WO2019053532A2

WO2019053532A2 - Improved trailer / glider board and engagement means thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2019053532A2
Application number: PCT/IB2018/056114
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michael John Oakes
Original assignee: Stroller Tech Limited
Priority date: 2017-09-12
Filing date: 2018-08-15
Publication date: 2019-03-21
Also published as: WO2019053532A3; GB2566331A; GB201714648D0; GB2566331B

Abstract

There is provided an improved detachable trailer for a stroller and engagement means. Advantageously, the trailer comprises a body having a surface for supporting a child thereon, and at least one ground engaging wheel attached thereto. The at least one catch member is inter-engageable with a corresponding shaft for coupling the body to the stroller. The catch member and said shaft are shaped so as to be inter-engageable when the trailer is in an operational position extending substantially horizontally behind the stroller. They are shaped to be rotatable relative to each other for pivoting of the body from the operational position to a stored position proximal to the rear legs of the stroller, and also disengageable from each other when the body is at a predetermined inclined position between the operational position and the stored position.

Description

IMPROVED TRAILER / GLIDER BOARD AND ENGAGEMENT MEANS THEREOF FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an improved trailer/glider board engageable with a stroller or pushchair.

BACKGROUND

Strollers, prams or pushchairs are a convenient way to transport a baby or infant when away from the home. These journeys may range from a walk around the neighborhood, to and from a local park or shops; or may involve a journey across a city using public transport.

Typically such strollers have ground engaging wheels and handles which are grasped by the adult to transport the baby or infant on their journey. Necessary supplies for the journey such as nappies, wipes, toys and books may be carried on or under the stroller in a basket or on the parents or guardians back in a backpack.

Many families have a second child shortly after the first child, but before the first child has matured sufficiently to reliably walk long distances without tiring. Therefore one stroller may no longer be sufficient for the journey, as the first child may (often unpredictably) require carrying at the same time when the younger child is already occupying the stroller.

It is possible for strollers which have a seat and a crib or two seats (either side by side or above and below each other) to address this need of the supervising parent or guardian. However, these solutions are best suited to situations where there is sufficient space for a larger stroller footprint and where the parent or guardian has prior knowledge that transport for two children will be required.

Trailers or glider boards which may be attached to strollers have also been developed to enable one stroller to carry two children but these often require tools or clips to engage the trailer with the stroller. This can be a time consuming and potentially frustrating task for a parent or guardian who is also supervising a child or infant at the same time as attempting to attach the trailer or glider board to a stroller.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present disclosure to provide an improved glider board which at least offers ameliorates or addresses at least some of the above problems, or provides the public with increased choice.

SUMMARY

Features and advantages of the disclosure will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or can be learned by practice of the herein disclosed principles. The features and advantages of the disclosure can be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

In accordance with a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a detachable trailer for a stroller, the trailer comprising a body having a surface for supporting a child thereon, and at least one ground engaging wheel attached thereto; and at least one catch member inter- engageable with a corresponding shaft for coupling the body to the stroller, wherein the catch member and said shaft are shaped so as to be inter-engageable when the trailer is in an operational position extending substantially horizontally behind the stroller, rotatable relative to each other for pivoting of the body from the operational position to a stored position proximal to the rear legs of the stroller, and disengageable from each other when the body is at a predetermined inclined position between the operational position and the stored position.

Alternatively in another aspect, the detachable trailer for a stroller may comprise a body having a surface for supporting a child thereon, and at least one ground engaging wheel attached thereto and at least one shaft inter-engageable with a corresponding catch member for coupling the body to the stroller, wherein the catch member and said shaft are shaped so as to be inter- engageable when the trailer is in an operational position extending substantially horizontally behind the stroller, rotatable relative to each other for pivoting of the body from the operational position to a stored position proximal to the rear legs of the stroller, and disengageable from each other when the body is at a predetermined inclined position between the operational position and the stored position.

Advantageously the catch member and corresponding shaft are disengageable in the inclined position without disengagement of any securing means coupling the shaft and the catch member.

