U.S. patent application number 09/730443 was filed with the patent office on 2002-06-06 for add-on front wheel castors for jogging stroller.
Invention is credited to Durrin, Greg R..
Application Number | 20020066156 09/730443 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 24935385 |
Filed Date | 2002-06-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020066156 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Durrin, Greg R. |
June 6, 2002 |
Add-on front wheel castors for jogging stroller
Abstract
A set of add-on front castors or casters, configured for
attachment to a conventional three wheeled jogging stroller. The
add-on front castor set includes a crossbar with a first crossbar
end, a second crossbar end and a mid-crossbar. A first castor
mounts proximate the first crossbar end and a second castor mounts
proximate the second crossbar end. The add-on front castor set also
includes a fork clamp that mounts proximate the mid-crossbar. The
fork clamp is attachable to a front wheel fork of the jogging
stroller. The front wheel fork is configured to accept a hubbed
axle of the single forward wheel that is detachable to so that the
front wheel fork can receive the fork clamp of the add-on front
castor set. The fork clamp of the front castor set is attached to
the front fork by first inserting the front fork between a top
clamp plate a bottom clamp plate. A clamp screw threads between the
top clamp plate and the bottom clamp plate, and a clamp knob is
mounted to an end of the clamp screw. By turning the clamp screw,
the front fork is compressed between the top clamp plate and the
bottom clamp plate to securely mount the fork clamp to the front
fork. The add-on castor allows a jogging stroller to function much
as a conventional "baby stroller," with swiveling castors for quick
changes in the direction of forward or rearward travel.
Inventors: |
Durrin, Greg R.; (Selah,
WA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
STRATTON BALLEW PLLC
213 South 12th Avenue
Yakima
WA
98902
US
|
Family ID: |
24935385 |
Appl. No.: |
09/730443 |
Filed: |
December 4, 2000 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
16/47 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60B 33/0073 20130101;
Y10T 16/203 20150115; B60B 33/0042 20130101; B62B 7/04 20130101;
B60B 33/0005 20130101; Y10T 16/1853 20150115; B62B 7/044 20130101;
B62B 7/046 20130101; Y10T 16/19 20150115; B60B 33/0049 20130101;
B60B 33/0002 20130101; B60B 33/0068 20130101; B62B 2301/08
20130101; B60B 33/0057 20130101; B60B 33/0021 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
16/47 |
International
Class: |
B60B 033/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An add-on front castor set for a jogging stroller, the front
castor set comprising: a crossbar having a first crossbar end, a
second crossbar end and a mid-crossbar; a first castor mounted
proximate the first crossbar end; a second castor mounted proximate
the second crossbar end; and a fork clamp mounted proximate the
mid-crossbar, the fork clamp attachable to a front wheel fork of
the jogging stroller.
2. The add-on front castor set of claim 1, wherein said front wheel
fork is conventionally configured to accept a hubbed axle of a
single forward wheel, and said jogging stroller is a three wheeled
stroller having a single forward wheel and a pair of rearward
wheels, said single forward wheel detachable from the front wheel
fork; the front wheel fork having a first fork end and a second
fork end; and said fork clamp attaches to the front wheel fork
proximate the first fork end and the second fork end.
3. The add-on front castor set of claim 1, additionally including a
fork end receiver mounted proximate mid-crossbar for receiving the
wheel front fork of the jogging stroller.
4. The add-on front castor set of claim 3, wherein: the front wheel
fork of said jogging stroller includes a first fork end and a
second fork end; the fork end receiver of said add-on front castor
set includes a fist fork end receiver and a second fork end
receiver; and the first fork end receivable into the first fork end
receiver, and the second fork end receivable into the second fork
end receiver.
5. The add-on front castor set of claim 4, wherein: the fork end
receiver has a top clamp plate, and the top clamp plate includes
said first fork end receiver and said second fork end receiver.
