NL2019540B1

NL2019540B1 - Joint assembly for a stroller

Info

Publication number: NL2019540B1
Application number: NL2019540A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Gerardus Theodorus Marie Barenbrug Machiel; Richard Brouwer Engelbert; Lambert Adrian Van Soest Dave; Jaap De Oude Elberink Bram
Original assignee: Royalty Bugaboo Gmbh
Priority date: 2017-09-14
Filing date: 2017-09-14
Publication date: 2019-03-27

Abstract

There is provided a joint assembly (25) comprising at least three coupling elements arranged for coupling three bars to a shaft (13). The assembly comprises a locking mechanism comprising a driving member (310) rotatably arranged around the shaft, and at least one locking member (314). The driving member comprises a tube rotatable around the shaft, an eccentric (604) fixed to the tube with its center offset from that of the main axis of the tube, and a ring movably arranged around the 10 eccentric and coupled to the locking member. Rotation of the driving member causes a translation of the locking member wherein by moving the locking member simultaneously into a first groove present in an interior of the second coupling member, and into a second groove present in an interior of the third coupling member, rotation of the second coupling element relative to the third coupling element is prevented.

Description

JOINT ASSEMBLY FOR A STROLLER

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a joint assembly and to a transporting device for person and/or luggage comprising such a joint assembly.

BACKGROUND ART

Published US patent application US2008/0088116 A1 describes a buggy comprising a frame on which a carrier for a child can be placed. The frame comprises front and rear wheels, two handle bars, two front wheel bars which support the front wheels, two rear wheel bars which support the rear wheels, and two supporting pins for supporting the carrier.

The frame further comprises coupling members which comprise front wheel bar discs, rear wheel bar discs, supporting discs and handle bar discs. The handle bar and the supporting pins are fixed in such a way that the front wheel bar discs and the rear wheel bar discs can be turned relative to one another about a pivot axis. The front wheel bar discs and the rear wheel bar discs can be turned relative to one another about the pivot axis, wherein the coupling members can each be locked in one or more positions in which the front wheel bars and the rear wheel bars are fixed relative to one another, and can also be unlocked from these positions.

A disadvantage of the coupling members is that the play between interlocking parts, necessary for locking and unlocking movement of the respective parts and play between locking parts caused by production tolerances, causes unwanted play between the bars, even in a locked state.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One of the objects of the invention is to provide an improved joint assembly for a transporting device such as a stroller.

An aspect of the invention provides a joint assembly comprising:

- a first coupling element arranged for coupling a first bar to a shaft, the first coupling element comprising a substantially disc shaped part and an elongated connection part for receiving the first bar;

- a second coupling element arranged for coupling a second bar to the shaft, the second coupling element comprising a substantially disc shaped part and an elongated connection part for receiving the second bar;

- a third coupling element arranged for coupling a third bar to the shaft, the third coupling element comprising a substantially disc shaped part and an elongated connection part for receiving the third bar.

The locking mechanism comprises a driving member, at least in use rotatably arranged around the shaft, and at least one locking member. This driving member comprises a tube rotatable around the shaft, an eccentric fixed to the tube with its center offset from that of the main axis of the tube, and a ring movably arranged around the eccentric and coupled to the locking member.

A rotation of the driving member causes a translational movement of the locking member wherein by moving the locking member simultaneously into a first groove present in an interior of the second coupling member, and into a second groove present in an interior of the third coupling member, a rotational movement of the second coupling element relative to the third coupling element is prevented.

In an embodiment, the locking member comprises an elongated block extending in a direction parallel to the main axis. In an embodiment, the locking member is pivotably coupled to the ring. This is to ensure an interference free operation.

In an embodiment, the first groove, the second groove and the locking member have a wedge shaped cross section. Using such a wedge shaped configuration enables the locking member to enter the groove until the side walls of the locking member abut against the inner side walls of the groove. This results in coupling between the two components, and between the two coupling elements with no or little Play.

