GB2515236A

GB2515236A - Stroller

Info

Publication number: GB2515236A
Application number: GB1418260.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Kenji Funakura
Original assignee: Combi Corp
Current assignee: Combi Corp
Priority date: 2012-03-16
Filing date: 2013-03-06
Publication date: 2014-12-17
Anticipated expiration: 2033-03-06
Also published as: WO2013137076A1; JP2013193509A; TWI599506B; CN104185589A; GB2515236B; GB201418260D0; CN104185589B; JP6026118B2; TW201348045A

Abstract

A stroller (10) has the following: a stroller main body (11); a folding operation mechanism (40) having a release member (41) capable of moving between a restriction position and a release position and a main operation member (50) connected to the release member; and first and second operation restriction mechanisms (55, 56) having restriction releasing operation members capable of moving from a locked position in which the operation of the folding operation mechanism is restricted to an unlocked position in which the operation of the folding operation mechanism is enabled. If a second restriction releasing operation member is moved to the unlocked position, such position is held, and if the main operation member is operated, such holding of the unlocked position is released.

Description

DESCRIPTION

STROLLER

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a foldable stroHer, in particular, the present invention reates to a stroher which can effectively prevent that a folding operation is unintentionally started.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] As disdosed in JP200935066A, for example, foldable strollers of a folding type are widely used. A foldable stroller is equipped with a locking means for maintaining the stroller into the unfolded state. By operadng the locking means, a folding operation of the strofler is aflowed. In addition, a strofler generally is equipped with an operation restricting means for restricting an operation of the locking means, in order to prevent that the folding operation of the strofler is unintenUonafly started.

[0003] In order to carry out the folding operation of the foldable strofler without looking aside from a baby, it is desired that a the operations for folding the strofle including the operations of the locking means and the operation restricting means, can be easHy carried out, Typicafly, it is preferable that, while a careqiver hold a baby in one arm, the careqiver can carry out all the operations for folding the stroller only by the other hand.

However, on the other hand, when the operation restricting means can be easfly operated, the folding operation is more likely to be unintendonafly started by accident or the like.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances. The object of the present Invention is to provide a foldable stroller which can effectively prevent that a S folding operation is unintentionally started, and which can be folded by an easy operation when it Is desired to be folded.

(0005] The stroller according to the present Invention including: a foldable stroller body; a folding operation mechanism including an unlocking member and a main operation member Joined to the unlocking member, the unlocking member being movable between a restricted position, at which a folding operation of the stroller body is restricted, and a derestricted position, at which the folding operation of the stroller body is allowed, and the main operation member being operated so that the unlocking member Is moved from the restricted position to the derestricted position; a first operation restricting mechanism including a first derestricting member that Is movable from a first locked position, at which an operation of the unlocking member by means of the main operation member is restricted, up to a first unlocked position, at which the operation of the unlocking member by means of the main operation member is allowed; and a second operation restricting mechanism Including a second derestricting member that is movable from a second locked position, at which the operation of the unlocking member by means of the main operation member is restricted, up to a second unlocked position, at which the operation of the unlocking member by means of the main operation member Is allowed; wherein: when the second derestricting member is operated to move from the second locked position to the second unlocked position, the second derestricting member is held at the second unlocked position; and when the main operation member is operated with the second derestricting member being located at the second unlocked position and the first derestricting member being located at the first unlocked position, the second derestricting member held at the second unlocked position is released therefrom.

(0006] In the stroller according to the present Invention, one of the first operation restricting mechanism and the second operation restricting mechanism may be engaged with the main operation member so as to restrict a motion of the main operation member whereby the operation of the unlocking member by means of the main operation member is restricted; and the other of the first operation restricting mechanism and the second operation restricting mechanism may be engaged with the unlocking member so as to restrict a motion of the unlocking member whereby the operation of the unlocking member by means of the main operation member is restricted.

(0007] In the stroller according to the present invention, the second operation restricting mechanism may further Include an operation restricting member joined to the second derestricting member; and when the second derestricting member Is located at the second locked position, at least a part of the operation restricting member may intrude in a moving route of the unlocking member from the restricted position up to the derestricted position.

[0008] In the stroller according to the present invention, the operation restricting member may be swingable between an engagement position at which the operation restricting member is located when the second derestricting member is located at the second locked position, and a disengagement position at which the operation restricting member is located when the second derestricting member is located at the second unlocked position; the operation restricting member may have a contact part capable of being in contact with unlocking member when the operation restricting member Is located at the engagement position; and a direction connecting the contact part of the S operation restricting member and a swing axis line of the operation restricting member, when the operation restricting member is located at the engagement position, may be in parallel with the moving direction of the unlocking member from the restricted position toward the derestricted position, or the direction when the operation restricting member is located at the engagement position may be Inclined, with respect to the moving direction of the unlocking member from the restricted position toward the derestricted position, to the side opposite to the direction when the operation restricting member is located at the disengagement position.

(0009] In the stroller according to the present invention, the second operation restricting mechanism may further Include a joint member disposed between the second derestricting member and the operation restricting member; and the joint member may be a self-supporting rod-like member.

[0010] In the stroller according to the present invention, the stroller body may include a handle; and the second derestricting member may be disposed slidably along the handle in a longitudinal direction of the handle.

(0011] In the stroller according to the present invention, the second derestricting member may be located lower at the second locked position than at the second unlocked position.

[0012] In the stroller according to the present invention, a holding member urged to project outward may be disposed on the handle; a recess for receiving the holding member may be formed in the second derestricting member; and when the holding member is engaged with the recess, the second derestricting member may be held at the second unlocked position.

[0013] In the stroller according to the present Invention, the second derestricting member may have a guide part at a position ahead of the recess when the second derestricting member is slid from the second locked position to the second unlocked position, the guide part including a slant that is engaged with the holding member so as to guide the holding member into the recess.

[0014] In the stroller according to the present invention, the second derestrictlng member may include an elongate groove that extends in a direction connecting the second locked posItion and the second unlocked position and that receives a projecting piece projecting outward from the handle. An urging member may be disposed between the elongate groove and the projecting piece. The second derestricting member may be urged by the urging member from the second unlocked position toward the second locked position.

(0015] In the stroller according to the present invention, the handle may include a pair of elongate main parts, and an intermediate part connecting the pair of main parts; the second derestrlcting member may be disposed on the main part; the main operation member may be disposed on the intermediate part; the folding operation mechanism may include a transmission means configured to transmit a motion of the main operation member to the unlocking member; and the transmission means may include a holding unlocking member configured to act on the holding member such that, when the motion of the main operation member is transmitted to the unlocking member so that the unlocking member is moved from the restricted position to the derestricted position, the second derestricting member and the holding member are disengaged from each other.

[0016] In the stroller according to the present invention, at least one of the holding unlocking member and the holding member may have an Inclined part that is Inclined relative both to a movIng direction of the holding unlocking member and to a moving direction of the holding member, and the one of the holding unlocking member and the holding member may be engaged with the other of the holding unlocking member and the holding member through the inclined part.

[0017] In the stroller according to the present Invention, one of the holding unlocking member and the holding member may extend through the other of the holding unlocking member and the holding member.

(0018] In the stroller according to the present invention, the transmission means may further include one joint member extending between the main operation member and the unlocking member, or a first joint member extending between the main operation member and the holding unlocking member and a second joint member extending between the holding unlocking member and the unlocking member.

[0019] In the stroller according to the present invention, the unlocking means may be disposed siidabiy along the handle in the longitudinal direction of the handle. An urging member (compression spring) may be disposed between the unlocking member and the handle, so that the unlocking member Is urged by the urging member from the derestricted position to the restrIcted position.

[0020] In the stroller according to the present Invention, when no operation force is applied to the first derestricting member and the main operation member, the first derestricting member may be urged from the first unlocked position to be returned to the first locked position. When the operation of the main operation member is started, with the the first derestricting member being located at the first unlocked position, the first derestricting member may be engaged with the moving main operation member so that the movement of the first derestrlcting member to return to the first locked position Is restricted.

