U.S. patent application number 11/082735 was filed with the patent office on 2005-07-28 for stroller.
Invention is credited to Moriguchi, Kentaro, Suga, Nobuhide.
Application Number | 20050161913 11/082735 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26622516 |
Filed Date | 2005-07-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050161913 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Suga, Nobuhide ; et
al. |
July 28, 2005 |
Stroller
Abstract
A stroller includes armrests, rear legs pivotally joined to the
armrests, respectively, a handle pivotally joined to the armrests,
and brackets interconnecting the handle and the rear legs. The
brackets engage with locking members mounted on lower end parts of
side pipes of the handle. Holding members are supported on sides of
the side pipes opposite to sides of the same with which the
brackets are in contact with the side pipes by pins, respectively.
When the stroller is folded in two, stopping parts of the locking
members and stopping parts of the holding members are engaged,
respectively.
Inventors: |
Suga, Nobuhide;
(Saitama-Shi, JP) ; Moriguchi, Kentaro;
(Saitama-Shi, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WENDEROTH, LIND & PONACK, L.L.P.
2033 K STREET N. W.
SUITE 800
WASHINGTON
DC
20006-1021
US
|
Family ID: |
26622516 |
Appl. No.: |
11/082735 |
Filed: |
March 18, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11082735 |
Mar 18, 2005 |
|
|
|
10246523 |
Sep 19, 2002 |
|
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
280/647 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B62B 7/086 20130101;
B62B 7/004 20130101; B62B 7/08 20130101; B62B 2205/24 20130101;
B62B 2205/22 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
280/647 |
International
Class: |
B62B 007/06 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 19, 2001 |
JP |
2001-285299 |
Oct 15, 2001 |
JP |
2001-317362 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A stroller comprising: right and left front legs; right and left
rear legs; a handle connected to said right and left rear legs;
side connecting bars respectively interconnecting said right front
leg and said right rear leg, and said left front leg and said left
rear leg; a stay interconnecting side connecting bars; and a seat
having a bottom, said bottom supported on the stay.
2. The stroller according to claim 1, wherein said stay includes
seat support members longitudinally extending in opposite
directions from said stay.
Description
[0001] This application is divisional of U.S. Ser. No. 10/246,523,
filed Sep. 19, 2002.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a folding stroller and,
more particularly, to a three-folding stroller capable of being
locked in a two-folded state.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] A generally known folding stroller has a body frame
consisting of front and back structures which can be pulled toward
each other so that the folding stroller is folded into a compact
state and a longitudinal dimension of the folding stroller is
reduced. Hereinafter, this type of a folding stroller will be
referred to as a two-folding stroller. Another generally known
folding stroller has a body frame consisting of front and back
structures which can be pulled toward each other so that a
longitudinal dimension of the folding stroller can be reduced and
can be further folded inwardly so that a lateral dimension of the
folding stroller is reduced to further facilitate carrying the
folding stroller. Hereinafter, this type of a folding stroller will
be referred to as a three-folding stroller.
[0006] The foregoing known three-folding stroller is provided with
a locking mechanism capable of locking the folding stroller only in
a three-folded state, and is not provided with any locking
mechanism for locking the three-folding stroller in a two-folded
state. Thus, this three-folding stroller cannot be held in a
two-folded state.
[0007] Therefore, it is difficult for a person to fold this known
folding stroller with one hand while the other hand is holding a
baby, and it is possible that the folding stroller unfolds
accidentally when the folding stroller is folded temporarily in two
to carry the folding stroller up or down stairs, because the
folding stroller is not provided with any locking mechanism capable
of locking the folding stroller in a two-folded state.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to
provide a three-folding stroller capable of surely remaining in a
two-folded state.
[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, a stroller
comprises, as principal components: a pair of rear legs; and a
handle connected to the pair of rear legs, wherein the pair of rear
legs can be moved relative to the handle to folding positions for
folding; and locking structure provided between the handle and the
pair of rear legs, for maintaining the stroller in a folded state
where the pair of rear legs are in the folding positions relative
to the handle.