Optionally the catch member may have a cavity with a substantially circular cross section, the cavity receiving a shaft having a cross section shaped for relative rotation therebetween. A passage for receiving the shaft into the cavity may be defined by spaced apart terminal portions on the catch member.

The terminal portions of the catch member may be spaced apart by a distance greater than a first dimension measured across a cross section of the shaft in a first orientation for retaining the shaft within the cavity and wherein the terminal portions of the catch member may be spaced apart by a distance less than a second dimension measured across the cross section of of the shaft in a second orientation for removing the shaft from within the cavity.

Optionally, the at least one terminal portion of the catch member may be a flange spaced apart from the other terminal portion of the catch member by a distance which is greater than a first dimension of the shaft measured normal to at least one flat face formed in the shaft and a face of the shaft opposite the at least one flat face, when the at least one flat face is aligned with the at least one corresponding flange of the catch member for admitting the shaft into the cavity; and wherein the terminal portions of the catch member may be spaced apart by a distance less than a second dimension across the shaft for retaining the shaft in the cavity.

The terminal portions of the catch members may comprise a pair of flanges are spaced apart by a distance greater than a first dimension of the shaft measured between two corresponding substantially parallel flat faces formed on the shaft for admitting the shaft into the cavity and wherein the flanges of the catch member are spaced apart by a distance less than a second dimension across the shaft for retaining the shaft in the cavity.

The at least one catch member may be substantially "C" shaped, with spaced apart flanges on the ends of the arms of the "C". There may be two spaced apart catch members.

The body may be secured in the stored position using a detachably engageable retention arm member, which may extend from a detachable bracket engageable with at least one rear leg of the stroller. The bracket may be formed by two sections secured together about the frame using a fastening means.

Advantageously, the shaft may extend from a bracket detachably engaged with the frame of the stroller.

In a further aspect there is provided a catch member for engaging a trailer to a stroller, the catch member being attached to the body of the trailer and inter-engageable with a corresponding shaft on the stroller for coupling the trailer to the stroller, wherein the catch member and said shaft are shaped so as to be inter-engageable when the trailer is in an operational position extending substantially horizontally behind the stroller, rotatable relative to each other for pivoting of the body from the operational position to a stored position proximal to the rear legs of the stroller, and disengageable from each other when the body is at a predetermined inclined position between the operational position and the stored position. In still a further aspect, there is provided a catch member for engaging a trailer to a stroller, the catch member being attached to the stroller and inter-engageable with a corresponding shaft on the trailer for coupling the trailer to the stroller, wherein the catch member and said shaft are shaped so as to be inter-engageable when the trailer is in an operational position extending substantially horizontally behind the stroller, rotatable relative to each other for pivoting of the body from the operational position to a stored position proximal to the rear legs of the stroller, and disengageable from each other when the body is at a predetermined inclined position between the operational position and the stored position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited and other advantages and features of the disclosure can be obtained, a more particular description of the principles briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only exemplary embodiments of the disclosure and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the principles herein are described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings.

Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be explained in further detail below by way of examples and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:- FIG 1A depicts a top view of the trailer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure when inter-engaged with a stroller.

FIG 1 B depicts a side view of the trailer when inter-engaged with the stroller in the embodiment depicted in Fig 1A.

FIG 1 C depicts a side perspective view of the trailer of Fig 1A inter-engaged with stroller, when the trailer is in a stowed position.

FIG 1 D depicts a side view of the stowed trailer and stroller of Fig 1C.

FIG 2A depicts an under-plan view of the trailer depicted in Figs 1 A to 1 D when in a disengaged state.

FIG 2B depicts a top view of the trailer of Fig 2A in a disengaged state.

FIG 3A depicts an under-plan view of an exemplary bracket when disengaged from the stroller and in a closed state.

FIG 3B depicts the bracket of 3A in an opened state.

FIG 3C depicts a perspective view of the brackets of 3A and 3B in a closed state. FIG 4A depicts the exemplary catch member and shaft with the trailer proximal to the shaft member of the exemplary bracket, in a position where the catch member and shaft are about to inter-engage.