(0021] In the stroller according to the present Invention, the first derestrlctlng member may be engaged with the main operation member at the first locked position so as to restrict the motion of the main operation member.

[0022] In the stroller according to the present invention, the stroller body may have a handle, and the folding operation mechanism, the first operation restricting mechanism and the second operation restricting mechanism may be provided with the handle.

[0023] According to the present invention, it can be effectively prevented that a folding operation of the stroller is unintentionally started. On the other hand, when the stroller is desired to be folded, the stroller can be folded by an easy operation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a stroller, for explaining an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a side view of a stroller in an unfolded state, with a handle being located at a rear position (back push position).

Fig. 3 is a side view of the stroller in a folded state.

Ag. 4 is a partial perspective view showing the stroller in the unfolded state from behind, for explaining a folding operatIon mechanism of the stroller.

Fig. S is a sectional view showing a part of the handle of the stroller, for explaining the folding operation mechanism of the stroller and a first operation restricting mechanism thereof.

Fig. 6 Is a sectional view corresponding to Fig. 5, showing the folding operation mechanism of the stroller and the first operation restricting mechanism thereof in different states from the states shown in Fig. 5.

Fig. 7 is a sectional view showing a part of the handle of the stroller, for explaining the folding operation mechanism of the stroller and a second operation restricting mechanism thereof.

FIg. 8 is a sectional view corresponding to Fig. 5, showing the folding operation mechanism of the stroller and the second operation restricting mechanism thereof in different states from the states shown in Fig. 5.

Fig. 9 Is a sectional view showing a part of the handle of the stroller, with the second operation restricting mechanism being in the state shown In Fig. 8.

FIg. 10 is a sectional view corresponding to Fig. 9, showing the second operation restricting mechanism in a different state from the state shown In Fig. 9.

Fig. 11 Is a top view showing a holding unlocking member Incorporated In the folding operation mechanism of the stroller.

Fig. 12 is a perspective view showing a modification example of the stroller.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0025] Herebelow, an embodiment of the present Invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(0026] Figs. 1 to 11 are views for explaining an embodiment of the stroller according to the present Invention. Figs. 1 to 3 show an overall structure of the stroller. The illustrated stroller includes: a foldable stroller body 11; a folding operation mechanism 40 configured to switch the stroller body 11 in an unfolded state to a foldable state; and a first operation restricting mechanism 50 and a second operation restricting mechanIsm 60 each for restricting a motion of the folding operation mechanism 40. The stroller body 11 shown in Figs. 1 to 3 includes a frame part 20 having a pair of front legs 22 and a pair of rear legs 24, and a handle 36 swlngably connected to the frame part 20. A wheel (front wheel) 16 is held on a lower end of each of the front legs 22 or the stroller 11, and a wheel (rear wheel) 18 Is held on a lower end of each of the rear legs 24 of the stroller body 11.

[0027] In the stroller 10 in this embodiment? the handle 36 is swlngable with respect to the frame part 20. The handle 36 can be fixed on a back push position (rear position) which is shown by the solid line in FIgs. 1 and 2, and a face-to-face push positIon (front position), which is shown by the two-dot chain line in Fig. 1. As a structure for making the handle 36 swingable with respect to the frame part 20, a known structure, e.g., a structure disclosed in 3P2008-254688A, can be employed,

for example.

[0028] In addition, in this embodiment, the stroller 10 is configured to be foldable, as widely known. As a concrete example, the stroller 10 may have the following structure.

[0029] The stroller body 11 (stroller 10) has a substantially symmetrical structure as a whole, with respect to a lateral center plane extending along a back and forth direction. As shown in Fig. 1, the frame part 20 in this embodiment includes the pair of front legs 22 which are located on a right side and a left side, the pair of rear legs 24 which are located on the right aide and the left side, a pair of armrests 28 which are located on the right side and the left side, and a pair of first link members 26 which are located on the right side and the Left side. An upper portion of the front leg 22 is rotatably (swlngably) connected to the armrest 28 located on the corresponding side (left side or right side). Similarly, an upper portion of the rear leg 24 Is rotatably (swingably) connected to the armrest 28 located on the corresponding side (left side or right side). In addition, an upper portion of the first link member 26 is rotatably (swingably) connected to a rear portion of the armrest 28 located on the corresponding side (left side or right side).

[0030] The frame part 20 further includes a left second link member 32 connecting the left front leg 22 and the left first link member 26, and a right second link member 32 connecting the right front leg 22 and the right first link member 26. A front portion of each of the second lInk members 32 is rotatably connected to an intermediate portion of the front leg 22, and a rear portion of each of the second link members 32 Is rotatably connected to a lower portion of the first link member 26. In the illustrated example, the second link members 32 are formed by side portions of a plate-like member disposed between the pair of front legs 22 and the pair of rear legs 24. Namely, the left second link member 32 and the right second link member 32 are Integrally formed with each other as portions of the plate-lIke member.

(0031] In addition, the frame part 20 further Includes a left third link member 34 connectIng the left rear leg 24 and the left first link member 26, and a right third link member 34 connectIng the right rear leg 24 and the right first link member 26. Each of the third link members 34 is rotatably (swingably) connected, at one portion, to an intermediate portion of the rear leg 24, and is rotatably connected, at the other portion, to a lower portion of the first link member 26.

(0032] The handle 36 Is swingably connected to the frame part as structured above. The handle 36 includes a pair of main parts 37 extendIng from the frame part 20, and an Intermediate part 38 extendIng between the pair of main parts 37 in a width direction so as to connect the pair of main parts 37 to each other. The handle 36 has a substantially U-shape as a whole.

Both end portions of the U-shaped handle 36, i.e., the end portions of the main parts 37 opposed to the other end portions on the side of the intermediate part 38 are rotatabty (swingably) connected to the third link members 34 on the corresponding sides. As shown In Fig. 4, a rotating axis line (swing center) of the handle 36 with respect to the third link member 34 coIncides with a rotating axis line of the third link member 34 with respect to the first link member 26 and a rotating axis line of the first link member 26 with respect to the second link member 32.

(0033] As shown in Fig. 4, the handle 36 located at the back push position is held to extend in substantially parallel with the first link member 26, by means of an engagement between a sliding holding member 39, whIch is slidably disposed on the handle 36, and a first handle holding member 27a, which is disposed on the armrest 28 or on the first link member 26. On the other hand, the handle 36 located at the face-to-face push position is held to extend upward to the front (see two-dot chain lines In Fig. 1), by means of an engagement between the sliding holding member 39, which Is slldably disposed on the handle 36, and a second handle holding member 27b, which is disposed on the armrest 28 (see two-dot chain tines in Fig. 1).

[0034] As shown in Fig. 1, a brake operation means 13 is provided on an upper portion of the right main part 37 of the handle 36. By operating the brake operation means 13, a not-shown braking mechanism for the rear wheels 18 can be operated through an operation transmission means 14.

(0035] In addition, as members extending In a lateral direction (width direction) of the stroller 10, there are provided a footrest 17 connecting the pair of front legs 22, and a rear connection member 19 connecting the pair of rear legs 24.

[0036] The stroller 10 having the aforementioned overall structure can be folded by rotating the respective constituent members to each other. To be specific, by once pulling upward S the handle 36 located at the back push position and then pushing it downward, the third link member 34 is rotated clockwise, in Fig. 2, wIth respect to the rear leg 24. In conjunction with this operation, the armrest 28 and the second link member 32 are rotated clockwise, in Fig. 2, with respect to the first link member 26. As shown In FIg 3 as the side view, due to this operation, the handle 36 and the front leg 22 are positioned in substantially parallel and close to each other, and the handle 36 is located at a lowered position. In this manner, the stroller 10 (stroller body 11) can be folded, whereby the dimensions of the stroller 10 can be reduced in the back and forth direction and in an up and down direction. Meanwhile, in order to unfold the stroller 10 (stroller body 11) from its folded state, an operation reverse to the above folding operation is carried out.