[0010] In the stroller according to the present invention, the rear
legs and the handle are connected by brackets.
[0011] In the stroller according to the present invention, the
locking structure includes two locking mechanisms. Each locking
mechanism includes a locking member slidably mounted on an end part
of the handle, and a holding member capable of turning together
with the bracket relative to the handle, and the locking member and
the holding member are provided with first stopping parts,
respectively, and the first stopping parts are engaged with each
other when the stroller is folded.
[0012] In the stroller according to the present invention, the
holding member turns together with the bracket relative to the
handle when the pair of rear legs are moved for folding relative to
the handle, and respective first stopping parts of the holding
member and the locking member are engaged with each other when the
pair of rear legs are folded relative to the handle.
[0013] In the stroller according to the present invention, the
locking member and the bracket are provided with second stopping
parts, respectively, and the second locking parts are engaged with
each other when the stroller is unfolded.
[0014] In the stroller according to the present invention, the
locking member is urged toward the holding member via an elastic
member.
[0015] In the stroller according to the present invention, the
holding member has a working part capable of moving the locking
member against force exerted by the elastic member while the
holding member is being turned.
[0016] In the stroller according to the present invention, armrests
are joined pivotally to the handle, and the rear legs are joined
pivotally to the armrests, respectively.
[0017] In the stroller according to the present invention, the
handle has a middle section and opposite side sections capable of
being turned inwardly relative to the middle section, and the
handle can be folded in three.
[0018] In the stroller according to the present invention, front
legs are connected to the rear legs by side connecting bars, and
the holding members are fixed to rear end parts of the side
connecting bars, respectively.
[0019] According to another aspect of the present invention, a
three-folding stroller comprises: a pair of rear legs; a handle
connected to the pair of rear legs, the handle having opposite side
parts turnable forwardly, wherein the pair of rear legs can be
moved relative to the handle to folding positions for folding; and
locking structure provided between the handle and the pair of rear
legs, for maintaining the stroller in a folded state where the pair
of rear legs is in a folding position relative to the handle.
[0020] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a
stroller includes right and left front legs, right and left rear
legs, a handle connected to the rear legs, side interconnecting
bars respectively connecting the right front leg and the right rear
leg, and the left front leg and the left rear leg, and a stay
connecting the side connecting bars; wherein a bottom included in a
seat is supported on the stay.
[0021] In the stroller according to the third aspect of the present
invention, the stay is provided with seat support members
longitudinally extending in opposite directions from the stay.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a stroller of a
first embodiment according to the present invention in an unfolded
state;
[0023] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a locking mechanism included
in the stroller shown in FIG. 1, as viewed from an inner side of
the stroller shown in FIG. 1;
[0024] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the locking mechanism, as
viewed from an outer side of the stroller shown in FIG. 1;
[0025] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a locking member;
[0026] FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b) are skeletal side elevational views of
the stroller shown in FIG. 1 in an unfolded state and in a folded
state, respectively;
[0027] FIG. 6 is a fragmentary side elevational view of the
stroller in an unfolded state of assistance in explaining a locking
operation of the locking mechanism;
[0028] FIG. 7 is a fragmentary side elevational view of the
stroller of assistance in explaining the locking operation of the
locking mechanism, showing a holding member pushing up the locking
member;
[0029] FIG. 8 is a fragmentary side elevational view of the
stroller in a folded state of assistance in explaining the locking
operation of the locking mechanism;
[0030] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a conventional three-folding
stroller in an unfolded state;
[0031] FIG. 10 is a front elevational view of the stroller shown in
FIG. 9 in a folded state;
[0032] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an important part of a
stroller of a second embodiment according to the present invention;
and
[0033] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the stroller of the second
embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0034] First Embodiment
[0035] An outline of a stroller will be explained.
