U.S. patent application number 11/696013 was filed with the patent office on 2007-10-18 for stroller with removable storage.
This patent application is currently assigned to Graco Children's Products Inc.. Invention is credited to Michael A. Dotsey, Patrick Nolan.
Application Number | 20070241524 11/696013 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38309970 |
Filed Date | 2007-10-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070241524 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dotsey; Michael A. ; et
al. |
October 18, 2007 |
Stroller with Removable Storage
Abstract
A stroller includes a frame assembly, an occupant seat supported
by the frame assembly, and a storage container removably suspended
from the frame assembly under the occupant seat. In some cases, the
frame assembly includes a spine. The spine has an underside surface
with a one or more brackets or hooks. The brackets are arranged
along a main axis of the spine. As a result, each bracket is
equidistant from each of a pair of wheels to center the suspended
item between the pair of wheels.
Inventors: |
Dotsey; Michael A.;
(Pottstown, PA) ; Nolan; Patrick; (Royersford,
PA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LEMPIA FORMAN LLC
223 W. JACKSON BLVD.
SUITE 620
CHICAGO
IL
60606
US
|
Assignee: |
Graco Children's Products
Inc.
Exton
PA
19341
|
Family ID: |
38309970 |
Appl. No.: |
11/696013 |
Filed: |
April 3, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60789240 |
Apr 3, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
280/47.38 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B62B 7/044 20130101;
Y10T 16/18 20150115; B62B 2202/023 20130101; B60B 33/0042 20130101;
B62B 9/18 20130101; B62B 9/26 20130101; B62B 2301/20 20130101; B62B
2205/006 20130101; B60B 33/0002 20130101; Y10T 16/195 20150115;
B62B 9/24 20130101; B62B 9/102 20130101; B62B 7/08 20130101; B62B
5/065 20130101; B60B 33/0039 20130101; B62B 9/20 20130101; Y10T
16/212 20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
280/047.38 |
International
Class: |
B62B 7/00 20060101
B62B007/00 |
Claims
1. A stroller, comprising: a frame assembly; an occupant seat
supported by the frame assembly; and, a storage container removably
suspended from the frame assembly under the occupant seat.
2. The stroller of claim 1, further comprising a bracket secured to
the frame assembly and engaged by the storage container.
3. The stroller of claim 2, wherein the storage container comprises
a strap, and wherein the bracket comprises a hook engaged by the
strap.
4. The stroller of claim 2, wherein the frame assembly comprises a
central spine to which the bracket is secured.
5. The stroller of claim 4, further comprising a further bracket
secured to the central spine, such that the first-named bracket and
the further bracket are aligned along a main axis of the central
spine.
6. The stroller of claim 5, wherein the main axis of the central
spine is inclined.
7. The stroller of claim 2, wherein the storage container comprises
a surface having a notch, and wherein the bracket comprises a hook
disposed in the notch.
8. The stroller of-claim 1, further comprising a pair of wheels
coupled to the frame assembly, wherein the storage container is
attached to the frame at an attachment position equidistant from
each of the pair of wheels.
9. A stroller, comprising: a frame assembly comprising a spine; a
pair of wheels coupled to the frame assembly, each wheel extending
in a respective outward direction from the spine; and, a bracket
disposed on an underside of the spine to suspend an item under the
frame assembly; wherein the bracket is equidistant from each of the
pair of wheels to center the suspended item between the pair of
wheels.
10. The stroller of claim 9, wherein the bracket comprises a hook
from which the item is suspended.
11. The stroller of claim 10, wherein the hook comprises a
projection oriented in a direction transverse to a main axis of the
spine.
12. The stroller of claim 10, wherein the hook comprises a
projection oriented along a main axis of the spine.
13. A stroller, comprising: a frame assembly comprising a spine,
the spine having an underside surface with a first hook and a
second hook, the hooks being arranged along a main axis of the
spine; an occupant seat supported by the frame assembly; and, a
storage container having first and second connectors to engage the
first and second hooks, respectively, such that the storage item is
suspended from the underside surface of the spine beneath the
occupant seat.
