NL2023594B1

NL2023594B1 - Collapsible stroller frame with handle height adjustment

Info

Publication number: NL2023594B1
Application number: NL2023594A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Hogeland Mattijs; Geert Arie Den Boer Jacob; Gerardus Cornelis Nicomedes Appelman Albertus; Jeroen Schubert Joris
Original assignee: Royalty Bugaboo Gmbh
Priority date: 2019-07-31
Filing date: 2019-07-31
Publication date: 2021-02-23

Abstract

The invention relates to a collapsible stroller frame (100) having a handlebar (110) that interconnects first and second handle tubes (111, 112), each of which is movably connected to a section (121, 122) of the frame and can be locked in a plurality of positions relative thereto via a height-adjustment mechanism comprising first and second releasable locking members arranged in the corresponding handle tubes. A folding mechanism is also provided, comprising first and second disengageable frame locks arranged in the frame section (121, 122). The frame further includes a control unit (200) centrally mounted on the handlebar (100), which has a pushbutton (230) that is rotationally mounted relative to the handlebar and is rotatable between first and second angular positions. The frame and control unit are configured such that in the first angular position, displacement of the pushbutton effects a corresponding displacement of the releasable locking members, for performing height adjustment. To enable folding, the pushbutton is rotated to the second angular position and displaced to enable disengagement of the frame locks.

Description

Collapsible stroller frame with handle height adjustment

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to the field of strollers and is more particularly directed to a collapsible stroller frame having a handlebar that is adjustable in height, provided with a control unit for actuating one or more mechanisms associated with the height adjustment and collapsing functionality.

BACKGROUND ART An example of a handlebar unlocking device is disclosed in CN203476935. The device has a control box fixed on the handlebar, a sliding groove arranged in the control box, a left unlocking slider and a right unlocking slider which are arranged in the sliding groove. Each of the left and right unlocking sliders is connected to a cable for pulling a lockpin on either side of the stroller frame, for enabling the handlebar to be folded to a storage position. The control box has an unlocking button which is pushed inwards to drive the left unlocking slider and the right unlocking slider to relatively move towards the middle of the sliding groove, which pulls on the respective cables to release the lockpins.

An example of a stroller with a handle height adjustment mechanism is disclosed in US 8474836. The mechanism includes: a coupling member disposed on a handle tube of a stroller; an actuating member disposed movably on the handle tube, and coupled to the coupling member for driving movement thereof, a locking member connected to the coupling member; and a resilient member coupled to the coupling member for biasing the coupling member to a first position, where the locking member engages the selected positioning hola io arrest movement of the handle tube relative to the frame tube. The actuating member is operable to move the coupling member to a second position against biasing action of the resilient member, such that the locking member is removed from the selected positioning hole so as to permit movement of the handle tube relative to the frame tube.

An example of a stroller with a collapsible frame and height-adjustable handle sets is disclosed in US 2012/0292888. The handle sets are coupled to a support rack and have an elevation set, for height adjustment, and a folding set connected through an elastic pin member inserted into the support rack. A driving member located at the upper end of the handle set is pulled to release the elastic pin, to enable folding, while a separate adjustment knob has a button that is pressed to enable height adjustment. There is still room for improvement.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention resides in a stroller frame as defined in claim 1, whereby the dependent claims specify optional, additional features.

Specifically, the stroller frame is provided with a handlebar that interconnects first and second handle tubes, each of which is movably connected to a section of the frame to enable adjustment of handlebar height. The frame is further provided with a height-adjustment mechanism comprising first and second releasable locking members arranged in the corresponding handle tubes, for enabling the handle tubes to be locked in a plurality of positions relative to the aforementioned frame section. A folding mechanism is also provided, which comprises first and second disengageable frame locks arranged in the frame section, for enabling the frame to be locked in a working position and folded to a collapsed position. According to the invention, the user is able to perform both functionalities of handlebar height adjustment and folding of the frame by pressing one and the same button of a control unit.

The control unit is centrally mounted on the handlebar and the button can be pressed inwards towards a centre axis of the handlebar. The button is rotationally mounted relative to the handlebar and is rotatable between a first angular position and a second angular position. The frame and control unit are configured such that in the working position, handlebar height is adjustable when the button is arranged in the first angular position, by pressing in the button to displace an unlocking element that is operatively connected via a linkage that transfers said displacement to the first and second releasable locking members of the height-adjustment mechanism. To enable folding, the button is rotated to the second angular position and pressed in to displace an unlocking element whose displacement permits direct or indirect disengagement of the frame locks. The stroller frame is thus extremely straightforward and convenient for a user to operate by means of a control unit that permits dual functionality. The frame and control unit are further configured for optimal safety, given that in the first angular position, it is not possible to activate the folding mechanism. Thus, height adjustment cannot lead to unexpected collapse of the stroller. In some examples, handlebar height is adjusted by rotating the handlebar about a joint having axis parallel to a wheel axis of the stroller, whereby the releasable locking members engage in holes or recesses arranged at different angular positions on the joint. In other examples, the frame is adapted for telescoping height adjustment of the handlebar and comprises first and second frame tubes in which the respective handle tubes are slidingly received.

