U.S. patent application number 12/631375 was filed with the patent office on 2010-06-10 for seat attachment for a stroller.
This patent application is currently assigned to Dynamic Brands, LLC. Invention is credited to Mark Zehfuss.
Application Number | 20100140902 12/631375 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42230224 |
Filed Date | 2010-06-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100140902 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Zehfuss; Mark |
June 10, 2010 |
SEAT ATTACHMENT FOR A STROLLER
Abstract
The invention relates to a seat attachment for a stroller,
single stroller and double strollers. Such a seat attachment may be
used to reversibly convert a single stroller into a double
stroller. More specifically, versions of the seat attachment relate
to a seat attachment for a stroller capable of supporting a seat
such as, but not limited to, a stroller seat, a baby seat,
bassinet, a pram, a car seat, or a baby carrier, for example. The
seat may be supported in front of a permanent seat of the
stroller.
Inventors: |
Zehfuss; Mark; (Glen Allen,
VA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
TROUTMAN SANDERS LLP;5200 BANK OF AMERICA PLAZA
600 PEACHTREE STREET, N.E., SUITE 5200
ATLANTA
GA
30308-2216
US
|
Assignee: |
Dynamic Brands, LLC
Richmond
VA
|
Family ID: |
42230224 |
Appl. No.: |
12/631375 |
Filed: |
December 4, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61119920 |
Dec 4, 2008 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
280/650 ;
280/657 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B62B 7/14 20130101; B62B
7/006 20130101; B62K 13/00 20130101; B62B 7/008 20130101; B62B
3/008 20130101; B62B 7/145 20130101; B62B 9/28 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
280/650 ;
280/657 |
International
Class: |
B62B 9/28 20060101
B62B009/28; B62B 9/12 20060101 B62B009/12; B62B 7/06 20060101
B62B007/06 |
Claims
1. A seat attachment for a stroller, comprising: an attachment
frame member comprising a connector portion capable of connecting
to a stroller frame; and a seat support element capable of
supporting a seat;
2. The seat attachment of claim 1, comprising: a wheel.
3. The seat attachment for a stroller of claim 2, further
comprising a wheel support frame connecting the wheel to the
attachment frame member.
4. The seat attachment for a stroller of claim 3, wherein the wheel
support frame is pivotally connected to the attachment frame
member.
5. The seat attachment for a stroller of claim 4, wherein the wheel
support frame is pivotally connected near the middle of the
attachment frame member.
6. The seat attachment for a stroller of claim 5, further
comprising a folding mechanism.
7. The seat attachment for a stroller of claim 6, wherein the
folding mechanism comprises a sliding connector slidingly connected
to the attachment frame member and a strut having a first end
connected to the sliding member and a second end connected to the
wheel support frame.
8. The seat attachment for a stroller of claim 4, wherein the wheel
support frame is capable of pivoting from a first position to a
second position.
9. The seat attachment for a stroller of claim 8, wherein the first
position is a locked and in-use position and the second position is
an unlocked and folded position.
10. The seat attachment for a stroller of claim 1, wherein the seat
is a baby seat, a car seat, a stroller seat, a bassinet, or a
pram.
11. The seat attachment for a stroller of claim 1, wherein the
attachment frame member has a first end and a second end.
12. The seat attachment for a stroller of claim 11, wherein the
first end is capable of connecting to a stroller frame.
13. The seat attachment for a stroller of claim 12, wherein the
second end is connected to the seat attachment member.
14. The seat attachment for a stroller of claim 1, wherein the seat
support element is capable of supporting a seat in either a forward
or backward position.
15. The seat attachment for a stroller of claim 1, further
comprising a stroller seat, wherein the seat support element is
capable of supporting the stroller seat in either a forward or
backward position.
16. A double stroller, comprising: a stroller frame comprising
wheels, a frame, a first seat and an attachment frame member
connected to the frame; a seat attachment comprising a wheel, a
second seat, and a connector portion capable of connecting to the
attachment frame member.
17. The double stroller of claim 12, wherein the connector portion
is capable of being releasably connected to the attachment frame
member.
18. The double stroller of claim 12, wherein the second seat is
releasably connected to the seat support element.
19. The double stroller of claim 18, wherein the seat support
element is capable of supporting the second seat in either a
forward or backward position.
20. A double stroller, comprising: a first seat attachment capable
of removably supporting a child seat; and a second seat attachment
capable of supporting a child seat.
21. The double stroller of claim 20, wherein each seat attachment
comprises two seat connector portions.
22. The double stroller of claim 20, wherein the child seat is one
of a stroller seat, a baby carrier, a bassinet, a pram, or a car
seat.
23. The double stroller of claim 20, comprising a frame, wherein
the frame comprises a handle portion, a front wheel support portion
and a back wheel support portion.
24. The double stroller of claim 23, wherein a first seat
attachment is adjacent to the front wheel support portion.
25. The double stroller of claim 24, wherein the first seat
attachment is above at least one front wheel connected to the wheel
support portion.
26. The double stroller of claim 25, wherein the second seat
attachment is adjacent to the handle portion.
27. The double stroller of claim 23, further comprising a folding
mechanism that connects the handle portion, the front wheel support
portion, and the back wheel support portion.
28. A stroller, comprising: a frame; at least one front wheel; at
least one rear wheel; a stroller seat; and a seat attachment
portion capable of supporting a second seat in front of the
stroller seat.
29. The stroller of claim 28, wherein the seat attachment portion
comprises two seat connectors.
30. The stroller of claim 29, wherein the seat attachment portion
is removably connected to the frame.
31. The stroller of claim 30, wherein the seat attachment portion
comprises two portions each comprising one seat connector.
32. The stroller of claim 30, wherein the frame comprises a sleeve
for removably connecting the seat attachment portion to the
frame.
33. The stroller of claim 28, wherein the second seat is one seat
selected from a stroller seat, an infant carrier, a bassinet, a
pram, or a car seat.
34. The stroller of claim 33, wherein the second seat is integral
to the seat attachment portion.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This U.S. patent application claims priority to U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/119920 filed on Dec. 4,
2008 and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The invention is directed to a seat attachment for a
stroller, single stroller and double strollers. Such a seat
attachment may be used to convert a single stroller into a double
stroller. More specifically, embodiments of the invention are
directed to a seat attachment for a stroller capable of supporting
a seat such as, but not limited to, a stroller seat, a baby seat,
bassinet, a pram, a car seat, or a baby carrier, for example.
Embodiments of the seat attachment are capable of reversibly
converting a single stroller into a double stroller.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Parents with multiple young children may have difficulty
transporting their children from place to place. Children are slow,
easily distracted and, therefore, may lag behind their parents
while the parents are trying to complete shopping tasks or get
exercise in a limited amount of time. In response, many parents
have purchased double strollers allowing the parent or other
guardian to push two children simultaneously and thus allow them to
more efficiently run errands, take walks, or jog. As such, a double
stroller allows the parents or guardians more freedom than they
would have with only a single stroller, especially while trying to
manage two sleeping children.
[0004] Though double strollers have certain advantages, double
strollers also have disadvantages. Double strollers are
substantially larger than single strollers and are, therefore, more
difficult to maneuver through doors and down aisles in stores.
Typically, the benefits of being able to accommodate two children
greatly offset these disadvantages. However, when the parent or
guardian has only one child with them, the benefits of the double
stroller are not realized but the disadvantages still exist.
[0005] Therefore, parents often buy two or more strollers to use at
different times; a single stroller for times when they only have
one child with them and a double stroller for when they need a
stroller that will accommodate two children. This often creates its
own set of problems. The multiple strollers must be stored and
there is seldom room for both a folded double stroller and a folded
single stroller in the trunk of a typical car or back of a sport
utility vehicle.
[0006] Stroller manufacturers have attempted to solve this problem
by providing a place for a second child to stand on the back of a
single stroller or attachments that provide another seat for the
second child that hangs under and slightly behind the seat of the
single stroller. This provides a second seat for a child but the
child is tucked close to the back of the front seat which may be
uncomfortable, reduce the capacity of the under seat storage, and
prevent the parent from hanging a bag on the handle bars.
[0007] There exists a need for a single stroller that may be
conveniently converted to a double stroller. There is also a need
for a conversion kit that converts the single stroller into a full
double stroller that is capable of accommodating two children
without loss of convenience for the parent or guardian.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Strollers are typically single strollers (strollers having
one seat for transporting one child) or may also be double
strollers (strollers having two seats for transporting two
children). Embodiments of the invention are directed to a seat
attachment for a stroller comprising an connector portion capable
of connecting directly to a stroller frame or to an attachment
frame member connected to the stroller frame; and a seat support
element capable of supporting a seat. In certain embodiments, the
attachment for a stroller comprises an attachment frame member
having a first end and a second end. The first end may be capable
of connecting the seat attachment to a stroller frame and the
second end may be capable of connecting to the seat support
element. The seat support element is thus capable of supporting a
seat on the strolle. In more specific embodiments, the seat may be
supported in either a forward or backward position.
[0009] Another embodiment comprises a stroller and seat attachment
for the stroller, wherein the stroller comprises an attachment
frame member connected to the frame of the stroller and the seat
attachment for the stroller comprises a connector portion. The
attachment frame member and the connector portion comprise
components that are capable of being securely connected together.
In certain embodiments, the attachment frame member and the
connector portion comprise components that are capable of being
securely and releasably connected together. In this manner, the
seat attachment may be attached to the stroller and a seat, as
defined above, may be connected to the seat attachment, thus
reversibly converting the single stroller into a double
stroller.
[0010] In a further embodiment, the seat attachment for the
stroller further comprises at least one wheel. The wheel may be
connected to the seat attachment by a wheel support frame which may
be rigidly attached or may be pivotally attached to the seat
attachment. The wheel support frame may be connected to any section
of the seat attachment, preferably the wheel support frame is
pivotally connected to the back portion of the seat attachment in
an area adjacent to the connector portion or connected near the
middle of the attachment portion.
[0011] Embodiments of the seat attachment for a stroller may
further comprise a folding mechanism. The folding mechanism may
comprise a sliding member slidingly connected to the attachment
portion and a folding frame member or strut having a first end
connected to the sliding member and a second end connected to the
wheel support frame. The folding mechanism allows the wheel support
frame to pivot from a first position (in-use position), to a second
position (a folded position). The attachment for the stroller also
may comprise a locking mechanism that secures the attachment to a
stroller in the in-use position and unlocks the attachment to allow
the attachment to be connected or removed from the stroller when in
the folded position. The locking mechanism may be a small
protrusion attached to the wheel support frame that engages a
corresponding aperture in the stroller or the stroller attachment
portion to secure the attachment to the stroller. In the folded
position, the protrusion is not engaged in the aperture.
[0012] A further aspect is directed to a double stroller. The
double stroller may comprise a frame, wherein the frame comprises a
handle portion, a front wheel support portion, a back wheel support
portion, and a folding mechanism. Embodiments of the double
stroller comprise a stroller frame comprising wheels, the frame, a
first seat and a connector portion connected to the frame. The
double stroller may further comprise a seat attachment frame
comprising a wheel, a second seat, and a second attachment portion
capable of connecting to the connector portion of the stroller
frame. The second attachment portion may be releasably connected to
the connector portion. Further, the second seat may be releasably
connected to the seat attachment frame and is capable of supporting
the second seat in either a forward or backward position.
[0013] A further embodiment of the double stroller comprises a
first seat attachment capable of releasably supporting a first
child seat and a second seat attachment capable of releasably
supporting a second child seat. The seat attachments may comprise
two seat connector portions for supporting the seat on both
sides.
[0014] An still further embodiment of the double stroller comprises
at least one first seat attachment adjacent to the front wheel
support portion and a second seat attachment adjacent to each
folding mechanism and/or the handle portion. The first seat
attachment may be above at least one front wheel connected to the
wheel support portion.
[0015] A still further embodiment of the stroller comprises a
frame, at least one front wheel, at least one rear wheel, a first
stroller seat with at least one first attachment portion
permanently attached to the frame; and at least one releasably
connected second seat attachment portion capable of supporting a
second seat in front of the first stroller seat. As in other
embodiments, the seat attachment may comprise two seat connectors.
Either or both seat attachment portions may be a single part with
two seat connectors or two separate pieces each comprising a seat
connector.
[0016] In any of the above embodiments, the stroller, double
stroller or attachment may comprise one or more of the following
features; a sleeve for removably receiving the attachment portion.
The seat attachment portion may comprise a protrusion having a
complementary shape to the sleeve for inserting into the sleeve.
Further, the second seat may be integral to the seat
attachment.
[0017] Aspects of the stroller, double stroller and attachment are
presented in various embodiments, however one skilled in the art
will understand various variation and interchangeability of the
components of the various embodiments which are intended to be
included in the scope of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0018] FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a single stroller;
[0019] FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of a seat attachment to convert a
single stroller into a double stroller;
[0020] FIG. 3 shows the combination of the single stroller of FIG.
1 attached to the seat attachment of FIG. 2;
[0021] FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of a seat attachment capable of
supporting a car seat on an attachment of FIG. 2;
[0022] FIG. 5 shows a combination of the single stroller of FIG. 1
attached to an embodiment of the attachment in the form of a
tricycle-like riding device; and
[0023] FIG. 6A shows an accessory attachment for supporting an
accessory on a stroller; FIG. 6B shows a bag or purse for attaching
to the accessory attachment of FIG. 6A.
[0024] FIG. 7 shows an attachment for supporting a seat comprising
one wheel.
[0025] FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of a stroller reversibly that is
capable of being converted from a single stroller to a double
stroller comprising an attachment portion that does not comprise a
wheel.
[0026] FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C, 9D, 9E, and 9F show various configurations
of the embodiments of the stroller shown in FIG. 8.
DESCRIPTION
[0027] The invention relates to an accessory, attachment, or
conversion kit (hereinafter "seat attachment") for a stroller. As
discussed above, parents or guardians may find themselves in a
situation wherein it is more convenient to transport two children
in a stroller, but at the same time find it inconvenient to have
both a single stroller and double stroller. Embodiments of the seat
attachment solve this problem. In one aspect, an embodiment of the
seat attachment for a stroller is capable of converting a single
stroller into a double stroller. The seat attachment may support a
seat such as, but not limited to, a stroller seat, a baby seat, a
bassinet, a pram, a baby carrier, or a car seat, for example.
Therefore, the parent or guardian does not require both a single
stroller and a double stroller. A stroller configured to receive a
seat attachment for converting a single stroller into a double
stroller provides convenience to the user. The single stroller may
be connected to a double stroller by attaching the seat attachment
to the single stroller and then attaching the second seat. As such,
an embodiment of the seat attachment for converting a single
stroller into a double stroller comprises at least one connector
portion capable of connecting to a stroller frame and a seat
support element capable of supporting a seat. The seat attachment
may optionally comprise at least one wheel for additional support
and stability, however, for more convenience, embodiments of the
attachment do not include a wheel. In certain embodiments, a wheel
may stabilize the double stroller, but in other embodiments of the
attachment the wheel may not be desirable or necessary. Additional
embodiments of the attachment comprise a cart, wagon, tricycle-like
attachment, or other riding toy that may be connected to the
stroller, for example. A tricycle-like attachment would allow a
child to ride or be pushed in front of the stroller.
[0028] A side view of an embodiment a single stroller 10 is shown
in FIG. 1. As a note, FIG. 1 shows only one side of the single
stroller 10, however, most components include a complementary
component on the other side of the single stroller but are not
shown in FIG. 1. The single stroller 10 comprises a frame 12 that
supports seat 13. The frame 12 may, optionally, include at least
one, preferably two, folding mechanism 16 that allows the stroller
10 to be folded to a more convenient size for storing or
transporting the stroller 10.
[0029] In this embodiment, the seat 13 is shown as a typical
stroller seat, however, other types of seats may be used in a
single stroller. The seat 13 may be permanently affixed to the
frame 12 or releasably connected such that it is capable of being
removed and substituted with a different seat. As used herein,
"releasably connected" or "releasably attached" means the
connection is not a permanent connection and that the connection is
capable being of connected and disconnected by the user of the
stroller without requiring special tools or special skills.
Releasable connections include, but are not limited to, buttons,
snaps, friction fittings, interference fits, threaded connections,
locking tabs, keyed connections, other fasteners, or the like. On
stroller 10 of FIG. 1, the frame 12 is supported on a pair of back
wheels 14 and a pair of front wheels 15. In this embodiment, back
wheels 14 are fixed and do not swivel or pivot on the frame. The
pair of front wheels 15 on the single stroller 10 pivot to make
turning the single stroller 10 easier and more convenient. Though,
pivoting wheels may be preferred in certain strollers, strollers
with fixed non-pivoting wheels are also common. It should be noted
that a single stroller does not require pairs of front or rear
wheels and either the front pair of wheels 15 or the back pair of
wheels 14 may be substituted with a single wheel. Conventionally,
many single strollers, including umbrella strollers, jogging
strollers, all-terrain strollers, as well as other strollers may
only include one front wheel. Embodiments of the seat attachment of
the invention may be capable of converting any style of stroller to
a double stroller, including strollers with one or two front
wheels.
[0030] The embodiment of the stroller 10 comprises two attachment
frame members 17. The connector portions are preferably on the
front of the stroller to allow the seat attachment and the seat to
be connected to the front of the stroller 10. The attachment frame
members 17 allow a seat attachment such as the seat attachment for
converting the single stroller 10 to a double stroller, as shown in
FIG. 3, to be connected to the stroller. Only one seat attachment
is shown in FIG. 3, the stroller 10 would use two seat attachments
as shown in FIG. 3 or one seat attachment comprising two seat
support elements. The embodiment of the stroller 10 has a left side
and right side attachment frame members 17. An embodiment of a seat
attachment of stroller 10 will comprise corresponding connector
portions capable of connecting to the stroller frame at the
attachment frame members 17. Though the seat attachment for the
stroller is described in relation to a single stroller, the
attachment may similarly be attached to a double stroller.
Embodiments of the seat attachment may therefore be used to convert
a double stroller into a triple stroller, if desired.
[0031] An embodiment of a seat attachment 20 of the invention is
shown in FIG. 2. The seat attachment of FIG. 2 is in an unlocked
and folded configuration. The seat attachment 20 comprises a pair
of connector portions 21 capable of connecting to the attachment
frame members 12, two seat attachment elements 22 capable of
supporting a seat; and a wheel 23. In this embodiment, the
connector portions are connected to the rear of the seat attachment
20 allowing the seat attachment 20 to be connected to the front of
a stroller, such as stroller 10 shown in FIG. 1. Other embodiments
of the seat attachment may include more than one wheel, one
connector portion, one seat support element, or combinations of
these elements. In an embodiment of the stroller with one wheel,
the attachment frame member may be on the forks of the front wheel,
for example.
[0032] The seat attachment 20 comprises a wheel support frame 26
connecting the wheel 23 to the attachment frame member 24 of the
attachment 20. Each attachment frame member 24 has a first and a
second end. The first end is capable of connecting to a stroller
frame and the second end is connected to the seat support element
22. The embodiment of the seat attachment 20 comprises a wheel
support frame 26 that is pivotally connected to two attachment
frame members 24. The wheel support frame 26 or the attachment
frame 24 may span the width of the stroller between the two
attachment frame members 17. The pivotal connection 27 allows the
seat attachment to be folded and conveniently stored or transported
but is not necessary for the invention. The pivotal connection is
optional and provides more convenience, however, embodiments of the
attachment may comprise a releasably connected wheel support frame
or a rigid frame that may be incorporated to produce a seat
attachment that has greater strength for use in situations wherein
a stronger seat attachment may be desired such as with all-terrain
or jogging strollers, for example. The wheel support frame may be
connected at any point on the attachment frame, preferably the
wheel support frame is connected near the connector portion 21 or
near the middle of the attachment frame 24.
[0033] An embodiment of the seat attachment without a wheel may
include connector portion 21 or attachment frame member 24, and
seat attachment member 22, for example. In such an embodiment,
there would be no need for pivotal connection 27, wheel support
frame 26, sliding connector 25, or wheel 23.
[0034] The seat attachment 20 comprises a folding mechanism
comprising a sliding connector 25 connected to a first end of strut
28. A second end of strut 28 is pivotally connected to wheel
support frame 26. In such an embodiment, the sliding connector 25
may be moved between a first position and a second position on the
attachment frame member 24. As the sliding connector 25 is moved,
strut 28 pushes the wheel support frame 26 from an in-use position
to a storage position. The storage position is more compact as
shown in FIG. 2. In addition, the embodiment of the seat attachment
20 comprises a locking mechanism 27 that is capable of securing the
seat attachment 20 to a stroller, such as stroller 10 shown in FIG.
1. The locking mechanism 29 is engaged by moving the sliding
connector 25 to the in-use position in which the wheel support
frame 28 and wheel 23 are extended. In an embodiment of the seat
attachment 20 for the stroller 10, the wheel of the seat attachment
20 is pivotally connected to the connector portion and when the
wheel is in the in-use position the releasable connection is locked
and when the wheel 23 is moved to the storage position, the
releasable connection is unlocked allowing the seat attachment 20
to be removed from stroller 10. The seat attachment 20 may be
stored and stroller 10 may be conveniently used as a single
stroller. As designed, the seat attachment 20 may be reconnected to
stroller 10 for use as a double stroller. In any embodiment of the
invention, the seat attachment portion may be secured into position
on the stroller frame and a locking mechanism may be used with an
embodiment with or without the wheel. Either the seat attachment or
the stroller frame may comprise a locking mechanism for securing
the stroller and seat attachment together. The locking mechanism
may be any mechanism capable of securing the components together
during use and may be a friction locking device, threaded
connection, peg in a hole, or an interference locking device such
as a pin in a hole or slot, for example. In embodiment 20 shown in
FIG. 2, the locking mechanism 29 pivots with wheel support frame 26
as the attachment 20 is moved from an unfolded position to a folded
position. The locking mechanism 29 may slide into a hole or notch
in the attachment frame member of stroller 10 shown in FIG. 1. As
such, the attachment 20 may be attached to stroller 10 by
positioning attachment portion 21 of attachment 20 in slot 18 of
attachment portion 17 of stroller 10. The sliding connector 25 may
be moved to the in-use position, wheel support frame is moved and
locking mechanism 29 is positioned into locking slot 19 of stroller
10.
[0035] The connector portion 21 of the embodiment of the seat
attachment 20 has a cylindrical shape. The connector portion 21 may
be inserted into a cylindrical recess 18 of the attachment frame
member 17 of stroller 10 of FIG. 1 to secure the seat attachment
and convert the single stroller into a double stroller, as shown in
FIG. 3. Other embodiments of the seat attachment may include any
type of connector portion. The connector portion may be of a solid
or tubular construction and may be any cross-sectional shape
including, but not limited to, circular, polygonal, square,
rectangular, and triangular, for example. Other attachment
mechanisms may be utilized to connect the seat attachment to the
stroller such as, but not limited to, a U-shaped bracket, a U-bolt,
a pipe clamp, O-shaped bracket, screw, bolt, or other clamping or
attachment means. The attachment frame member of the stroller has a
complimentary and cooperating shape that allows the connector
portion to be secured to the attachment portion of the
stroller.
[0036] In FIG. 3, the seat attachment 20 of FIG. 2 is shown
connected to the single stroller 10 of FIG. 1 forming a double
stroller. The double stroller configuration is shown with two
stroller seats 13 in an inline configuration, though the other
configurations, such as a stroller seat and a bassinet or a pram
may also be supported on the double stroller. Further, the seat
support element of the seat attachment may be capable of supporting
the front stroller seat in either a forward or backward
position.
[0037] The embodiment of the stroller 10 is shown only as an
example of one type of stroller, the frame of the stroller may be
any of many possible configurations. Embodiments of the accessory
of the invention may be configured to be used on any such
configuration of a stroller. For example, a different embodiment of
the baby stroller may not include two front wheels, may not include
a folding mechanism or may only include only one folding mechanism.
In addition, the baby stroller may include additional features not
included in baby stroller 10. For example, the stroller may
optionally comprise fixed front wheels, an entirely different frame
configuration, or a storage basket underneath the seat of the
stroller.
[0038] The seat support member may be any configuration capable of
supporting the seat on the seat attachment. Another embodiment of a
seat support member for use with a car seat or other baby seat is
shown in FIG. 4. The embodiment of the seat support member 40 of
FIG. 4 comprises a main support 41. The main support 41 comprises a
cradle for supporting a central portion of the seat. Another
portion of the seat may rest against support bar 42. In this
embodiment, support bar 42 may be adjusted to accommodate seats of
different shapes and sizes. Support bar 42 may be slid within
aperture 43 and locked in place when in the desired position to
support a certain seat. The seat is, therefore, supported on two
main supports 41 and support bar 42. The seat may be further
secured in the seat attachment member 40 by wrapping belts 44 and
45 around the seat and locking the belts in this position with a
buckle or other securing means.
[0039] Another embodiment of a seat attachment for a stroller is
shown in FIG. 5. The combination 50 comprises stroller 10 and seat
attachment 51. Seat attachment 51 is a tricycle-like attachment
comprising an connector portion 52, a frame 53 with a seat support
element 56, a seat 57, and wheel 55. The tricycle-like attachment
may be attached to stroller 10 to allow one child to be pushed in
the stroller 10 and one child to ride the seat attachment 51. The
seat attachment may be other shapes also such as cars, trucks, or
animal shapes, for example.
[0040] The embodiment of the stroller 10 of FIG. 5 comprises an
additional accessory attachment portion 58. The accessory
attachment portion 58 attaches to a frame member of stroller 10. An
embodiment of the accessory attachment portion 58 is shown on FIG.
6A. This embodiment is particularly useful for attaching a bag or
purse 64, as shown in FIG. 6B, to stroller 10.
[0041] When using a stroller, parents or guardians typically carry
other items, such as purses, grocery bags, cell phones, diapers,
cleaning wipes, or other personal or baby related items. Some
strollers have bottom storage baskets for placing such items.
However, these storage baskets can be inconvenient to access or
some light weight strollers do not include such storage. Therefore,
users of the stroller may hang purses or shopping bags on the
handle of the stroller. This is convenient in that the bag is easy
to access, but the weight of the bag on the handle may cause the
stroller to be unbalanced and increase the tendency of the stroller
to topple backwards. A heavy bag hung from the handle of a stroller
may cause the stroller to tip backwards even with a child in the
seat. The problem is worse if the stroller is facing uphill, on
uneven terrain, being pushed up a curb, or occupied by a small
child. The attachment portion may be attached to the frame of a
stroller by any of the clamping or attachment methods described
above, for example. Preferably, accessory attachment 58 is attached
near the center of gravity of the stroller 10 to avoid creating an
unbalanced condition of the stroller. An embodiment of the
accessory attachment 58 is shown in FIG. 6A. Accessory attachment
58 is shown connected to stroller frame 12 of stroller 10 in FIG. 1
near the folding mechanism. Embodiments of the accessory comprise a
first end 61 for connecting to a stroller frame and a second end 62
for releasably connecting to the accessory. The first end 61
comprises an aperture 64 that may be connected to frame 12 of the
stroller 10. In certain embodiments, the aperture 64 is on an
angle--such that when the axis of the accessory attachment portion
58 is substantially horizontal. The accessory attachment 58 may,
optionally, comprise a rib for securing the accessory to the
accessory attachment 58. The rib as shown in FIG. 6A may be
replaced with any other locking element or securing means including
a friction fitting, a screwed fitting, interference fitting, for
example.
[0042] One example of an accessory for attaching to an accessory
attachment 58 is shown in FIG. 6B. The accessory is a bag or purse
64. The accessory includes an attachment portion 65 that is capable
of being secured to the attachment portion 62 on the accessory
attachment 58. The bag or purse 64 may be secured on stroller 10 by
securing attachment portion 65 to attachment portion 62. The
attachment portion 65, as shown, slides over the cylindrical
attachment portion 62 of accessory attachment 58. Attachment
portion 65 may include an interior annular recess that receives rib
63 securing the bag or purse 58 to stroller 10. The bag or purse 64
is thus secured to the stroller 10 in a center portion of the
stroller as viewed from the side. Therefore, the bag or purse 64 is
conveniently secured to stroller 10 while not contributing to an
unbalanced condition of the stroller 10.
[0043] A further embodiment of the stroller 80 is shown in FIG. 8.
Stroller 80 may be easily converted from a single stroller
comprising one seat to a double stroller comprising two seats
without addition of another wheel on the attachment. Stroller 80
comprises a frame 81 capable of supporting the stroller seat 86. In
this embodiment, the frame 81 comprises a front wheel support
portion 81a, a back wheel support portion 81b, and a handle portion
81c. The frame 81 of the embodiment of the stroller 80 further
comprises a folding mechanism 81d that connects front wheel support
portion 81a, a back wheel support portion 81b, and a handle portion
81c. The folding mechanism 81d allows the stroller to be folded in
a more compact size for storing or transportation. FIG. 8A shows
stroller 80 in a folded configuration.
[0044] Stroller 80 further comprises at least one front wheel 82
(both front wheels 82 of stroller 80 may be seen in FIG. 8A), at
least one rear wheel 83 (both rear wheels 83 of stroller 80 may be
seen in FIG. 8A), a stroller seat 86, and a seat support portion 84
capable of supporting a second seat in front of the stroller seat.
The stroller 80 may further comprise a storage basket 87. Seat
support portion may be of any design capable of securely supporting
a seat on the stroller. For example, the seat support portion 84
may be similar to seat support portion 20 shown in FIG. 2 without
the wheel 23, the strut 28, pivotal connection 27, and/or the wheel
support frame 26. Preferably, the seat support portion is capable
of supporting a seat such that a child in the seat is substantially
above the frame of the stroller. This provides easier access to the
seat, does not block access to the storage basket, allows more
versatile configurations of the seats, allows more variety of seats
to be attached to the frame, and allows the parent or other
guardian to more easily monitor and see the child in each seat.
[0045] Stroller 80 comprises a stroller seat 86. The stroller seat
86 is located adjacent to handle portion 81c. The stroller seat 86
may be fixedly attached or removably attached to frame 81. In
embodiments of the stroller 80 wherein stroller seat 86 is
removably attached to frame 81, the stroller seat 86 may be removed
and replaced in a backward facing configuration, see FIG. 9A, be
replaced by a infant carrier 91 or car seat on seat support element
84, see FIG. 9C, or replaced with a pram 92 on seat support element
84, see FIG. 9D. Embodiments of the stroller 80 may comprise a
second seat support element 89 adjacent to the handle portion 81c.
A stroller 80 comprising a second seat support element 89 allows
the seat to be easily removed and reconfigured to a different
orientation or replaced with a different style seat.
[0046] Embodiment of the stroller 80 comprises a first seat support
element 84. The seat support element 84 is connected to the
stroller 80 front wheel support frame 81a. The seat support element
84 is adjacent to the front wheel support portion 81a of frame 81.
The seat support element is capable of supporting a second stroller
seat 85 in front of the stroller seat 86. This provides convenience
and versatility to a user of stroller 80. Seat support element may
be fixedly attached or removably attached to front wheel support
portion 81a. The front seat 85 may be positioned substantially over
the front wheels so the stroller remains stable. Preferably, the
seats should be positioned such that the center of gravity of the
stroller is between the front and rear wheels. If not an additional
wheel may be placed on the attachment as previously described. Seat
support element 84 comprises a seat connector 88. Seat connector 88
may be a multipurpose general connector that allows different seats
to interchanged on the seat support element 84. Any style seat may
be configured to connect to the seat connector, such as but not
limited to, a stroller seat, a baby seat, a bassinet, a pram, a
baby carrier, or a car seat, for example.
[0047] An embodiment of the stroller attachment comprises a
connector portion, and a seat support element. The connector
portion is capable of connecting the seat attachment to the
frame.
[0048] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, stroller 80 comprises a
first stroller seat 86 and a second stroller seat 85. Stroller seat
86 is shown in the forward facing configuration and second stroller
seat 85 is shown in a backward facing configuration. The seat
support element 84 is capable of supporting the seat above the
front wheel 82 connected to the wheel support portion 81a.
Preferably, the front seat is located substantially over the front
wheels and the back seat is located substantially over the rear
wheels.
[0049] Though it can not be seen in the side view of FIG. 8, a
typical embodiment of the stroller will comprise two seat connector
portions. One seat connector portion will support each side of the
seat. The connector portion may be one piece or multiple parts.
[0050] FIGS. 9A through 9F show various configurations that are
possible with the stroller of the invention. These configurations
are not to be considered to be all available configurations of the
stroller and one skilled in the art would recognize many additional
possibilities based upon this specification and set of drawings.
From the foregoing it will be appreciated that, although specific
embodiments of the invention have been described herein for
purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made without
deviating from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly,
the invention is not limited except as by the appended claims.
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