collapsed state.

[0022] Figures 1 and 2 are schematic views respectively illustrating an embodiment of an infant stroller 200 in a deployed and collapsed state. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the infant stroller 200 can include a support frame 30, a plurality of wheels 40, and a frame actuating assembly 100. The support frame 30 can include a front leg frame 301, a rear leg frame 302, a stroller handle 303, a pivot structure 304 and a seat frame 305. The front leg frame 301 and the rear leg frame 302 can be collapsed and deployed by operation of the frame actuating assembly 100. The wheels 40 can be respectively assembled with the front leg frame 301 and the rear leg frame 302. The rear leg frame 302 can be pivotally connected with the stroller handle 303. Moreover, the pivot link between the rear leg frame 302 and the stroller handle 303 can be pivotally connected with a first end portion of the pivot structure 304. The pivot S structure 304 can also have a second end portion pivotally connected with the scat frame 305. The front leg frame 301 can be pivotally connected with the rear leg frame 302.

The front leg frame 301 can include a front transverse bar 306, and the rear leg frame 302 can include a rear transverse bar 307 generally parallel to and spaced apart from the front transverse bar 306. The frame actuating assembly 100 can be assembled with the front transverse bar 306 and the rear transverse bar 307.

[00231 Referring to Figures 3 and 4, the frame actuating assembly 100 can include first and second linkages 10 and 12, a handle 14, a latch 16, springs 18 and 20, and a lock meàhanism 22. The first linkage 10 and the second linkage 12 can be pivotally connected with each other about a pivot axis X that extends in a transverse direction (i.e., generally parallel to the transverse bars 306 and 307), and can respectively affix with the front and rear leg frames 301 and 302. The actuator handle 14 can be pivotally connected with the second linkage 12 about an axis that may be coaxial to the pivot axis X of the first and second linkages 10 and 12. In alternate embodiments, the rotation axis of the actuator handle 14 may also extend in a transverse direction that is parallel to and spaced apart from the pivot axis X. 100241 The latch 16 can be assembled with the second linkage 12, and can be in driving contact with the actuator handle 14. In particular, the latch 16 can be movable relative to the second linkage 12 along the pivot axis X. The spring 18 can have two ends respectively connected with the second linkage 12 and the latch 16. The spring can have two ends respectively connected with the second linkage 10 and the actuator handle 14.

[0025] The lock mechanism 22 can be assembled with the second linkage 12, S and can be operable independently from the actuator handle 14 to lock and unlock the first linkage 10 relative to the second linkage 12. In one embodiment, the first linkage can be rotationally locked with the second linkage 12 when at least one of the latch 16 and the lock mechanism 22 is in a locking state, and relative rotation between the first linkage 10 and the second linkage 12 can be allowed when the latch 16 and the lock [0 mechanism 22 are in an unlocking state.

[00261 Referring to Figures 4 and 5, the second linkage 12 can have a hole l2la radially spaced apart from the pivot axis about which the second linkage 12 rotates relative to the first linkage 10, and a protruding shaft 12 lb. The latch 16 and the spring 18 can be respectively assembled around the shaft 12 lb. The spring 18 can have two ends respectively connected with an inner sidewall of the second linkage 12 and the latch 16. The latch 16 can include an extension 161 and a bevel surface 162.

The extension 161 can be eccentric from the pivot axis X, and projects generally parallel to the pivot axis.

[0027] A distal end of the actuator handle 14 can form a coupling part that can be pivotally assembled with the second linkage 12 about a pivot axis defined by the shaft 12 Ib, this coupling part being provided with a driviflg extension 141. The driving extension 141 can be eccentric from the pivot axis of the shaft 12 lb, and can be * kept in contact with the bevel surface 162 by the action of the spring 18. When the actuator handle 14 rotates relative to the second linkage 12, the driving extension 141 can slide along the bevel surface 162, and the latch 16 can be driven in displacement along the pivot axis X such that the extension 161 pf the latch 16 can either come into locking engagement with one of the first locking openings lOla of the first linkage 10, s or disengage and unlock from the first linkage 10. Accordingly, the latch 16 can be driven by the actuator handle 14 to switch between a first state that rotationally locks the first linkage 10 relative to the second linkage 12, and a second state that rotationally unlocks the first linkage 10 from the second linkage 12.