FIG 4B depicts a side view of the exemplary catch member and shaft member of Fig 4A in a position of partial engagement.

FIG 4C depicts the engaged and rotatable state for the shaft and catch member of Fig 4A after engagement.

FIG 4D depicts the catch member and shaft of Fig 4A shortly after disengagement.

FIG 4E is a top view of the catch member and the shaft depicted in Fig 4D shortly after disengagement.

FIG 5A depicts a perspective view of an exemplary retaining member for retaining the trailer in a stowed position when removed from the stroller;

FIG 5B depicts a top view of the retaining member of Fig 5A when engaging the trailer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Various embodiments of the disclosure are discussed in detail below. While specific implementations are discussed, it should be understood that this is done for illustration purposes only. A person skilled in the relevant art will recognize that other components and configurations may be used without parting from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

The disclosed technology addresses the need in the art for an improved trailer or glider board interengageable with the stroller which is easily attached and stored.

Referring now to Figs 1A to 1 D, there is depicted a stroller or pushchair 10 to which a trailer or glider board 20 is attached in a variety of states.

In the embodiment depicted, the stroller 10 has a rear axle 12 to which two rear wheels 14 are attached.

In the embodiment shown, the trailer 20 has wheels 22 and 24 which are attached to a board or body 26 and two arm members 28a, 28b to which corresponding catch members 30a, 30b are attached.

An optional retention arm 42 (attached to a bracket 44) is shown in Fig 1 D. The retention arm 42 retains the board in a stowed position which is close to the rear legs of the stroller. In the arrangement depicted, the retention arm 42 is attached to a bracket 44 which may be removed or detached from the stroller as required. Other arrangements for the retention arm would of course be possible, including a retention arm which engages in another way with the glider board in the stowed position, for example, via a notch or other catch arrangement. It would be appreciated that in the embodiment depicted, the retention arm is selected from a resiliently biased plastic which end is located in an appropriate position for retaining the board in a stowed position.

It would be appreciated from the state of the trailer and stroller depicted in Figs 1A and 1 B, that the board may extend substantially horizontally behind the stroller 10 in an operative position. In this position, the child or infant is able to stand on the body of the trailer (i.e. on the board 26).

Conversely, the board may also be retracted and moved from the operable position shown in Figs 1A and 1 B such that it is stowed or secured closed to the rear legs of the stroller as depicted in Figs 1 C and 1 D. In this orientation, the board is no longer near to the legs of the person (parent or guardian) behind the stroller, pushing the stroller and is out of the way. This is particularly convenient for when the second child is happy to walk adjacent to the stroller, rather than needing to be transported on the stroller- for example at the start of a journey, or when the oldest child has been dropped off to school, and the parent is returning to the car.

Referring now to Fig 2A, there can be seen an under-plan view of the trailer or glider board of the embodiment depicted in Figs 1A to 1 D. The trailer 20 has a board 26 to which wheels 22 and 24 are attached on either side. Two arms 28a, 28b extend from the board, and terminate in catch members 30a, 30b. In the arrangement depicted, there are two arms, however it would be appreciated that one arm (not shown), two arms (as shown) or more than two arms (not shown) could be utilized, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Furthermore, in the arrangement depicted it can be seen that the catch members 30a, 30b are formed on the arms of the trailer. A person skilled in the art would appreciate that these catch members could also be formed as shaft members which engage with corresponding catch members attached to the stroller as explained in more detail with reference to Figs 4A-4E below without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

The trailer or glider board can also be seen in top view in Fig 2B, with corresponding features of Fig 2A also identified in that view.

Advantageously, the trailer could be moulded from plastic, although other materials could be also used to provide the appropriate weight/strength compromise desired. Preferably, the front portions of the catch members 30a, 30b may also include metal reinforcement included within the plastic to resist the forces applied during engagement at this region.