In an embodiment, the assembly comprises a suspension ring arranged in the third coupling member, and wherein the second groove present in the interior of the third coupling member is embodied by a groove in the suspension ring. Using an suspension ring inside one of the coupling elements provides for the possibility of providing suspension between the bars of the frame, without sacrificing on the play free coupling.

In an embodiment, the suspension ring is rotatably arranged in the third coupling member wherein rotation of the suspension ring is counteracted by suspension elements, such as rubber suspension blocks.

According to a further aspect of the invention, a transporting device for transporting a person and/or luggage is provided comprising one or more joint assemblies as described above. The transporting device may for example be a stroller or a buggy for transporting an infant or a child.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other aspects of the invention are apparent from and will be elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter. In the drawings,

Figure 1 schematically shows a side-view of a stroller according to an embodiment;

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the shaft and two joint assemblies according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 3 schematically shows an exploded view of the joint assembly according to an embodiment;

Figure 4 schematically shows an exploded view of some of the items shown in Figure 3 in more detail;

Figure 5A very schematically shows a side view of the handle bar coupling element together with a cross section of the shaft;

Figure 5B shows a perspective view of the handle bar coupling element;

Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the first driving member according to an embodiment;

Figures 7A-7C schematically show a cross section of the suspension ring and the driving member together with the ring, in different stages of unlocking;

Figure 8A shows a cut-out view of the joint assembly according to an embodiment;

Figure 8B shows another cut- out view of the joint assembly of Figure 8A.

It should be noted that items which have the same reference numbers in different Figures, have the same structural features and the same functions. Where the function and/or structure of such an item has been explained, there is no necessity for repeated explanation thereof in the detailed description.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Figure 1 schematically shows a side-view of a stroller 100 according to an embodiment. The stroller 100 comprises a frame to which two front wheels 21 are coupled. The front wheels 21 may be caster wheels. At a back side of the stroller 100 two rear wheels 20 are coupled to the frame.

The frame comprises a handle bar 108, a rear wheel bar 109 and the front wheel bar 107. Furthermore, the frame comprises two joint assemblies 25 for coupling the above mentioned stroller components 108, 109, 107. In the example of Figure 1, only one joint assembly 25 is shown which comprises a first coupling element 7, also referred to as front wheel bar coupling element 7, and a second and a third coupling element, referred to as the handle bar coupling element 8 and rear wheel bar coupling element 9. In this embodiment, the frame also comprises a seat coupling element 6 arranged to removably couple a seat or a crib (not shown) for a child to the stroller frame. All the mentioned coupling elements are joining at a shaft 13.

The handle bar coupling element 8 is connected to the handle bar 108. The rear wheel bar coupling element 9 is connected to the rear wheel bar 109 and the front wheel bar coupling element 7 is connected to the front wheel bar 107.

In Figure 1 it has been indicated by arrow 32 that a user may set the handle bar 108 in a particular orientation. Setting of the orientation of the handle bar 108 may be performed by manipulating a handle or a button 35 that is connected via a cable 28 to elements within the joint assembly 25. In an embodiment, the orientation of the handlebar 108 can be changed stepwise due to a specific arrangement within the joint assembly 25. Furthermore, the frame can be folded by unlocking a locking mechanism in the joint assembly 25 as will be explained below in more detail.

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the shaft 13 and two joint assemblies 25, 25’ according to an embodiment of the invention. As can be seen from Figure 2, the joint assembly 25 is a mirrored configuration of a second joint assembly 25’ arranged at the other side of the frame. In this embodiment, the front wheel bar coupling element 7 and the rear wheel bar coupling element 9 are arranged between the handle bar coupling element 8 at an outer side of the frame and the seat coupling element 6 arranged at the inner side of the frame.