[0028] Referring to Figure 6, the first linkage 10 can be formed from the assembly of multiple parts including a hinge coupling 101, an insert plate 102, a fixture 103 and a collar 104. The hinge coupling 101 can be connected with the second linkage 12, arid can rotate relative to the scond linkage 12. The insert plate 102 can be assembled with the fixture 103, which in turn can be assembled with the hinge coupling 101. The collar 104 can have a cylindrical shape, and can be fixedly mounted with the fixture 103. When the frame actuating assembly 100 is assembled with the support frame 30, the fixture 103 and the collar 104 can be respectively affixed around the front transverse bar 306, the collar 104 being held at a middle recessed region of the fixture 103. The placement of the collar 104 can block transversal displacement of the frame actuating assembly 100 along the front transverse bar 306.

[0029] An end portion of the hinge coupling 101 opposite to the side of the fixture 103 can have a plurality of first locking openings lOla and second locking openings bib distributed around the pivot axis X. The first and second locking openings 101 a and 101 b can be disposed such that the latch 16 can operatively engage with any of the first locking openings lOla, and the lock mechanism 22 can operatively engage with any of the second locking openings 10 lb. As better shown in Figures 8 and 10, in one embodiment, the first locking openings lOla can be respectively turned toward first directions generally parallel to the pivot axis X, whereas the second locking openings 101 b can be turned toward second directions that are in a plane perpendicular to the pivot axis X. [0030] Referring to Figures 4 and 6, when the first linkage 10 is connected with the second linkage 12, the first linkage 10 can be at least partially covered by the second linkage 12, and the latch extension 161 can pass through the hole 121 a of the second linkage 12 to engage with one of the first locking openings lOla.

10031] Referring to Figure 7, the second linkage 12 can include a hinge coupling 121, an insert plate 122, a fixture 123, a collar 124 and a cover 125. The hinge coupling 121 can be connected with the hinge coupling 101 of the first linkage 10, such that the second linkage 12 can rotate relative to the first linkage 10. The hinge coupling 121 can have an end portion provided with the hole 121a and the shaft 12 lb. The insert plate 122 can be installed on the fixture 123. The fixture 123 can be affixed with the hinge coupling 121. The collar 124 can have a cylindrical shape, and can be engaged with the fixture 123. The cover 125 can be assembled with the hinge coupling 121. In addition, the hinge coupling 121 can include a hole 121 c, and the cover 125 can have a cavity 125a.

[0032] When the frame actuating assembly 100 is assembled with the support frame 30, the fixture 123 and the collar 124 can be respectively affixed around the rear transverse bar 307, the collar 124 being inserted in a middle recessed portion of the fixture 123. The placement of the collar 124 can block transversal displacement of the frame actuating assembly 100 along the rear transverse bar 307.

100331 The lock mechanism 22 can be assembled with the second linkage 12.

As shown in Figure 7, the lock mechanism 22 can include a button 221, a connection pin 222, a movable latch 223 and a spring 224. The release button 221 can be movably mounted through the hole 12 Ic, and have a hollow portion that lies in the interior of the second linkage 12. The hollow portion of the release button 221 received in the second linkage 12 can have one (or two symmetrical) elongated slot 221a that is disposed at an inclined angle relative to an axis of displacement of the release button 221.

[00341 The latch 223 can be formed with an elongated shape that is movably mounted through the hollow portion of the release button 221 inside the second linkage 12. The connection pin 222 can be fixedly assembled with the latch 223, and transversally pass through the latch 223 and the elongated slot 221a of the release button 221. As the release button 221 moves up and down relative to the second linkage 12, the connection pin 222 can be guided in' movement along the elongated slot 221 a. As a result, the latch 223 can be driven in movement relative to the second linkage 12 to engage with and disengage from the first linkage 10, the displacement of the latch 223 being substantially perpendicular to the displacement of the release button 221 and in a plane perpendicular to the pivot axis X. [0035j The cover 125 can include two ribs 125b located at two opposite sides of the cavity l25a. Two opposite ends of the connection pin 222 may be respectively guided in movement between the two ribs 125b. The spring 224 can have a first end connected with the latch 223, and a second end abutting against the hinge coupling 121 of the second linkage 12. The spring 224 can bias the latch 223 to engage with the first linkage 10, whereas the release button 221 can be operable to drive the latch 223 to disengage from the first linkage 10.