6. A method for adding a front castor set to a three wheeled
jogging stroller, the three wheeled jogging stroller having a front
wheel and a pair of rear wheels, the method comprising the steps
of: a) removing the front wheel from a front wheel fork of said
jogging stroller; and b) attaching a fork clamp of said front
castor set to the front wheel fork, the fork clamp mounted on a
crossbar, the crossbar having a first crossbar end, a second
crossbar end and a mid-crossbar, a first castor mounted proximate
the first crossbar end, a second castor mounted proximate the
second crossbar end, and the fork clamp mounted proximate the
mid-crossbar.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein the step of attaching the fork
clamp to the front wheel fork additionally includes the steps of:
c) inserting the front wheel fork between a top clamp plate a
bottom clamp plate; d) tightening a clamp screw by turning a clamp
knob, the clamp screw threaded between the top clamp plate and the
bottom clamp plate, and the clamp knob mounted to an end of the
clamp screw, and e) compressing the front wheel fork between the
top clamp plate and the bottom clamp plate to securely mount the
fork clamp to the front wheel fork.
8. The method of claim 6, additionally including the step of: c)
inserting the front wheel fork of the jogging stroller into a fork
end receiver.
9. The method of claim 6, additionally including the step of: c)
inserting the front wheel fork of said jogging stroller into a fork
end receiver, the front wheel fork having a first fork end and a
second fork end, the fork receiver positioned proximate the
mid-crossbar of said front castor set, and the fork end receiver of
said add-on front castor set including a first fork end receiver
and a second fork end receiver; and the first fork end receivable
into the first fork end receiver, and the second fork end
receivable into the second fork end receiver.
10. An improvement for a conventional jogging stroller, the
conventional jogging stroller including a frame having a front
fork, a single detachable forward wheel attached to the front fork,
and a pair of rearward wheels attached to the frame, wherein said
improvement comprises: an add-on front castor set, the add-on front
castor set including a crossbar having a first crossbar end, a
second crossbar end and a mid-crossbar; a first castor mounted
proximate the first crossbar end, a second castor mounted proximate
the second crossbar end; and a fork clamp mounted proximate the
mid-crossbar, the fork clamp attachable to the front fork of the
jogging stroller.
11. The improvement for a conventional jogging stroller of claim 10
additionally including: a fork end receiver mounted proximate the
mid-crossbar for receiving the front fork of the jogging
stroller.
12. The improvement for the conventional jogging stroller of claim
10, wherein the front fork of said conventional jogging stroller
additionally includes a first fork end and a second fork end, and
the improvement additionally includes; a first fork end receiver
mounted proximate the mid-crossbar of said add-on front castor, and
a second fork end receiver mounted proximate the mid-crossbar of
said add-on front castor, the first fork end receivable into the
first fork end receiver, and the second fork end receivable into
the second fork end receiver.
13. The improvement for a conventional jogging stroller of claim 11
wherein the fork end receiver additionally includes: a top clamp
plate, and the top clamp plate includes said first fork end
receiver and said second fork end receiver.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The invention provides a front wheel attachment for a three
wheeled stroller, and more specifically a method and apparatus for
an add-on set of wheel castors or casters, for a jogging
stroller.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Based upon a simple tricycle, the jogging stroller has
become a "must have" for the convenient transportation of small
children. The conventional jogging stroller is based upon a
triangular or alternatively a "T" shaped frame. The frame has a
front fork near the forward point of the frame. A single forward
wheel attaches to the front fork, and a pair of rearward wheels
attach to the rear of the frame.
[0003] The three wheels of the jogging stroller form a stable
tripod. Therefore, three wheeled strollers have a significant
advantage over their four wheeled, baby stroller and baby carriage
predecessors in that a three wheeled configuration is better suited
to steer, negotiate bumps and more comfortably carry a passenger.
The term "jogging stroller" typically pertains to a subtle
variation of a three wheeled push-stroller; suggesting that the
person pushing the stroller can safely jog or run while pushing the
stroller over varying terrain. The jogging type of three wheeled
stroller may include oversized wheels and a hand brake, to better
facilitate running and stopping with the stroller.