(0037] As shown in Fig. 4, the first fink member 26 is equipped with a locking member 30. The locking member 30 is slidable along a longitudinal direction of the first link member 26 with respect to the first link member 26. The locking member 30 is urged by un urging means, not shown, such as a spring, toward the third link member 34 which is disposed on the lower portion of the first link member 26. In addition, as shown in Fig. 4, the locking member 30 Is is fitted in the third link member 34.

Since the locking member 30 disposed on the first link member 26 Is engaged with the third link member 34, the rotation of the third link member 34 with respect to the first link member 26 is restricted. Thus, the folding operation of the stroller body 11 is restricted, whereby the stroller body 11 is held in the unfolded state.

[0038] On the other hand, the stroller 10 is provided with the folding operation mechanism 40 for operating the locking member 30. As shown in Fig. 4, the locking member 30 has a receiving piece 31 extending outward in the width direction.

Meanwhile, the folding operation mechanism 40 has an unlocking member 41 in contact with the receiving piece 31 from below. When the folding operation mechanism 40 is operated, the unlocking member 41 brIngs upward the locking member 30 through the receiving piece 31 In the longitudinal direction of the first link member 26, so that the locking member 30 and the third link member 34 are disengaged from each other. Namely, by operating the unlocking member 41 through the folding operation mechanism 40, the stroller body 11 (stroller 10) can be ready to be folded. The folding operation mechanIsm 40 will be described below, together with a first operation restricting mechanism 55 and a second operation restricting mechanism 60, each for restricting an operation of the folding operatipn mechanism 40.

(0039] In this specification, the terms "front", "rear", "up" and "down" with respect to the stroller mean, unless otherwise specified, "front", "rear", "up" and "down't with respect to a baby in the unfolded stroller 10. Thus, a "back and forth direction" corresponds to a direction connecting a lower left part and an upper right part In a plane of Fig. 1. In addition, unless otherwise specified, the "front" Is a side to which the baby in the stroller faces, and is an upper right side in the plane of Fig. 1. On the other hand, an "up and down direction" is a direction perpendicular to the back and forth direction, and is a direction perpendicular to a ground surface on which the stroller 10 rests.

In addition, a "lateral direction" and a "width direction'1 are directions perpendicular to both the "back and forth direction" and the "up and down direction". Further, the terms "right" and "left" means "right" and "left" in the lateral direction or the width direction with respect to a baby In the stroller 10, respectively. Thus, for example, the right front leg 22 and the right rear leg 24 mean the front leg 22 and rear leg 24 illustrated near to a viewer in Fig. 1. The left front leg 22 and the left rear leg 24 mean the front leg and the rear leg 24 distant from the viewer in Fig. 1.

[0040] Next, the folding operation mechanism 40, the first operation restricting mechanIsm 55 and the second operation restricting mechanism 60 are described in detail, with reference mainly to Figs. S to 11. As shown in Figs. S to 11, the foldIng operation mechanism 40 Includes the unlocking member 41 and a main operation member 50 joined to the unlocking member 41. The unlocking member 41 can be moved between a restricted position at which the folding operation of the stroller body 11 is restricted, and a derestricted position at which the folding operation of the stroller body 11 is allowed. When operated, the main operation member 50 moves the unlocking member 41 from the restricted position to the derestricted position. The first operation restricting mechanism 55 and the second operation restricting mechanism 60 respectively have derestricting member 56 and 61 each of which can be moved between a locked position at which the operation of the unlocking member41 by means of the main operation member is restricted, and an unlocked position at which the operation of the unlocking member 41 by means of the main operation member 50 Is allowed.

(0041] The folding operation mechanism 40 is explained firstly.

The folding operation mechanism 40 includes the unlocking member 41 capable of moving between the restricted position (state shown in Fig. 7) and the derestricted position (state shown in Fig. 8), and the main operation member 50 joined to the unlocking member 41. The foiding operation mechanism 40 further includes a transmission means 43 configured to transmit a motion of the main operation member 50 to the unlocking member 41.

[0042] As shown in Figs. 5 to 10, the folding operation mechanism 40 Is disposed on the handle 36. As shown in Figs. 1 to 3, 5 and 6, a casing 95 is disposed on a center of the intermediate part 38 of the handle 36. The handle 36 is mainly composed of the casing 95 and a pair of tubular members, e.g., S a pair of metal pipes. As shown in Figs. 5 and 6, the main operation member 50 of the folding operation mechanism 40 is rotatably attached to the casing 95 through a support shaft member 96 disposed in the casing 95. The main operation member 50 Includes a rotating part 5Gb and a lever part SOa extending from the rotating part Sob. The rotating part SOb is Inserted by the support shaft member 96, so that the rotating part SOb is rotatably connected to the casing 95 about the support shaft member 96. The lever part SOa extends from the casing 95 through a first opening 95a of the casing 95. Thus, the main operation member 50 can be operated from outside the casing 95.

[0043] On the other hand, as shown in Figs. 7 and 8, a support member 91 is disposed on a lower portion of the main part 37 of the handle 36, In other words, on a portion of the handle 36 located at the back push position, which faces the locking member 30 in the width direction. The support member 91 Is fixed inside the main part 37 of the handle 36. The support member 91 has a support elongate hole 91a extending in the longitudinal direction of the main part 37. As shown in Figs. 7 and 8, the unlocking member 41 is disposed In the support elongate hole 91a so as to be movable in the support elongate hole 91a. Namely, the unlocking member 41 is guided by the support elongate hole 9Th so as to be movable with respect to the main part 37 and the support member 91, along the longitudinal direction of the main part 37 of the handle 36.

[0044] As shown in FIgs. 4, 7 and 8, the unlocking member 41 includes a body part (unlocking member body part) 41a, which Is disposed in the support elongate hole 91a of the support member 91 in the main part 37 of the handle 36, and a projecting part (unlocking member projecting part, projecting pin) 41b projecting from the body part 41a in the width direction of the stroller 10. As shown In Figs. 7 and 8, a main urging member 49, such as a compression spring, Is disposed between the support member 91 and the body part 41a. The unlocking member 41 Is urged by the main urging member 49 downward along the main part 37 of the handle 36, I.e., toward a direction apart from the main operation member 50.

[0045] The projecting part 41b passes through a first elongate hole 37a formed In the main part 37 to extend outside the handle 36. The first elongate hole 37a extends along a moving direction of the projecting part 41b, i.e., along the longitudinal direction of the main part 37. As shown In Fig. 4, the projecting part 41b can be brought Into contact with, from below, the receiving piece 31 of the locking member 30 disposed on the first link member 26 of the stroller body 11.

When the folding operation mechanism 40 is operated so that the unlocking member 41 is slid upward along the main part 37, the projecting part 41b is brought into contact with the receiving piece 31 from below, whereby the locking member 30 Is slid upward along the first link member 26. When the locking member 30 is moved upward, the locking member 30 and the third link member 34 are disengaged from each other, so that the folding operation of the stroller body lit is allowed.

That is to say, In the example explained above, a position at which the unlocking member 40 Is urged by the main urging member 49 is the restricted position of the unlocking member 41 at which the folding operation of the stroller body 11 is restricted. On the other hand, a position up to which the unlocking member 41 Is moved against the urging fore of the main urging member 49 along the main part 37 Is the derestricted position of the unlocking member 41 at which the folding operation of the stroller body 11 is allowed.

[0046] Next, the transmission means 43 of the folding operation mechanism 40 is described. In the illustrated example, the locking members 30 are respectively disposed on the right and left first link member 26, and the unlocking members 41 are also disposed on the right and left main parts 37 of the handle 36 correspondingly to the pair of locking members 30. Thus, the pair of transmission means 43 are disposed correspondingly to the pair of locking members 30. Each transmission means 43 extends between the main operation member 50 disposed on the casing 95 and the unlocking member 41 disposed on the maIn part 37. Namely, the respective transmission means 43 extend in the tubular members that are respectively Joined to the casIng 95 so as to constitute the handle 36 along with the casing 95.