The at least one displaceable unlocking element may be a single element such as a screw with grooves that is rotated about an axis parallel to the handlebar centre axis when the button is pressed in towards this axis. Two axially spaced rotatable unlocking elements may also be provided. Suitably, the button has a front part that extends through an opening in a casing that is rotationally mounted to a fixed housing part of the control unit, mounted on the handlebar. A rear part of the button engages with the at least one unlocking element, whereby the farther the button is pressed inwards, the more the unlocking element is displaced.

In a preferred example, the unlocking element that is operatively coupled to the releasable locking members of the height-adjustment mechanism is formed by first and second unlocking sliders, which are axially displaceable within the control unit towards an axial midplane of the control unit.

Suitably, each unlocking slider comprises at least one camming surface which is engaged by corresponding camming surfaces on the rear section of the button.

Preferably, the camming surfaces on the button and on the unlocking sliders are symmetrical with regard to the axial midplane, to ensure an equal amount of displacement of each slider.

The linkage which couples the at least one unlocking element to the releasable locking member may comprise a pull cord.

One end of a first pull cord may be attached to each unlocking slider or other form of unlocking element, whereby the other end of the pull cord is attached to a moving part of a locking mechanism arranged in the handle tubes, whereby retraction of the moving part enables the release of the locking member to permit height adjustment.

Many such mechanisms are well known in the art and typically comprises a spring arranged between the moving part and a fixed part, such that when the releasable locking members are once again positioned over a hole or recess in the frame, they are urged to engage in said hole or recess.

In one embodiment of the invention, the frame is configured for telescoping adjustment of handlebar height and the same unlocking element is displaced in both the first and second angular positions of the button.

The releasable locking members of the height adjustment mechanism thus also form part of the folding mechanism.

This will be explained further with reference to the example in which the control unit houses one set of first and second axially displaceable unlocking sliders.

Suitably, the first and second frame tubes are provided with a plurality of holes or positioning recesses which are shaped to receive the releasable locking members.

These holes or recesses may be provided in a rail that is mounted within the frame tubes.

Furthermore, the holes or recesses are arranged in a height-adjustment region that is delimited at a lower end by a blocking element arranged on e.g. the rail.

In the first angular position, a maximum permissible displacement of the unlocking element within the control unit causes a corresponding displacement of the releasable locking members which is at least equal to a depth of the holes or recesses, but which is less than a height of the blocking element.

5 The handlebar may comprise a central rod on which the first and second unlocking sliders are mounted such that they can be axially displaced toward the axial midplane and can rotate on the rod, together with the control unit button, between the first and second angular positions. In the second angular position, the unlocking sliders can be displaced by a greater amount than in the first position, which greater amount effects a proportionally greater displacement of the releasable locking members. This greater amount of displacement is at least equal to the height of the blocking element within each frame tube that delimits the lower end of the height adjustment region. The handle tubes can therefore be moved farther into the frame tubes, past the blocking element, to directly disengage the frame locks that lock the frame tubes in the working position. The frame locks may be executed as clamping mechanisms, wedges, pins and holes or any other suitable form lock that prevents movement of the fame tubes in the working position and which can be unlocked via mechanical engagement with a moving element.

In the first angular position, a maximum stroke of the button is limited in that the fixed housing part of the control unit, to which the button is rotationally mounted, has a blocking surface which arrests the movement of the button when it is pressed inwards. The fixed housing part is further configured such that in the second angular position, displacement of the button is not arrested by the blocking surface, such that the button can be displaced by the greater amount needed for the releasable locking members to pass over the corresponding blocking element in the frame tube.

Thus, folding is possible only when the button is rotated to the second angular position.

In an alternative embodiment, folding is possible only in the second angular position in that control unit is provided with two separate first and second unlocking elements, whereby the first unlocking element is arranged at the first angular position and is operatively coupled to the releasable locking members of the height-adjustment mechanism and in that the second unlocking element is arranged at the second angular position and is operatively coupled to a separate folding mechanism. The first unlocking element and the second unlocking element may each be executed as a single rotational element or as two separate rotational elements.