[0036] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a three-folding stroller in
an unfolded state, namely, a working state, and FIG. 10 is a view
of the same stroller folded in three, and a locking mechanism
included in the stroller. A folding operation for folding the
stroller from the unfolded state shown in FIG. 9 in three as shown
in FIG. 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10.
[0037] Referring to FIG. 9, operating wires, not shown, are
extended from an operating device 7. Sliders, not shown, are moved
by operating the operating wires so as to raise locking members 6
to disengage the locking members 6 from corresponding brackets 4
holding the stroller in an unfolded state, so that the stroller is
unlocked.
[0038] Then, the stroller is held by opposite side sections C of a
handle 5, front wheels or armrests 3 are raised and turned toward a
backrest B as indicated by arrow X (a first folding step). A
longitudinal dimension of the stroller can be reduced by thus
folding the stroller in two. Then, the opposite side sections C of
the handle 5 are bent forwardly in direction of arrows Y (a second
holding step). A lateral dimension of the stroller can be reduced
by thus folding the stroller in three.
[0039] The stroller has a seat bottom divided into right and left
sections, and a mating mechanism D including mating members
respectively connected to inner end parts of the right and left
sections. When the stroller is thus folded in three as shown in
FIG. 10, the mating members are engaged with each other to lock the
stroller in a three-folded state.
[0040] A folding stroller of a first embodiment according to the
present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to
8.
[0041] FIG. 1 shows a three-folding stroller of the first
embodiment in an unfolded state in a perspective view. The stroller
has right and left rear legs 1. Rear wheels 2 are supported for
rotation on lower end parts of the rear legs 1, respectively. The
rear wheels 2 are combined with wheel stoppers, not shown,
respectively. The wheel stoppers restrain the rear wheels 2 from
rotation to park the stroller for a period of time in a desired
place. Upper end parts of the rear legs 1 are joined pivotally to
substantially middle parts of armrests 3, respectively.
[0042] Referring to FIG. 2, an L-shaped bracket 4 (connecting
member) has one end pivotally connected to an outer side of a
substantially middle part of each rear leg 1 via a pin 60, and
another end pivotally connected to a lower end of a corresponding
side section C of the handle 5, having the shape of an inverted
letter U, via a pin 70. A second stopping part 4a and a first
stopping part 4b (FIG. 8) are formed in bracket 4. The stopping
parts 4a and 4b are spaced a predetermined angular interval apart
from each other. The second stopping part 4a is able to engage with
a second stopping part 6a formed in a locking member 6. When the
second stopping part 4a and the second stopping part 6a are
engaged, the stroller is held in an unfolded state. The first
stopping part 4b is a recessed part of the bracket 4.
[0043] Referring again to FIG. 1, the locking member 6 is connected
to the operating device 7 mounted on the middle section of the
handle 5 by a wire, not shown, extended through the handle 5. The
locking member 6 is moved longitudinally upwardly along a
corresponding side section C of the handle 5 by operating the
operating device 7 to disengage second stopping part 6a of locking
member 6 from second stopping part 4a of bracket 4. The locking
member 6 is pushed always toward the bracket 4 via a spring 5a
placed inside the handle 5.
[0044] Each armrest 3 has one end pivotally joined to the handle 5
and another end pivotally joined to front legs 8. Front wheels 9
are connected to lower end parts of the front legs 8 by swivel
mechanisms, not shown. The swivel mechanisms enable smooth turning
of the stroller so as to change a moving direction. The swivel
mechanisms can be locked and unlocked as occasion demands.
[0045] Referring to FIG. 3, a holding member 10 is pivotally
connected to an inner side of the lower end of each side section C
of the handle 5 by the pin 70 opposite to the bracket 4 with
respect to the handle 5. The holding member 10 has a first stopping
part 10a capable of engaging a first stopping part 6b,
diametrically opposite to the second stopping part 6a, of the
locking member 6 as shown in FIG. 4. Each of the stopping parts 6a
and 6b has a recess of a fixed width formed in a lower end of
locking member 6.
