WO2016156775A1

WO2016156775A1 - An accessory attachment device

Info

Publication number: WO2016156775A1
Application number: PCT/GB2016/000064
Authority: WO
Inventors: Laura Jane MEEHAN
Original assignee: Meehan Laura Jane
Priority date: 2015-03-27
Filing date: 2016-03-29
Publication date: 2016-10-06
Also published as: GB201505270D0; GB201715243D0; GB2552910A

Abstract

An accessory attachment device (1) comprises an inner gripping core (3) configured to at least partly locate around an item to be gripped, the inner core (3) deformable to generally conform to the outer surface of the gripped item, and; an outer shell (2) configured to at least partly locate around the inner gripping core (3) and hold the inner gripping core (3) in position on the item in use, the outer shell further comprising an accessory connection means (14) configured such that an accessory can be detachably connected to the outer shell (2).

Description

An accessory attachment device

FIELD

The present invention relates to an accessory attachment device. More particularly, the present invention relates to an accessory attachment device for childcare/travel accessories.

BACKGROUND

Infant care requires a large amount of equipment. If the carer wishes to travel away from their home for a day trip or other excursion, they need to be able to transport the infant and the necessary equipment, and to access this and if necessary set it up quickly and easily where and when required. For example, one of the most important accessories that a carer will use is a sunshade, in order to shade an infant in the buggy or pram, and provide protection from the sun.

Some manufacturers provide closed or semi-closed shades or screens that in use are positioned over a frame on the buggy, such as the example shown in figure 1. While these types of shade provide good overall coverage, they can be difficult to attach, and they can prevent the child from interacting with their carer or with the world around them.

A common alternative is to use a sunshade such as a parasol or similar, with the parasol attached to the pram or buggy handle and extending over the buggy to provide shade. However, current universal parasols are difficult to attach, and can require a good deal of strength in order to tighten the clamp. Many models are difficult to manoeuvre when attached, as only a small upper section is flexible (the gooseneck), the remainder of the arm rigid. Due to this restricted flexibility, the carer is often limited to using one hand to steady or hold on to the parasol while attempting to single-handedly steer the buggy with their other hand. In addition, this rigidity of movement can cause the parasol to become obstructive when trying to move through tight spaces or alongside people and objects.

Furthermore, the attachment can relatively easily detach from the handle altogether especially when strained by constant movement.

Several buggy manufacturers provide shades as a specific accessory for their particular models, and these tend to be less problematic than shade or parasol accessories that are intended for universal use. However, these specific accessories frequently cannot be used with other manufacturer's prams or strollers, or with different types of equipment. This means that a carer cannot for example transfer or take the shade with them when they move to a toddler stroller or buggy as the infant grows.

In this specification where reference has been made to patent specifications, other external documents, or other sources of information, this is generally for the purpose of providing a context for discussing the features of the invention.

Unless specifically stated otherwise, reference to such external documents is not to be construed as an admission that such documents, or such sources of information, in any jurisdiction, are prior art, or form part of the common general knowledge in the art.

SUMMARY

It is an object of the present invention to provide an accessory attachment device which goes some way towards overcoming the abovementioned disadvantages or which at least provides the public or industry with a useful choice.

The term "comprising" as used in this specification and indicative independent claims means "consisting at least in part of. When interpreting each statement in this specification and indicative independent claims that includes the term

"comprising", features other than that or those prefaced by the term may also be present. Related terms such as "comprise" and "comprises" are to be interpreted in the same manner.

As used herein the term "and/or" means "and" or "or", or both.

As used herein "(s)" following a noun means the plural and/or singular forms of the noun.

Accordingly, in a first aspect the present invention may broadly be said to consist in an accessory attachment device, comprising: an inner gripping core configured to at least partly locate around an item to be gripped, the inner core deformable to generally conform to the outer surface of the gripped item; an outer shell configured to at least partly locate around the inner gripping core and hold the inner gripping core in position on the item in use; the outer shell further comprising an accessory connection means configured such that an accessory can be detachably connected to the outer shell. In an embodiment, the outer shell comprises at least two parts.

In an embodiment, the outer shell comprises at least two shell parts hingedly connected together.

In an embodiment, the outer shell comprises two shell halves hingedly connected together.

In an embodiment, the accessory attachment device further comprises a clamping means configured to hold the shell halves together in a closed position.

In an embodiment, the clamping means comprises a quick-release clamp located substantially opposite the hinge.

In an embodiment, the two parts of the outer shell comprise cut-outs on each side to form an aperture having an axis that passes through the outer shell.

In an embodiment, the cut-outs have a trefoil shape.

In an embodiment, the cut-outs have an oval shape.