Preferably, the first unlocking element is formed by a first set of axially spaced first and second unlocking sliders, which are axially displaceable towards the axial midplane of the control unit. The housing of the control unit, which is fixed on the handlebar, may comprise a first axially extending groove at an angular orientation relative the handlebar axis that corresponds to the first angular position of the button. The first set of unlocking sliders are received in this first groove, whereby each slider has a camming surface which is engaged by corresponding camming surfaces of the button when it is arranged in the first angular position and is pressed inwards. The housing suitably comprises a second axially extending groove at an angular orientation relative the handlebar axis that corresponds to the second angular position of the button. A second set of first and second unlocking sliders is arranged in the second groove, whereby each slider of the second set has a camming surface that is engaged by corresponding camming surfaces of the button when it is arranged in the second angular position and is pressed inwards. Each unlocking slider of the second set is operatively connected via a linkage to a displaceable member arranged in each handle tube, whose displacement effects disengagement of the corresponding frame lock.

Again, the linkage which couples each unlocking slider or other form of unlocking element may comprise a pull cord. One end of a second pull cord is connected to each unlocking slider of the second set, and the opposite end is connected to the displaceable member.

The displaceable member may be a rocker or other pivoting lever. In an example where the frame is configured for telescoping handlebar height adjustment, each frame tube is provided with an actuating element in the form of a rocker or pivoting lever that is connected via a rod to the corresponding frame lock. Suitably, the frame is further configured such that the actuating element in the frame tube can be engaged by the displaceable member in the handle tube, only when the handle tubes are located in a lowermost position relative to the frame tubes. Suitably, the frame tubes are provided with a blocking element that defines a maximum extent to which the handle tubes can be inserted into the frame tubes. In a preferred example, the lowermost position is the position in which the respective releasable locking member is located in the lowermost hole or positioning recess of the corresponding frame tube. In one example, the first and second frame tubes are mounted to a joint on which the respective first and second frame locks are provided, whereby disengagement of the frame locks enables the frames tubes to be rotated about an axis of the joint to the collapsed position. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that two or more of the above- mentioned embodiments, implementations, and/or aspects of the invention may be combined in any way deemed useful.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will now be further elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter. In the drawings, Fig. 1a shows a side view of a stroller having a stroller frame according to a first embodiment of the invention; Figs. 1b — 1d show a perspective view of the stroller fame in a working position at 15t and 2" heights and in a collapsed position respectively;

Fig. 2a shows a perspective view of part of a handlebar of the stroller frame of the first embodiment and components of a control unit for effecting height adjustment and folding of the stroller frame;

Fig. 2b shows a perspective view of the control unit components on the handlebar;

Fig. 2c shows a perspective view of an unlocking slider which forms one of the control unit components;

Figs. 3a and 3b show a cross-section through the handlebar and assembled control unit in a first angular position in which adjustment of handlebar height is possible, when a pushbutton of the control unit is in a deactivated and activated state respectively;

Figs. 4a and 4b respectively show a front and a rear cross-sectional view through components of a height adjustment mechanism of the stroller frame in a position where a locking member is engaged in a positioning recess;

Fig. 4c shows a front cross-sectional view of the mechanism in which the locking member has been displaced by a first amount to release it from the positioning recess;

Fig. 4d shows a front cross-sectional view of the mechanism in which the locking member has been displaced by a second, larger amount, enabling it to pass a blocking element of the height adjustment mechanism;

Fig. 5a and 5b show a cross-section through the handlebar and assembled control unit, with the pushbutton in a deactivated and activated state respectively, when the pushbutton is arranged at a second angular position in which the second amount of displacement from Fig. 4d is possible;

Figs. 6a and 6b show perspective views of a stroller comprising a second embodiment of a stroller frame according to the invention, in a working position and in a folded position respectively

Fig. 7a shows a perspective view of a control unit mounted to the handlebar of the stroller frame of Figs 6a and 6b;

