Baby stroller frame

Abstract

A baby stroller frame (200) is provided, comprising a first roller attachment point (221) configured to engage with a first roller set (121) and a mechanism (231) configured to engage with the first roller set (121) via the first roller attachment point (221). The mechanism (231) is configured to provide driven steering of the first roller set (121) when a user turns the baby stroller frame (200).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a stroller frame, or a stroller of which the frame is a part, which stroller frame is configured to provide driven steering of the stroller frame. Background Art

[0002] A baby carriage generally includes a baby carriage frame. The baby carriage generally also includes a pair of wheels attached to the baby carriage frame so that the user can push the baby carriage. These wheels generally rotate freely about the plane of their circular faces, in other words, freely rotate around an axis or the like that is roughly perpendicular to these faces. As a result, when the baby carriage is turned, the direction in which the wheels are oriented may suddenly change or even change slightly unpredictably. The user may need to take a lot of effort to control the movement of the baby carriage, especially the direction of travel, with the baby carriage. In other words, it is sometimes difficult to push the baby carriage in the desired direction or with a desired level of control or accuracy. For example, it is generally difficult to pass a corner or a curve. It is usually troublesome and destructive for the user to try to control the direction of the baby carriage, and the user may need to have very large strength and flexibility. For example, in order to pass a corner, the baby carriage may need to drag the rear wheels of a fixed direction around the corner, or even lift the rear of the baby carriage to achieve the desired turn.

[0003] In addition, stroller frames having pairs of wheels attached as described above are often limited to use in certain environments because the wheels are not suitable for certain terrains. For example, a rocky or uneven surface may be a difficult surface to push a stroller because the wheels cannot overcome obstacles, such as rocks in the case of a rocky surface. Even if the wheels are able to overcome such obstacles, the stroller's cargo (i.e., one or more objects carried by the stroller) may be disturbed or damaged by the movement (e.g., vibration) caused by pushing the stroller's wheels over the obstacle. The difficulty in overcoming obstacles is exacerbated by the difficulty in controlling the movement of the stroller.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for a stroller frame for a stroller that allows for better control of the orientation of the wheels as the stroller is pushed, so that the stroller can be easily pushed through corners, etc., as well as in a straight line. Similarly, there is a need for a stroller frame that allows the stroller to be pushed over uneven surfaces without affecting the stroller's cargo or getting in the way of the user. In general, there is a need for a stroller frame that facilitates a stroller that is generally easy to control and comfortable to use and ride in (e.g., from the perspective of an infant or child). Summary of the invention

[0005] Among other things, it is an object of the present invention to provide a stroller frame that at least partially obviates or mitigates at least some of the disadvantages of the prior art, whether found herein or elsewhere, or provides an alternative approach. For example, it is an object of embodiments of the present invention to provide a stroller frame that provides driven steering. For example, it is an object of embodiments of the present invention to provide a stroller frame that can be used in different physical environments.

[0006] According to the present invention, a baby carriage frame and a baby carriage are provided. Other features of the present invention will be apparent from the following description.

[0007] According to a first aspect, a stroller frame is provided, comprising a first roller attachment point configured to engage with a first roller set and a mechanism configured to engage with the first roller set via the first roller attachment point. The mechanism is configured to provide driven steering of the first roller set when a user steers the stroller frame.

[0008] The stroller frame may also include a second roller attachment point configured to engage a second set of rollers.

[0009] The mechanism may be configured to engage the second roller set via a second roller attachment point.

[0010] The mechanism may be configured to provide driven steering of the second set of rollers when a user steers the stroller frame.

[0011] The mechanism may be configured to engage a user input device and may be configured to select a drive direction of at least one of the first set of rollers and the second set of rollers in response to a user input received by the user input device.

[0012] At least one of the first roller group and the second roller group may be configured to be locked in a state for drive steering when drive steering is selected.

[0013] In the event that drive steering is selected for the first roller set and the second roller set, the ratio of drive steering for the first roller set relative to the second roller set may be the same.