(0047] As shown In Fig. 1, the second operation restricting mechanism 60 Is disposed only on the left main part 37, and is not disposed on the right main part 37. Thus, in the illustrated example, the transmission means 43 on the side where the second operation restricting mechanism 60 is disposed, and the transmissIon means 43 on the side where the second operation restricting mechanism 60 is not disposed, differ from each other in structure.

[00481 To be specific, as shown in Figs. 5 to 11, the transmission means 43 on the side where the second operation restricting mechanism 60 is disposed, I.e., the transmission means 43 on the left side (transmission means on the right side in Figs. 5 and 6) includes a first Joint member 45 joined to the main operation member 50, a second Joint member 46 joined to the unlocking member 41, and a holding unlocking member 44 connecting the first joint member 45 and the second JoInt member 46. The first joint member 45 and the second joint member 46 may be formed of known means such as a metal wire (wire). As shown in Figs. 5 to 8, the first joint member 45 Includes a first linear member 45a formed of a soft wire whose both ends are joined to the rotating part 5Db and the holding unlocking member 44, and a first tubular member 45b through which the first linear member 45a slidably passes. Both ends of the tubular member 45b are fixed on the handle 36 on positions near to the rotating part SOb and the holding unlocking member 44. The second joint member 46 Includes a second linear member 46a formed of a soft wire whose both ends are joined to the holding unlocking member 44 and the unlocking member 41, and a second tubular member 45b thorough which the second linear member 46a slidably passes.

Both ends of the second tubular member 46b are fixed on the handle 36 at positions near to the holding unlocking member 44 and the unlocking member 41.

(0049) On the other hand, the transmission means 43 on the sIde where the second operation restricting mechanism 60 is not disposed, I.e., the transmission means 43 on the right side (transmission means on the left side in Figs. S and 6) includes a joint member 47 extending between the main operation member 50 and the unlocking member 41. In the illustrated example, the joint member 47 includes a linear member 47a formed of a soft wire whose both ends are joined to the rotating part SOb and the unlocking member 41, and a tubular member 47b through which the linear member 47a slidably passes.

Both ends of the tubular member 47b are fixed on the handle 36 at positions near to the rotating part SOb and the unlocking member 41.

(0050] As shown in Fig. 5 and 6, the rotating part SOb of the main operation member 50 on which the ends of the linear members 45a and 47a are fixed has a discoid outer profile. A guide groove 52 around which the linear members 45a and 47a can be reeled up is formed in an outer circumferential surface of the discoid rotating part 5Gb. When the rotating part 50b is rotated by operating the lever part 50a from the position of the main operation member 50, which Is shown in Fig. 5, to the position of the main operation member 50, which is shown in Fig. 6, the linear members 45a and 47a are drawn from the tubular members 45b and 47b Into the casing 95, and are reeled up around the guide groove 52 of the rotating part 50b.

[0051] At this time, In the right transmission means 43 (left transmission means in Figs. 5 and 6), the unlocking member 41 is moved, against the main urging member 49, from the restricted position to the derestricted position, by the relative movement of the linear member 47a with respect to the tubular member 47b. In the left transmission means 43 (right transmission member in Figs. 5 and 6), the second linear member 46a is drawn, through the holding unlocking member 44, from the second tubular member 46b toward the first Joint member 45, by the relative movement of the first linear member 45a with respect to the first tubular member 45b. As a result, the unlocking member 41 is moved, against the main urging member 49, from the restricted position (position shown In 19g. 7) to the derestricted position (position shown in Fig. 8), by the relative movement of the second linear member 46a with respect to the second tubular member 46b.

[0052] Namely, according to the folding operation mechanism 40, the pair of unlocking members 41 can be respectively moved from the restricted positions to the derestricted positions, by operating the main operation member 50. Thus, the pair of locking members 30 can be moved by operating the main operation member 50 so that the respective locking members and the corresponding third link members 34 can be disengaged from each other, whereby the stroller 11 can be ready to be folded. On the other hand, when the external force is released from the main operation member 50, the unlocking members 41 are moved from the derestricted positions to the restricted positions, by the urging forces applied from the main urging members 49. Thus, the respective locking members 30 are engaged with the corresponding third link members 34, whereby the folding operation of the stroller body 11 is restricted. The holding unlocking member 44 will be explained below, together with the second operation restricting mechanism 60.

[0053] Next, the first operation restricting mechanism 55 is explained. As described above, the first operation restricting mechanism 55 includes the first derestricting member 56 capable of moving, upon being operated, from a first locked position (position shown In FIg. 5) at which the operation of the unlocking member 41 by means of the main operation member is restricted, to a first unlocked position (position shown in Fig. 6) at which the operation of the unlocking member 41 by means of the main operation member 50 is allowed.

(0054] As shown in Figs. 5 and 6, the first derestricting member 56 is located near to the main operation member 50 of the folding operation mechanism 40. Thus, at the first locked position, the first derestricting member 56 is configured to be in direct contact with the main operation member 50 so as to restrIct the motion of the main operation member 50. Namely, the first operation restricting mechanism 55 can be engaged with the main operation member 50 of the folding operation mechanism 40 so as to restrict the motion of the main operation member 50, whereby the operation of the unlocking member 41 by means of the main operation member 50 can be restricted.

[0055] As shown in Figs. 5 and 6, similarly to the main operation member 50, the first derestricting member 56 is disposed in the casing 95. As shown In Figs. 5 and 6, a guide groove 97 to be engaged with the first derestricting member 56 is formed in the casing 95. The first derestricting member 56 is guided by the guide groove 97 such that the first derestricting member 56 is sildably supported oniy in a certain direction with respect to the casing 95. The first derestricting member 56 includes an operation projection 56a extending Into a second opening 95b of the casing 95. The first derestricting member 56 can be operated from outside the casing 95 through the operation projection 56a.

[0056] As shown in Figs. 5 and 6, the first derestricting member 56 is formed as a plate-like member. The first derestricting member 56 Is equipped with an operation restriction engagement part (engagement projection) 57 that extends from a body part of the plate-like member toward the Inside of the casing 95. The operation restriction engagement part 57 can be engaged with a cutout (operation restricting groove) 51 formed in the rotating part SOb of the main operation member 50.

[0057] As shown in Figs. 5 and 6, a first restriction urging member 59, which is formed of, e.g., a tension spring, is disposed between the casing 95 and the first derestricting member 56. The first restriction urging member 59 urges the first derestricting member 56 from the first unlocked position (position shown in FIg. 6) at which the operation restriction engagement part 57 is apart from the main operation member 50, toward the first locked position (position shown in Fig. 5) at which the operation restriction enga9ement part 57 is engaged with the cutout 51 of the main operation member 50 so as to restrict the motion of the main operation member 50. Namely, when the operation force is released from the first derestricting member 56 and the main operation member 50, the first derestricting member 56 is urged by the first restriction urging member 59 from the first unlocked position to be returned to the first locked position.

[0058] Owing to such a structure, once the first derestricting member 56 Is moved to the first unlocked position and the motion of the main operation member 50 is started, even when a caregiver (user) takes the hand away from the first derestricting member 56, the first derestricting member 56 is brought into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the rotating part 50b of the main operation member 50 In operation, whereby the first derestricting member 56 is prevented from returning to the first locked position. On the other hand, when the operation of the main operation member 50 Is finished so that the unlocking member 41 Is returned to the restricted position by the urging force from the main urging member 49, the first derestricting member 56 is automatically returned to the first locked position by the urging force from the first restriction urging member 59. That is to say, it is sufficient for the caregiver who wants to fold the stroller 10 to keep the first derestricting member 56 on the first unlocked position against the urging force of the first restriction urging member 59, only until the operation member 50 starts to be operated. Then, when the stroller 10 is unfolded, the first derestricting member 56 is automatically returned to the first locked position, whereby an unintentional folding operation of the stroller 10 (stroller body 11) can be effectively prevented.