[0036] Referring to Figures 3 and 8, when the actuator handle 14 is in a locking state, the hole 121a of the hinge coupling 121 is aligned with one of the first locking openings lOla of the hinge coupling 101, and the extension 161 of the latch 16 can pass through the aligned hole 121 a and first locking opening lOla. Moreover, the driving extension 141 of the actuator handle 14 can contact with a higher location 162a of the bevel surface 162 provided on the latch 16, and the spring 18 can be compressed and covered by the latch 16. The contact between the bevel surface 162 of the latch 16 and the extension 141 of the actuator handle 14 can be maintained by the action of the spring 18, which biases the latch 16 toward the actuator handle 14.

[0037] When the frame actuating assembly 100 has to be unlocked, the actuator handle 14 shown in Figure 8 can be rotated from a locking position toward an unlocking position, which causes the driving extension 141 to slide along the bevel surface 162 until it reaches and contacts with a lower location 1 62b of the bevel surface 162.

While the actuator handle 14 is rotating, the spring 18 can urge the latch 16 to move along the pivot axis of the first and second linkages 10 and 12 so that the extension 161 can disengage from the first locking opening lOla. Figure 9 schematically shows the frame actuating assembly 100 when the actuator handle 14 is in the unlocking state.

[0038] Referring to Figures 3 and 10, when the latch mechanism 22 is in a locking state, the action of the spring 224 can keep the latch 223 engaged through one second locking opening 1 Olb of the hinge coupling 101.

[00391 To switch the latch mechanism 22 from the locking state to an unlocking state, the release button 221 as shown in Figure 10 can be depressed. Owing to the cooperation between the connection pin 222 and the elongated slot 221 a, the latch 223 can be! driven in movement to disengage from the second locking opening lOlb and compress the spring 224. Figure 1 1 schematically shows the frame actuating assembly when the lock mechanism 22 is depressed to, the unlocking state.

[0040] Referring to Figure 12, once the frame actuating assembly 100 reaches a collapsed state, the spring 224 can urge the latch 223 to engage with another second locking opening 10 lb. The frame actuating assembly 100 can be thereby held in the collapsed state.

[0041] Exemplary operation of the frame actuating assembly 100 is described is hereafter with reference to Figures 1-12. When the infant stroller 200 is in a deployed state for use, the actuator handle 14 and the lock mechanism 22 can be in their respective locking state. With the actuator handle 14 in the locking state, the extension 161 of the latch 16 can pass through the hole 121 a of the second linkage 12 to engage with one first locking opening lOla of the first linkage 10, whereas the driving extension 141 of the actuator handle 14 can be in contact with the latch 16 at the higher location 161a of the bevel surface 161 With respect to the locking state of the lock mechanism 22, the spring 224 can keep the latch 223 engaged with one second locking opening 10 lb of the first linkage 10. Accordingly, the first and second linkages 10 and 12 can be rotationally locked by the locking engagements respectively effected via the latches 16 and 223, which can hold the front and rear leg frames 301 and 302 in the deployed state.

[0042] For collapsing the infant stroller 200, the actuator handle 14 can be rotated to its unlocking position as shown in Figure 9. Owing to the biasing action of the spring 18, the latch 16 can move so that the extension 161 disengages from the first locking opening lOla. While the actuator handle 14 is in its unlocking state, the release button 221 can be depressed to cause displacement of the latch 223, which in turn disengages from the second locking opening lOIb and compresses the spring 224.

The frame actuating assembly 100 can be thereby fully unlocked for rotation. The actuator handle 14 then can be grasped and pulled upward to raise the infant stroller 200 above the ground. As a result, the first linkage 10 can rotate relative to the second linkage 12 as the front leg frame 301 and the rear leg frame 302 pivot to fold on each other. Meanwhile, the pivot structure 304, the actuator handle 303 and the seat frame is 305 can also concurrently rotate so as to collapse the actuator handle 303 and the seat frame 305 toward the rear leg frame 302 as shown in Figure 2. Once the support frame is in the fully collapsed state, the latch 223 can be driven by the spring 224 to engage an associated second locking opening l0lb of the first linkage 10. The infant stroller can be thereby held in a collapsed state in a stable manner.

[0043] At least one advantage of the structures described herein is the ability to provide a frame actuating assembly that has a reliable construction, and can be easily operated with one hand for deploying and collapsing the infant stroller.