In an embodiment, the accessory connection means comprises at least one connection aperture.

In an embodiment, the accessory connection means comprises two connection apertures.

In an embodiment, the connection aperture is threaded.

In an embodiment, the clamping means comprises a quick release mechanism. In an embodiment, the clamping means comprises a pair of magnets.

In an embodiment, at least that part of the inner gripping core in contact with the gripped item has a high friction grip surface.

In an embodiment, the inner gripping core comprises two halves configured to be separable and extending at least partly around a gripped item in the closed or in use position.

In an embodiment, the inner gripping core is formed from a rubber material, silicone rubber material, TP rubber, or similar.

In an embodiment, slots or similar shapes are formed in the inner gripping core. In an embodiment, the slots or similar shapes are formed by moulding. In an embodiment, at least one the halves of the inner gripping core is formed as a grid or framework.

In an embodiment, at least one the halves of the inner gripping core comprises at least one air pocket.

In an embodiment, the apertures of the grid extend through the core from one side to the other.

In an embodiment, the inner gripping core is formed from air sacks.

In an embodiment, the accessory attachment device further comprises a handle configured for connection to the accessory connection means and extending away from the accessory connection means.

In an embodiment, the handle is flexible along substantially the entire length of the handle.

In an embodiment, the handle is a gooseneck-style extension.

In an embodiment, the accessory attachment device further comprises a parasol configured for connection to the accessory connection means.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

This invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more said parts, elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling w'thin the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Further aspects of the invention will become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings which show an embodiment of the device by way of example, and in which:

Figure 1 shows an example of a closed shade or screen that is positioned on a buggy to fully enclose the seating area in which the infant rides in use.

Figure 2 shows a buggy with a parasol-style shade attached.

Figure 3a shows a perspective view from the side and above of an accessory attachment device according to an embodiment of the invention, having a two- part outer shell and an inner gripping core located between the two parts of the outer shell, the inner gripping core locating around an item to be gripped in use and deforming to generally conform to the outer surface of the gripped item, the outer shell locating around the inner gripping core and holding the inner gripping core in position on the item when the parts are in a closed position, a hinge connecting the two shell parts and allowing them to rotate between open and closed positions, a clamp opposite the hinge operable to hold them in the closed position, the upper and lower outer shells having an accessory connection aperture in the top of the shell, and the bottom of the shell respectively.

Figure 3b shows a perspective view from the side and above of the accessory attachment device of figure 3a from the hinge side.

Figure 4 shows a side view of the accessory attachment device of figures 1 and 2 in a closed position.

Figure 5 shows the accessory attachment device of figures 1 to 3 from generally the same angle as figure 1 , with the accessory attachment device clamped closed around a pram handle.

Figure 6a shows a side view of the accessory attachment device of the previous figures in a closed position around an oval cross-section pram handle. Figure 6b shows a side view of the accessory attachment device of the previous figures in a closed position around a circular cross-section pram handle.

Figures 7a and 7b show perspective side views of a second embodiment of accessory attachment device, having an inner gripping core where the top or upper portion is formed as a grid or framework.

Figure 8 shows an exploded perspective view from the side of the second embodiment of accessory attachment device

Figure 9 shows the accessory attachment device of figures 3 to 6 in use clamped to a pram handle, an accessory handle extending from the top of accessory attachment device, and a shade attached to the outer end of the accessory handle.

Figure 10 shows a close up view from underneath of the accessory attachment device and pram handle of figure 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the figures.

A first embodiment of an accessory attachment device 1 is shown in figures 3 to 6. The accessory attachment device has an outer shell 2 and an inner gripping core 3.

The outer shell 2 is formed from two shell halves 2a and 2b. Each of these has a hemispherical general overall form, with diametrically opposed cut-outs 13 in each of the shell halves 2a and 2b. The two halves 2a and 2b connect via a hinge 4, that is located so that the axis of rotation of the hinge 4 is aligned parallel to the diametrical line of the cut-outs.

A clamping means 5 is located diametrically opposite to the hinge 4, and is arranged to releasably connect the two shell halves 2a and 2b. In this embodiment, the clamping means 5 comprises a pair of substantially identical flanges 6a, 6b that extend one each from the edge of their respective shell half 2a or 2b, in parallel with the flat face of the hemisphere, and which come together when the outer shell is rotated closed about the hinge 4. Each of the flanges 6a, 6b has a notch 7 formed therein. A quick-release type clamp 8 has a threaded extension 9 that locates into and passes through the notches, with a lever 10 connected to or formed at one end of the threaded extension 9. In use, a bolt 12 is threaded onto the extension 9 and tightened down towards the lever end to clamp the flanges 6a, 6b together (and the connected shell halves 2a and 2b). The lever 10 is rotatable around the end of the extension 9, and has an offset base 11 , so that when it is rotated towards a 'closed' position in use, further clamping pressure is exerted between the bolt 12 and the base 11 to securely hold the shell halves 2a and 2b together.