Figs 7b and 7c show a cross-section through the handlebar and control unit, taken through line AA’ from Fig. 7a, where the button of the control unit is respectively in first and second angular orientations relative to the handlebar; Figs. 7d and 7e show a cross-section through the handlebar and control unit, taken through line BB’ from Fig. 7a, with the button in the first angular orientation, in a non-activated and activated position respectively; Figs 8a and 8b show a cross-section through parts of a height adjustment mechanism of the second embodiment, respectively in a first position where handlebar height is fixed and in a second position where handlebar height can be adjusted; Figs. 8c and 8d show a cross-section through parts of a folding mechanism of the second embodiment, respectively in a first and second positions prior to and after actuation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS An example of a stroller 50 provided with a stroller frame 100 according to a first embodiment of the invention is shown in side view in Fig. 1a. A perspective view of the frame 100 in three different positions is respectively shown in Figs. 1b - 1d. The stroller frame includes a handlebar 110 where the user will place his hands. The handlebar 110 has a longitudinal centre axis and interconnects first and second handle tubes 111, 112 of a certain length which are able to slide into and out of corresponding first and second frame tubes 121, 122 in order to adjust a height of the handlebar 110. Fig 1b shows handlebar at a first height; Fig 1c shows the handlebar at a higher height in which a greater length of the first and second handle tubes 111, 112 extends from the corresponding frame tubes 121, 122. The frame further comprises a leg support part 130 including first and second legs 131, 132 which are attached to the first and second frame tubes 121, 122 in a manner that allows the legs and frame tubes to be locked in a working position when the stroller is in use, as shown in Fig 1a, and which allows the frame tubes 121, 122 to be folded towards the legs 131, 132 when the frame is in a collapsed position as shown in Fig. 1d.

In order to adjust the height of the handlebar 110 and collapse the frame, the user operates a pushbutton 230 on a control unit 200 mounted centrally on the handlebar.

According to the invention, the pushbutton is rotational about the centre axis of the handlebar 110 and can be moved between first and second angular positions.

Furthermore, the frame and control unit are configured such that in the first position, depressing the pushbutton allows the height of the handlebar 110 to be adjusted, while folding to a collapsed position is prevented.

In the second angular position, depressing the pushbutton enables the frame to be folded to the collapsed position.

The first angular position will therefore be referred to as the height-adjustment position and the second angular position will be referred to as the folding position.

An exploded view of components of the control unit and part of the handlebar from the first embodiment of the invention is shown in Fig. 2a.

The control unit has an outer casing 220 that can be rotated by the user in order to move the button 230 between the height-adjustment and folding positions.

The control unit includes a fixed housing part 210 mounted to the handlebar 110, at each axial side of the control unit, and a casing support part 221 that is mounted to each housing part, and which can be rotated on the housing part around the handlebar centre axis 115. The control unit further comprises at least one unlocking element 241, 242 that is coupled to a pull cord which in turn is operatively connected to a releasable locking member arranged in each handle tube.

The locking member engages in a corresponding recess in the frame tube in order to prevent movement of the handlebar relative to the frame tubes.

The at least one unlocking element 241, 242 is movable within the control unit in order to pull the locking member out of the recess, whereby the unlocking element is moved by the button 230 when it is pressed inwards.

The rotationally mounted casing support parts 221 are adapted to receive the outer casing.

Suitably, the receiving surface of the support parts 221 is non- circular e.g. elliptical in shape and the inner surface of the casing is correspondingly shaped, to ensure that the support parts and casing rotate together.

The casing includes a front casing section 222 that has an opening through which a front part of the button 230 extends.

A rear part of the button 232 serves as an actuating portion of the button, and has angled camming surfaces configured to engage with and displace the at least one unlocking element 241, 242. Suitably, an inside of the front casing section 222 has one or more guide elements against which corresponding surfaces of the button bear,

such that the button 230 is slidable towards the centre axis 115. The handlebar 110 further comprises a rod 117 around which the control unit is mounted, which can best be seen in Fig. 2b, which shows the control unit assembled on the handlebar, but with the casing removed.

The rod 117 is configured to support movable unlocking elements in the form of first and second unlocking sliders 241, 242. An enlarged view of the second unlocking slider is shown in Fig. 2c.

Each slider has a C-shaped mounting portion 245 which is mounted to the rod 117. When mounted to the rod 117, the first and second sliders 241, 242 are thus spaced in axial direction, and can rotate around the rod and slide on the rod in axial direction.

Each unlocking slider is also provided with a pull cord connection point 243 for operatively connecting the slider to a respective locking member mounted in the first and second handle tubes.

Furthermore, each slider has a camming portion which in the depicted example is executed as an upper ramp surface 246 and a lower ramp surface 247 at opposing radial sides of the rod 117. The camming portion is arranged at an axial side of the respective slider which is closest to an axial midplane through of the control unit.

Furthermore, the upper and lower ramp surfaces of the first unlocking slider 241 face in an oppositely oriented angled direction from the upper and lower ramp surfaces of the second unlocking slider 242. The ramp surfaces on the unlocking sliders are adapted to engage with a corresponding set of upper and lower camming surfaces 235, 236 on the actuating portion 232 of the button 230. Preferably, the first and second sets of upper and lower camming surfaces are symmetrical relative to the axial midplane.

