GB2555751A

GB2555751A - Secondary locking mechanism and collapsible frame therewith

Info

Publication number: GB2555751A
Application number: GB1721403.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Yuan Jialiang
Original assignee: Wonderland Switzerland AG
Current assignee: Wonderland Switzerland AG
Priority date: 2012-05-18
Filing date: 2013-04-16
Publication date: 2018-05-09
Anticipated expiration: 2033-04-16
Also published as: GB2503085A; GB201721403D0; CN103419827B; DE102013007959A1; CA2812663A1; GB2555751B; GB2503085B; CA2812663C; GB201306845D0; CN103419827A; DE102013007959B4

Abstract

A secondary locking mechanism 14 for locking a locking part of a locking mechanism in a collapsible frame (100 figure 1) includes a casing, an engagement part 41, a manipulation part 42, an elastic part 43, and a release tab 52. The engagement part is connected to the casing. The manipulation part is connected to the engagement part and partially exposed out of the casing. The manipulation part is operable to control motion of the engagement part for disengaging the engaging part from the locking part. The elastic part provides a restoring elastic force to the engagement part. The release tab is connected to the engagement part and the locking part such that when the frame expands the engagement part locks the locking part and the release tab. Therefore, the secondary locking mechanism can perform secondarily locking effect for to avoid any unexpected folding to the frame. The manipulation part may be in the form of a push button, a rotating knob, or a pull button. The secondary locking mechanism is particularly intended to safeguard a stroller frame from folding when not intended to.

Description

(56) Documents Cited:

GB 2476392 A EP 2011717 A US 20110084467 A US 20070029846 A

B62B7/08 (2006.01)

EP 2192022 A US 7651115 B US 20100219616 A (62) Divided from Application No

1306845.7 under section 15(9) of the Patents Act 1977 (58) Field of Search:

INT CLA47D, B62B Other: WPI, EPODOC (71) Applicant(s):

Wonderland Switzerland AG

Beim Bahnhof 5, Steinhausen 6312, Switzerland (72) Inventor(s):

Jialiang Yuan (74) Agent and/or Address for Service:

Haseltine Lake LLP

Redcliff Quay, 120 Redd iff Street, BRISTOL, BS1 6HU, United Kingdom (54) Title of the Invention: Secondary locking mechanism and collapsible frame therewith Abstract Title: A secondary locking mechanism suitable for the folding frame of a stroller (57) A secondary locking mechanism 14 for locking a locking part of a locking mechanism in a collapsible frame (100 figure 1) includes a casing, an engagement part 41, a manipulation part 42, an elastic part 43, and a release tab 52. The engagement part is connected to the casing. The manipulation part is connected to the engagement part and partially exposed out of the casing. The manipulation part is operable to control motion of the engagement part for disengaging the engaging part from the locking part. The elastic part provides a restoring elastic force to the engagement part. The release tab is connected to the engagement part and the locking part such that when the frame expands the engagement part locks the locking part and the release tab. Therefore, the secondary locking mechanism can perform secondarily locking effect for to avoid any unexpected folding to the frame. The manipulation part may be in the form of a push button, a rotating knob, or a pull button. The secondary locking mechanism is particularly intended to safeguard a stroller frame from folding when not intended to.

121

FIG. 10a

1/17

FIG. 1

2/17

FIG. 2a

3/17

232(23)

FIG. 2b

4/17

FIG. 3a

5/17

100

FIG. 3b

6/17

FIG. 3c

8/17

100

FIG. 5

9/17

FIG. 6a

10/17

FIG. 6b

11/17

FIG. 6c

12/17

FIG. 7a

13/17

232

FIG. 7b

14/17

FIG. 8

521 523 522

FIG. 9

15/17

FIG.10a

16/17

FIG. 10b

FIG. 10c

Title

SECONDARY LOCKING MECHANISM AND COLLAPSIBLE FRAME THEREWITH Background of the Invention

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a collapsible frame, and especially relates to a secondary locking mechanism for collapsible frame.

2. Description of the Prior Art

For the convenience of disposition and transport, current frames or strollers are equipped with a frame folding device, by which front legs and rear legs of the frame or stroller can be folded so that the frame or stroller are folded for saving disposition room therefor and convenience of transport However, for avoiding unexpected folding when in use, the frame folding device includes the front leg, the rear leg, a handle, a first locking mechanism, and a second locking mechanism. A first rotation part is fixed on an end of the front leg. A second rotation part is fixed on an end of the rear leg. A third rotation part is fixed on an end of the handle . The first rotation part and the second rotation part are pivotally connected by a first shaft. The first rotation part and the third rotation part are pivotally connected by a second shaft. The first locking mechanism includes a locking part for locking the front leg, the rear leg, and the handle in an unfolded status. When the frame is to be folded, the locking part is pulled so as to release the locking among the front leg, the rear leg, and the handle by the locking part. Then, the front leg, the rear leg, and the handle can be rotated until the front leg, the rear leg, and the handle are folded. In order for use, the rear leg and the handle are pulled relative to the front leg so as to rotate the second rotation part and the third rotation part rotates relative to the first rotation part until the frame or stroller are at an unfolded status. At this moment, the locking part locks the front leg, the rear leg, and the handle from rotating, so as to prevent the frame or stroller from being unexpectedly folded.

However, the locking by the locking part to the frame at the unfolded status of such frame folding device is unstable. When one unexpected impact or move on the frame or stroller occurs, it is very possible that the frame is folded unexpectedly because of releasing the locking among the front leg, the rear leg, and the handle due to a movement of the locking part.