[0046] Referring to FIG. 3, each of side connecting bars 11 has a
rear end attached to the holding member 10. As shown in FIG. 1, a
hook 12 and a ring 13 are hinged on middle parts of the right and
the left front legs 8, respectively. Front ends of the side
connecting bars 11 are attached to the hook 12 and the ring 13,
respectively. When the stroller is folded in three, the hook 12 and
the ring 13 are engaged to hold the stroller in a folded state.
[0047] Connecting bars 14a, 14b and 14c are extended between the
front legs 8, between the side connecting bars 11 and between the
rear legs 1, respectively. Each of the connecting bars 14a, 14b and
14c are divided into three substantially equal sections, and
adjacent sections are joined by two joints, respectively. The
middle section of the handle 5, similarly to the connecting bars
14a, 14b and 14c, is divided into three substantially equal
sections, and adjacent sections are joined pivotally by two joints,
respectively. The joints of the connecting bars 14a, 14b and 14c
and the middle section of the handle 5 are aligned substantially in
two parallel lines, respectively, so that a body of the stroller
can be folded into a U-shape.
[0048] The front legs 8, the side connecting bars 11, the rear legs
1, the armrests 3 and the connecting bars 14a, 14b and 14c are
essential members of the stroller and are assembled in a frame
having a rectangular shape in a plane. A guard 15 is extended
between front ends of the armrests 3 to protect a baby seated on
the seat of the stroller and to prevent the child from falling
forward off the seat.
[0049] A folding operation for folding the stroller will be
described hereinafter. FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b) show the stroller shown
in FIG. 1 in an unfolded state and in a folded state, respectively.
The operating device 7 is operated so as to raise the locking
members 6 along the side sections C of the handle 5 to disengage
the locking members 6 from the brackets 4. Then, the armrests 3 are
turned relative to the handle 5 in the direction of arrow A about
point a. Consequently, upper ends of the rear legs 1 are moved
toward the handle 5, and the brackets 4 are turned in the direction
of arrow B about point b. As the brackets 4 are thus turned in the
direction of arrow B, the front legs 8 are raised and are turned in
the direction of arrow C about point c. Thus, the stroller is
folded in a so-called two-folded state with the rear legs 1 and the
front legs 8 being moved toward a substantially middle part of the
handle 5 as shown in FIG. 5(b).
[0050] A locking operation of the locking mechanism of the folding
stroller of the first embodiment will be described with reference
to FIGS. 6 to 8. FIG. 6 shows the locking mechanism in a state
where the stroller is unfolded, FIG. 7 shows the locking mechanism
in a state where the holding member 10 has been turned through an
angle of about 30.degree. from a position for the unfolded state
and the locking member 6 is raised by a working part 10b of the
holding member 10, and FIG. 8 shows the locking mechanism in a
locking state where the stroller is folded.
[0051] Referring to FIG. 6, when the stroller is in the unfolded
state, second stopping part 4a of bracket 4 is engaged with second
stopping part 6a of locking member 6 to retain the stroller in the
unfolded state. In FIG. 6, a line 100 indicates a position and
angle of a corresponding side connecting bar 11.
[0052] When the operating device 7 is actuated by performing a
predetermined operation, such as an operation of pushing a button,
to raise locking member 6 along side section C of the handle 5 with
the stroller in the unfolded state, the locking member 6 is
disengaged from bracket 4 to enable a corresponding rear leg 1 to
turn. Then, the handle 5 is held by the opposite side parts
thereof, the front wheels 9 are lifted up, or the armrests 3 are
turned backward. Consequently, the bracket 4 is turned together
with the rear leg 1, and hence holding member 10 supported on pin
70 is turned as shown in FIG. 7.