(0059] As shown In Fig. 5, at the first locked position, a contact surface 5Th of of the operation restriction engagement part 57 to be In contact with the cutout 51 to restrict the motion of the main operation member 50 is in parallel with the sliding direction of the first derestrictlng member 56 with respect to the casing 95. Thus, even when a force for operating the main operation member 50 is applied while the first derestricting member 56 is located at the first locked position, a force transmitted to the first derestricting member 56 through the contact surface 57a does not act in a direction along which the first derestricting member 56 is slid. At least otherwise, the force cannot be a force that is large enough to slide the first derestricting member 56. Thus, it can be more effectively prevented that the folding operation of the stroller body 11 is unintentionally started by accident or the like.

(0060] Next, the second operation restricting mechanism 60 is explained. As described above, the second operation restricting mEchanism 60 Includes the second derestricting member 61 capable of moving, upon being operated, from the second locked position (position shown in Fig. 7) at which the operation of the unlocking member 41 by means of the main operation member 50 Is restricted, to the second unlocked position (positions shown In Figs. 8 to 10) at which the operation of the unlocking member 41 by means of the main operation member 50 is allowed. In addition, when the second derestricting member 61 is operated to be moved from the second locked position to the second unlocked position, the second derestrictlng member 61 is held at the second unlocked position. The second derestrlcting member 61 held at the second unlocked position can be released therefrom, by operating the main operation member 50 with the second derestricting member 61 being located at the second unlocked position and the first derestricting member 56 being located at the first unlocked position.

[0061] As shown in Figs. 7 and 8, the second operation restricting mechanism 60 includes an operation restricting member 70 Joined to the second derestricting member 61. As shown in Fig. 7, when the second derestricting member 61 is located at the second locked position, at least a part of the operation restricting member 70 intrudes In a moving route of the unlocking member 41 from the restricted position to the derestricted position. Namely, when the second derestricting member 61 is located at the second locked position, the unlocking member 41 cannot be moved from the restricted position to the derestricted position, whereby the folding operation of the stroller 10 (stroller body 11) cannot be carried out. That Is to say, the operation restricting member 70 of the second operation restricting mechanism 60 can be engaged with the unlocking member 41 so as to restrict the motion of the unlocking member 41, whereby the operation of the unlocking member 41 by means of the main operation member 50 can be restricted.

[0062] In the illustrated example, the operation restricting member 70 is swingably connected to the support member 91 through a swing shaft member 71. The operation restricting member 70 can be swung to be moved between an engagement position (position shown in Fig. 7) at which the operation restricting member 70 is located when the second derestricting member 61 is located at the second locked position, and a disengagement position (position show in Fig. 8) at which the operation restricting member 70 is located when the second derestricting member 61 is located at the second unlocked position.

[0063] The operation restricting member 70 has a contact part 70a which is to be in contact with the unlocking member 41, when the operation restricting member 70 is located on the engagement position. In the illustrated example, in an observation from a direction in parallel with a swing axis line 71a of the operation restricting member 70, I.e., in Figs. 7 and 8, a direction da connecting the contact part 70a of the operation restricting member 70 and the swing axis line 71a of the operation restricting member 70, when the operation restricting member 70 Is located at the engagement position, which is shown in Fig. 7, is In parallel with the moving direction of the unlocking member 41 from the restricted position toward the derestricted position (i.e., longitudinal direction of main part 37), or the direction da when the operation restricting member is located at the engagement position is inclined, with respect to the moving direction of the unlocking member 41 from the restricted position toward the derestricted position, to the side opposite to the direction da when the operation restricting member 70 is located at the disengagement position (Fig. 8). OwIng to such a structure, even when a force for operating the main operation member 50 is applied while the operation restricting member 70 is located at the engagement position, a force transmitted to the operation restricting member 70 from the unlocking member 41 through the contact part 70a does not act In a direction along which the operation restricting member 56 Is swung. At least otherwise, the force cannot be a force that is large enough to swing the operation restrIcting member 70. Thus, It can be more effectively prevented that the folding operation of the stroller body 11 is unintentionally started by accident or the like.

[0064] As shown In Figs. 7 and 8, the second derestricting member 61 is sildably disposed so as to be slldable along the main part 37 of the handle 36 in the iongftudinai direction of the handle 36 For example, the second derestricting member 61 has a tubular shape, such that the main part 37 passes through the second derestricting member 61. As shown in FIgs. 7 and 8, the second derestricting member 61 has a holding pin 62 passing through the second elongate hole 37b formed in the main part 37. The second elongate hole 37b extends in the longitudinal dIrection of the main part 37. Due to the engagement of the second elongate hole 37b and the holding pin 62, a slidable range of the second derestricting member 61 on the handle 36 is defined.

[0065] At the second unlocked position at which the operation of the unlocking member 41 by means of the main operation member 50 is allowed, the second derestricting member 61 is positioned on an upper part of the sildable range of the second derestricting member 61. On the other hand, at the second locked position at which the operation of the unlocking member 41 by means of the main operation member 50 is restricted, the second derestricting member 61 is positioned below the second unlocked position. Namely, the second derestricting member 61 tends to be moved from the second unlocked position to the second locked position by gravitation. Thus, since the second operation restricting mechanism 60 more effectively functions, it can be more effectively prevented that the folding operation of the stroller body 11 is unintentionally started.

[0066] The second derestricting member 61 of a tubular shape projects outward such that an elongate groove 61c is formed in an inner surface of the second derestricting member 61. The elongate groove 61c extends in a direction where the second locked position and the second unlocked position are connected to each other, i.e., in the longitudinal direction of the main part 37 of the handle 36. On the other hand, an urge-receiving projection piece 86 projects outward from the main part 37 of the handle 36. The urge-receiving projecting piece (projecting piece) 86 is received In the elongate groove 61c. Due to the engagement between the urge-receiving projecting piece 86 and the elongate groove 61c as well as the above-described engagement between the holding pin 62 and the second elongate hole 37b, the sliding movement of the second derestricting member 61 with respect to the handle 36 is guided, whereby the second derestricting member 61 can be smoothly slid.

[0067] A second restriction urging member 89, which is formed of, e.g., a compression spring, is disposed between the elongate hole 61c and the projecting piece 86. The second restriction urging member 89 urges the second derestricting member 61 from the second unlocked position, which is shown In FIg. 8, toward the second locked position, which is shown in Fig. 7.

Namely, as described below, when the second derestricting member 61 is not held at the second unlocked position, the second derestrictlng member 61 is urged from the second unlocked position by the urging force from the second restriction urging member 89 so as to be returned to the second locked position. In this structure, since the mechanism for urging the second derestricting member 61 is disposed outside the handle 36, an inside space of the handle 36 can be efficiently used. For example, a below-described mechanism for releasing the second derestricting member 61 held at the second unlocked position from the second unlocked position can be located inside the handle 36, without unnecessarily enlarging or thickening the handle 36.

[0068] As shown in FIgs. 9 and 10, the urge-receiving projecting piece 86 Is fitted in and held by a below-described casing 80 that is fixed inside the main part 37 through an insertion bore (second insertion bore 37d) formed In the main part 37 of the handle 36.

(0069] As shown In Figs. 7 and 8, a holding member 85 projecting outward is disposed on the main part 37 of the handle 36, such that the holding member 85 is retractable into the handle 36. The holding member 85 Is urged outward by a holding urging member 88 disposed inside the handle 36. on the other hand, a recess 61a for receiving the holding member is formed in the second derestricting member 61 of a tubular shape. When a distal end of the holding member 85 is engaged with the recess 61a, the second derestricting member 61 is held at the second locked position. In the illustrated example, the recess 61a is formed as a through-hole passing through the second derestricting member 61. However, the recess 61a may be formed as a bottomed hole having a bottom.