Therefore, there is a need for a safe and reliable collapsible frame.

Summary of the Invention

An objective of the invention is to provide a secondary locking mechanism, which can perform secondarily locking on a frame for preventing the frame from being folded for safety and reliability.

Another objective of the invention is to provide a collapsible frame, which has the secondary locking mechanism for preventing the frame in use from being folded for safety and reliability.

For the achievement of the above objectives, the invention discloses a secondary locking mechanism for locking a locking part of a first locking mechanism in a collapsible frame. The secondary locking mechanism includes a casing, an engagement part, a manipulation part, and a first elastic part. The engagement part is connected to the casing and has an engaging portion. When the frame expands, the engaging portion abuts against the locking part to lock the locking part. The manipulation part is connected to the engagement part and partially exposed out of the casing. The manipulation part is operative to control motion of the engagement part so as to disengage the engaging portion from the locking part. The first elastic part provides a restoring elastic force to the engagement part.

Compared to the prior art, the secondary locking mechanism of the invention locks the locking part of the first locking mechanism of the collapsible frame, which performs secondarily locking on the frame for efficiently avoiding any unexpected folding to the frame in use for safety and reliability. When the frame is to be folded, the manipulation part is controlled to move the engagement part so as to disengage the engaging portion from the locking part for releasing the locking to the locking part. At this moment, the locking part can be driven to release the locking by the locking part among the front leg, the rear leg, and the handle by the locking part, which facilitates the folding operation.

Preferably, the engagement part is a rod-like part and slidably installed in the casing. The engaging portion is an engaging protrusion disposed on a rod body of the engagement part. The locking part has a recess. When the frame expands, the engaging protrusion is engaged in the recess. When the frame is to be folded, the manipulation part is operated to drive the engagement part to slide in a lengthwise direction of the engagement part, so that the engaging portion can instantaneously disengage from the recess, which avoids abrasion due to when the frame is being folded, there is no enough time for the engaging portion to disengage from the locking part. Therein, the first elastic part is installed between the casing and the engagement part. The casing has an installation hole. The manipulation part is partially exposed out of the installation hole.

Preferably, in an embodiment, the engagement part is slidably installed in the casing. The manipulation part is a button installed on a front end of the engagement part. The button is capable of being pressed to drive the engagement part to slide inward so as to disengage the engaging portion from the locking part for releasing the locking to the locking part.

Preferably, in another embodiment, the engagement part is slidably installed in the casing. The manipulation part is a knob rotatably installed on the casing. The engagement part has a protrusion with a helix surface at a front end of the engagement part. The knob has an actuating block at a distal end of the knob, which abuts the helix surface and is capable of sliding on the helix surface. The knob is operative to control the engagement part to slide inward so as to disengage the engaging portion from the locking part for releasing the locking to the locking part.

Preferably, in another embodiment, the engagement part is slidably installed in the casing. The manipulation part is a pull button formed at a front end of the engagement part. The pull button is capable of being pulled to drive the engagement part to slide outward so as to disengage the engaging portion from the locking part for releasing the locking to the locking part.

Preferably, a release tab is connected to the engagement part and the locking part. When the frame expands, the engagement part locks the locking part and the release tab.

According to an embodiment, the engagement part is a rod-like part. The engaging portion is a first cylindrical protrusion disposed on a circumference of a rod body of the engagement part. The release tab has a lengthwise long hole for the rod body to pass through. The lengthwise long hole expands outward to form an engaging hole for the first protrusion to pass through. An engaging surface for engaging with the first protrusion is formed where the engaging hole and the lengthwise long hole are connected. When the frame expands, the first protrusion is engaged with the engaging surface. When the frame is to be folded, the manipulation part controls the engagement part to slide so that the first protrusion is disengaged from the engaging surface to release the locking by the engagement part to the release tab and the locking part. Therein, the engaging surface is an engaging slanted plane, an engaging curve surface, or a stepped engaging surface.

According to another embodiment, the secondary locking mechanism further includes a limitation part and a second elastic part. The engagement part further has a second cylindrical protrusion adjacent to the first protrusion on the rod body. The cross-section area of the second protrusion is larger than the cross-section area of the first protrusion. The second protrusion and the first protrusion are disposed in stepped configuration. The limitation part is slidably installed on the casing and has a first protrusive block. The second elastic part abuts against and between the limitation part and the casing for providing an elastic force to the limitation part to abut the engagement part. The release tab has a second protrusive block opposite to the first protrusive block. When the frame expands, the limitation part abuts against the second protrusion. When the frame is to be folded, the manipulation part controls the engagement part to slide so that the limitation part is disengaged from the second protrusion to abut against the first protrusion. The locking part pulls the release tab to move until the second protrusive block of the release tab pushes the first protrusive block to restore the limitation part. The limitation part abuts against the first protrusion can prevent the engagement part from being restored under the effect by the first elastic part during folding the frame.

According to another embodiment, a folding strap partially exposed out of the casing is connected to the release tab. When the frame is to be folded, the folding strap is capable of being pulled to move the release tab. The release tab is capable of driving the locking part to release the locking to the collapsible frame.

Preferably, the secondary locking mechanism further includes a limitation part. When the engagement part is disengaged from the locking part, the limitation part is engaged with the engagement part for keeping the engagement part in being disengaged from the locking part. Therein, the locking part is disposed between the casing and the engagement part.