When the two shell halves 2a and 2b are brought together, the cut-outs 13 have a perimeter that forms a trefoil shape when viewed from the side, with the hinge 4 located halfway between two of the lobes of the trefoil, and the centre line or dividing line of the outer shell 2 bisecting the trefoil along the centre of the third lobe, the end of the third lobe facing towards the flanges 6a, 6b.

The 'upper' shell half 2a has a screw boss that forms an attachment extension 14 that extends from the top of the shell half 2a and which is integrally formed with the shell half 2a. A threaded aperture 15 is formed through the centre of the attachment extension 14. The axis of the aperture is aligned in parallel with the extension 9 when the halves of the outer shell 2 are closed and clamped.

A similar attachment extension can be formed in the 'lower' shell half 2b if required.

The shell halves 2a, 2b are formed from a hard thermoplastic or a similar rigid or hard material.

The inner gripping core 3 is formed in two halves 3a and 3b, each of which fills one of the shell halves 2a or 2b. The material that forms the inner gripping core 3 is a rubber material, silicone rubber material, or similar material that holds the shape into which it is formed, but which can be easily deformed - bent or squashed or similar - and which resumes it's original shape once the deforming force is removed, with no permanent or plastic deformation taking place. At least the outer surface of the material has high friction grip, so that materials cannot slide across the surface easily.

The two halves 3a and 3b are formed so that when viewed side-on through one of the trefoils in the closed position, they have a central opening 15 that passes through the material and forms an opening through the centre of the accessory attachment device 1. In this side-on view, the central opening 15 has the outline appearance of a six-pointed star, three of the points longer than the others and extending into the lobes of the trefoil, and alternating with the three shorter points around the outside of the opening 15.

In use, a user releases the quick-release type clamp 8 and opens the accessory attachment device 1 by rotating the two shell halves 2a, 2b apart. They then position the two shell halves 2a, 2b on each side of an item such as for example a pram handle, part of a pram frame, or similar, and close the attachment device 1. The inner gripping core 3 deforms around the item and grips tight. A user closes and tightens/locks the quick-release type clamp 8 to hold the accessory attachment device 1 in position.

As shown in figure 8, a user can then screw or clip an accessory such as a parasol into the attachment extension 14. The high friction grip of the inner gripping core 3 ensures that the accessory will stay connected and will not move out of the required position. Alternative attachments may include, but are not limited to: a fan, a small light, a snack pot, a toy holder, a cup holder, a bag carrier, a tablet holder, etc.

A hook or similar can be connected to the attachment extension in the 'lower' shell half 2b, on which a user can hang a bag for carrying other accessories (blankets, food, phone, etc).

The attachment device 1 can be used to connect to any convenient extension or handle, not just pram handles. It can be used for example on the back of a toy push-along car, a seat leg, or similar. As shown in figures 6a and 6b, the gripping core will deform to compensate for different sizes and shapes of item to which the attachment device 1 is connected.

A second embodiment of attachment device 100 is shown in figures 7 and 8.

The structure of the device 100 in this embodiment is similar to that of the first embodiment. However, in this embodiment, the upper half 103a of the inner gripping core is formed as a grid or framework, with apertures extending through the core from one side to the other. The clamping means 105 is integral with the shell 102 in this embodiment.

In variations of the above embodiments, the outer shell could be formed from three parts that are linearly connected and which rotate around their connections with one another to form a generally spherical outer shell in a closed position (or alternatively an egg shape or slightly flattened 3d oval.) Cut-outs would form a perimeter that forms a trefoil shape when viewed from the side similar to the embodiments described above, the centre line or dividing lire of the outer shell bisecting the trefoil along the centre of one lobe. The outer ones of the three connected parts can be clamped together in a similar manner to that described above for the preferred embodiment.

The clamping means 5 or 105 can be separate or integral of either embodiment.

The inner gripping core could also be formed from air sack or air pockets or similar, the air in the sacks compressing when the attachment device is in use, the pressure helping to increase the friction between the device and the item which it is gripping.

For the embodiments described above, the handle of the accessory that is screwed into the attachment extension 14 or 114 is a universally adjustable extension handle 16 that can be bent into any alignment and shape as required. A parasol or shade 17 can be connected to the universal fitting at the outer end of the handle 16. The universal handle allows other items to be connected instead of the shade 17. For example, a fan, light, or similar. In the most preferred form, the extension handle or arm can detach from the main clamp whilst remaining attached to any accessories. The extension handle is formed so that it can wrap around unusually shaped handles such as slatted cot bars.