[0014] In the event that drive steering is selected for the first roller set and the second roller set, the ratio of drive steering for the first roller set relative to the second roller set may be different.

[0015] The first roller attachment point may be located at the front of the stroller frame and the second roller attachment point may be located at the back of the stroller frame, the front of the stroller frame being the direction in which the stroller frame is pushed by a user.

[0016] The first roller attachment point may be configured to engage a ball as a first set of rollers.

[0017] The second roller attachment point may be configured to engage a set of wheels as a second roller set.

[0018] The mechanism may include one or more actuators for interacting with at least one of the first roller attachment point and the second roller attachment point.

[0019] The sensitivity of the driven steering provided by the mechanism to the user's steering of the stroller frame may be defined by a scaling factor.

[0020] The scaling factor may be at least one of a fixed scaling factor and an adjustable scaling factor.

[0021] According to a second aspect, there is provided a stroller comprising the stroller frame according to the first aspect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] For a better understanding of the present invention, and in order to show how exemplary embodiments of the present invention may be implemented, reference will be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying schematic drawings, in which:

[0023] Figure 1 schematically depicts a stroller including a stroller frame according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0024] Figure 2A Schematically depicts a Figure 1 stroller frame;

[0025] Figure 2B Schematically depicts a view from behind according to an exemplary embodiment Figure 1 stroller frame;

[0026] Figure 3A Schematically depicts a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment in which no driven steering is provided. Figure 2A stroller frame;

[0027] Figure 3B Schematically depicts a Figure 2A A baby carriage frame, wherein a drive steering is provided for the first roller set;

[0028] Figure 3C Schematically depicts a Figure 2A A stroller frame, wherein a driven steering is provided for the second roller set;

[0029] Figure 3D Schematically depicts a Figure 2AA baby carriage frame, wherein drive steering is provided for the first roller set and the second roller set; and

[0030] Figure 4 Schematically depicts a Figure 1 , Figure 2A , Figure 2B and FIG. 3A to FIG. 3D An actuator component of a mechanism of a stroller frame. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Throughout the specification, the term "comprising" or "including" means including the specified component(s) but not excluding the presence of other components. The term "consisting essentially of" or "consisting essentially of" means including the specified components but excluding other components, except for materials present as impurities, materials inevitably present as a result of a process for providing a component, and components added for purposes other than achieving the technical effects of the present invention, such as colorants, etc.

[0032] The term "consisting of or composed of is intended to include the specified components but exclude other components.

[0033] Where appropriate, depending on the context, the use of the term "comprising" may also be considered to include the meaning of "consisting essentially of," and may also be considered to include the meaning of "consisting of.

[0034] The optional features set forth herein can be used alone or in combination with each other in appropriate circumstances. In appropriate circumstances, the optional features of each aspect of the present invention or exemplary embodiments as described herein are also applicable to all other aspects of the present invention or exemplary embodiments. In other words, the technician reading this specification should consider that the optional features of each aspect of the present invention or exemplary embodiments are interchangeable and combinable between different aspects and exemplary embodiments.

[0035] Figure 1 The stroller 100 is schematically depicted including a stroller frame 200 (see the following figure of the stroller frame 200 separated from the stroller 100) according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 1 1 and 2. The stroller frame 200 is shown as a portion of the stroller 100 to enable a better understanding of the present invention and to give context to the present invention. The stroller frame 200 generally comprises a lightweight but durable material, such as plastic. For example, the stroller frame 200 may also comprise metal. The stroller frame 200 is not limited to a particular material or geometry.

[0036] like Figure 1As shown, the stroller 100 includes a seat 111 and a basket 112 for carrying the cargo of the stroller 100. The seat 111 and the basket 112 are attached to the stroller frame 200. For example, a child can sit in the seat 111, and the belongings of the user of the stroller 100 can be placed in the basket 112. Figure 1 As shown, a bar 113 is attached to the seat 111 to be grasped by a child sitting in the seat 111 . Figure 1 Also shown is a cover 114 for isolating, for example, a child seated in the seat 111 from the environment (e.g., the cover can prevent the child from getting wet during rainy weather). The basket 112 can include a lid, which can be lockable. The seat 111 and the basket 112 can be made of the same or different materials as the stroller frame 200.