Preferably, the casing has an installation recess. The engagement part has a guiding block at a distal end of the engagement part, which matches with the installation recess. The guiding block is slidably installed in the installation recess. According to an embodiment, the engaging protrusion is disposed on a side of the rod body of the engagement part. The guiding block has a limitation protrusion. The limitation protrusion can efficiently prevent the engagement part from rotating when sliding. Therein, in order that the engaging protrusion can efficiently abut against the locking part, the engaging protrusion is designed to be tongue-shaped or U-shaped protrusive block or small protrusive tab. According to an embodiment, the first elastic part is installed in the installation recess to abut against and between the installation recess and the guiding block. According to a preferred embodiment, the guiding block has an installation protrusion disposed at an end of the guiding block. An end of the first elastic part is sleeved on the installation protrusion. According to another preferred embodiment, the guiding block has a restoring recess. The first elastic part abuts against and between the restoring recess and the installation recess.

The invention also provides a collapsible frame, which includes a front leg, a rear leg, a handle, a first locking mechanism, and a second locking mechanism. A first rotation part is fixed on an end of the front leg. A second rotation part is fixed on an end of the rear leg. A third rotation part is fixed on an end of the handle. The first rotation part and the second rotation part are pivotally connected by a first shaft. The first rotation part and the third rotation part are pivotally connected by a second shaft. The first locking mechanism includes a locking part for locking the front leg, the rear leg, and the handle in an unfolded status. The second locking mechanism is used for locking the locking part so as to secondarily lock the front leg, the rear leg, and the handle in the unfolded status.

Compared to the prior art, the collapsible frame has the secondary locking mechanism. When the frame expands, the rear leg and the handle are pulled relative to the front leg, so that the second rotation part and the third rotation rotate together relative to the first rotation part until the frame or stroller is in the unfolded status. At this moment, the locking part locks the front leg, the rear leg, and the handle from rotating. The engaging portion abuts against the locking part to constrain motion of the locking part so as to achieve the secondarily locking, which can efficiently prevent the frame from being unexpectedly folded when in use for safety and reliability. When the frame is to be folded, the manipulation part is controlled to move the engagement part so as to disengage the engaging portion from the locking part for releasing the locking to the locking part. Afterward, the locking part is pulled to release the locking among the front leg, the rear leg, and the handle. Then, the front leg, the rear leg, and the handle are rotated until the front leg, the rear leg, and the handle are folded together.

Preferably, the first rotation part has a first locking slot. The third rotation part has a second locking slot. The locking part is capable of engaging with the first locking slot and the second locking slot so as to lock the front leg, the rear leg, and the handle in the unfolded status. When the collapsible frame is to be folded, the manipulation part is operated to drive the engaging portion to disengage from the locking part. Afterward, when the frame is being folded, the locking part is driven by the second rotation part to disengage from the first locking slot and the second locking slot.

According to an embodiment, when the front leg, the rear leg, the handle are unfolded, the first locking slot and the second locking slot are aligned. The locking part has an engaging pin capable of sliding in the first locking slot and the second locking slot. When the collapsible frame expands, the engaging pin slides in the first locking slot and the second locking slot as the second rotation part rotates, so that the locking part is engaged in the first locking slot and the second slot for locking the front leg, the rear leg, and the handle in the unfolded status. When the collapsible frame is to be folded, the manipulation part controls the engaging portion to disengage from the locking part. Afterward, when the frame is being folded, the locking part is driven by the second rotation part to rotate so as to disengage the engaging pin from the first locking slot and the second locking slot.

According to another embodiment, the first locking mechanism further includes a release part and a third elastic part. The locking part is rotatably connected to the second rotation part. The third elastic part is connected to and between the locking part and the second rotation part for providing an elastic force to the locking part to lock the front leg, the rear leg, and the handle. The release part and the locking part are connected. The release part is operable to drive the locking part to rotate so as to release the locking by the locking part to the front leg, the rear leg, and the handle .

These and other objectives of the present invention will no doubt become obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art after reading the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment that is illustrated in the various figures and drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a collapsible frame according to the invention.

FIG. 2a is a partial view of the collapsible frame in FIG. 1.

FIG. 2b is a schematic diagram illustrating the partial collapsible frame in FIG. 2a in another view.

FIG. 3a is a partial view of the collapsible frame with a front cover being removed according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 3b is a partial view of the collapsible frame further with a rear cover being removed according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3c is a perspective view of an engagement part according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a first locking mechanism according to the invention.

FIG. 5 is a partial view of the collapsible frame according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 6a is a partial view of the collapsible frame with a front cover being removed according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 6b is a partial view of the collapsible frame with a rear cover being removed according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 6c is a perspective view of an engagement part according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 7a is a partial view of the collapsible frame with a front cover being removed according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 7b is a partial view of the collapsible frame with a rear cover being removed according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a partial view of the collapsible frame according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a plane view of a release tab in FIG. 8.

FIGS. 10a, 10b and 10c are schematic diagrams illustrating the operation of a secondary locking mechanism for folding the collapsible frame according to the fourth embodiment.