The first and second unlocking sliders 241, 242 are also preferably symmetrical relative to the same plane.

In the height-adjustment position of the control unit, as shown in Fig. 2b, the first and second sliders 241, 242 are mounted on the rod 117 such that an axially outer side of the mounting portion 245 bears against opposing axially oriented surfaces of the fixed housing 210, such that movement in an axially outer direction is prevented. The axial spacing between the camming portion of the respective sliders allows each slider to move in an axially inner direction. This is achieved when the button 230 is pressed inwards and the ramp surfaces 235, 236 on the actuating part engage with the corresponding ramp surfaces 246, 247 on the unlocking sliders. 241, 242. In effect, each slider is moved towards the axial midplane. The symmetry of the movable components of the control unit ensures that each slider is displaced by the same amount when the button is pushed. The maximum displacement is defined by the stroke of the button 230, which in the first embodiment differs depending on the angular position of the button relative to the handlebar.

With reference to Fig. 2b, the fixed housing part 210 of the control unit has a blocking surface 212, preferably at each axially inner side of the housing, which faces towards the button 230. An inner surface 238 on the button (at either axial side) makes contact with the blocking surfaces 212 when the button is pressed in and prevents further movement. A cross-section through the control unit and housing blocking surface is shown in Figs. 3a and 3b, depicting the control unit in the height-adjustment position in a default position in which the button is not activated (Fig. 3a) and in an activated position (Fig. 3b). As may be seen, the maximum stroke of the button is defined by a gap in a direction of activation Y between the housing blocking surface 212 and the opposing surface 238 on the button 230. This stroke produces an amount of axial displacement of the unlocking sliders 241, 242 that is sufficient to disengage the corresponding locking member (to which each unlocking slider is operatively connected) from a positioning recess within the corresponding frame tube.

Suitably, a rail is mounted within each frame tube 121, 122 which comprises a number of positioning recesses for enabling height adjustment of the handlebar. An example of such a rail is shown in cross-section in Fig. 4a. The rail 310 has a number of positioning recesses 315 having the same depth relative to a top surface 317 of rail sections between the recesses. At a lower end of the rail, a blocking element 320 is provided, which has an upper surface 322 at a higher height than the top surface 317 of the rail sections. The rail is designed to cooperate with a profile arranged in each handle tube 111, 112, so that the handle tubes can slide in an out of the frame tubes. An example of such a profile 410 is also shown in Fig. 4a. A cross-sectional view of the arrangement from the opposite side is shown in Fig. 4b. Let us assume that the depicted rail and depicted profile are mounted in the first frame tube and first handle tube respectively.

The profile 410 houses a locking mechanism 420 which in turn houses a locking member 430 that is shaped to fit in the positioning recesses 315 in the rail 310, thereby locking the position of the first handle tube 111 relative to the frame tube at a particular handlebar height. The locking mechanism has a fixed part 440 that is fixed relative to the profile 410 and a sliding part 450 that can be displaced relative to the fixed part and which is coupled via the pull cord 460 to the first unlocking slider. The fixed part 440 has a recess 442 in which a front part of the locking member 430 is received. A rear part of the locking member has a protrusion 431 with angled camming surfaces which is received in an angled slot 455 provided in the sliding part 450. The angled slot 455 may also comprise at least one section with a surface that is parallel to the direction of pulling, to compensate for tolerances in cord length. Thus, when the sliding part 450 is retracted by the pull cord 460, the angled surfaces of slot 455 engage with the angled camming surfaces on the upper protrusion 431 to move the locking member upwards and release it from the recess 315 in the rail 310.

Suitably, an identical arrangement is mounted in the second frame tube and second handle tube.

When it is desired to change the height of the handlebar, the user presses the button 230 on the control unit to displace the first and second unlocking sliders in axially inward direction towards the axial midplane of the control unit.

The amount of axial displacement (governed by the maximum stroke of the button (refer Fig. 3a)) is equal to, or very slightly greater than, the depth of the positioning recesses 315 relative to the top surface 317 of the rail sections, enabling the locking member 430 to be lifted out of the recess 315 as shown in Fig. 4c.

Keeping the button held in, the handlebar can then be pushed inwards or pulled outwards from the frame tubes until each locking member 430 is aligned with a different positioning recess.

Suitably, the locking mechanism is provided with a spring 445 or other elastic member which is arranged between a surface of the fixed part 440 and a surface of the sliding part 450, such that when the button on the control unit is released, the sliding part of each locking mechanism and the unlocking sliders are urged to return to their default position when the locking member 430 is again positioned above a positioning recess.