[0037] As discussed in more detail below, Figure 1 The stroller 100 also includes a first roller set 121 and a second roller set 122. The rollers of the roller sets 121 and 122 are rotatable to allow the user to push the stroller 100. Commonly used rollers include wheels. As described in more detail below, the ball can also be used with Figure 1 For use with the stroller 100.

[0038] Figure 2A A stroller frame 200 is schematically depicted according to an exemplary embodiment without Figure 1 1 and 2. The features of the seat 111, basket 112, bar 113, cover 114, and roller sets 121, 122 shown as part of the stroller 100 are shown in FIG. Figure 2B A rear perspective view of stroller frame 200 is shown.

[0039] like Figure 2A As shown, stroller frame 200 includes two roller attachment points: a first roller attachment point 221 and a second roller attachment point 222. First roller attachment point 221 is configured to engage with first (e.g., front) roller set 121, and second roller attachment point 222 is configured to engage with second (e.g., rear) roller set 122. Both first roller attachment point 221 and second roller attachment point 222 allow roller sets to be attached to stroller frame 200, such as Figure 1As shown. The roller attachment points 221, 222 may allow, for example, the rollers to be threaded or welded or otherwise connected to the stroller frame 200. The stroller frame 200 may include only one roller attachment point so that only a single roller set can be attached to the stroller frame 200. The roller attachment points 221, 222 may allow the roller set to be removably attached. For example, a user may change a given roller set. In one case, a user may change the first roller set 121 to another first roller set including rollers having a larger diameter than the first roller set 121, or a user may change a given roller set for maintenance or repair.

[0040] The stroller frame 200 includes a plate 211 that connects the roller sets 121, 122 to each other, and other parts of the stroller 100, such as the seat 111 and the basket 112, can be attached to the plate. Including the plate 211 improves the structural strength of the stroller frame 200. The plate 211 is not limited to a particular size or geometry. Another type of connection or support structure can be used.

[0041] like Figure 1 , Figure 2A and 2B As shown, the first roller attachment point 221 is generally located at the front of the stroller frame 200, and the second roller attachment point 222 is located at the rear of the stroller frame 200, the front of the stroller frame 200 corresponding to the direction in which the stroller 100 is pushed by the user (i.e., the direction in which the user is moving forward). However, this designation is arbitrary. Any roller set may include one or more of a wheel, a track, and a ball.

[0042] Preferably, if Figure 1 As shown, the first roller set 121 includes a ball, whereby the first roller attachment point 221 is configured to engage with the ball. By engaging with a single ball as the first roller set 121, the stroller frame 200 allows the stroller 100 to maneuver around corners and sharp turns more easily than a typical stroller frame that is configured to engage with two wheels at the front of a conventional stroller. Similarly, since the stroller frame 200 is preferably configured to engage with a ball as the first roller set 121, the user can pivot the stroller frame 200 around the ball as the first roller set 121 to change the direction that the stroller 100 is facing. Therefore, the user can quickly and easily change the direction of its advancement without having to resort to, for example, lifting the stroller 100 (including the stroller frame 200), as described in the background of the invention. The ball can also be inflatable and include a valve. The valve allows the air pressure of the ball to be adjusted. Therefore, the air pressure of the ball can be customized for the environment in which the stroller 100 is used. For example, a deflated ball may be suitable for rocky terrain to mitigate damage or destruction to the cargo (e.g., infant or child) of stroller 100 due to traveling over obstacles. Generally, inflatable balls allow for greater riding comfort and usability as opposed to hard balls.