[0070] In addition, as shown in Figs. 7 and 8, the second derestricting member 61 has a guide part 61b at a position adjacent to the recess 61a. The guide part 61b includes a slant that is engaged with the distal end of the holding member 85 so as to guide the holding member 85 into the recess 61a. The guide part 61b Is disposed on the second derestricting member 61 at a position ahead of the recess 61a when the second derestricting member 61 is slid from the second locked position to the second unlocked position. The guide part 61b Is structured as a larger diameter part whose wall surface expands outward above the recess 61a. According to such a guide part Sib, the holding member 85, which projects from the handle 36 toward a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the handle 36, can be guided smoothly and stably into the recess 61a, so that the second derestricting member 61 can be held at the second unlocked position. Thus, the folding operation of the stroller can be easily and stably carried out.

(0071] As described above, the second derestricting member 61 of the second operation restricting mechanism 60 and the operation restricting member 70 thereof are located apart from each other. Thus, the second operation restricting mechanism 60 has a joint member 68 as a transmission means for transmitting a motion of the second derestricting member 61 to the operation restricting member 70. The Joint member 68 is disposed between the second derestricting member 61 and the operation restricting member 70, and is configured to connect the second derestricting member 61 and the operation restricting member 70 to each other. The Joint member 68 is formed of a known means such as a metal wire (wire). For example, the joint member 68 may be formed of a combination of a linear member such as a soft wire forming the aforementIoned transmission means 43, and a tubular member through which the Linear member slidably passes.

(0072] In the illustrated example, the Joint member 68 is formed of a self-supporting rod-like member, for example, a self-supporting metal rod. One end of the Joint member 68 is bent to define a loop. Since the above-described holding pin 62 passes through the loop, the joint member 68 is held on the second derestricting member 61 through the holding pin 62.

The other end of the joint member 68 Is bent to extend In a dIrection parallel with the swing axis line 71a of the operation restricting member 70 so as to pass through the operation restricting member 70. The operation restricting member 70 can be rotated about the other end of the Joint member 68 with respect to the Joint member 68. Due to such a Joint member 68 which is inexpensive and has a simple structure, the motion of the second derestricting member 61 can be transmitted to the operation restricting member 70.

[0073) As shown in FIgs. 7 and 8, the casing 80 is fixed in the main part 37 of the handle 36. The casing 80 is composed of a first member 81 and a second member 82 which are fitted with each other. As shown in Figs. 9 and 10, an accommodation space 83, in which the aforementioned holding unlocking member 44 is accommodated, is formed inside the casing 80.

The holding unlocking member 44 is movable (slidable) in the accommodation space 83 along the longitudinal direction of the main part 37 of the handle 36. As described above, joined to the holding unlocking member 44 are the one end of the first linear member 45a of the first joint member 45 and the one end of the second linear member 46a of the second joint member 46.

Thus, the casing 80 has a first through-hole 83a through which the first linear member 45a passes, and a second through-hole 83b through which the second linear member 45b passes.

(0074] The holding member 85, whIch Is engaged with the second derestricting member 61 to lock the second derestricting member 61 at the second unlocked position, is held in the casing 80. When the main operation member 50 is operated so that the unlocking member 41 is pulled upward from the restricted position to the derestricted position, the holding unlocking member 44 accommodated In the casing 80 is moved to be engaged with the holding member 85 so as to draw the holding member 85 into the casing 80. According to such a structure which is very simple, the second derestricting member 61 held at the second unlocked position can be automatically released therefrom, in conjunction with the operation of the main operation member 50.

[0075] As shown in Figs. 9 and 10, the holding member 85 Includes a flange part 85b having a larger diameter, and a protruding part 85a and a support part 85c which are located on both sides of the flange part 85b. The protruding part 85a slidably passes through an insertion bore 81 formed in the first member 81 and an insertion bore (first insertion bore) 37c formed in the main part 37 of the handle 36. The protruding part 85a is slid with respect to the casing 80 while being guided by the insertion bore 81a and the Insertion bore 37c, so that the protruding part 85a projects outward form the handle 36 so as to be engageable with the recess 61a of the second derestricting member 61. On the other hand, at a position opposed to the insertion bore 81a of the first member 81, a support recess 82a is formed In the second member 82. A holding urging member 88, whIch is formed of, e.g., a compression spring, is supported in the support recess 82a.

The holding urging member 88 urges the holding member 85 such that the protrudIng part 85a of the holdIng member 85 projects outward from the handle 36. Meanwhile, by drawing the holding member 85 into the casing 80 against the urging force of the holding urging member 88, the holding member 85 and the recess Ma of the second derestricting member 61 can be disengaged from each other.

[0076] In the Illustrated example, the support part 85c of the holding member 85 is inserted into the holding urging member 88 formed of a compression coil spring so as to support the holding urging member 88. An end of the holding urging member 88 is in contact with the flange part 85b of the holding member 85. According to this embodiment, since the protruding part 85a of the holding member 85 is guided Into the insertion bore 81a and the insertion bore 37c, the motion of the holding member 85 wIth respect to the handle 36 can be stably and smoothly carried out.

(0077] As shown in FIgs. 9 and 10, the holding unlocking member 44 is disposed between the flange part 85b and a bottom surface forming the accommodation space 83 of the first member 81. A thickness of the holding unlocking member 44 Is not uniform. The thickness of the holding unlocking member 44 Is small on a front side In the moving direction of the holding unlocking member 44 when the unlocking member 41 is moved from the restricted position toward the derestricted position, and is larger on a rear side in the moving direction of the holding unlocking member 44. Thus, since the holding unlocking member 44, which is moved In the longitudinal direction of the main part 37 of the handle, Is engaged with the holding member 85, the holding member 85 can be moved in a direction intersecting with the longitudinal direction of the main part 37, typIcally, in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the main part 37.

[0078] To be more specific, as shown in FIgs. 9 and 10, the holding unlocking member 44 has an inclined part 44a that is inclined relative to both the moving direction of the holding unlocking member 44 and to the moving direction of the holding member 85. The inclined part 44a of the holding unlocking member 44, which Is moved by operating the main operation member 50, is brought Into contact with the flange part 85b of the holding member 85. Since the inclined part 44a is In contact with the flange part 85b, the holding member 85 can be moved from the side of the first member 81 to the side of the second member 82 so that the holding member 85 can be drawn into the casing 80. Thus, the holding member 85 and the recess 6Th of the second derestricting member 61 can be disengaged from each other.

(0079] The second derestricting member 61 disengaged from the recess Gla starts to move, by the urging force from the second restriction urging member 89, from the second unlocked position to the second locked position. Namely, due to the inclined part 44a of the holding unlocking member 44, the operation of the holding unlocking member 44 can be stably transmitted to the holding member 85, while a direction of the operation is changed. Thus, with a simple structure, the second derestricting member 61 held at the second unlocked position can be automatically released therefrom, in conjunction with the operation of the main operation member 50, in a more stable and more reliable manner.

(0080] In the illustrated example, the inclined part 44a, which Is inclined both in the moving direction of the holding unlocking member 44 and In the moving direction of the holding member 85, is provided on the holding unlocking member 44. However, when an inclined part that is inclined both in the moving direction of the holding unlocking member 44 and in the moving direction of the holding member 85 is formed on both the holding unlocking member 44 and the holding member 85, or only on the holding member 85, the same effect can be obtained. For example, a surface of the flange part 85b, which is opposed to the holding unlocking member 44, may be formed as an inclined part.

[0081] In addition, as shown in Figs. 9 and 10, the holding member 85 extends in the accommodation space 83 so as to be engaged with the holding unlocking member 44 accommodated In the accommodation space 83. As shown in Figs. 9 to 11, the holding unlocking member 44 has a through-hole 44b extending in a thickness direction thereof. The protruding part 85a of the holding member 85 extends through the through-hole 44b of the holding unlocking member 44. According to such a structure, the holding unlocking member 44 and the holding member 85, whIch can be moved in different directions, in particular, directions perpendicular to each other, guide their operations to each other. Thus, the holding unlocking member 44 and the holding member 85 can be smoothly moved in the Intended directions. In addition, the holding unlocking member 44 and the holding member 85, which are moved in different directions, can be accommodated in the narrow accommodation space 83.