[0053] Then, working part 10b of holding member 10 raises locking
member 6. Upon arrival of stopping part 10a of the holding member
10 at a predetermined position, the locking member 6 is lowered by
resilience of spring 5a, and stopping part 6b of the locking member
6 and the stopping part 10a of the holding member 10 are engaged to
completely fold the stroller in two. When the stopping part 6b of
the locking member 6 and the stopping part 10a of the holding
member are engaged, a part of the locking member 6 engages in
stopping part 4b of bracket 4 to restrain the bracket 4 and the
holding member 10 from turning relative to the handle 5. Thus, the
stroller is locked in the two-folded state. The stopping part 6b of
the locking member 6, and the stopping part 10a of the holding
member 10 constitute a corresponding locking mechanism.
[0054] The two-folded stroller is further folded in three into a
U-shape in a plane. The opposite side parts of the handle 5 (FIG.
1) are turned forwardly. Since each of the handle 5 and the
connecting bars 14a, 14b and 14c has the pivotal joints at
positions dividing a length thereof substantially in three equal
sections as mentioned above, the pivotal joints of the handle 5,
and the connecting bars 14a, 14b and 14c are aligned substantially
in two parallel lines. Therefore, when the opposite side sections
of the handle 5 are turned forwardly, the side sections of the
connecting bars 14a, 14b and 14c are turned forwardly accordingly.
Consequently, the stroller can be folded in three into a U-shape in
a plane as shown in FIG. 10.
[0055] When the stroller is thus folded into the U-shape to reduce
a width thereof, the front ends of the side connecting bars 11
extended between the front legs 8 and the holding members 10
approach each other. Since the hook 12 and the ring 13 are
connected to the front ends of the connecting bars, respectively,
the hook 12 and the ring 13 are engaged automatically when the
front ends of the side connecting bars 11 approach each other to
hold the stroller surely in a three-folded state.
[0056] When it is desired to unfold this three-folded stroller, the
hook 12 and the ring 13 are disengaged by a user, and reverse steps
of the above steps shown in FIGS. 6 to 8 are performed.
[0057] As mentioned above, according to the above embodiment, the
stroller can be securely folded and maintained in the two-folded
state by the above simple manner, since holding member 10 has
stopping part 10a engaged with locking member 6. In addition, since
the stroller is maintained in the two-folded state, the stroller
can be easily carried in the two-folded state.
[0058] Although the invention has been described as applied to a
three-folding stroller, the present invention is not limited
thereto in its practical application and it goes without saying
that the present invention is applicable also to two-folding
strollers.
[0059] Although locking member 6 engages in first stopping part 4b
of bracket 4 to hold the stroller in the two-folded state in the
stroller of the first embodiment, the bracket 4 does not
necessarily need to be provided with the first stopping part
4b.
[0060] As is apparent from the foregoing description, the folding
stroller according to the present invention comprises a plurality
of component members assembled in a frame of rectangular shape in a
plane, and the handle is connected to one set of the component
members from among the plurality of component members by connecting
members, and opposite side sections of the handle and parallel
component members can be turned forwardly. Since a stopping
structure is formed on base parts of the handle to hold the
component members in a state where the component members are moved
toward the handle, and stopping members hold the stroller in the
two-folded state, the stroller can be easily folded and accidental
unfolding of the stroller can be prevented.
[0061] Second Embodiment
[0062] A stroller of a second embodiment according to the present
invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12. FIG.
12 is a partly cutaway perspective view of a stroller provided with
a suspended seat. The stroller has a body including right and left
front legs 112 provided with front wheels 111, right and left rear
legs 114 provided with rear wheels 113, a substantially U-shaped
handle 115, and right and left armrests 116. A detachable guard 117
is extended between the armrests 116. The handle 115 has right and
left side pipes 118. Rear ends of the armrests 116 are joined
pivotally to parts of the side pipes 118 near lower ends of the
same. Upper ends of the front legs 112 are joined pivotally to
front ends of the armrests 116, respectively. Upper ends of the
rear legs 114 are joined pivotally to middle parts of the armrests
116, respectively. Lower ends of L-shaped brackets 119 are joined
pivotally to middle parts of the rear legs 114, respectively. Lower
ends of the side pipes 118 are joined pivotally to middle parts of
the brackets 119, respectively. When the stroller is unfolded,
locking members 120 axially slidably mounted on lower end parts of
the side pipes 118 engage stopping parts formed in upper ends of
the brackets 119 to hold the stroller in an unfolded state.