[0043] Preferably, if Figure 1 As shown, the second roller set 122 includes a set of wheels, whereby the second roller attachment point 222 is configured to engage with the set of wheels. Since the stroller frame 200 is able to engage with a set of wheels, the stroller frame 200 creates stability for the stroller 100. This stability may be particularly useful in the case where the first roller attachment point 221 is configured to engage with a ball as the first roller set 121. In other words, the combination of the first roller attachment point 221 configured to engage with a ball and the second roller attachment point 222 configured to engage with a set of wheels means that the stroller frame 200 facilitates the user to easily change direction by pivoting the stroller frame 200 about the ball, while due to the stability provided by the set of wheels, the user does not need to use any force on the stroller to prevent the stroller 100 from tipping over.

[0044] like Figure 2A As shown in and in more detail as FIG. 3A to FIG. 3D As shown in , the stroller frame 200 includes a mechanism 231 located on the plate 211, and the mechanism 231 is configured to engage with the first roller set 121 via the first roller attachment point 221. The engagement of the first roller set 121 with the mechanism 231 can be, for example, via a cable, a pulley, or a wire. The mechanism 231 changes the orientation of the first roller set 121 in response to a steering input received by the stroller frame 200 from a user, so that the travel direction of the stroller 100 changes. In this way, when the user turns the stroller frame 200 during steering of the stroller 100, driven steering of the first roller set 121 is provided. Driven steering of the first roller set 121 can be provided by driving the first roller attachment point 221 or by driving the first roller set 121 when engaged with the roller attachment point 221 or the mechanism 231. By reference Figure 4 The mechanism 231 itself is described in more detail.

[0045] The stroller 100 can be steered (i.e., can provide steering input) using a steering input device, handle or lever 241 attached to the mechanism 231 via arms 251, 252. By rotating the steering input device 241 via the mechanism 231, the user can orient the first roller set 121 in a desired direction via the first roller attachment point 221 to provide driven steering of the first roller set 121.

[0046] like Figure 2A As shown, the mechanism 231 is housed in a housing. The housing protects the mechanism 231 from the environment. For example, the housing prevents debris from accumulating around the mechanism 231. The housing is typically made of plastic because it is light and resistant to weathering, but the housing can be made of any material that can protect the mechanism 231 from the environment. The housing can be removed by the user to clean and maintain the stroller frame 200.

[0047] In addition to or instead of engaging with the first roller set 121, the mechanism 231 can be configured to engage with the second roller set 122. The mechanism 231 engages with the second roller set 122 via the second roller attachment point 222 in the same manner as the first roller set 121 described for the first roller attachment point 221 (e.g., via a cable, pulley, or wire). Thus, the steering of the stroller 100 controls the orientation of the second roller set 122 to change the direction of travel of the stroller 100, thereby providing driven steering of the second roller set 122. Driven steering of the second roller set 122 can be provided by driving the second roller attachment point 222 or by driving the second roller set 122 when engaged with the mechanism 231.

[0048] The user may be able to select between providing driven steering and using a stroller frame 200 without driven steering. The user can select between these two states by using a user input device 242. The user input device 242 can be a handle, a button, a handle or an electronic device. The mechanism 231 engages with the user input device 242 (e.g., via a cable, a pulley or a wire, or even wirelessly), and depending on the input received from the user by the user input device 242, the mechanism 231 provides driven steering. As discussed, the mechanism 231 can be configured to engage with the first roller group 121, the second roller group 122, or both the first roller group 121 and the second roller group 122. Similarly, in response to the user input received by the mechanism 231 from the user input device 242, the mechanism 231 can be configured to select the driven steering of the first roller group 121, the second roller group 122, or both the first roller group 121 and the second roller group 122. In other words, the user can select which roller set is provided with driven steering by using user input device 242 to change the interaction of mechanism 231 with first roller attachment point 221 and / or second roller attachment point 222 to which the roller set of stroller 100 is attached. Figure 3A , Figure 3B , Figure 3C and Figure 3D Shown: In Figure 3A In , no drive steering is provided (indicated by the curved dashed arrow that no drive steering is provided); in Figure 3B In the embodiment, the first roller group 121 is provided with driving steering (driving steering is indicated by a straight dashed arrow); Figure 3C In, providing driving steering for the second roller set 122; and Figure 3DIn the embodiment of the present invention, driven steering is provided for the first roller set 121 and the second roller set 122. By being able to control which of the roller sets is provided with driven steering, the user can more easily guide the stroller 100 when pushing it forward or pulling it backward, or generally steer or maneuver the stroller 100 in different scenarios. This may be user-specific or condition-specific. For example, one setting may be preferred or better for jogging or running, while another setting may be preferred for tricky terrain or heavier loads.