Figure 3 schematically shows an exploded view of the joint assembly 25 according to an embodiment. The joint assembly 25 comprises a cover plate 301, a head screw 302, a reinforcement plate 303 and the previously mentioned handle bar coupling element 8. The joint assembly 25 further comprises a pulley 305 arranged inside the handle bar coupling element 8 to redirect the cable 28 which, in use, is partly arranged inside the handle bar 108 and enters the handle bar coupling element 8 via the connection part of the handle bar coupling element 8. The assembly 25 also comprises a linkage tube 306, a first ring 307, a first spring 308, a first driving member 310, a second spring 309 and a second ring 312. Furthermore, the assembly 25 comprises a first locking member 313, a second locking member 314 and a suspension ring 315. Figure 3 further shows the rear wheel bar coupling element 9 and a star nut 317, the front wheel bar coupling element 7 and a locker tube 318. In this embodiment, the assembly 25 further comprises a third locking member 319, a fourth locking member 320, a third ring 321, a third spring 322, a second driving member 323, a fourth spring 324 and a fourth ring 325. Finally, the assembly comprises a cap 328, the already mentioned seat coupling element 6, a fifth spring 330 and an unfolding disk 332. It is noted that other small components are shown in Figure 3 which will not be discussed, such as pins and bolts and nuts, less relevant for explaining the invention.

As will be clear to the skilled reader, most of the items shown in Figure 3 are co-axially arranged around the shaft 13, see also Figure 2.

In an embodiment, an orientation of the handle bar coupling element 8 relative to that of the seat coupling element 6 is fixed. This may be achieved by engaging the tubular parts of the respective coupling elements 6, 8 which tubular parts each comprise recesses interaction with extension of the other tubular part, see also 85 in Figure 4. The tubular parts of the handle bar coupling element 8 and the seat coupling element 6 are dimensioned in the axial direction so that there is sufficient space to assemble the front wheel bar coupling element 7 and the rear wheel bar coupling element 9 in between.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 2 and 3, the front wheel bar coupling element 7 and the rear wheel bar coupling element 9 are rotatable relative to the handle bar coupling element 8, and the seat coupling element 6. By properly rotating the front wheel bar coupling element 7 and the rear wheel bar coupling element 9, the frame, and thus the stroller 100, can be folded so as to take up less volume. This folding is only possible in an unlocked state wherein the two rotatable coupling elements 7, 9 are free to rotate.

Figure 4 schematically shows an exploded view of some of the items shown in Figure 3 in more detail. In use, the suspension ring 315 will be arranged in the rear wheel bar coupling element 9. As can be seen in Figure 4, the suspension ring 315 comprises a number of inner grooves facing inward, and a number of outer grooves facing outward. The outer grooves are arranged to engage with structures inside the rear wheel bar coupling element 9. The inner grooves are arranged to receive the locking members 313 and 314 in a locked state of the frame.

As can be seen from Figure 4, the locking members 313, 314 comprise elongated bodies extending in the axial direction. The length of the locking members 313, 314 is greater than the length of the inner grooves of the suspension ring 315. The reason for this is that the locking members 313, 314 also engage with grooves in the handle bar coupling element 8.

Figure 5A very schematically shows a side view of the handle bar coupling element 8 together with a cross section of the shaft 13. Also the linkage tube 306 is shown. The handlebar coupling element 8 is arranged for coupling the handle bar 108 to the shaft 13. The handlebar coupling element 8 comprises a disc shaped part 81 and a connection part 82. Figure 5A also shows the pulling cable 28 which is guided by the pulley 305 arranged at a rotation point 83 present in the disc shaped part 81. An outer end of the cable 28 is coupled to a connection point 51 on the linkage tube 306. The linkage tube 306 is arranged around the tubular part 85 of the handle bar coupling element 8. By actuating the button 35 shown in Figure 1, the cable 28 is pulled. By pulling the cable 28, as shown in Figure 5A, the linkage tube 306 is rotated in a direction shown in Figure 5A. The rotational movement of the linkage tube 306 is transferred to the first driving member 310 which is arranged around the shaft coaxial with, and next to, the linkage tube 306.