[0004] Many users of jogging strollers seek a stroller that can do
more than a single function or be used for more than a single
utility or purpose. A multifunctional stroller can provide the
economy and convenience of a single stroller while performing
various tasks or duties that typically would require additional
strollers, each designed for a single, specific purpose.
[0005] Jogging type strollers are made for use on relatively
straight and wide sidewalks, paths and streets. With their large
diameter wheels, maneuvering the jogging stroller in close or
confined areas can be difficult. The user must tip the stroller to
lift the front wheel of the jogging stroller up and rearward. The
user can then pivot the stroller about the rear pair of wheels,
while keeping the front tire off the ground. In typically congested
areas, such as stores, malls and office buildings, this tipping and
pivoting is very awkward and cumbersome, and so results in a
significant problem. Therefore, a jogging stroller is needed that
solves the problem of limited "close-quarters" maneuvering.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0006] The invention provides a method and apparatus for an add-on
front castor set uniquely configured for attachment to a jogging
stroller of conventional design. The conventional jogging stroller
is typified as having a frame with a front wheel fork, which can be
simply referred to as a front fork. A single forward wheel attaches
to the front fork, and a pair of rearward wheels attach to the rear
of the frame.
[0007] The add-on front castor set of the present invention
includes a crossbar as a primary component. The crossbar has a
first crossbar end, a second crossbar end and a mid-crossbar. The
mid-crossbar is the portion of the crossbar between the first
crossbar end and the second crossbar end. A first castor mounts
proximate the first crossbar end and a second castor mounts
proximate the second crossbar end.
[0008] The add-on front castor set also includes a fork clamp that
mounts proximate the mid-crossbar. The fork clamp is attachable to
a front wheel fork of the jogging stroller. The front wheel fork is
conventionally configured to accept a hubbed axle of the single
forward wheel. The single forward wheel is detachable, allowing the
front wheel fork to receive the fork clamp of the add-on front
castor set.
[0009] In a preferred alternative of the present invention, a fork
end receiver is mounted proximate the mid-crossbar. The fork end
receiver can receive the front fork of the jogging stroller. The
front fork of the conventional jogging stroller includes a first
fork end and a second fork end. In a preferred embodiment of the
present invention, the fork end receiver of the add-on front castor
set includes a first fork end receiver and a second fork end
receiver. The first fork end is received into the first fork end
receiver, and the second fork end is received into the second fork
end receiver.
[0010] The first castor and the second castor are wheeled
assemblies that each include a minimum of a single wheel.
Preferably, the first castor includes a first swivel and the second
castor includes a second swivel. The swivels allow the castors to
respond instantly to directional changes in the motion of the
jogging stroller.
[0011] The method of the present invention adds the front castor
set to a three wheeled jogging stroller. First, the front wheel is
removed from the front fork of the jogging stroller. The fork clamp
of the front castor set is then attached to the front fork.
Additionally, the method of the present invention can include
attaching the fork clamp to the front fork by first inserting the
front fork between a top clamp plate and a bottom clamp plate. Then
a clamp screw is tightened by turning a clamp knob on the fork
clamp. The clamp screw threads between the top clamp plate and the
bottom clamp plate, and the clamp knob is mounted to an end of the
clamp screw. By turning the clamp screw, the front fork is
compressed between the top clamp plate and the bottom clamp plate
to securely mount the fork clamp to the front fork.
[0012] To better seat the front fork into the add-on front castor
set, the method of the present invention can include inserting the
front fork of the jogging stroller into a fork end receiver. The
front fork includes a first fork end and a second fork end, and the
fork end receiver is positioned proximate the mid-crossbar of the
front castor set The fork end receiver includes a first fork end
receiver and a second fork end receiver. The first fork end is
received into the first fork end receiver, and the second fork end
is received into the second fork end receiver.