[0049] The first roller group 121, the second roller group 122, or both the first roller group 121 and the second roller group 122 can be configured to be locked in a state for driving steering. For example, the stroller frame 200 may include a locking lever, a locking button, or the like 243 to lock one or both of the roller groups in a state for driving steering when driving steering has been selected. In this way, the user can push the stroller 100 with one or both roller groups provided with driving steering without having to continuously select driving steering using the user input device 242. For example, the locking lever 243 can also fix one of the two roller groups in a specific orientation so that the direction of travel of the stroller 100 does not change regardless of the steering input.

[0050] The location of the user input device 242 and the locking lever, locking button 243, etc. is not important, but is generally close to the portion of the stroller frame 200 that is pushed by the user (such as the steering input device 241) so that the user can easily select drive steering and lock one or both of the roller sets in the drive steering state when the user pushes the stroller 100.

[0051] Typically, where a drive steering is selected for the first roller set 121 and the second roller set 122, the ratio of the drive steering of the first roller set 121 relative to the second roller set 122 is the same. The same ratio of the drive steering of the first roller set 121 relative to the second roller set 122 means that when a steering is performed by a user (e.g., by moving the steering input device 241), the orientation change caused by the movement of the steering input device 241 with respect to the first roller set 121 is the same as the orientation change caused by the movement of the steering input device 241 with respect to the second roller set 122. For example, for a stroller 100 initially pushed in a straight line, turning the steering input device 241 by 30° causes both the first roller set 121 and the second roller set 122 to turn by 30°, causing the stroller 100 to turn to the right. This can provide an improved or simply different driving or steering experience.

[0052] In the case where drive steering is selected for the first roller set 121 and the second roller set 122, the ratio of drive steering of the first roller set 121 relative to the second roller set 122 can be different. For example, for a baby carriage 100 initially pushed in a straight line, turning the steering input device 241 by 30° causes the first roller set 121 to turn by 40°, and causes the second roller set 122 to turn by 30°, so that the baby carriage 100 turns to the right, but in a more gradual manner. This can provide an improved or simply different driving or steering experience. Such different ratios can be achieved by a mechanism 231 (e.g., a mechanism that drives different components in different ways or a mechanism that drives different components to different degrees).

[0053] The ratio may be fixed and / or adjustable, for example at the user input 242 or at the mechanism 231. This may be factory set or factory adjustable, or user adjustable.

[0054] Alternatively or additionally, different means of controlling the orientation of the first set of rollers 121 and the second set of rollers 122 may be provided, such as two different steering input means 241 .

[0055] Mechanism 231 may be configured to apply a proportional factor so that the user's sensitivity to the driven steering of the stroller frame 200 is defined by the proportional factor. For example, turning the steering input device 241 by 30° may cause one or both roller sets to turn by 15°, thereby applying a proportional factor of 0.5. The proportional factor may be fixed and / or adjustable, for example at the user input device 242 or at the mechanism 231. This may be factory set or factory adjustable, or user adjustable. In other words, the proportional factor may have a set value that cannot be changed, or the user may be able to freely change the proportional factor, or the user may be able to change the proportional factor from an initial value to a different value, and then the proportional factor is permanently or temporarily set to the different value. The same is true for the above-mentioned ratio.