In the most preferred form, the shade used is oval egg shape and is of a pop-up construction. The shade can be folded down and placed in a carry-pouch along with clamp and accessories.

It is most preferred that accessories that require power such as the fan and/or light(s), etc, are solar powered. The solar panel is located on the upper outer core of the clamping device.

Instead of a hook, a ground anchor spike could be connected to the lower attachment extension, allowing the attachment device to be anchored into the ground, with the parasol connected to the upper attachment extension and extending above a picnic blanket or similar.

In variations of the embodiments described above, further attachment extensions can be formed on or in the shell, allowing for multiple accessories to be connected at once. For example, attachment extensions can be formed on both the upper and lower shells so that accessories can be attached to both halves.

The trefoil cut-outs could be replaced by a different number of cut-outs (2, or 4, or more), or a circular or oval opening.

The hinge could be replaced by an alternative opening/closing device. For example, the hinge could be replaced by a fastener, so that there are fasteners on opposed sides of the shell, the fasteners allowing the parts of the shell to be completely separated and then re-connected. These fasteners could be for example quick-release type clamps or clamping means as described above, magnets, or any other suitable fastener such as a latch or similar. Alternatively, the two halves of the shell halves could be threaded so that the shells can be screwed together. In all of the embodiments described above, the core is compressed and remains substantially within the shell. However, it should be noted that the displaced core can be squeezed out of the cut-outs, or other suitable apertures.

Claims

1. An accessory attachment device, comprising:

an inner gripping core configured to at least partly loca;e around an item to be gripped, the inner core deformable to generally conform to the outer surface of the gripped item;

an outer shell configured to at least partly locate around the inner gripping core and hold the inner gripping core in position on the item in use;

the outer shell further comprising an accessory connection means configured such that an accessory can be detachably connected to the outer shell.

2. An accessory attachment device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the outer shell comprises at least two parts.

3. An accessory attachment device as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the outer shell comprises at least two shell parts hingedly connected together.

4. An accessory attachment device as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3 further comprising a clamping means configured to hold the shell halves together in a closed position.

5. An accessory attachment device as claimed in claim 4 wherein the clamping means comprises a quick-release clamp located substantially opposite the hinge.

6. An accessory attachment device as claimed in claim 4 wherein the clamping means comprises a set of magnets located so as to magnetically hold the two parts together.

7. An accessory attachment device as claimed in claim 4 wherein the clamping means comprises screw threads on the two parts configured to engage to clamp or hold the two parts together.

8. An accessory attachment device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the two parts of the outer shell comprise cut-outs on each side to form an aperture having an axis that passes through the outer shell.

9. An accessory attachment device as claimed in claim 8 wherein the cut-outs have a trefoil shape.

10. An accessory attachment device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein the accessory connection means comprises at least one connection aperture formed on the outer shell.

11. An accessory attachment device as claimed in claim 10 wherein the connection aperture is threaded.

12. An accessory attachment device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11 wherein at least that part of the inner gripping core in contact with the gripped item has a high friction grip surface.

13. An accessory attachment device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12 wherein the inner gripping core comprises a core part configured to be at least partly separable into two parts to extend at least partly around a gripped item in the closed or in use position.

14. An accessory attachment device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13 wherein the inner gripping core is formed from a rubber material, silicone rubber material, TP rubber material, or similar.

15. An accessory attachment device as claimed in claim 10 or claim 11 wherein slots are formed in the inner gripping core.

16. An accessory attachment device as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 15 wherein at least one of the parts of the inner gripping core is formed as a grid or framework.

17. An accessory attachment device as claimed in claim 16 wherein the apertures of the grid extend through the core substantially from one side to the other.

18. An accessory attachment device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17 wherein the inner gripping core comprises at least one air pocket.

19. An accessory attachment device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 18 further comprising a handle configured for connection to the accessory connection means so as to at least partly extend away from the accessory connection means.

20. An accessory attachment device as claimed in claim 19 wherein the handle is flexible along substantially the entire length of the handle.

21. An accessory attachment device as claimed in claim 20 wherein the handle can be flexed to a shape or position and will hold its shape or position until acted on by an external force sufficient to bend or re-shape the handle.

22. An accessory attachment device as claimed in claim 20 or claim 21 wherein the handle can be flexed to at least partly wrap around an item.

23. An accessory attachment device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 22 further comprising a parasol configured for connection to the accessory connection means.

24. An accessory attachment device as claimed in claim 23 wherein the parasol is formed as a foldable pop-up item.

25. An accessory attachment device substantially as herein described with reference to the figures.