Detailed Description

Please refer to FIGS. 1 through 4. A collapsible frame 100 according to the invention includes two front legs 11, rear legs 12, a handle 13, two first locking mechanisms 21, and two second locking mechanisms 14, which are symmetrically disposed at opposite sides of the collapsible frame 100 (and are notated at one side in FIG. 1) . A first rotation part 111 is fixed on an end of the front leg 11. A second rotation part 121 is fixed on an end of the rear leg 12. A third rotation part 131 is fixed on an end of the handle 13. The first rotation part 111, the second rotation part 121 are pivotally connected by a first shaft 112 . The first rotation part 111 and the third rotation part 131 are pivotally connected by the second shaft 113. The first locking mechanism includes a locking part 31 for locking the front leg 11, the rear leg 12, and the handle 13 in an unfolded status . The second locking mechanism 14 locks the locking part 31 for secondarily locking the front leg 11, the rear leg 12, and the handle 13 in the unfolded status. The collapsible frame 100 further includes casings 23 and 24 for sheathing the first rotation part 111, the second rotation part 121, and the third rotation part 131. The casings 23 consists mainly of a front cover 231 and a rear cover 232. The second shaft 113 is connected to the rear cover 232. The front cover 231 is covered on and engaged with the rear cover 232. The casing 24 covers a lower part of the second rotation part 121.

Please refer to FIG. 4. The first rotation part 111 has a first locking slot 351. The third rotation part 131 has a second locking slot 352. The locking part 31 is capable of being engaged in the first locking slot 351 and the second locking slot 352 for locking the front leg 11, the rear leg 12, and the handle 13 in the unfolded status. In practice, when the front leg 11, the rear leg 12, and the handle 13 are unfolded, the first locking slot 351 and the second locking slot 352 are aligned. The locking part 31 has an engaging pin 34 capable of sliding in the first locking slot 351 and the second locking slot 352 . When the collapsible framelOO expands, the engaging pin 34 slides in the first locking slot 351 and the second locking slot 352 as the second rotation part 121 rotates, so that the locking part 31 is engaged in the first locking slot 351 and the second slot 352 for locking the front leg 11, the rear leg 12, and the handle 13 to keep the collapsible frame 100 in the unfolded status.

Please refer to FIGS. 1, 2a, 3a, 3b and 4. The first locking mechanism 21 includes the locking part 31, a third elastic part 32, and a release part 36. The locking part 31 is rotatably connected to the second rotation part 121. The third elastic part 32 provides an elastic force to the locking part 31 to engage in the first locking slot 351 and the second locking slot 352. The release part 36 is connected to the locking part 31 and exposed out of the collapsible frame 100 for driving the locking part 31 to disengage from the first locking slot 351 and the second locking slot 352. In the embodiment, the release part 36 includes a release handle 361 connected to the locking part 31 and a folding strap 362. The folding strap 362 is connected to the release handles 361 which are disposed at the two opposite sides of the collapsible frame 100. Please refer to FIG. 1 and FIG. 4. The handle 361 is U-shaped. The engagement of the locking part 31 with the first locking slot 351 and the second locking slot 352 can be released by pulling the release handle 361 or the folding strap 362. In practice, the locking part 31 is formed in a U-shaped structure. The locking part 31 has a first through hole 311 and a second through hole 312 formed at two ends of the locking part 31 respectively and passing through the two sidewalls of the U-shaped structure. The engaging pin 34 is installed in the first through hole 311. The third elastic part 32 is a torsion spring and is installed in the second through hole 312 by use of a rotation shaft (not shown in the figures). The two ends of the third elastic part 32 are connected to the locking part 31 and the second rotation part 121 respectively. The third elastic part 32 provides an elastic force to the engaging pin 34 to slide in the first locking slot 351 and the second locking slot 352 so as to locking the front leg 11, the rear leg 12, and the handle 13 from rotating when the collapsible frame 100 is unfolded. When the collapsible frame 100 is to be folded, the release part 36 is pulled to rotate the locking part 31 to release the engagement of the locking part 31 with the first locking slot 351 and the second locking slot 352. Then, the rear leg 12 and the handle 13 are capable of rotating relative to the front leg 11 to be folded.

Please refer to FIGS. 1 through 4. The secondary locking mechanism 14 includes an engagement part 41, a manipulation part 42, and a first elastic part 43. The engagement part 41 is connected to the casing 24 and has engaging portions 411. When the collapsible frame 100 expands, the engaging portions 411 abut against the locking part 31 for locking the locking part 31. The manipulation part 42 is connected to the engagement part 41 and partially exposed out of the casing 24. The manipulation part 42 is operative to control motion of the engagement part 41 so as to disengage the engaging portions 411 from the locking part 31. The first elastic part 43 provides a restoring elastic force to the engagement part 41. In practice, the casing 24 consists mainly of a front cover 241 and a rear cover 242 . The first elastic part 43 is installed between the engagement part 41 and the casing 24. In the embodiment, the first elastic part 43 is a cylindrical compression spring.

Preferably, please refer to FIGS. 3a through 10c. The engagement part 41 is a rod-like part and is slidably installed on the rear cover 242. The engaging portions 411 and 512 are engaging protrusions 411 and 512 disposed on a rod body of the engagement part 41. The locking part 31 has a recess 313. The engaging protrusions 411 and 512 are capable of being engaged in the recess 313. The front cover 241 has an installation hole. The manipulation part 42 is partially exposed out of the installation hole. When the collapsible frame 100 is to be folded, the manipulation part 42 is moved to control the engagement part 41 to slide in a lengthwise direction of the engagement part 41 so as to instantaneously disengage the engaging protrusions 411 and 512 from the locking part 31. Preferably, the rear cover 242 has an installation recess 243. The engagement part 41 has a guiding block 412 (shown in FIG. 3c and FIG. 6c) at a distal end of the engagement part 41, which matches with the installation recess 243. The guiding block 412 is slidably installed in the installation recess 243. Therein, the engaging protrusion 411 is disposed on a side of the rod body of the engagement part 41. For constraining the engagement part 41 and preventing the engagement part 41 from rotating when sliding, the guiding block 412 has two limitation protrusions 413 at opposite sides of the guiding block 412. The installation recess 243 has two corresponding limitation recesses. According to an embodiment for such design, the engaging protrusions 411 are design to be small tongue-shaped protrusive tabs.