In order to collapse the frame, it is necessary to push the profile in the handle tubes past the blocking element on the rail in the corresponding frame tube.

The profiles may then displace frame locks in the form of e.g. wedge elements in the frame tubes that hold the support legs in position.

Each locking member 430 must therefore be raised to a relatively higher level, as shown in Fig. 4d, to enable each profile to be pushed over the upper surface of the blocking element 320 on each rail.

This in turn means that the unlocking sliders must be moved closer together than shown in Fig 2b and the button 230 depressed further than the maximum amount permitted when the control unit is in the configuration shown in Fig. 3b.

In the first embodiment, this is achieved by rotating the casing 220 of the control unit and the button 230 to the folding position.

A cross-section through the control unit and housing blocking surface is shown in Figs. 5a and 5b, depicting the control unit in the folding position when in a default position in which the button is not activated (Fig. 5a) and in an activated position (Fig. 5b).

An inner surface of the casing 220 bears against a top surface and a bottom surface of each unlocking slider 241, causing the sliders to rotate with the casing around the rod 117 when it is turned to the folding position (and returned to the height-adjustment position). In the folding position, the contact surface 238 on the actuating element can pass beyond the blocking surface 212 on the fixed housing part. As shown in Fig. 5b, the button 230 may be fully pressed in, enabling an amount of axial displacement of the unlocking sliders that pulls the sliding part 450 of the locking mechanism by a corresponding amount that is sufficient to displace the locking member 430 to the extent shown in Fig. 4d.

The user can then push the handlebar into the frame tubes, past the blocking element 320 on each rail, to collapse the stroller frame. In the height-adjustment position, the reduced stroke of the button prevents folding and unexpected collapse of the stroller when adjusting height.

An example of a stroller comprising a stroller frame 500 according to a second embodiment of the invention is shown in a working position and in a folded position in Figs. 6a and 6b respectively. The frame includes a handlebar 510 with first and second handle tubes 511, 522 that slide into and out of corresponding frame tubes 621, 622 for enabling height adjustment via a height adjustment mechanism. The frame further includes a central joint 625 where the frame tubes 621, 622 are connected to leg supports. The frame tubes and handle bar are locked in the working position via a frame lock, which forms part of a folding mechanism, arranged at each axial end of the central joint. The frame locks can be disengaged to allow the frame tubes to rotate around the central joint towards rear legs of the stroller, as shown in Fig. 6b. In accordance with the invention, height adjustment and folding are performed using a control unit 600 that is centrally mounted on the handlebar 510, by actuating the same button 630, which is rotatable relative to the handlebar between a height- adjustment position and a folding position. A perspective view of the control unit 600 is shown in Fig. 7a, whereby Fig. 7b and Fig. 7c show a cross-section taken through line AA’ when the control unit is in the height adjustment position and folding position respectively. Figs. 7c and 7d show a cross-section taken through line BB’ when the control unit is in the height adjustment position, when the button is in a non-activated and activated position respectively.

The handlebar 510 comprises a central tube 517 around which the control unit is mounted. The control unit has a housing part 610 that is fixed relative to the central tube and a casing 620 that is rotatably mounted to the housing, whereby the casing has an opening through which the button 630 extends. The control unit further comprises a first set of first and second unlocking sliders 641A, 642A and a second set of first and second unlocking sliders 641B, which are mounted to the housing 610 in a manner that permits displacement of the sliders in axial direction. The first and second sets of unlocking sliders are arranged at first and second angular positions relative to a rotation axis of the button and casing 620, whereby the first set is operatively connected to the height adjustment mechanism and the second set is operatively connected to the folding mechanism. With reference to Fig. 7d, the button is provided with oppositely angled camming surfaces 635, 636. In the height-adjustment position, each of these surfaces 635, 636 engages with a corresponding camming surface 646, 647 on each unlocking slider 641A, 642A, so as to move the sliders towards an axial midplane through the unit when the button 630 is pressed in, as shown in Fig. 7e. To return the button to its default position, i.e. its non-activated position, the button may be provided with a spring 634 that gets compressed against a surface of the fixed housing part when the button is pushed inwards. Suitably, a first pull cord 661 is attached to each unlocking slider of the first set, which is pulled to release a locking member of the height adjustment mechanism. To collapse the stroller frame, the user rotates the casing 620 to the folding position as shown in Fig. 7c, in which position each button camming surface 635, 636 engages with a corresponding camming surface on each unlocking slider 641B of the second set when the button is pressed inwards,

displacing each slider towards the axial midplane. Suitably, a second pull cord 662 is attached to each unlocking slider of the second set, which is pulled to disengage a frame lock of the folding mechanism. The control unit may also be provided with a second spring 625 mounted between a surface of the housing 610 and a surface of the casing 620, such that rotation of the casing to the folding position compresses the spring 625, as shown in Fig. 7c. The height- adjustment position in which the button actuates the first set of unlocking sliders may thus be viewed as the default position.