L00441 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

CLAIMS: 1. A frame actuating assembly suitable for use with an infant stroller, comprising: a first linkage and a second linkage pivotally connected with each other about a pivot axis, the first and second linkages being adapted to respectively affix with two leg frames of an infant stroller; an actuator handle pivotally assembled with the second linkage; a first latch assembled with the second linkage, the first latch being movable relative to the second linkage along the pivot axis; and a first spring operatively connected with the first latch; wherein the first latch is driven in movement by the actuator handle to switch between a first state that rotationally locks the first linkage relative to the second linkage, and a second state that rotationally unlocks the first linkage from the second linkage.
2. The frame actuating assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first latch has a bevel surface, and the actuator handle has a driving extension kept in sliding contact with the bevel surface by a biasing action of the first spring, a rotation of the actuator handle causing a displacement of the first latch along the pivot axis so that the first latch either comes into locking engagement with the first linkage, or disengages and unlocks from the first linkage.
3. The frame actuating assembly according to claim 1 or 2, further including a lock mechanism assembled with the second linkage, wherein the lock mechanism is operable independently from the actuator handle to lock and unlock the first linkage with respect to the second linkage.
4. The frame actuating assembly according to claim 3, wherein the first linkage is rotationally locked with the second linkage when at least one of the first latch and the lock mechanism is in a locking state, and relative rotation between the first linkage and the second linkage is allowed when the first latch and the look mechanism are in an unlocking state.
5. The frame actuating assembly according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the first linkage includes a first hinge coupling that is pivotally connected with the,second linkage, the first hinge coupling being provided with a plurality of first and second locking openings distributed around the pivot axis, the first latch being operable to engage with any of the first locking openings, and the lock mechanism being operable to engage with any of the second locking openings.
6. The frame actuating assembly according to claim 5, wherein the first locking openings are respectively turned toward first directions generally parallel to the pivot axis, and the second locking, openings are turned toward second directions that are in a plane perpendicular to the pivot axis.
7. The frame actuating assembly according to any of claims 3, 4, 5 and 6, wherein the lock mechanism includes a second latch assembled in the second linkage, the second latch being movable relative to the second linkage in a plane perpendicular to the pivot axis to engage with and disengage from the first linkage.
8. The frame actuating assembly according to claim 7, wherein the lock mechanism further includes:.a release button assembled with the second linkage; a connection pin mounted through the release button and the second latch; and a second spring operable to bias the second latch to engage with the first linkage; wherein the release button is operable to drive the second latch to disengage from the first linkage.
9. The frame actuating assembly according to claim 8, wherein the release button includes an elongated slot disposed at an angle relative to an axis of displacement of the release button, and the connection pin is affixed with the second latch and is movably guided in movement along the elongated slot.
10. The frame actuating assembly according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the release button when depressed drives a displacement of the second latch so that the second latch compresses the second spring and disengages from the first linkage.
11. The frame actuating assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each of the first and second linkage includes a hinge coupling, and a fixture affixed with the hinge coupling and fixedly assembled with one associated leg frame, the first and second linkages being pivotally connected with each other via the hinge couplings.
12. The frame actuating assembly according to any of the preceding claims, further including a third spring respectively connected with the second linkage and the actuator handle.
13. An infant stroller comprising the frame actuating assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the frame actuating assembly is respectively connected with a first transverse bar of a front leg frame, and a second transverse bar of a rear leg frame.
14. A method of operating an infant stroller, wherein the infant stroller includes flout and rear leg frames respectively having first and second transverse bars, and a frame actuating assembly respectively connected with the first and second transverse bars, the frame actuating assembly including first and second linkages pivotally connected with each other and respectively affixed with the first and second transverse bars, a first latch and an actuator handle, the method comprising: rotationally locking the first and second linkages by a locking engagement effected via the first latch to hold the infant stroller in a deployed state; and rotating the actuator handle to drive displacement of the first latch for removing the locking engagement.
The method according to claim 14, further comprising: while the actuator handle is kept in a position that removes the locking engagement, actuating a lock mechanism to turn a second latch to an unlocking state, whereby relative rotation between the first and second linkages is allowed; and pulling on the actuator handle to raise the infant stroller above a ground.
16. A frame actuating assembly suitable for use with an infant stroller, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
17. An infant stroller comprising a frame actuating assembly, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
18. A method of operating an infant stroller substantially as hereinbefore described s with reference to the accompanying drawings. is