Please refer to FIGS. 3a through 3c, which are a first embodiment according to the invention. The manipulation part 42 is a button 42a installed on a protrusion 415a of the engagement part 41 at a front end of the engagement part 41. The engaging portion is the engaging protrusion 411 disposed on a rod body of the engagement part 41. The button 42a is capable of being pressed to drive the engagement part to slide relative to the front cover 241 toward the inside of the installation recess 243, so as to disengage the engaging portion 411 from the locking part 31 for releasing the locking to the locking part 31. Therein, the guiding block 412 has an installation protrusion 414 (shown in FIG. 3c) at an end of the guiding block 412. The first elastic part 43 is installed in the installation recess 243. An end of the first elastic part 43 abuts the bottom of the installation recess 243; the other end of the first elastic part 43 is sleeved on the installation protrusion 414 of the engagement part 41 (as shown by FIG. 3b) and abuts the guiding block 412. Therefore, the first elastic part 43 is also installed between the rear cover 242 and the engagement part 41 for providing the restoring elastic force to the engagement part 41.

Please refer to FIGS. 5 through 6c, which are a second embodiment according to the invention. The manipulation part 42 is a knob 42b rotatably installed in the installation hole. The engaging portion is the engaging protrusion 411 disposed on the rod body of the engagement part 41. The engagement part 41 has a protrusion 415b with a helix surface 416 (shown in FIG. 6c) at the front end of the engagement part 41. The knob 42b has an actuating block 421 at a distal end of the knob 42b, which abuts against the helix surface 416 and is capable of sliding on the helix surface 416. The knob 42b is capable of being rotated to move the actuating block 421 along the helix surface 416 to push the engagement part 41 to slide relative to the front cover 241 toward the installation recess 243 until the engaging protrusion 411 and the locking part 31 are disengaged, so as to release the locking to the locking part 31. Therein, the installation protrusion 414 is disposed at the end of the guiding block 412 (shown in FIG. 6c) . The first elastic part 43 is installed in the installation recess 243. One end of the first elastic part 43 abuts the bottom of the installation recess 243; the other end of the first elastic part 43 is sleeved on an installation protrusion 414 of the engagement part 41 (as shown by FIG. 6b) and abuts the guiding block 412, so that the first elastic part 43 after installed is located between the rear cover 242 and the engagement part 41 for providing the restoring elastic force to the engagement part 41.

Please refer to FIG. 7a and FIG. 7b, which is a third embodiment according to the invention. The manipulation part is a pull button 42c formed at the front end of the engagement part 41. The engaging portion is the engaging protrusion 411 disposed on the rod body of the engagement part 41. The pull button 42c is capable of being pulled to drive the engagement part 41 to slide outward relative to the front cover 241. In practice, a protrusion 415c is disposed at the front end of the engagement part 41. The pull button 42c is formed at the top of the protrusion 415c. The pull button 42c is capable of being pulled to drive the engagement part 41 to slide toward the outside of the installation recess 243 so as to disengage the engaging portion 411 from the locking part 31 for releasing the locking to the locking part 31. Therein, the first elastic part 43 is sleeved on the pull button 42c to abut against and between the protrusion 415c and the front cover 241 for providing the restoring elastic force to the engagement part 41.

Please refer to FIGS. 8 through 10c, which is a fourth embodiment according to the invention, different to the first, second and third embodiments. In this embodiment, the release handle of the release part 36 is a release tab 52 connected to the engagement part 41 and the locking part 31. The engaging portion is a cylindrical first protrusion 512 disposed on a circumference of the rod body of the engagement part 41. The release tab 52 has a lengthwise long hole 521 for the rod body of the engagement part 41 to pass through. The lengthwise long hole 521 expands outward to form an engaging hole 522 for the first protrusion 512 to pass through. An engaging surface 523 for engaging with the first protrusion 512 is formed where the engaging hole 522 and the lengthwise long hole 521 are connected. The engaging pin 34 passes through a top portion of the long hole 521 of the release tab 52 to be connected to the release tab 52. When the collapsible frame 100 expands, the first protrusion 512 is engaged with the engaging surface 523 for preventing the release tab 52 from being pulled. When the collapsible frame 100 is to be folded, the manipulation part 42 controls the engagement part 41 to slide to disengaged the first protrusion 512 from the engaging surface 523 for releasing the locking by the release tab 52 to the locking part 31. In the embodiment, the engaging surface 523 is an engaging slanted plane.