14. The stroller of claim 13, wherein at least one of the first and
second hooks comprises a projection oriented in a direction such
that upward movement of the storage container along the main axis
of the spine disengages the storage container from the frame
assembly.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION DATA
[0001] This patent is related to and claims priority benefit of
U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/789,240, which was filed
on Apr. 3, 2006 and entitled "Stroller," and which is hereby
incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Disclosure
[0003] The present disclosure is generally directed to strollers,
and more particularly to strollers having storage containers.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] Strollers have conventionally been equipped with a basket
for storage of accessories and personal items. Typically, the
storage basket is attached to, or includes, a frame located beneath
or behind an occupant seat, where the storage basket hangs. To
secure the storage basket, to the frame, soft goods of the storage
basket are often sewn into position around sections of the frame.
The frame of the storage basket of some strollers is then connected
to a main, structural frame of the stroller. With these
connections, storage baskets are typically fixed in place or are
not removable without dissembling the stroller. Accessing the
contents of the basket can accordingly be inconvenient.
[0006] Burdened by the foregoing limitations, storage baskets are
often supplanted by handbags and other bags, especially in
connection with the storage of personal and other items that are
frequently required. Such bags are then casually hung from portions
of the stroller not designed to carry or support a bag or other
item. For example, bags are often draped over a handle or other
laterally extending component. Unfortunately, hanging a container
and its contents on one handle (or one side of a handlebar) can
result in an unbalanced stroller, which can be a source of
inconvenience or, in some cases, instability.
[0007] Some strollers are equipped with components directed to
carrying individual accessories or personal items. For example,
trays, cupholders and pouches have also been clipped onto or
attached to strollers for the convenience of the seat occupant and
the caregiver. These components can typically only accommodate
smaller sized items. Thus, such components can be unsuitable for
carrying larger items or large numbers of items, much less bags and
other containers in which such items are stored.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] Objects, features, and advantages of the present invention
will become apparent upon reading the following description in
conjunction with the drawing figures, in which:
[0009] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of one example of a stroller
assembly having a removable storage container attached in
accordance with one aspect of the disclosure;
[0010] FIG. 2 shows an elevational, side view of the exemplary
stroller of FIG. 1;
[0011] FIG. 3 shows an elevational, rear view of the exemplary
stroller of FIG. 1 with soft goods removed for ease in
illustration;
[0012] FIG. 4 shows a bottom view of the exemplary stroller of FIG.
1 with soft goods removed for ease in illustration;
[0013] FIG. 5 is a perspective, partial view of the exemplary
stroller of FIG. 1 showing the attachment of a storage container
via a pair of attachment hooks in accordance with one
embodiment;
[0014] FIG. 6 is a partial view of the attachment of the storage
container taken along the lines 6-6 of FIG. 2, showing a lower
attachment hook of the pair of attachment hooks in greater
detail;
[0015] FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the attachment of the storage
container taken along the lines 7-7 of FIG. 2, showing an upper
attachment hook of the pair of attachment hooks in greater
detail;
[0016] FIGS. 8A-8C show front side and rear elevational views of an
exemplary storage container suitable for attachment to the
exemplary stroller of FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 9 is a representation of the exemplary storage
container of FIGS. 8A-8C in use as a shoulder bag;
[0018] FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of the exemplary stroller
of FIG. 1 with an optional storage container attached at one of the
pair of attachment hooks shown in FIG. 5;
[0019] FIG. 11 is an elevational, side view of an exemplary
stroller with a storage container attached via a pair of attachment
hooks in accordance with an alternative embodiment; and,
[0020] FIG. 12 is a partial view of the attachment of the storage
container taken along lines 12-12 of FIG. 1 1, showing a lower
attachment hook in greater detail.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0021] This disclosure is generally related to strollers having a
removable storage container. In accordance with one aspect of the
disclosure, the storage container is conveniently removable despite
being located beneath an occupant seat and stroller frame sections
supporting the seat. In accordance with another aspect of the
disclosure, the storage container is suspended from a spine of the
stroller frame at a number of attachment, or connection, points
located along, or aligned with, a longitudinal or main axis of the
spine. As a result, the storage container may be suspended from one
or more of the attachment points without unbalancing the stroller.
In some cases, one of the attachment points includes a hook or
bracket suitable for attaching a variety of bags or containers. The
hook or bracket is placed along the main axis of the spine such
that the center of gravity of the bag does not extend beyond the
wheelbase of the stroller. In some cases, the storage container
engages upper and lower hooks so that lifting the storage container
along the main axis of the spine disengages the storage container
from the stroller.
[0022] Although certain aspects of the disclosure relate to details
regarding the storage container and the removable nature of its
connection to the stroller, the disclosed stroller is well suited
for use with a number of different types of containers. Indeed,
some aspects of the disclosure may be practiced with a storage
container that is not configured for convenient removal. Moreover,
other aspects of the disclosure are directed to the stroller
itself, even though the aspects may involve components that provide
potential storage options. Such aspects of the disclosure are
provided without limitation to a particular type of bag, container
or other item that may, but need not, eventually be attached to the
stroller as described below.
[0023] Turning now to the drawings, a stroller is generally
indicated at 100 in FIGS. 1-4 and is constructed in accordance with
the teachings of the present invention. In the disclosed example,
the stroller 100 generally has a frame assembly 102, a seat
assembly 104 (FIGS. 1-2) supported by the frame assembly 102, and a
plurality of wheels supporting the frame assembly 102 on a ground
surface. In general, the frame assembly 102 in the disclosed
example includes a pair of rear wheels 106 and a single front wheel
assembly 108 positioned forward of and at a midpoint between the
rear wheels 106. In this example, the front wheel assembly 108 has
two wheels 109 spaced apart side by side.
[0024] The frame assembly 102 in this example generally has a seat
mounting frame 110 that is a U-shaped component. In the disclosed
example, the seat assembly 104 can be removed from the seat frame
110 and the stroller 100. In general, the removable seat assembly
104 includes a pair of seat attachment tubes 112 positioned on
opposite sides of an occupant seat 114 (FIGS. 1-2). The seat tubes
112 are connected to and can be removed from upper ends 116 of the
seat frame 110. The seat 114 of the seat assembly 104 is supported
on the stroller 100 at least in part by the seat tubes 112 and has
a canopy 118 (FIGS. 1-2) connected to an upper part of the seat
114. The seat 114 also has a seat back 120 (FIGS. 1-2), a seat
bottom 122 (FIGS. 1-2), and seat side wings 124 (FIGS. 1-2)
positioned on opposite sides of the seat back 120 and the seat
bottom 122.
[0025] A footrest 126 (FIGS. 1-2) is positioned at the bottom of
the seat assembly 104 and is suspended from the front edge of the
seat bottom 122 by a mesh fabric panel 128 (FIGS. 1-2) in this
example. The footrest 126 is also connected to the lower part of
the seat frame 1 10. In the disclosed example, the-seat 104 can be
made entirely of fabric or like materials and be suspended from the
seat tubes 112 and the seat frame 110, when attached.
Alternatively, portions of the seat assembly 104 can have a
removable cover placed over a generally rigid supporting structure
that defines and shapes at least part of the seat 114, such as the
seat bottom 122 and parts of the seat side wings 124. Thus, once
attached to the seat frame 110, the seat assembly 104 can be
sufficiently supported on the stroller 100 and substantial enough
to support the weight of a child occupant. As will be evident to
those having ordinary skill in the art, the configuration and
construction of the seat assembly 104 and the seat 114 can vary
considerably and yet fall within the spirit and scope of the
present invention.
[0026] The stroller frame assembly 102 in the disclosed example
generally has a central spine 140 with a lower end 142 positioned
near the front wheel assembly 108. The spine 140 also has an upper
end 144 positioned behind the seat back 120 of the seat assembly
114 and between the rear wheels 106. A pair of curved rear legs 146
extend downwardly in opposite directions from an underside of the
spine 140. Each leg 146 is bowed outwardly and extends in a
rearward and downward direction. A proximal or top end 148 of each
leg is coupled to a rear leg connector 150 (FIGS. 2-4) positioned
on the underside of the spine 140. The connector 150 is positioned
in this example about mid-point between the upper end 144 and the
lower end 142 of the spine 140. A distal or lower end 152 of each
rear leg 146 in this example carries one of the rear wheels
106.
[0027] A rear leg link 154 is positioned on each side of the frame
assembly 102 and links each rear leg 146 to the spine 40. Each link
154 has one end 156 (FIGS. 2-4) coupled to a connector 158 (FIGS.
2-4) on the underside of the spine 140 positioned below the rear
leg connector 150 along the spine. Each link 154 also has another
end 160 coupled to a corresponding one of the rear legs 146. The
links 154 provide stability for the stroller frame assembly 102,
and particularly for the rear legs 146, during use.
[0028] The frame assembly 102 in the disclosed example also has a
stroller handle 170 for pushing and maneuvering the stroller 100.
The disclosed handle 170 generally has an upward facing, open
C-shape that forms two handle sections 172. The two sections 172
extend in opposite directions from a handle bracket 174. The handle
bracket 174-is coupled to a stanchion 176 that extends from the
upper end 144 of the frame spine 140. In the disclosed example, the
stanchion 176 is essentially a linear structure and extends
parallel to and is aligned with the spine 140, which is also a
generally linear structure.
[0029] The stroller 100 disclosed herein also has a pair of curved
seat frame support arms 180. The support arms .sub.1 g.sub.0 extend
upward in opposite directions from the top side of the spine 140.
Each support arm 180 is bowed outwardly and extends in a forward
and upward direction relative to the spine 140. A proximal or
bottom end 182 (FIGS. 2-4) of each support arm 180 is coupled to a
support arm connector 184 (FIGS. 2-4) positioned on the top side of
the spine 140. The support arm connector 184 in this example is
positioned at the same location along the spine as the rear leg
connector 150, which is on the underside of the spine. A distal end
portion 186 of each support arm 180 is bent downwardly, extends
generally horizontally forward, and terminates at an exposed end or
face 188 (FIGS. 2 and 4).
[0030] In this example, a seat frame link 190 is positioned on each
side of the seat frame 110 and extends in a rearward direction.
Each seat link 190 has a free end 192 that is coupled to one of the
support arms 180. The connection point between each seat link 190
and the respective support arm 180 in this example is spaced
rearward from the exposed end 188 along the distal end portion
186.
[0031] Also in the disclosed example, a frame bracket 194 (FIGS.
1-2) is located at the lower front portion of the frame assembly
102. The frame bracket 194 is connected to the lower most portion
196 of the seat frame 1 10 and to the lower end 142 of the spine
140. The front wheel assembly 108 is mounted to and extends
downward from the frame bracket 194. The frame bracket 1 94 links
the spine 140 to the seat frame 110 and provides the front wheel
mounting location in the disclosed example.
[0032] The spine 140 is oriented centrally between the rear wheels
106 and has a main or longitudinal axis running between the lower
end 142 of the spine 140 and the upper end 144 of the spine 140.
The main axis of the spine 140, in turn, defines a central or
longitudinal axis of the stroller 100. In the disclosed example as
shown in FIG. 2, the spine 140 is oriented at an angle with a low
point at its lower end 142 and a high point at its upper end 144.
The spine 140 is oriented to position the handle 170 so that a
caregiver can stand behind the stroller and push the stroller in a
conventional manner by the handle 170. The seat assembly 104 is
positioned above and forward of the spine 140 and faces forward
relative to the stroller 100 away from the handle 170. However, the
arrangement of the seat and frame components disclosed herein can
vary and yet fall within the spirit and scope of the present
invention. Additionally, the shape, size, configuration,
orientation, and location of the various frame assembly and seat
assembly components can also vary from the example shown without
departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
[0033] As shown in FIGS. 2-4 and in greater detail in FIGS. 5-8, a
lower bracket 200 and an upper bracket 202 extend from an underside
surface 204 of the central spine 140. Generally speaking, the lower
and upper brackets 200 and 202 are provided for the removable
attachment of a storage container 206 (or other item) suspended
beneath and behind the frame assembly 102 and the seat 114. As
described in connection with one aspect of the disclosure below,
the placement of the brackets 200 and 202 on the spine 140 centers
the suspended item between the rear wheels 106 so that the stroller
100 remains in balance during use.
[0034] As best shown in FIGS. 5-7, the lower and upper brackets 200
and 202 may be connected to the central spine 140 in a variety of
ways. Generally speaking, any type of connection mechanism may be
utilized to mount or otherwise dispose the brackets 200 and 202 on
the spine 140. For example, the connections may include or involve
the use of fasteners, adhesives, etc. In the exemplary embodiment
shown in the drawing figures, and as best shown in FIG. 7, the
lower bracket 200 includes a ring 208 that encircles the spine 140.
The ring 208 may be fixed in place along the spine 140 in a variety
of ways, including for instance a pressure or compression fit
engagement. The upper bracket 202 includes a clip 210, which may be
a C-shaped component shaped to engage the spine 140, and may also
be configured for a pressure or compression fit to fixedly secure
the bracket 202 in position along the spine 140. In each case, the
spine 140 may include any number of projections or detents (not
shown) toward securing the engagement of the brackets 200 and
202.
[0035] Each bracket 200 and 202 generally includes a hook or other
projection for engagement by connectors of (or disposed on) the
storage container 206 at a pair of attachment points along the
spine 140. In the exemplary embodiment shown, a hook 212 extends
from the ring 208 to define a lower attachment point, while a hook
214 extends from the clip 210 to define an upper attachment point.
The projection of the hook 212 is oriented such that the hook 212
extends upwardly along the main axis of the spine 140. In contrast,
the projection of the hook 214 is oriented such that the hook 212
extends laterally across the spine 140, or transverse to the main
axis of the spine 140. Other orientations for the upper and lower
attachments may also be utilized. Moreover, the length of the
projections of the hooks 212 and 214 may vary in alternative
embodiments, as desired, and particularly in connection with
longitudinally extending hooks, such as the hook 212. In these
cases, the hook may have an elongated projection, which be useful
in storage situations in which the hook is primarily, if not
entirely, responsible for supporting the suspended item.
[0036] In some cases, the suspended item includes one or more
strap-based connectors. For example, one or both of the brackets
200 and 202 may be engaged by a strap 216 of the storage container
206. In the examples shown in the drawing figures, the strap 216
has a loop 218 near an end 220, where the strap 216 engages the
bracket 202 at the upper attachment point. The loop 218 may be sewn
onto a length-adjustable main section 220 of the strap 216 running
the length of the storage container 206. The loop 218 allows the
storage container 206 to be suspended from the spine 140 at a
predetermined position, regardless of whether the length of the
main section 220 of the strap 206 has been adjusted. In alternative
embodiments, the strap 216 does not include the loop 218, and
instead the main section 220 engages the bracket 202. To this end,
the main section 220 of the strap 216 may be doubled over on itself
or otherwise configured to engage the bracket 202 at the upper
attachment point.
[0037] The exemplary embodiment shown in the drawing figures also
includes a notch- or slot-based connector at the lower attachment
point. With initial reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the storage
container 206 may engage the bracket 200 at the lower attachment
point via an insertion of the hook 212 through an opening or slot
on the exterior of the storage container 206. The opening need not
reach the interior of the storage container 206 (such that the hook
212 enters the interior of the storage container 206), as shown in
phantom in FIGS. 5 and 6. As shown in FIG. 8A, the hook 212 may
instead engage a notch or void 222 formed below a flap 223 on the
exterior of the storage container 206. In this exemplary case, the
flap 223 extends laterally across a front face 224 of the storage
container 224 where the strap 216 is attached, as shown in the
exemplary embodiment of FIG. 8A. More specifically, an end 226 of
the strap 216 may slidably pass through the front face 224 at, for
instance, a seam 228 leading to the void 222, and an indent 230 in
the front face 224. The end 226 of the strap 216 may also pass
through a buckle 231 disposed in the indent 230 and provided to
adjust the length of the main section 220 of the strap 216, as
desired.
[0038] The storage container 206 may be made from a semi-rigid or
other material to retain the shape of the indent 230, the flap 223,
and other components thereof that form the connector at the lower
attachment point. Such materials may be utilized in alternative
embodiments to form differently shaped notches, slots, or voids.
For example, one alternative embodiment includes a notch that does
not provide space for the buckle 231 and attachment of the end 226
of the strap 216. In that case, the end 226 of the strap 216 may be
located elsewhere, such as on a top surface of the storage
container 206.
[0039] As shown in FIGS. 2, 5 and 8B, the storage container 206 may
be shaped to fit under the frame assembly 102 and the seat assembly
104. To that end, the exemplary embodiment of the storage container
206 is shaped to accommodate the inclined or ascending axis of the
central spine 140. The storage container accordingly has an angled
profile with one end shorter than the other end. More specifically,
the front face 224 is lower in height than a rear face 232 (FIGS.
8B and 8C). Consequently, the storage container 206 may remain
generally upright while hooked to the spine 140 at the upper and
lower attachment points.
[0040] Turning to FIG. 9, the main section 220 of the strap 216 can
be used as a shoulder strap 234 for carrying the storage container
206 upon removal from the stroller 100. The length of the main
section 220 of the strap 216 may be adjusted via the buckle 231
(FIG. 8A), as desired.
[0041] As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8C as well as FIG. 9, the storage
container 206 has a tall, narrow shape. The narrow shape of the
storage container 206 generally allows it to be suspended from the
attachment points in a position beneath the seat assembly 104, as
well as between the rear legs 146 of the frame assembly 102 and,
thus, between the rear wheels 106. Generally speaking, the storage
container 206 may include a variety of materials and material
types. To maintain the narrow (or other) shape, portions(s) of the
material(s) of the storage container 206 may have any desired
degree of rigidity (or flexibility), and include localized areas
having one or more materials of decreased flexibility for shape
maintenance. However, the storage container 206 need not include a
supportive frame of rigid material, as the container 206 may, for
instance, be suspended via the soft goods connectors described
above. Notwithstanding the foregoing, alternative embodiments may
utilize a rigid frame to maintain shape or for other purposes, as
desired. For example, one or more of the connectors may include a
rigid, or semi-rigid, material to define the shape of the notch (or
the defining flap) engaged by a hook.
[0042] FIG. 9 depicts one of several suitable connection points for
the loop 218 of the strap 216. In that exemplary case, the loop 218
is connected to the strap 216 near an end 234 thereof. The strap
216, in turn, is sewn to the rear face 234 of the storage container
206 at a point 236. Alternatively, the loop 218 may be connected to
a surface of the storage container 206 (as opposed to the strap
216). For example, the loop 218 may also be connected to the
storage container 206 at the point 236. In still other embodiments,
the loop 218 may be connected at any other desired position along
the main section 220 of the strap 216.
[0043] While the removable storage aspect of the present disclosure
is not limited to any one particular context or purpose, or any
type of bag, one type of bag that may be advantageously stored as
described herein is a diaper bag. Diaper bags and other storage
containers are designed to carry a number of personal items for the
child occupant or caregiver, the volume of which is not easily
handled by pouches and other small stroller accessories. Moreover,
diaper bags and the like are often frequently accessed and used
away from the stroller. To these ends, a storage container 206
removably suspended as described herein may be conveniently pulled
off the brackets 200 and 202, and then re-suspended, by generally
moving the storage container 206 along the main axis of the central
spine 140. A lateral movement of the storage container 206 may also
be involved to disengage (or hang) the loop 218 from the upper
bracket 202, as described in the exemplary case shown in the
drawing figures. With that slight lateral movement, the storage
container 206 may be easily lifted off the bracket 200, for
complete removal and disengagement from the stroller 100, with a
generally upward pull near the end 220 of the strap 216.
[0044] With reference now to FIG. 10, another aspect of the
disclosure is directed to supporting the storage of different types
of items at one or both of the attachment points. Generally
speaking, the arrangement of brackets described above is compatible
with a variety of bags, containers and other items to be suspended
in place of the storage container 206. For instance, an alternative
storage container 250 may be suspended from the upper bracket 202
as shown. The container 250 shown is another bag, such as a
shopping bag, having a strap 252, as shown, that engages the hook
214 in a manner similar to that described above in connection with
the storage container 206. Other suitable containers may have
alternative connectors, such as notch-based connectors or other
loop-based to engage the hook 214.
[0045] In some cases, a container or other item may alternatively
or additionally be suspended from the lower attachment point, i.e.,
the bracket 200.
[0046] The positioning of the lower and upper brackets 200 and 202
flexibly accommodates this wide variety of containers and items due
to the positioning of the hooks 212 and 214 on the central spine
140. For instance, the alignment of the hooks 212 and 214 along the
main axis of the spine 140 centers the suspended item between the
rear wheels 106. As a result, suspending the container or item on
one of the hooks does not unbalance the stroller. Moreover, both of
the attachment points are within the wheelbase of the stroller
(i.e., within the front wheel assembly and the rear wheels). As a
result, the center of gravity of the suspended item is also
positioned within the wheelbase. As a result, suspending an item at
either the upper or lower connection point will not cause the
stroller to tip forward or lean backward.
[0047] Turning to FIGS. 11 and 12, a stroller indicated generally
at 260 has an alternative bracket 262 at the lower connection
point. A corresponding connector 264 of a storage container 266 is
shown in greater detail in FIG. 12. In this case, the bracket 262
may be secured to the spine 140 via, for instance, an adhesive
layer or other fastener 268, including, for instance, a
hook-and-loop layer. Alternatively or additionally, the bracket 262
may be secured in the manner described above in connection with the
foregoing exemplary embodiment.
[0048] The connector 264 includes a rod or other frame section 270
disposed within the storage container 266. When the storage
container 266 is lowered onto the bracket 262, the rod 270
eventually comes to rest on a hook 272 of the bracket 262 as shown
in FIG. 12. To this end, the hook 272 may be inserted through a
slot or other opening in a surface 274 of the storage container
266.
[0049] The rod 270 may be made of a rigid, or semi-rigid, material,
and may be sewn-in or otherwise secured in position near the
surface 274 within the storage container 266.
[0050] The frame section 270 need not be shaped as a rod. Indeed,
the frame section 270 and, more generally, any of the connectors of
the storage containers may be shaped to engage the frame assembly
or any component (e.g., bracket) thereof. For instance, the frame
section 270 may be shaped as a hook or a loop having a portion that
rests on the bracket 262 as shown in FIG. 12. Another exemplary
shape may involve a frame section 270 that is generally straight,
but with an indent to be engaged by the hook 272 of the bracket
262. In this way, the frame section 270 may assist in minimizing
lateral movement of the storage container 266.
[0051] Although certain stroller assemblies have been described
herein in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure,
the scope of coverage of this patent is not limited thereto. On the
contrary, this patent covers all embodiments of the teachings of
the disclosure that fairly fall within the scope of permissible
equivalents.
* * * * *