(0082] In particular, in the illustrated example, as shown in Fig. 11, the inclined parts 44a are formed on both sides of the through-hole 44b. Thus, the flange part 85b of the holding member 85 whose outer profile is shown by the dotted lines in Fig. 11 can be engaged with the inclined parts 44a at two posItions. Thus, by using the holding unlocking member 44 forming a part of the transmission means 43 of the folding operation mechanism 40, the holding member 85 can be more stably drawn into the handle 36.

(0083] In the illustrated example, the though-hole 44b is formed in the holding unlocking member 44, and the holding member passes through the through-hole 44b. However, not limited thereto, the holding unlocking member 44 may pass through a through-hole formed In the holding member 85.

(0084] A procedure for folding the stroller 10 as structured above is explained below.

[0085] Firstly, the second derestricting member 61 of the second operatIon restricting mechanism 60 is slid along the main part 37 of the handle 36 from the second locked position to the second unlocked position. By this operation, the holding member 85 proJecting outward from the handle 36 is fitted in the recess 61a of the second derestrictlng member 61, so that the second derestricting member 61 is held at the second unlocked position. The movement of the second derestricting member 61 from the second locked position to the second unlocked position Is transmitted to the operation restricting member 70 through the Joint member 68. The operation restrIcting member 70 is moved from the engagement position at which the movement of the unlocking member 41 of the folding operation mechanism 40 from the restricted position toward the derestricted position is inhibited, to the disengagement position at which the operation restricting member 70 is located outside the moving route of the unlocking member 41 between the restricted position and the derestricted position. Namely, by operating the second derestricting member 61, the unlocking member 41 whose movement Is restricted by the second operation restricting mechanism 60 is released.

(0086] The sliding direction of the second derestricting member 61 Is along the longitudinal direction of the handle 36. On the other hand, the direction In which the holding member 85 is urged to the outside of the handle 36 Is a direction that intersects with the longitudinal direction of the handle 36, typically a direction that Is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 36. Thus, it can be effectively prevented that the second derestricting member 61 and the holding member 85 are unintentionally disengaged from each other. In addition, at the position ahead of the recess 61 in the direction where the second derestricting member 61 Is moved toward the second unlocked positIon, there is located the guide part 61b which is engaged with the distal end of the holding member 85 to push the holding member 85 into the handle 36 so as to guide the distal end of the holding member 85 up to the recess 61a.

Thus, the second derestricting member 61 and the holding member 85 can be engaged with each other in a stable and smooth manner.

(0087) After the second operation restricting mechanism 60 Is operated, the first derestricting member 56 of the first operation restricting mechanism 55 is moved from the first locked position up to the first unlocked position. The first operation restricting mechanism 55 can be operated by merely slidIng the first derestricting member 56. Further, since the first derestricting member 56 Is disposed on the intermediate part 38 of the handle 36, it is easy to handle the first derestricting member 56. Moreover, since the second derestricting member 61 of the second operation restrictIng mechanism 60 is held at the second unlocked position by the holding member 85, it is not necessary to keep the second derestricting member 61 by hand. Thus, the operation of the first derestricting member 56 of the first operation restricting mechanIsm 55 is very simple and easy, and the operation restriction engagement part 57 of the first derestricting member 56 and the main operation, member 50 of the folding operation mechanism 40 can be disengaged from each other. Then, the main operation member 50 whose movement Is restricted by the first operation restricting mechanism 55 is released.

[0088] After that, the main operation member 50 of the folding operation mechanism 40 is operated, with the first derestricting member 56 beIng maintained at the first unlocked position.

Thus, the unlocking member 41 of the folding operation mechanism 40 can be moved from the restricted position to the derestricted position. At this time, in conjunction with the motion of the unlocking member 41, the locking member 30 of the stroller body ii is separated apart from the third link member 34. Namely, the locking member 30 and the third link member 34 are disengaged from each other, so that the stroller body 11 can be folded in accordance with the procedure as described above.

[0089] Similarly to the first derestricting member 56, since the main operation member 50 of the folding operation mechanism 40 Is disposed on the Intermediate part 38 of the handle 36, it is easy to handle the main operation member 50. Further, the first derestricting member 56 is disposed so close to the main operation member 50 that the first derestricting member 56 can be directly engaged with the main operatIon member 50. Thus, it is easy to operate the main operation member 50, while maintaining the first derestricting member 56 at the first unlocked position. Typically, the first restricting member 56 and the main operation member 50 can be handled with one hand. That is to say, while a user can hold a baby with one arm, the user can fold the stroller 10 with the other hand.

[0090] When the main operation member 50 is operated to move the unlocking member 41, the transmission means 43, which transmits the motion of the main operation member 50 to the unlockIng member 41, draws, into the handle 36, the holding member 85 engaged with the second derestricting member 61.

Thus, the second derestricting member 61 starts to move, by the urging force from the second derestricting member 89, from the second unlocked position toward the second locked position.

That is to say, when the main operation member 50 is operated with the second derestricting member 61 being located at the second unlocked position and the first derestricting member 56 being located at the first unlocked position, the second derestricting member 61 held at the second unlocked position Is automatically released therefrom. Thus, in the unfolded state of the stroller 10, the second derestricting member 61 is automatically returned to the second locked position, whereby an unintentional folding operation of the stroller 10 (stroller body 11) can be effectively prevented.

[0091] According to this embodiment, the stroller 10 includes the foldable stroller body 11, the folding operation mechanism that remotely operates the locking member 30 for holding the stroller body 11 In the unfolded state, and the first operatIon restricting mechanism 55 and the second operation restricting mechanism 60 each for restricting the operation of the folding operation mechanism 40. Namely, the operation of the folding operation mechanism 40 cannot be started unless both of the first operation restricting mechanism 55 and the second operation restricting mechanIsm 60 are released. Thus, it can be effectively prevented that the folding operation of the stroller body 11 is unintentionally started.

[0092] According to this embodiment, when the second derestrlcting member 61 is operated to move from the second locked position up to the second unlocked position, the second derestricting member 61 is held at the second unlocked position.

In addition, when the main operation member 50 is operated with the second derestricting member 61 being located at the second unlocked position and the first derestricting member 56 being located at the first unlocked position, the second derestricting member 61 held at the second unlocked position is automatically released therefrom. According to such a stroller 10, once the second derestricting member 61 of the second operation restricting mechanism 60 is operated, the second derestricting member 61 Is held at the second unlocked position.

Thus, a user can take the hand away from the second derestricting member 60, and then operate the first derestricting member 56 and the main operation member 50 so as to fold the stroller body 11. That is to say, since it is not necessary to simultaneously operate the three members, i.e., the main operation member 50, the first derestricting member 56 and the second derestricting member 61, the folding operation of the stroller 11 can be easily carried out. In addition, when the main operation member 50 is operated with the second derestricting member 61 and the first derestricting member 56 beIng located at the respective unlocked positions, the second derestricting member 61 held at the second unlocked position is automatically released therefrom. Thus, thereafter, for example, when the stroller body 11 that has been once folded is unfolded agaIn, the second operation restricting mechanism 60 can effectively function, whereby It can be effectively prevented that the folding operation of the stroller body 11 is unintentionally started by accident or the like. That is to say, according to the stroller 10 in this embodiment, on the one hand, it can be effectively prevented that the folding operation of the stroller 10 is unintentionally started, and on the other hand? when the stroller is intended to be folded, the stroller 10 can be folded by the easy operation.

[0093] In addition, according to this embodiment, one of the first operation restricting mechanism 55 and the second operation restricting mechanism 60 Is engaged with the main operation member 50 so as to restrict the motion of the main operation member 50 whereby the operation of the unlocking member 41 by means of the main operation member 50 is restricted, while the other of the first operation restricting mechanism 55 and the second operation restricting mechanism is engaged with the unlocking member 41 so as to restrict the motion of the unlocking member whereby the operation of the unlocking member 41 by means of the main operation member 50 is restricted. According to such a stroller 10, the motion of the unlocking member 41 and the motion of the main operation member 50 are restricted independently of each other by the first operation restricting mechanIsm 55 and the second operation restricting mechanism 60. Thus, the operation of the unlocking member 41 by means of the main operation member can be more reliably restricted. Thus, it can be effectively prevented that the folding operation of the stroller body 11 is unintentionally started by accident or the like.