In practice, the release part 36 further includes a folding strap 55 connected to the release tab 52. The two ends of the folding strap 55 are connected to the two release tabs 52 disposed at two opposite sides of the collapsible frame 100 respectively and partially exposed out of the casing 24. The folding strap 55 is capable of being pulled to drive the release tab 52 to move. The release tab then drives the locking part 31 to move until the locking by the locking part 31 to the collapsible frame 100 is released. When the collapsible frame 100 expands, the first protrusion 512 of the engagement part 41 abuts against the release tab 52 to prevent the release tab 52 from being pulled, so that the folding strap 55 cannot pull the release tab 52 to move leading to unexpected folding. When the collapsible frame 100 is to be folded, the manipulation part 42 is driven so as to disengage the first protrusion 512 of the engagement part 41 from the engaging surface 523 of the release tab 52. Now, the folding strap 55 is capable of being pulled to drive the release tab 52 to move to drive the locking part 31 to disengage from the first locking slot 351 and the second locking slot 352 for releasing the locking by the locking part 31 to the first rotation part 111 and the third rotation part 121.

In practice, the secondary locking mechanism 14 further includes a limitation part 53 and a second elastic part 54. The limitation part 53 is slidably installed on the rear cover 242. The second elastic part 54 abuts against and between the limitation part 53 and the rear cover 242 for providing an elastic force to the limitation part 53 to abut against the engagement part 41. In the embodiment, the guiding block is a cylindrical second protrusion 511. The cross-section area of the protrusion 511 is larger than the cross-section area of the first protrusion 512. The second protrusion 511 and the first protrusion 512 are adjacently disposed in stepped configuration. The limitation part 53 is slidably installed on the rear cover 242 and has a first protrusive block 531. The release tab 52 has a second protrusive block 524 opposite to the first protrusive block 531. When the collapsible frame 100 expands, the limitation part 53 abuts against the second protrusion 511. The second elastic part 54 is under compressed The first protrusion 512 is engaged with the engaging surface 523 (as shown by FIG. 10a). When the collapsible frame 100 is to be folded, the manipulation part 42 controls the engagement part 41 to slide so as to disengage the limitation part 53 from the second protrusion 511. The limitation part 53 slides upward under the elastic force by the second elastic part 54 to abut against the first protrusion 512 (as shown by FIG. 10b). Now, the release tab 52 is capable of being operated for folding the collapsible frame 100. As the release tab 52 moves, the second protrusive block 524 of the release tab 52 moves until pushing the first protrusive block 531 to restore the limitation part 53 (as shown by FIG. 10c) . Therein, the second protrusion 511 has a restoring recess 513 at an end portion of the second protrusion 511. The first elastic part 43 abuts against and between the restoring recess 513 and the installation recess 243 for providing the restoring elastic force to the engagement part 41.

In the embodiment, when the collapsible frame 100 is to be folded, the manipulation part 42 needs to be operated first. For example, a user presses the manipulation part 42 so that the engagement part 41 is moved inward to a releasing position away from a position where the engagement part 41 interferes with the release tab 52. The limitation part 53 is moved to a position where the limitation part 53 interferes with the engagement part 41, so as to keep the engagement part 41 in the releasing position. Now, the user does not need to keep in pressing the manipulation part 42. Afterward, the user can use the same hand to pull the folding strap 55. The folding strap 55 is capable of driving the release tab 52 to move to drive the locking part 31 to rotate relative to the second rotation part 121, so as to disengage the locking part 31 from the first locking slot 351 and the second locking slot 352 for releasing the locking by the locking part 31 to the first rotation part 111 and the third rotation part 121. Then, the folding strap 55 is kept in being pulled upward, so that the front leg 11, the rear leg 12, and the handle 13 is capable of relatively rotating due to gravity for folding. The limitation part 53 keeps the engagement part 41 in the releasing position for the convenience of caregivers holding their baby by one hand and folding the collapsible frame 100 by the other hand. In the embodiment, the second elastic part 54 is a compression spring.

Those skilled in the art will readily observe that numerous modifications and alterations of the device and method may be made while retaining the teachings of the invention. Accordingly, the above disclosure should be construed as limited only by the metes and bounds of the appended claims.

For the avoidance of doubt, the subject matter of the present application includes the features defined in the following numbered paragraphs, abbreviated para.

Para 1.

A secondary locking mechanism, for locking a locking part of a first locking mechanism in a collapsible frame, the secondary locking mechanism comprising:

a casing;

an engagement part, the engagement part being connected to the casing and having an engaging portion, when the frame expands, the engaging portion abutting against the locking part to lock the locking part; a manipulation part, the manipulation part being connected to the engagement part and partially exposed out of the casing, the manipulation part being operable to control motion of the engagement part so as to disengage the engaging portion from the locking part; and a first elastic part, the first elastic part providing a restoring elastic force to the engagement part.

Para 2. The secondary locking mechanism of Para 1, wherein the engagement part is a rod-like part and slidably installed in the casing, the engaging portion is an engaging protrusion disposed on a rod body of the engagement part, the locking part has a recess, when the frame expands, the engaging protrusion is engaged in the recess, and when the frame is to be folded, the manipulation part is operated to drive the engagement part to slide in a lengthwise direction of the engagement part until the engaging portion disengages from the recess.

Para 3. The secondary locking mechanism of Para 1, wherein the engagement part is slidably installed in the casing, the manipulation part is a button installed on a front end of the engagement part, and the button is capable of being pressed to drive the engagement part to slide inwards.

Para 4.

The secondary locking mechanism of Para 1, wherein the engagement part is slidably installed in the casing, the manipulation part is a knob rotatably installed on the casing, the engagement part has a protrusion with a helix surface at a front end of the engagement part, the knob has an actuating block at a distal end of the knob, the actuating block abuts against the helix surface and is capable of sliding on the helix surface, and the knob is capable of being rotated to drive the engagement part to slide inwards.