Referring now to Figs 3A to 3C, there is depicted a variety of orientations of an exemplary bracket 50, to which the catch members 30a, 30b may attach, to thereby engage the trailer with the bracket, and in turn (when the bracket is attached to the stroller), the stroller. As depicted, the bracket 50 has a channel 52 which is sized and shaped so as to match with the diameter and profile of the rear legs of the stroller. In the embodiment depicted, the channel 50 is formed in the bracket 50 itself, together with the closure means 54 which are hingedly attached to the bracket 50. The closure means may be secured by a threaded bolt engaging with a nut or similar engagement means for tightening the bracket around the rear legs of the stroller. Alternatively, the threaded bolt may simply engage with a corresponding threaded mating hole which may be formed in the plastic.

It would be appreciated that the bracket could be made of any material, in the embodiment depicted this is made from polypropylene or nylon plastic. Advantageously, it would be appreciated that the channel of the bracket could be formed and sized and shaped in such a way that it provides for a secure attachment.

As well as engaging with the stroller, the bracket 50 is engageable with the catch members. At the other end of the bracket to the point of engagement with the stroller, there is provided a shaft which is engageable with one of the catch members 30a or 30b.

Referring to Fig 3C in particular, it can be seen that the shaft has four surfaces; two flat faces 57, 58 (not visible in this orientation) which are substantially parallel with each other, each flat face adjoining two curved surfaces 59, 60. Essentially, the shaft 56 is formed by cutting a cylindrical member with two planes substantially parallel to each other and on either side of the longitudinal axis of the cylinder.

As would be appreciated by a person skilled in the art, another arrangement for the catch member is such that only one flat force is formed in the shaft and in the corresponding catch member, to provide for secure engagement in a similar way as that depicted in Figs 4A- 4E, without detracting from the scope of the present disclosure.

Similarly, although in the embodiment depicted, the two surfaces 59, 60 adjoining the flat faces are curved, it would be appreciated that these adjoining faces adjoining the two flat faces depicted could be faceted or otherwise configured.

Imporrtantly, the distance across the faces is larger than the width between the gap defined by the flanges of the corresponding catch member, as it is this dimension of the shaft relative to the width of the gap which retains the shaft within the catch member.

This shape and arrangement of the shaft provides curved surfaces 59, 60, which can rotate in corresponding circular portions of the catch member 30a, 30b which are sized so as to have a slightly larger diameter than that of the shaft 56 as is discussed in further detail below.

The engagement and disengagement of the catch member with the shaft with two parallel faces is depicted in further detail in Figs 4A and 4E. In the arrangement depicted, the catch member 30a is formed in an essentially "C"- shaped configuration. That is, there is a portion which includes a rounded surface or seat 31 which is substantially circular in cross section. This portion allows rotation of the catch member relative to the shaft, for relative movement of the catch member and attached body about the common rotational axis of the shaft and the catch member when engaged.

At the opening to the surface or seat 31 , there is defined a passage 32 through which the shaft may be brought into engagement with the seat or surface 31 of the catch member. This passage may be defined at the entrance to the seat (essentially circular in cross section) by the two substantially parallel flat faces 33, 35.

Advantageously, these faces would be spaced apart by a distance slightly larger than the distance between the corresponding substantially flat faces 57, 58 of the shaft.

Thus the shaft is sized (in particular the distance between flat faces 57, 58) so that it is slightly smaller than the distance between the flat faces 33, 35 of the passage formed in the catch member. This can be seen in particular in Fig 4B where the flat faces of the shaft, 57, 58, pass between the flat faces 33, 35 of the catch member as the shaft and catch member are introduced until reaching a position of inter-engagement as depicted in Fig 4C.

It would be appreciated, with this geometry discussed, the shaft is engaged with the catch member, but at the same time is rotatable in the seat 31 of the catch member. However, only when the flat faces of the shaft 57, 58 and the corresponding flat faces of the catch member 30a, are essentially aligned in parallel planes, is it possible for the shaft to disengage from the catch member; hence disengaging the trailer and stroller from each other.