[0013] According to one aspect of the invention, the add-on castor
set gives the user the ability to quickly and easily modify the
jogging stroller for tight cornering in cramped areas without
tilting the stroller back to pivot about the rear wheels for
turning. Specifically, the stroller configuration of the present
invention includes an add-on castor set that allows a jogging
stroller to function much as a conventional "baby stroller," with
swiveling castors for quick changes in the direction of forward or
rearward travel.
[0014] According to another aspect of the present invention, the
add-on castor set is also easily removed for quick conversion of
the modified stroller to the conventional jogging stroller
configuration.
[0015] The invention will be better understood by reference to the
following detailed description taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective drawing of an add-on front castor
set for a jogging stroller, according to an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a side view of an add-on front castor set for a
jogging stroller, according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0018] FIG. 3 is a perspective drawing detailing an add-on front
castor set, according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0019] FIG. 4 is a partially exploded perspective drawing detailing
an add-on front castor set, according to an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0020] FIG. 5 is a partially exploded perspective drawing detailing
an add-on front castor set, according to an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0021] FIG. 6 is a perspective drawing detailing a top clamp plate
of an add-on front castor set, according to an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0022] FIG. 7 is a perspective drawing detailing an add-on front
castor set, according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0023] FIG. 8 is a partially exploded perspective drawing detailing
an add-on front castor set, according to an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0024] FIG. 9 is a partially exploded perspective drawing detailing
an add-on front castor set, according to an embodiment of the
present invention; and
[0025] FIG. 10 is a partially exploded perspective drawing
detailing an add-on front castor set, according to an embodiment of
the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS
[0026] The present invention provides a method and apparatus for an
add-on front castor set that is uniquely configured for attachment
to a jogging stroller. FIGS. 1 through 10 show an add-on front
castor set 16, also spelled "caster," for fitting to a conventional
jogging stroller 15, according to preferred embodiments of the
present invention.
[0027] As is typical for jogging type strollers, the stroller
utilized in the present invention includes a pair of rear wheels 17
mounted to a frame 18 in a parallel, coaxial relationship, as shown
in FIGS. 1 and 2. The conventional jogging stroller is based upon a
triangular or alternatively a "T" shaped frame. This conventional
jogging stroller is additionally typified as having a front wheel
fork 19, at the forward end of the frame. A single forward wheel 20
conventionally attaches to the front fork, as shown in dotted
outline in FIG. 2, and the pair of rear wheels attaches proximate
the rear of the frame. These three wheels form a stable triangular
arrangement. The frame is preferably formed to receive a passenger
seat 24. Alternatively, the passenger seat may be replaced by a
bag, cargo container or an enclosure.
[0028] The add-on front castor set 16 of the present invention
additionally includes a crossbar 25 as a primary component. The
crossbar has a first crossbar end 21, a second crossbar end 22 and
a mid-crossbar 23, as detailed in FIGS. 4, 5, 7, 8 and 9. The
mid-crossbar is the portion of the crossbar between the first
crossbar end and the second crossbar end. The crossbar is
preferably a strong and lightweight metal, such as aluminum or
steel, and preferably manufactured from a tubular material having a
round or a square cross section. Most preferably, the crossbar is
fabricated from a round aluminum tubing, such as a 6063, T832
aluminum tubing as manufactured by EASCO of Girard, Ohio, U.S.A.,
having an approximate wall thickness of 0.058 inches (1.5 mm).
[0029] As detailed in FIGS. 3, 4, 5, 9, and 10, a first castor 26
mounts proximate the first crossbar end 21 at a first castor mount
27. A second castor 28 mounts proximate the second crossbar end 22
at a second castor mount 29. Preferably, the first castor mount
receives a first swivel 31 for the first castor and the second
castor mount receives a second swivel 32 for the second castor
mount. The first castor rotates about the first swivel and the
second castor rotates about the second swivel. The first and second
swivels allow the castors to respond instantly to directional
changes in the motion of the jogging stroller.