Para 5. The secondary locking mechanism of Para 1, wherein the engagement part is slidably installed in the casing, the manipulation part is a pull button formed at a front end of the engagement part, and the pull button is capable of being pulled to drive the engagement part to slide outwards .

Para 6. The secondary locking mechanism of Para 1, wherein a release tab is connected to the engagement part and the locking part, and when the frame expands, the engagement part locks the locking part and the release tab.

Para 7. The secondary locking mechanism of Para 6, wherein the engagement part is a rod-like part, the engaging portion is a first cylindrical protrusion disposed on a circumference of a rod body of the engagement part, the release tab has a lengthwise long hole for the rod body to pass through, the lengthwise long hole expands outward to form an engaging hole for the first protrusion to pass through, an engaging surface for engaging with the first protrusion is formed where the engaging hole and the lengthwise long hole are connected, when the frame expands, the first protrusion is engaged with the engaging surface, and when the frame is to be folded, the manipulation part controls the engagement part to slide so that the first protrusion is disengaged from the engaging surface to release the locking by the engagement part to the release tab and the locking part.

Para 8. The secondary locking mechanism of Para 7, wherein the engaging surface is an engaging slanted plane, an engaging curve surface, or a stepped engaging surface.

Para 9. The secondary locking mechanism of Para 7, further comprising a limitation part and a second elastic part, wherein the engagement part further has a second cylindrical protrusion adjacent to the first protrusion on the rod body, a cross-section area of the second protrusion is larger than a cross-section area of the first protrusion, the second protrusion and the first protrusion are disposed in stepped configuration, the limitation part is slidably installed on the casing and has a first protrusive block, the second elastic part abuts against and between the limitation part and the casing for providing an elastic force to the limitation part to abut the engagement part, the release tab has a second protrusive block opposite to the first protrusive block, when the frame expands, the limitation part abuts against the second protrusion, and when the frame is to be folded, the manipulation part controls the engagement part to slide so that the limitation part is disengaged from the second protrusion to abut against the first protrusion, and the locking part pulls the release tab to move until the second protrusive block of the release tab pushes the first protrusive block to restore the limitation part.

Para 10. The secondary locking mechanism of Para 6, wherein a folding strap partially exposed out of the casing is connected to the release tab, when the frame is to be folded, the folding strap is capable of being pulled to move the release tab, and the release tab is capable of driving the locking part to release locking to the collapsible frame.

Para 11. The secondary locking mechanism of Para 1, further comprising a limitation part, wherein when the engagement part is disengaged from the locking part, the limitation part is engaged with the engagement part for keeping the engagement part in being disengaged from the locking part.

Para 12. The secondary locking mechanism of Para 2, wherein the casing has an installation recess, the engagement part has a guiding block at a distal end of the engagement part, the guiding block matches with the installation recess, and the guiding block is slidably installed in the installation recess.

Para 13. The secondary locking mechanism of Para 12, wherein the engaging protrusion is disposed on a side of the rod body of the engagement part, and the guiding block has a limitation protrusion.

Para 14. The secondary locking mechanism of Para 12, wherein the first elastic part is installed in the installation recess to abut against and between the installation recess and the guiding block.

Para 15. A collapsible frame, comprising a front leg, a rear leg, a handle, a first locking mechanism, and a second locking mechanism, a first rotation part being fixed on an end of the front leg, a second rotation part being fixed on an end of the rear leg, a third rotation part being fixed on an end of the handle, the first rotation part and the second rotation part being pivotally connected by a first shaft, the first rotation part and the third rotation part being pivotally connected by a second shaft, the first locking mechanism comprising a locking part for locking the front leg, the rear leg, and the handle in an unfolded status, the second locking mechanism being any secondary locking mechanism of Paras 1-14, for locking the locking part so as to secondarily lock the front leg, the rear leg, and the handle in the unfolded status.

Para 16. The collapsible frame of Para 15, wherein the first rotation part has a first locking slot, the third rotation part has a second locking slot, the locking part is capable of engaging with the first locking slot and the second locking slot so as to lock the front leg, the rear leg, and the handle in the unfolded status.

Para 17. The collapsible frame of Para 16, wherein when the front leg, the rear leg, the handle are unfolded, the first locking slot and the second locking slot are aligned, and the locking part has an engaging pin capable of sliding in the first locking slot and the second locking slot.

Para 18. The collapsible frame of Para 16, wherein the first locking mechanism further comprises a release part and a third elastic part, the locking part is rotatably connected to the second rotation part, the third elastic part is connected to and between the locking part and the second rotation part for providing an elastic force to the locking part to lock the front leg, the rear leg, and the handle, the release part and the locking part are connected, and the release part is operable to drive the locking part to rotate so as to release the locking by the locking part to the front leg, the rear leg, and the handle.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A secondary locking mechanism, for locking a locking part of a first locking mechanism in a collapsible frame, the secondary locking mechanism comprising:

a casing;

an engagement part, the engagement part being connected to the casing and having an engaging portion, when the frame expands, the engaging portion abutting against the locking part to lock the locking part; a manipulation part, the manipulation part being connected to the engagement part and partially exposed out of the casing, the manipulation part being operable to control motion of the engagement part so as to disengage the engaging portion from the locking part; and a first elastic part, the first elastic part providing a restoring elastic force to the engagement part; and a release tab connected to the engagement part and the locking part, such that when the frame expands, the engagement part locks the locking part and the release tab.