An example of a height adjustment mechanism suitable for use in combination with the control unit of the second embodiment is depicted in Fig. 8a, which shows a cross-section through part of the first handle tube 511 and the first frame tube 521 when the stroller frame is locked in the working position at a particular height. Like the first embodiment, the frame tube 521 is provided with arail 710 extending in longitudinal direction that has a plurality of positioning recesses 715. The handle tube 511 is provided with a locking mechanism which includes a displaceable locking member 830 that engages in a positioning recess to fix the height of the handlebar. The height adjustment mechanism further comprises a first spring or other resilient element (not visible) arranged in transverse direction between a surface of the rail and a rear surface of the locking member 830, whereby the spring is in a compressed condition when the locking member 830 is engaged in a recess 715. At an opposite side, the locking member has an angled surface 835, such that a lower end of the locking member 830 has a greater width than an upper end. The angled surface 835 of the locking member is engaged by a corresponding angled surface 855 on a camming member 850 of the locking mechanism, such that a lower end of the camming member has a smaller width than an upper end.

The camming member 850 is attached to the first pull cord 661 and thus operatively coupled to the first unlocking slider 641A of the first set of unlocking sliders. The locking mechanism additionally comprises a second spring 860, which is arranged in longitudinal direction between a surface of the camming member and a surface that is fixed relative to the handle tube. Retracting the pull cord 661 displaces the camming member 850, as shown in Fig. 8b and compresses the second spring 860. Displacement of the camming member towards the retracted position reduces the width of the camming member that is in engagement with the locking member 830, enabling decompression of the first spring and movement of the locking member in transverse direction, out of the positioning recess 715. Handlebar height can then be adjusted as desired.

When the button on the control unit is released, the second spring 860 urges the camming member 850 to return towards the lower end of the locking member, urging it to slide into engagement when appropriately positioned over arecess.

Part of the folding mechanism is also shown in Figs, 8a and 8b.

The handle tube 511 is provided with a handle tube rocker 870 which is operatively connected via the second pull cord 662 to the first unlocking slider of the second set.

The rocker 870 is adapted to engage with a further rocker 770 provided in the frame tube 521. The frame is adapted such that the rockers are able to engage with each other only when handlebar is at its lowest height, e.g. when the locking member 830 is engaged in the lowermost positioning recess, as depicted in Fig. 8c, which shows a cross-section of parts of the first handle tube and frame tube and central joint 525. One end of the rocker 870 that is pivotably mounted to the handle tube 511 is coupled to the second pull cord 662. A further end comprises a rocker arm 872 that extends towards an arm 772 of the frame tube rocker 770. A further end

773 of the frame tube locker is coupled to a connection rod 775, which in turn is coupled to a frame lock 527 on the central joint 525. Pivoting of the rocker arm 872 is effected when the second pull cord 662 is retracted, as shown in Fig. 8d, which pivots the frame tube locker arm 872 to displace the connection rod 775, which in turn disengages the frame lock 527, enabling the handle tubes to be rotated to the folded position.

Thus, in order to collapse the stroller frame, the user activates the button in the height adjustment position of the control unit, to displace the first set of unlocking sliders 641A, 642A, releasing the locking member 830. When the handle bar is at the lowermost height, the user then rotates the casing 620 of the control unit to the folding position and presses the button to displace the second set of unlocking sliders 641B. This retracts each second pull cord 662, as described above to enable folding.

Examples, embodiments or optional features, whether indicated as non-limiting or not, are not to be understood as limiting the invention as claimed. 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 without departing from the scope of the appended claims. 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 invention may be implemented by means of hardware comprising several distinct elements, and by means of a suitably programmed computer. In the device claim enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. 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

Conclusions

A stroller frame (100, 500) comprising: e a handlebar (110, 510) connecting first and second handlebar tubes (111, 112: 511, 512) together. each of which is movably connected to a frame member: a height adjustment mechanism comprising first and second releasable locking elements (430; 830) arranged in the corresponding handlebar tubes so that the handlebar tubes can be locked in a plurality of positions relative to the frame member; A folding mechanism comprising first and second releasable frame latches (527) directed into the frame portion so that the frame can be locked in an operative position and folded into a collapsed position: a control unit (200, 600) mounted on the handlebar, provided with a knob (230, 630} which can be pushed inward towards a center axis (115) of the handlebar; characterized in that the knob is rotatably mounted relative to the handlebar and is rotatable between a first angular position and a second angular position, where the frame and control unit are configured such that in the operative position: - handlebar height is adjustable when the button (230, 630) is arranged in the first angular position, by pressing the button to release a release element (241, 242). 641A, 642A) operationally connected via a link transmitting said movement to the first and second releasable locking elements (430, 830), while the frame remains locked in the operative position; and - to enable folding, the knob is rotated to the second angular position and pressed to move an unlocking element, the movement of which allows direct or indirect release of the frame locks.