[0030] For the present invention, the first castor 26 and the
second castor 28 are wheeled assemblies that each include a minimum
of a single wheel. However, a wide variety of swiveling castors are
currently known and are employed in devices as exemplified by
office chairs, dollies and shopping carts. Although the first
castor and the second castor can take a variety of forms, a
preferred castor for the present invention includes a two wheeled
castor, as detailed in FIGS. 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9 and 10. The preferred
first castor includes a first castor first wheel 33 and a first
castor second wheel 34. The second castor has a second castor first
wheel 37 and a second castor second wheel 38. The operation of the
castors is conventional in that the first castors and second
castors can quickly pivot on their respective swivels, allowing the
castor wheels to instantaneously respond to changes in direction of
the crossbar 25. Preferably, the wheels of the first castor and the
second castor can rotate in any direction of travel, as desired by
the person pushing or pulling the jogging stroller 15.
[0031] The add-on front castor set 16 of the present invention
includes a fork clamp 40 that mounts proximate the mid-crossbar 23.
The fork clamp receives and attaches to the front wheel fork 19 of
the jogging stroller 15. The front wheel fork is conventionally
configured to normally accept a hubbed axle of the single forward
wheel 20, or front wheel. When the single forward wheel is detached
from the stroller, the front wheel fork is receivable into the fork
clamp of the add-on front castor set.
[0032] The common, "quick-release" type of hub system can be
employed in combination with the present invention. The
quick-release hub allows the user to remove the single forward
wheel 20 easily, or interchangeably reattach the single forward
wheel after the add-on front castor set 16 is no longer desired or
needed. The front wheel fork 19 includes a first fork end 43 and a
second fork end 44. As shown in FIG. 4, 5, and 8, the first and
second fork ends can be conventional "drop-out" types of fork ends.
Drop-outs have an open configuration for use with the quick-release
hubs, allowing the easy release of the front wheel, without
disassembling the hub and axle components.
[0033] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as shown
in FIG. 6, a fork end receiver 47 is mounted proximate the
mid-crossbar 23 of the add-on castor set 16. The fork end receiver,
is preferably included in a top clamp plate 56. The fork end
receiver accepts the front wheel fork 19 of the jogging stroller
15. In this preferred embodiment of the present invention the first
fork end 43 and the second fork end 44 are both received into the
fork end receiver. The fork end receiver includes a first fork end
receiver 48 and a second fork end receiver 49. The first fork end
is received into the first fork end receiver, and the second fork
end is received into the second fork end receiver.
[0034] The fork clamp 40 attaches to the front wheel fork 19 by the
tightening of a clamp screw 52. Preferably, the clamp screw passes
through a top clamp screw hole 55 in the top clamp plate 56, a
clamp spring 57 and then through a bottom clamp plate 58. The
bottom clamp plate is preferably formed from a metal material, such
as a medium carbon steel as preferred, or a substantially
equivalent metal alloy that exhibits a high tensile strength, and
resists bending and deforming. Additionally, the bottom clamp plate
can be coated with a plastic polymer or a rubber material to help
prevent scratching of the front wheel fork 19.
[0035] As detailed in FIGS. 4 and 5, the clamp screw 56 inserts
into the top clamp screw hole 55 in the top clamp plate 56, and
then is received through a bottom screw clamp hole 59 in the bottom
clamp plate 58 and finally threaded into a screw clamp bolt 60,
which is preferably affixed to the underside of the bottom clamp
plate, by a tack weld, braze or solder.
[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the clamp screw is headed by a
clamp knob 62. Like the top clamp plate, the clamp knob can be
milled from a plastic resin material. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5,
the clamp knob is most preferably separated from the top clamp
plate by a clamp screw washer 63. The manual turning of the clamp
knob tightens the clamp screw to bring together the top clamp plate
and the bottom clamp plate about the received front wheel fork
19.
[0037] The top clamp plate 56 and bottom clamp plate 58 are
preferably manufactured from plates of a high impact plastic.