[0056] As mentioned above, Figure 4 More details on Figure 1 , Figure 2A , Figure 2B , Figure 3A , Figure 3B , Figure 3C and Figure 3D A mechanism 231 of a stroller frame. Figure 4 The actuator component 300 of the mechanism 231 of the stroller frame 200 is schematically depicted. Figure 1 , Figure 2A , Figure 2B , Figure 3A , Figure 3B , Figure 3C and Figure 3DIn the embodiment of the present invention, this part of the mechanism 231 is hidden by the housing. The actuator component 300 includes protrusions 311 arranged around the circumference and around its center to enable the actuator component 300 to be mounted to the housing. The protrusions 311 may protrude from the surface of the actuator component 300, such as Figure 4 The spatial distribution of the protrusions 311 relative to their positions on the surface of the actuator component 300 is not limited to Figure 4 The protrusions 311 may also facilitate interaction with other actuators or components having geometrically complementary features, for example. The actuator component 300 is configured to rotate about an axis disposed through a central hole 321 in the actuator component 300.

[0057] The actuator component 300 includes a curved slot 331 and a straight slot 332. A pin (not shown) is configured to be controllably located in the curved slot 331 or the straight slot 332 depending on whether a driving steering is provided. The pin is configured to engage or substantially interact with the steering input device 241 and the user input device 242 individually via cables, pulleys or wires (or even wirelessly controlled actuators) that connect each of the steering input device 241 and the user input device 242 to the pin, for example. For example, the pin can be configured to engage or substantially interact with the steering input device 241 and the user input device 242 via corresponding cables extending upwardly on the inner side of the arms 251, 252. Similarly, the pin can be configured to engage or substantially interact with the locking rod 243 individually by cables extending upwardly along the arms 251, 252. The pin is also configured to engage or substantially interact with one of the first roller group 121 and the second roller group 122. For example, the mechanism 231 may include one actuator component 300 for each roller set for which driven steering is to be provided. Thus, the pin of one actuator component 300 may be configured to engage with the first roller set 121, and the pin of the second actuator component 300 may be configured to engage with the second roller set 122, with both pins also being configured to engage with the steering input device 241, the user input device 242, and the locking lever 243, respectively, as described above. Alternatively, the same pin may engage with (e.g., extend therein or extend through) multiple similar actuator components 300 stacked on top of each other. The exact arrangement may depend on the overall flexible or fixed functionality that the stroller will provide.

[0058] When driving steering is not provided, the pin is located in the curved slot 331, which means that the pin can move along the length of the curved slot 331, or in other words, the actuator component 300 is free to move without being blocked by the pin. Therefore, the specific roller group that the pin is configured to engage with via the corresponding roller group attachment point by means of a cable, pulley or wire is not limited to a specific orientation. By using the input device 241, the user can force the pin into (e.g., push or pull) into the straight slot 332. Therefore, when the pin is in the straight slot 332, any movement of the steering input device 241 that is configured to engage with the pin causes the actuator component 300 to rotate around the axis, and therefore causes the corresponding roller group to change its orientation accordingly to provide driving steering. When the pin is in the straight slot 332, the rotation of the actuator component 300 corresponds to the rotation of the steering input device 241.

[0059] The use of locking lever 243 can prevent the pin from leaving straight slot 332. In one example, the pin can be permanently located in straight slot 332 so that driven steering is permanently provided for the corresponding roller set. In the case of permanent driven steering for one or more roller sets 121, 122, mechanism 231 may not be present in the stroller frame 200, or a simpler mechanism that does not provide or include selective functionality may be used. Due to the absence of mechanism 231, these configurations can advantageously contribute to a lighter stroller frame 200. Of course, as mentioned elsewhere in this disclosure, a combination can be used: one roller set always has driven steering, while another roller set selectively drives steering.

[0060] The sensitivity of the mechanism 231 can be controlled by, for example, changing the length of a cable, pulley or wire connecting the mechanism 231 to the steering input device 241. Alternatively, the sensitivity of the mechanism 231 can be controlled by having two actuator components corresponding to each roller group. The first of these actuator components can be configured to engage with the steering input device 241 and the second actuator component by means of a set of teeth, and the second actuator component can be configured to engage with the first actuator component and engage with the roller group by means of a set of teeth. By changing the spacing of the set of teeth of one or both of the first actuator component and the second actuator component, the rotation imparted by the first actuator to the second actuator by using the steering input device 241 can be changed.

[0061] Similar methods may be applied to fix or control the steering ratio between roller sets, or the components may simply have different fixed or configurable sizes so that the same rotation of each component produces a different transmission or similar transmission in the output of the roller set.

[0062] The driven steering may be selected remotely using an electronic device (such as a smart phone) that can be wirelessly connected to the mechanism through the mechanism's controller.As described above, a more mechanical approach may be used.

[0063] It should be understood that the stroller frame 200 and the entire stroller 100 may be manufactured by the same manufacturer. However, the stroller frame and the entire stroller may be manufactured by different entities. Clearly, the inventive concepts described above are applicable to the stroller frame 200 and / or the entire stroller 100, and the stroller frame 200 may be formed separately from or integrally with the entire stroller 100.

[0064] While preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims and described above.

[0065] In summary, the present invention provides a stroller frame that is capable of selectable and lockable driven steering of one or more roller sets suitable for various terrains, thereby improving the maneuverability of the stroller.

[0066] Attention is paid to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or before this specification and which are related to this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all these papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

[0067] All features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims and drawings) and / or all steps of any method or process so disclosed may be combined in any combination, except at most some mutually exclusive combinations of such features and / or steps.

[0068] Unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed in this specification (including any attached claims and drawings) may be replaced by an alternative feature serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose. Therefore, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is only an example of a general series of equivalent or similar features.

[0069] The invention is not limited to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one or any novel combination of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims and drawings), or to any novel one or any novel combination of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

1. A baby carriage frame, comprising: a first roller attachment point configured to engage a first roller set; a second roller attachment point configured to engage with a second set of rollers, wherein the first roller attachment point is located at a front portion of the stroller frame and the second roller attachment point is located at a rear portion of the stroller frame, the front portion of the stroller frame being the direction in which the stroller frame is pushed by a user, and a mechanism configured to engage the first roller set via the first roller attachment point, wherein the mechanism is configured to provide driven steering of the first roller set when a user steers the stroller frame using a stroller frame handle attached to the mechanism, and wherein the stroller frame further comprises a plate interconnecting the first set of rollers and the second set of rollers, and wherein a stroller seat can be attached to the plate, the mechanism being attached to the plate and positioned away from the first roller attachment point, and the mechanism being positioned substantially below the stroller seat when the stroller seat is attached to the plate in use.

2. The stroller frame according to claim 1, wherein: The mechanism is configured to engage the second roller set via the second roller attachment point.

3. The stroller frame according to claim 2, wherein: The mechanism is configured to provide driven steering of the second set of rollers when a user turns the stroller frame.

4. The stroller frame according to claim 3, wherein: The mechanism is configured to engage a user input device; as well as The mechanism is configured to select a drive direction of at least one of the first set of rollers and the second set of rollers in response to a user input received by the user input device.

5. The stroller frame according to claim 4, wherein: At least one of the first roller group and the second roller group is configured to be locked in a state for drive steering when drive steering is selected.

6. The stroller frame according to claim 4, wherein: In the case where a drive steering is selected for the first roller set and the second roller set, the ratio of the drive steering of the first roller set relative to the second roller set is the same.

7. The stroller frame according to claim 4, wherein: In the case where drive steering is selected for the first roller group and the second roller group, the ratio of drive steering of the first roller group relative to the second roller group is different.

8. The stroller frame according to claim 1, wherein: The first roller attachment point is configured to engage a ball as the first roller set.

9. The stroller frame according to claim 1, wherein: The second roller attachment point is configured to engage a set of wheels as the second roller set.

10. The stroller frame according to claim 1, wherein: The mechanism includes one or more actuators for interacting with at least one of the first roller attachment point and the second roller attachment point.

11. The stroller frame according to claim 1, wherein: The sensitivity of the driven steering provided by the mechanism to the steering of the stroller frame by the user is defined by a scaling factor.

12. The stroller frame according to claim 11, wherein: The scaling factor is at least one of a fixed scaling factor and an adjustable scaling factor.

13. A baby stroller comprising the baby stroller frame according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

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