(0094] Furthermore, since the folding operation mechanism 40, the first operation restricting mechanism 55 and the second operation restricting mechanism 60 are all disposed on the handle 36, the stroller provides excellent operatlonality.

[0095) The aforementioned embodiment can be variously modified. One modification example will be explained below.

[0096] For example, in the above embodiment, there Is showed the example in which the transmission means 43 on the side where the second operation restricting mechanism 60 is disposed, i.e., the transmission means 43 on the left side (transmission means on the right side in Figs. 5 and 6) includes the first joint member 45 joined to the main operation member 50, the second joint member 46 joined to the unlocking member 41, and the holding unlocking member 44 joining the first joint member 45 and the second joint member 46 to each other.

However, not limited thereto, the transmission means 43 may include a single joint member and the holding unlocking member 44 held on the joint member. More specifically, the transmission means 43 may be composed of a linear member whose both ends are joined to the main operation member 50 and the unlocking member 41, and the holding unlocking member 44 attached to the linear member. Alternatively, such a joint member may further include one or more tubular members through which the linear member passes. The tubular member may be disposed between the holding unlocking member 44 and the main operation member 50, and/or between the holding unlocking member 44 and the unlocking member 41.

[0097] Further, the structure of the stroller body 11 of the stroller 10 explained in the above embodiment is nothing more than an example. For example, like a stroller disclosed in JP2O11-148454A, the stroller body ii. of the stroller 10 may be structured such that the strollerbody 11 can be folded In the back and forth direction for a reduced size, and then folded again In the width direction for a reduced size. To be specific, members extending in the width direction of the stroller 11, i.e., the intermediate part 38 of the handle 36, the footrest 17 and the rear connection member 19 respectively have hinges (bendIng points), whereby, after the stroller body 11 is folded in the back and forth direction for a reduced size, these members can be further bent about the hinges.

[0098) Further, in the above embodiment of the stroller body 11 of the stroller 10, there is showed the example in which the handle 13 is swingable between the back push position (rear position) and the face-to-face push position (front position).

Namely, in the aforementioned embodiment, there is showed the example In which the handle 36 is disposed separately from the first link member 26, and the handle 36 is swingable with respect to the frame part 20 of the stroller body 11. However, as shown In Fig. 12, for example, the stroller body 11 may be structured such that the handle 36 is fixed on the rear position so as not to be swingable from the back push position. In the example shown in Fig. 12, the pair of first link members 26 are formed by portions corresponding to the lower end portions of the main parts 37 of the handle 36. In other words, the first fink members 26 further extend over the connection positions to the armrests 28 so as to constitute a part of the handle 36. In such a stroller body 11, the unlocking member 41 dIsposed below the main part 37 of the handle 36 can be configured to serve also as the locking member 30 in the above embodiment, so as to be engaged with the third link member 34 to maintain the stroller body 11 in the unfolded state. Such a stroller 10 can provide the same effect as that of the aforementioned embodiment.

(0099] Some modification examples have been explained hereabove, and it Is possible as a matter of course that these modification examples may be suitably combined to each other.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A stroller comprising: a foldable stroller body; a foldIng operation mechanism including an unlocking member and a main operation member joined to the unlocking member, the unlocking member being movable between a restricted position, at which a folding operation of the stroller body is restricted, and a derestricted positIon, at which the folding operation of the stroller body is allowed, and the main operation member being operated so that the unlocking member is moved from the restricted position to the derestricted position; a first operation restricting mechanism including a first derestricting member that is movable from a first locked position, at which an operation of the unlocking member by means of the main operation member is restricted, up to a first unlocked position, at which the operation of the unlocking member by means of the main operation member is allowed; and a second operation restricting mechanism including a second derestricting member that is movable from a second locked positIon, at which the operation of the unlocking member by means of the main operation member is restricted, up to a second unlocked position, at which the operatIon of the unlocking member by means of the maIn operation member is allowed; wherein: when the second derestricting member is operated to move from the second locked position to the second unlocked position, the second derestrlctlng member Is held at the second unlocked position; and when the main operation member is operated with the second derestricting member being located at the second unlocked position and the first derestricting member being located at the first unlocked position, the second derestricting member held at the second unlocked position is released therefrom.
2. The stroller according to claim 1, wherein: one of the first operation restricting mechanism and the second operation restricting mechanism is engaged with the main operation member so as to restrict a motion of the main operation member whereby the operation of the unlocking member by means of the main operation member Is restricted; and the other of the first operation restricting mechanism and the second operation restricting mechanism is engaged with the unlocking member so as to restrict a motion of the unlocking member whereby the operation of the unlocking member by means of the main operation member is restricted.
3. The stroller according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: the second operation restricting mechanism further includes an operation restricting member Joined to the second derestricting member; and when the second derestricting member is located at the second locked position, at least a part of the operation restricting member intrudes in a moving route of the unlocking member from the restricted position up to the derestricted position.
4. The stroller according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: the operation restricting member is swingable between an engagement position at which the operation restricting member is located when the second derestricting member is located at the second locked position, and a disengagement position at which the operation restricting member is located when the second derestricting member is located at the second unlocked position; the operation restricting member has a contact part capable of being In contact with unlocking member when the operation restricting member is located at the engagement position; and a direction connecting the contact part of the operation restricting member and a swing axis line of the operation restricting member, when the operation restricting member is located at the engagement position, is in parallel with the moving direction of the unlocking member from the restricted position toward the derestricted position, or the direction when the operation restricting member is located at the engagement position is inclined, with respect to the moving direction of the unlocking member from the restricted position toward the derestricted position, to the side opposite to the direction when the operation restricting member is located at the disengagement position.
5. The stroller according to claim 3 or 4, wherein: the second operation restricting mechanism further Includes a joint member disposed between the second derestricting member and the operation restricting member; and the joint member is a self-supporting rod-like member.
6. The stroller according to any one claims 1 to 5, whereIn: the stroller body Includes a handle; and the second derestricting member Is disposed slidably along the handle In a longitudinal direction of the handle.
7. The stroller according to claim 6, whereIn the second derestricting member is located lower at the second locked position than at the second unlocked position.
8. The stroller according to claim 6 or 7, wherein: a holding member urged to project outward is disposed on the handle; a recess for receiving the holding member is formed in the second derestricting member; and when the holding member is engaged with the recess, the second derestricting member is held at the second unlocked position.
9. The stroller according to claim 8, wherein the second derestricting member has a guide part at a position ahead of the recess when the second derestricting member is slid from the second locked position to the second unlocked position, the guide part Including a slant that is engaged with the holding member so as to guide the holding member into the recess.
10. The stroller according to claim 8 or 9, wherein: the handle Includes a pair of elongate main parts, and an intermediate part connectln9 the pair of main parts; the second derestricting member is disposed on the main part; the main operation member is disposed on the intermediate part; the folding operation mechanism includes a transmission means configured to transmit a motion of the main operation member to the unlocking member; and the transmission means Includes a holding unlocking member configured to act on the holding member such that, when the motion of the main operation member is transmitted to the unlocking member so that the unlocking member is moved from the restricted position to the derestricted position, the second derestricting member and the holding member are disengaged from each Other.
11. The stroller according to claim 10, wherein at least one of the holding unlocking member and the holding member has an inclined part that Is inclined relative both to a moving direction of the holding unlocking member and to'a moving direction of the holding member, and the one of the holding unlocking member and the holding member is engaged with the other of the holding unlocking member and the holding member through the inclined part.
12. The stroller according to claim 10 or 11, wherein one of the holding unlocking member and the holding member extends through the other of the holding unlocking member and the holding member.
13. The stroller according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the transmission means further Includes one Joint member extending between the main operation member and the unlocking member, or a first joint member extending between the main operation member and the holding unlocking member and a second Joint member extending between the holding unlocking member and the unlocking member.