The pram frame of claim 1, wherein the frame portion comprises first and second frame tubes (121, 122; 521, 522) having a plurality of holes or positioning recesses (315, 715) in which to receive the respective releasable locking elements (430, 830).

A pram frame according to claim 2, wherein the holes or recesses are oriented in a height adjustment area delimited at one bottom by a blocking element (320).

in the respective frame tubes (121, 122; 521, 522), wherein in the first angular position a maximum allowable movement of the release member (241, 242; 641A, 642A) causes a corresponding movement of the release lock elements (430, 830) that is at least equal to a depth of the holes or recesses, but less than a height of the blocking element (320).

A pram frame according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the release element operably connected to the releasable locking elements (430, 830) comprises first and second release slides (241, 242; 641A, 642A) that are axially movable within the control unit (200). toward an axial center plane of the control unit, each release slide comprising at least one cam surface (246, 247, 646, 647) which is engaged by corresponding cam surfaces (235, 236: 635, 636) on the button (230, 630) seized.

A pram frame according to claim 4, wherein the cam surfaces on the button and on the release slides are symmetrical with respect to the axial center plane.

A pram frame according to any one of claims 3-5, wherein: - the same release element (241, 242) is moved in both the first and second angular positions of the button, said release element being rotatably mounted with respect to the handlebar (110) and is rotatable with the knob (230) between the first and second angular positions: - in the second angular position, the unlocking element can be displaced to a greater extent than in the first position, this greater degree a correspondingly greater displacement of the releasable locking elements (430 ) causes which is at least equal to the height of the blocking element (320); and - release of the frame locks is effected by the handlebar tubes (111, 112) when they are moved past the blocking element (320} to a release position in the frame tubes.

The pram frame according to claim 6, wherein: - the control unit (200) comprises a housing part (210) fixed to the handlebar, the housing part having a blocking surface (212) facing the button when the button is in the first angular position so that the maximum allowable displacement is achieved when a surface (238) on the button contacts the blocking surface (212); and - in the second angular position, movement of the button is not restrained by the blocking surface (212), such that the button can be moved to the greater extent.

A pram frame according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control unit (600) comprises a first release element (641A, 642A) fixed with respect to the handlebar in the first angular position and a second release element (641B, 642B) which in the second angular position is fixed. wherein the first release element is operably connected to the releasable locking elements (830) of the height adjustment mechanism and the second release element is operably connected via a second connection to first and second movable elements (870) arranged in the respective handlebar tubes (611, 612), the displacement of which is causes detachment of the respective frame latches (527) arranged in the frame portion.

The pram frame of claim 8, wherein the second release element comprises first and second release slides (641B, 642B) that are axially displaceable within the control unit (600) in the direction of an axial center plane of the control unit, each release slide of the second release element being includes at least one cam surface which is engaged by corresponding cam surfaces (635, 636) on the knob (630).

The pram frame of claim 8 or 9, wherein the folding mechanism further comprises first and second drive elements (770) arranged in the frame portion and operationally connected to the corresponding frame latches (527), which elements (770) are configured to be driven by the first respectively the second movable elements (870).

A pram frame according to claim 10, when dependent on claim 2, wherein the frame is configured such that the first and second drive elements (770) can be driven by the corresponding movable elements (870) in the corresponding handlebar tubes (511, 522) when the first and second releasable locking elements (830) are located in a bottom hole or positioning recess of the first and second frame tubes (521, 522).

A pram frame according to claim 11, wherein the first and second frame tubes (521, 522) are mounted on a hinge (525) on which are provided the respective first and second frame locks (527), releasing the frame locks around an axis of pivot hinge to the retracted position.

A pram frame according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit comprises a housing (220, 620) in which the button (230, 630) is received, the housing being rotatably mounted on a fixed part (210, 610) of the control unit. and wherein a spring is arranged between a surface of the housing and a surface of the fixed part, such that rotation of the housing to the second angular position causes compression of the spring.

A pram comprising a frame (100, 500) according to any one of the preceding claims.