Injection moldable, cast or alternatively machined plastics that
are considered appropriate for manufacturing the top clamp plate
include ABS (acrylanitrile butadiene styrene), nylon, PC
(polycarbonate) PPO (modified polyphenylene oxide). Many of these
materials can be fortified with glass or carbon fibers, or mixed to
form alloys having improved properties. Like the top clamp plate,
the clamp knob 62 could be milled from a plastic resin material. As
an alternative to plastic materials the top clamp plate and the
clamp knob could be milled from a small block of metal, preferably
a lightweight aluminum, titanium or similar appropriate alloy.
[0038] The bottom clamp plate 58 preferably includes a mid-crossbar
bottom bracket 66 that extends upward from the leading or forward
edge of the bottom clamp plate to abut the crossbar 25 proximate
the mid-cross bar 23, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. The bottom clamp
plate preferably attaches to the mid-crossbar with a tack weld or
braze. Alternatively, the bottom clamp plate could be attached to
the crossbar with a screw, bolt or rivet. Similarly, the top clamp
plate 56, as detailed in FIG. 6, preferably includes a mid-crossbar
top bracket 67 that extends downward from the front or leading edge
of the top clamp plate. The mid-crossbar top bracket abuts against
the mid-crossbar bottom bracket, assembled as shown FIGS. 3, 4 and
5.
[0039] As shown in FIGS. 1 through 5, with the first fork end 43
and the second fork end 44 snugly received into the respective
first fork end receiver 48 and second fork end receiver 49 within
the top clamp plate 56, the tightened down fork clamp 40 prevents
movement of the front wheel fork 19, relative to the add-on castor
set 16. By loosening the clamp screw 52, the clamp spring 57
expands to assist in the separation of the top clamp plate away
form the bottom clamp plate 58, and so achieves the release of the
front wheel fork. After the fork clamp is loosened, the front fork
is easily removed from the fork end receiver 47 and the single
forward wheel 20 can then be replaced onto the front wheel
fork.
[0040] In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, as
shown in FIGS. 7 through 10, instead of including the fork end
receiver 47 in the top clamp plate 56, the fork end receiver can be
mounted proximate the mid-crossbar 23 of the add-on castor set 16.
The fork end receiver accepts the front wheel fork 19 of the
jogging stroller 15. In this alternative embodiment, the first fork
end 43 and the second fork end 44 are both received into the fork
end receiver. The fork end receiver of the add-on front castor set
can include the first fork end receiver 48 and the second fork end
receiver 49. The first fork end is received into the first fork end
receiver, and the second fork end is received into the second fork
end receiver. Also, alternatively, the fork end receiver could be
incorporated into the bottom clamp plate 58.
[0041] The fork clamp 40 attaches to the front wheel fork 19 by the
tightening of the clamp screw 52. As detailed in FIG. 9, the clamp
screw can pass through the top clamp plate 56, a clamp spring 57
and then through a bottom clamp plate 58. For this alternative
embodiment, the top and bottom clamp plates are preferably
manufactured from plates of a metallic material, such as a medium
carbon steel that exhibits a high tensile strength, to resist
bending and deforming. Additionally, similar to the preferred
embodiment, the top and bottom clamp plates can be coated with a
plastic polymer or a rubber material to prevent scratching of the
front wheel fork. For this alternative embodiment, the clamp screw
is then threaded into a clamp mount 61, which is an extension of
the mid-crossbar 23. The clamp screw is headed by the clamp knob
62. The manual turning of the clamp knob to tighten the clamp screw
brings together the top clamp plate and the bottom clamp plate
about the received front wheel fork.
[0042] With the first fork end 43 and the second fork end 44 snugly
received into the respective first fork end receiver 48 and second
fork end receiver 49, the tightened down fork clamp 40 prevents
movement of the front wheel fork 19, relative to the add-on castor
set 16. By loosening the clamp screw 52, the clamp spring 57
expands to assist in the separation of the top clamp plate 56 away
form the bottom clamp plate 58, and so achieves the release of the
front wheel fork. After the fork clamp is loosened, the front fork
is easily removed from the fork end receiver 47 and the single
forward wheel 20 can then be replaced back onto the front wheel
fork.
[0043] Similar to the clamp knob, the fork end receiver 47 is
preferably milled from a plastic resin material for this
alternative embodiment. These components could also be injection
molded or cast from a thermoplastic material. Most preferably, as
with the preferred alternative, these components are injection
molded from a thermosetting plastic as discussed above. Also
alternatively, these components could be formed from block of
metal, preferably a lightweight aluminum, titanium or similar
appropriate alloy.
[0044] The method of the present invention installs the add-on
front castor set 16 to a three wheeled jogging stroller 15. The
method first includes removing the single forward wheel 20, or
front wheel, from the front wheel fork 19 of the jogging stroller.
As discussed above, the removal of the front wheel is typically an
easy operation, considering that most jogging strollers are
equipped with quick-release hubs. The conventional purpose for the
inclusion of quick-release hubs is they provide for an easy and
quick removal of the front wheel, which is desirable for stowing or
storing the jogging stroller. However, the wide use of
quick-release hubs also aids the ease of replacement of the single
forward wheel, with the add-on castor set.
[0045] Next, the fork clamp 40 of the add-on castor set 16 is
attached to the front wheel fork 19. As also discussed above, the
fork clamp mounts on the crossbar 25. This step can also include
the insertion of the front fork between the top clamp plate 56 and
the bottom clamp plate 58. The clamp screw 52 is then tightened by
turning the clamp knob 62. The clamp knob is mounted to clamp
screw, preferably at the top end of the clamp screw, and the clamp
screw threads between the top clamp plate and the bottom clamp
plate. The tightening of the clamp screw compresses the front wheel
fork between the top clamp plate and the bottom clamp plate,
securely mounting the fork clamp to the front wheel fork.
[0046] In an alternative method of the present invention, the step
of mounting the fork clamp 40 on the crossbar 25 can also include
the additional steps of inserting the front wheel fork 19 of the
jogging stroller 15 into the fork end receiver 47, which is near
the mid-crossbar 23 of the add-on front castor set 16.
[0047] In an additional alternative method of the present
invention, the step of inserting the front wheel fork 19 of the
jogging stroller 15 into the fork end receiver 47 can additionally
include the step of inserting the first fork end 43 and the second
fork end 44 into the first fork end receiver and the second fork
end receiver, respectively. The first fork end receiver and the
second fork end receiver together comprise the fork end
receiver.
[0048] Substantially the reverse of the above method steps are
preformed to remove the add-on castor set 16 from the front wheel
fork 19 of the jogging stroller 15. The clamp knob 62 is manually
reversed, rotating it in a reverse direction, to untighten the
clamp screw 52 and separate the top clamp plate 56 from the bottom
clamp plate 58. This action releases the front wheel fork clasped
between the top clamp plate and the bottom clamp plate. The clamp
spring 57 aids in this release in that as soon as the clamp spring
is loosened, and the clamp plates are encouraged to separate due to
the tension of the clamp spring After the top and bottom clamp
plates are separated to a sufficient distance, the front wheel fork
is removed. If the front wheel fork is also inserted into the fork
end receiver 47, as preferred, the front wheel fork is now removed
from the fork end receiver to totally separate the front wheel fork
from the add-on castor set 16.
[0049] In compliance with the statutes, the invention has been
described in language more or less specific as to structural
features process steps. While this invention is susceptible to
embodiment in different forms, the specification illustrates
preferred embodiments of the invention with the understanding that
the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of
the principles of the invention, and the disclosure is not intended
to limit the invention to the particular embodiments described.
Those with ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other
embodiments and variations of the invention are possible, which
employ the same inventive concepts as described above. Therefore,
the invention is not to be limited, except by the following claims,
as appropriately interpreted in accordance with the doctrine of
equivalents.
* * * * *