[0063] A front connecting bar 121 is extended between the right and
the left front legs 112. A rear connecting bar 122 is extended
between the right and the left rear legs 114. Side connecting bars
123 have front ends pivotally joined to middle parts of the front
legs 112, respectively, and rear ends pivotally joined together
with the brackets 119 to the lower ends of the side pipes 118,
respectively. A stay 124 is extended between middle parts of the
side connecting bars 123.
[0064] The stroller is held in an unfolded state for use by
engaging the locking members 120 mounted on the lower end parts of
the side pipes 118 with the stopping parts formed in the upper end
parts of the brackets 119. When the locking members 120 are
disengaged from the brackets 119 by operating an operating device
125 mounted on the handle 115, the armrests 116 and the side
connecting bars 123 can be turned on pins pivotally supporting the
armrests 116 and the side connecting bars 123, the front legs 112
and the rear legs 114 are turned so as to extend substantially
parallel to each other, and the stroller can be thus folded to
facilitate carrying the same.
[0065] Each of the handle 115, the front connecting bar 121, the
rear connecting bar 122 and the upper connecting bar 124 is divided
into three sections, and the three sections are joined by a pair of
pivotal joints. The pairs of pivotal joints of the handle 115, the
front connecting bar 121, the rear connecting bar 122 and the upper
connecting bar 124 are included in two vertical planes,
respectively. When the opposite side pipes 118 are turned forwardly
after setting the front legs 112 and the rear legs 114 parallel to
each other, the opposite side sections of the handle 115, the front
connecting bar 121, the rear connecting bar 122 and the stay 124
are turned forwardly, so that the stroller can be folded in
three.
[0066] A seat 126 is supported on the right and the left side pipes
118 and the side connecting bars 123. A backrest of the seat 126 is
connected to the side pipes 118, and a bottom 126b of the seat 126
is attached to the side connecting bars 123 to suspend the seat 126
like a hammock. The stay 124 supports the bottom 126b thereon.
[0067] A condition of the seat 126 on the stroller will be
described with reference to FIG. 11 showing major parts of the
stroller. Front ends of the side connecting bars 123 are joined
pivotally to middle parts of the front legs 112, respectively, and
rear ends of the side connecting bars 123 are joined pivotally,
together with the brackets 119 pivotally joined to the rear legs
114, to the lower ends of the side pipes 118, respectively. The
stay 124 is extended between middle parts of the side connecting
bar 123. The stay 124 is divided into three sections, and the three
sections are connected by two pivotal joints 124a and 124b. Thus,
opposite side sections of the stay 124 are able to turn on the
pivotal joints 124a and 124b, respectively. Seat support members
130 for supporting the seat 126 extend longitudinally from a front
to a rear outside the pivotal joints 124a and 124b, respectively.
When the seat 126 is installed on the body of the stroller, the
bottom 126b, particularly, a core 126a combined with the bottom
126b is supported by the stay 124 and the seat support members
130.
[0068] Since the bottom 126b of the seat 126 is supported on the
longitudinally extending seat support members 130, the seat 126 is
unable to swing on the stay 124 and stability of the bottom 126b
can be improved.
[0069] As is apparent from the foregoing description, the stay
connecting the side connecting bars connecting the front legs and
the rear legs is provided with the longitudinal seat support
members, and the bottom of the seat suspended like a hammock is
supported on the longitudinal seat support members. Thus, the
bottom of the seat is restrained from swinging on the stay and
longitudinal movement. Consequently, stability of the bottom can be
improved, and a baby riding in the stroller can enjoy improved
comfort.
* * * * *