Figure 5B shows a perspective view of the handle bar coupling element 8.

In Figure 5B the tubular part 85 is clearly visible extending from a wall of the disc shaped part 81. Furthermore the rotation point 83 is shown which is arranged in the disc shaped part 1 and near to a passage for receiving the cable entering the handle bar coupling element 8 via the connection part 82. Also a groove 86 is indicated which interacts with one of the locking members 313, 314.

Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the first driving member 310 according to an embodiment. The driving member 310 comprises a central tube 601 and an eccentric 604 fixed to the tube 601 with its center offset from that of the main axis of the tube 601. In this example, the driving member comprises three more eccentrics, see eccentric 605, 606 and 607.

The ring 307 shown in Figure 4 is rotatably arranged around the eccentric 604 and eccentric 605. Similarly the ring 312 shown in Figure 4 is rotatably arranged around the eccentrics 606 and eccentric 607. It is noted that in this embodiment the components of driving member are integral parts, and that the driving member 310 is manufactured as one single piece made of a plastic or other suitable material.

Figure 6 also shows a protrusion 610 which may be an integral part of the driving member 310. The protrusion 610 is engaged by 306 when cable 28 is operated.

Figure 6 also shows a support 612 which may be an integral part of the driving member 310. The support 612 relieves mechanical stresses on locker 314.

To better describe the functioning of the driving member 310, the working principle will be discussed with reference to figure 7A-7C.

Figure 7A schematically shows a cross section of the suspension ring 315 and the driving member 310 together with the ring 307. A pin 701 is attached to the ring 307 and arranged to couple the locking member 314 to the ring 307. The pin 701 may be a thin tubular pin extending parallel to the main axis of the shaft 13, see also Figure

4. The pin 701 can be inserted into a cavity of the locking member 314. In this way, the locking member 314 is allowed to rotate (or pivot) to some extent relative to the ring 307. Figure 7A shows the locked state wherein the locking member 314 is moved into a groove of the suspension ring 315. As mentioned above, the locking member 314 is simultaneously moved into a groove of a neighbouring coupling member, in this example being the handlebar coupling element 8. An arrow in Figure 7A shows the direction of rotation for unlocking. Figure 7B shows the situation once the driving member 310 is rotated 90 degrees starting from the situation of figure 7A. As can be seen in this Figure 7B, the locking member 314 is pulled out of the groove 705. Figure 7C shows the situation once the driving member 310 is rotated almost 180 degrees starting from the situation of Figure 7A. As can be seen in this Figure 7C, the locking member 314 is now completely removed from the groove 705. To guide the locking member 314 back into the groove 705, guiding means 710, 712 may be arranged in a neighbouring coupling element such as a groove that prevents motion of 314 other than linear outwards.

The locking member 314 describes above may for example be manufactured out of plastics or flexible materials, such as rubber, using moulding techniques. Preferably, the cross section of the locking member 314 is wedge shape wherein the locking member 314 enters a wedge shaped groove, see also groove 705 in Figure 7C.

By rotatably arranging the locking member 314 onto the ring 310, a degree of freedom for the locking member 314 is provided so that little friction occurs at the situation shown in Figure 7B. The inventors have realized that the eccentric 310 will transfer a rotational movement of the eccentric into a translational movement of the locking member 314, but that this translation will not follow the horizontal dotted line shown in Figure 7B. So a rotation of the locking member 314, at least to some extent, is preferred to avoid friction or damage to the locking mechanism as a whole

Figure 8A shows a cut-view of the assembly 25 according to an embodiment. As can be seen from Figure 8A, the suspension ring 315 is arranged in the rear wheel coupling element 9. The suspension ring 315 is able to rotate relative to the enfolding rear wheel coupling element 9 because of some play between the two. However, this play is filled with one or more rubber suspension blocks 810. These blocks 810 create a suspension between the suspension ring 315 and the rear wheel coupling element and as a consequence also between the rear wheel coupling element 9 and the handle bar coupling element 8. The suspension blocks 810 interact with groves in rear wheel coupling 9 and suspension ring 315 and act as springs.

In Figure 8A the above mentioned unfolding disk 332 is shown which is arranged around the shaft 13. The unfolding disk 332 is interacting with the locker tube 318, as can be seen from Figure 8B which shows another cut-out view of the assembly 25 of Figure 8A.

In Figure 8B one of the locking members 319 is shown which is pivotably coupled to the ring 325. The ring 325 is arranged around the driving member 310. The driving member can be activated by pulling the cable 28 as described above with reference to Figure 2. However, in this embodiment, the driving member 310 can also be activated, i.e. rotated, by manually turning the unfolding disk 332. This is advantageous since in the folded state of the frame, the user is less able to find and activate the button 35 shown in Figure 1. By turning the unfolding disk 332, the locker tube 318 is turned, which will turn the driving member 310. As explained above, a rotating motion of the driving member 310 results in a translational movement of the locking members 319. It is noted that Figure 8A and 8B show a slightly different embodiment as in Figure 3 where the unfolding disk 332 comprises an extension for interacting with the locker tube 318.

In the above the term “joint” is used to refer to a joint connection connecting multiple bars of the stroller to each other and to the central bar, also referred to as axle or shaft.

It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments. Instead of hollow bars, solid bars could be used which would make the frame more solid, but more heavy. Furthermore, instead of a transporting device for a person, a device for transporting luggage may comprise the described joint assembly.

In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. Use of the verb comprise and its conjugations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those stated in a claim. The article a or an preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

Claims

A coupling assembly (25) comprising:

- a first coupling element (7) which is adapted for coupling a first rod (107) to a shaft (13), wherein the first coupling element (7) comprises a substantially disc-shaped part and an elongated connecting part for receiving the first bar;

- a second coupling element (8) adapted for coupling a second rod (108) to the shaft (13), wherein the second coupling element (8) comprises a substantially disc-shaped part and an elongated connecting part for receiving the second bar;

- a third coupling element (9) adapted for coupling a third rod (109) to the shaft (13), wherein the third coupling element (8) comprises a substantially disc-shaped part and an elongated connecting part for receiving the third bar;

- a locking mechanism comprising a drive member (310) which, at least in use, is rotatably mounted about the shaft (13), and at least one locking member (314), the drive member (310) comprising:

o a tube (601) rotatable about the axis (13);

o an eccentric (604) attached to the tube with its center offset from that of the major axis of the tube;

o a ring (307) movably arranged around the eccentric and coupled to the locking member (314), wherein a rotation of the driving member causes a translational movement of the locking member, whereby moving the locking member (314) simultaneously into a first groove ( 705) moves in an interior of the second coupling member (8) and in a second groove present in an interior of the third coupling member (9), a rotational movement of the second coupling element (8) relative to the third coupling element (9) is prevented .

A coupling assembly according to claim 1, wherein the locking member (314) comprises an elongated block that extends in a direction parallel to the main axis.

Coupling assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking member (314) is pivotally coupled to the ring (307).

Coupling assembly according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first groove, the second groove and the locking member have a wedge-shaped cross-section.

Coupling assembly according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the assembly comprises a suspension member (315) arranged in the third coupling member (9), and wherein the second groove present in the interior of the third coupling member (9) is embodied by a groove in the suspension ring (315).

Coupling assembly according to the preceding claim, wherein the suspension ring (315) is rotatably arranged in the third coupling member (9), the rotation of the suspension ring being counteracted by damping elements, such as rubber damping blocks (810).

7. Transporting device for transporting a person and / or luggage, wherein the transporting device comprises one or more coupling compositions according to one of the preceding claims.

8. Transport device according to the preceding claim, wherein the transport device is a pram or a buggy for transporting a baby or a child.