This can be seen with reference to Fig 4D particularly when the shaft 56 and the catch member 30a are shown shortly after disengagement.

Referring now to Fig 4E, an alternative view is presented for completeness in which the flat surface 57, 58 of the shaft are aligned above the corresponding flat surfaces or faces 33, 35 of the catch member 30a.

In the embodiment depicted in the shaft and catch member shown in Figs 4A to 4E, a particular shape of the catch member and shaft member has been depicted. Importantly, the spacing of a separation of the faces on the shaft member must be slightly smaller than the corresponding spacing and separation of the flat faces in the catch member. Furthermore, the diameter of the shaft 56 should preferably be sized so as to be received within the seat cavity formed within the catch member. It would be appreciated that other configurations of the catch member relative to the shaft would be possible, including using faceted surfaces (rather than curved surfaces 59,60) and one flat face (rather than the two flat faces 57,58).

Advantageously, in the present disclosure, it has been identified by configuring the geometry and sizing of the shaft and corresponding catch member, it is possible to provide the features of allowing rotation, allowing securing of the catch and (in certain positions) disengagement of the shaft from the catch member, without the need for an additional securing means to "lock" the shaft and catch together as has been required for prior art devices. In the embodiment depicted, the geometry is essentially a C-shaped profile for the catch member 30a, with flat surfaces at either end of the C.

Furthermore, it would be appreciated that in the embodiment depicted, the catch members are formed on the arms extending from the board, however it would be appreciated that the same benefits identified by the present disclosure could be realized by providing the shaft on one or more arms and the catch member on the stroller.

Advantageously, in the arrangement depicted, the shaft is part of a detachable bracket. However, it would be appreciated that the shaft could just easily be integrally formed so as to extend from the rear stroller legs.

Referring now to Fig 5A, an optional retention arm member 42 extends from a bracket 44 which has a channel of a specific size and shape so as to extend about the tubular frame forming the rear stroller legs. Of course, it would be appreciated that other arrangements would be possible, including arrangements whereby the bracket may be secured by a fastening means.

In the embodiment of the retention member depicted, the retention arm 42 is resiliently biased so as to engage the board when in an upright position. In this position, the board is secured essentially close to the rear of the legs of the stroller, away from where the person walking behind the stroller will walk.

It would be appreciated that the present disclosure provides an extremely useful way of transporting a toddler and an infant or baby on the same stroller, without requiring dedicated seats/cribs for each.

With the inclusion of the optional detachable brackets, which include a shaft and/or catch member, the stroller can be configured so as to be engageable with the trailer or glider board at any time it is desired.

The glider board could be carried in a back pack or under the stroller, and when required, simply attached by aligning the respective faces of the shaft and the catch member for inter- engagement. The catch member is rotatable about the shaft so as to pivot from the interengagement position to an operational position; and (in due course) to a stowed position when temporarily not required. Alternatively, the glider board or trailer could be carried somewhere else (e.g. on hooks or brackets attached to the stroller) to be engaged when required.

Advantageously, no tools are required for attaching the trailer or glider board to the catch member and the engagement and disengagement operations are relatively quick, without the need for any additional engagement/disengagement of a securing means.

Accordingly, the present disclosure provides an elegant solution for transporting a somewhat unpredictable independently mobile child and an infant at the same time, using the one stroller. The above embodiments are described by way of example only. Many variations are possible without departing from the scope of the disclosure as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A detachable trailer for a stroller, the trailer comprising: a body having a surface for supporting a child thereon, and at least one ground engaging wheel attached thereto; at least one catch member inter-engageable with a corresponding shaft for coupling the body to the stroller, wherein the catch member and said shaft are shaped so as to be inter-engageable when the trailer is in an operational position extending substantially horizontally behind the stroller, rotatable relative to each other for pivoting of the body from the operational position to a stored position proximal to the rear legs of the stroller, and disengageable from each other when the body is at a predetermined inclined position between the operational position and the stored position.

2. A detachable trailer for a stroller, the trailer comprising: a body having a surface for supporting a child thereon, and at least one ground engaging wheel attached thereto; at least one shaft inter-engageable with a corresponding catch member for coupling the body to the stroller, wherein the catch member and said shaft are shaped so as to be inter-engageable when the trailer is in an operational position extending substantially horizontally behind the stroller, rotatable relative to each other for pivoting of the body from the operational position to a stored position proximal to the rear legs of the stroller, and disengageable from each other when the body is at a predetermined inclined position between the operational position and the stored position.

3. The detachable trailer according to claim 1 wherein the catch member and corresponding shaft are disengageable in the inclined position without disengagement of any securing means coupling the shaft and the catch member.

4. The detachable trailer according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the catch member has a cavity having a substantially circular cross section, said cavity receiving the wherein said shaft has a cross section shaped for relative rotation therebetween.

5. The detachable trailer according to claim 4 wherein a passage for receiving the shaft into the cavity is defined by spaced apart terminal portions on the catch member.

6. The detachable trailer according to claim 5 wherein the terminal portions of the catch member are spaced apart by a distance greater than a first dimension measured across a cross section of the shaft in a first orientation for retaining the shaft within the cavity and wherein the terminal portions of the catch member are spaced apart by a distance less than a second dimension measured across the cross section of the shaft in a second orientation for removing the shaft from within the cavity.

7. The detachable trailer according to claim 6 wherein at least one terminal portion of the catch member is a flange spaced apart from the other terminal portion of the catch member by a distance which is greater than a first dimension of the shaft measured normal to at least one flat face formed in the shaft and a face of the shaft opposite the at least one flat face, when the at least one flat face is aligned with the at least one corresponding flange of the catch member for admitting the shaft into the cavity;

and wherein the terminal portions of the catch member are spaced apart by a distance less than a second dimension across the shaft for retaining the shaft in the cavity.

8. The detachable trailer according to claim 7 wherein the terminal portions of the catch members comprise a pair of flanges are spaced apart by a distance greater than a first dimension of the shaft measured between two corresponding substantially parallel flat faces formed on the shaft for admitting the shaft into the cavity and wherein the flanges of the catch member are spaced apart by a distance less than a second dimension across the shaft for retaining the shaft in the cavity.

9. The detachable trailer according to claim 4 wherein the at least one catch member is substantially "C" shaped, with spaced apart flanges on the ends of the arms of the "C".

10. The detachable trailer according to any one of the preceding claims wherein there are two spaced apart catch members.

11. The detachable trailer according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the body is secured in the stored position using a detachably engageable retention arm member.

12. The detachable trailer according to claim 11 wherein the retention arm member extends from a detachable bracket engageable with at least one rear leg of the stroller.

13. The detachable trailer according to claim 12 wherein the bracket is formed by two sections secured together about the frame using a fastening means.

14. The detachable trailer according to claim 1 or any one of the claims 3-11 when appended to claim 1 wherein the shaft extends from a bracket detachably engaged with the frame of the stroller.

15. A catch member for engaging a trailer to a stroller, the catch member being attached to the body of the trailer and inter-engageable with a corresponding shaft on the stroller for coupling the trailer to the stroller, wherein the catch member and said shaft are shaped so as to be inter-engageable when the trailer is in an operational position extending substantially horizontally behind the stroller, rotatable relative to each other for pivoting of the body from the operational position to a stored position proximal to the rear legs of the stroller, and disengageable from each other when the body is in a predetermined inclined position between the operational position and the stored position.

16. A catch member for engaging a trailer to a stroller, the catch member being attached to the stroller and inter-engageable with a corresponding shaft on the trailer for coupling the trailer to the stroller, wherein the catch member and said shaft are shaped so as to be inter- engageable when the trailer is in an operational position extending substantially horizontally behind the stroller, rotatable relative to each other for pivoting of the body from the operational position to a stored position proximal to the rear legs of the stroller, and disengageable from each other when the body is in a predetermined inclined position between the operational position and the stored position.