2. The secondary locking mechanism of claim 1, wherein the engagement part is a rod-like part and slidably installed in the casing, the engaging portion is an engaging protrusion disposed on a rod body of the engagement part, the locking part has a recess, when the frame expands, the engaging protrusion is engaged in the recess, and when the frame is to be folded, the manipulation part is operated to drive the engagement part to slide in a lengthwise direction of the engagement part until the engaging portion disengages from the recess.

3. The secondary locking mechanism of claim 1, wherein the engagement part is slidably installed in the casing, the manipulation part is a button installed on a front end of the engagement part, and the button is capable of being pressed to drive the engagement part to slide inwards.

4. The secondary locking mechanism of claim 1, wherein the engagement part is slidably installed in the casing, the manipulation part is a knob rotatably installed on the casing, the engagement part has a protrusion with a helix surface at a front end of the engagement part, the knob has an actuating block at a distal end of the knob, the actuating block abuts against the helix surface and is capable of sliding on the helix surface, and the knob is capable of being rotated to drive the engagement part to slide inwards.

5. The secondary locking mechanism of claim 1, wherein the engagement part is slidably installed in the casing, the manipulation part is a pull button formed at a front end of the engagement part, and the pull button is capable of being pulled to drive the engagement part to slide outwards .

6. The secondary locking mechanism of claim 1, wherein the engagement part is a rod-like part, the engaging portion is a first cylindrical protrusion disposed on a circumference of a rod body of the engagement part, the release tab has a lengthwise long hole for the rod body to pass through, the lengthwise long hole expands outward to form an engaging hole for the first protrusion to pass through, an engaging surface for engaging with the first protrusion is formed where the engaging hole and the lengthwise long hole are connected, when the frame expands, the first protrusion is engaged with the engaging surface, and when the frame is to be folded, the manipulation part controls the engagement part to slide so that the first protrusion is disengaged from the engaging surface to release the locking by the engagement part to the release tab and the locking part.

7. The secondary locking mechanism of claim 6, wherein the engaging surface is an engaging slanted plane, an engaging curve surface, or a stepped engaging surface.

8. The secondary locking mechanism of claim 6, further comprising a limitation part and a second elastic part, wherein the engagement part further has a second cylindrical protrusion adjacent to the first protrusion on the rod body, a cross-section area of the second protrusion is larger than a cross-section area of the first protrusion, the second protrusion and the first protrusion are disposed in stepped configuration, the limitation part is slidably installed on the casing and has a first protrusive block, the second elastic part abuts against and between the limitation part and the casing for providing an elastic force to the limitation part to abut the engagement part, the release tab has a second protrusive block opposite to the first protrusive block, when the frame expands, the limitation part abuts against the second protrusion, and when the frame is to be folded, the manipulation part controls the engagement part to slide so that the limitation part is disengaged from the second protrusion to abut against the first protrusion, and the locking part pulls the release tab to move until the second protrusive block of the release tab pushes the first protrusive block to restore the limitation part.

9. The secondary locking mechanism of claim 1, wherein a folding strap partially exposed out of the casing is connected to the release tab, when the frame is to be folded, the folding strap is capable of being pulled to move the release tab, and the release tab is capable of driving the locking part to release locking to the collapsible frame.

10. The secondary locking mechanism of claim 1, further comprising a limitation part, wherein when the engagement part is disengaged from the locking part, the limitation part is engaged with the engagement part for keeping the engagement part in being disengaged from the locking part.

11. The secondary locking mechanism of claim 2, wherein the casing has an installation recess, the engagement part has a guiding block at a distal end of the engagement part, the guiding block matches with the installation recess, and the guiding block is slidably installed in the installation recess.

12. The secondary locking mechanism of claim 11, wherein the engaging protrusion is disposed on a side of the rod body of the engagement part, and the guiding block has a limitation protrusion.

13. The secondary locking mechanism of claim 11, wherein the first elastic part is installed in the installation recess to abut against and between the installation recess and the guiding block.

14.A collapsible frame, comprising a front leg, a rear leg, a handle, a first locking mechanism, and a second locking mechanism, a first rotation part being fixed on an end of the front leg, a second rotation part being fixed on an end of the rear leg, a third rotation part being fixed on an end of the handle, the first rotation part and the second rotation part being pivotally connected by a first shaft, the first rotation part and the third rotation part being pivotally connected by a second shaft, the first locking mechanism comprising a locking part for locking the front leg, the rear leg, and the handle in an unfolded status, the second locking mechanism being any secondary locking mechanism of claims 1-13, for locking the locking part so as to secondarily lock the front leg, the rear leg, and the handle in the unfolded status.

15. The collapsible frame of claim 14, wherein the first rotation part has a first locking slot, the third rotation part has a second locking slot, the locking part is capable of engaging with the first locking slot and the second locking slot so as to lock the front leg, the rear leg, and the handle in the unfolded status.

16. The collapsible frame of claim 15, wherein when the front leg, the rear leg, the handle are unfolded, the first locking slot and the second locking slot are aligned, and the locking part has an engaging pin capable of sliding in the first locking slot and the second locking slot.

17. The collapsible frame of claim 15, wherein the first locking mechanism further comprises a release part and a third elastic part, the locking part is rotatably connected to the second rotation part, the third elastic part is connected to and between the locking part and the second rotation part for providing an elastic force to the locking part to lock the front leg, the rear leg, and the handle, the release part and the locking part are connected, and the release part is operable to drive the locking part to rotate so as to release the locking by the locking part to the front leg, the rear leg, and the handle.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: