Wheel-shaped piece for baby carriage and baby carriage with wheel-shaped piece

Abstract

A wheel for a baby carriage includes an inner hub for connection to an axle, an outer rim for engagement with the ground in use, and a plurality of spokes connected between the inner hub and the outer rim, where the spokes are flexible.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a wheel member for a stroller and a stroller having the wheel member. The present invention also relates to a method of providing a suspension for a stroller. The present invention also relates to a wheel member for other small vehicles or rollable devices or items such as a suitcase with attached wheels. Background Art

[0002] A stroller is a known device for transporting infants or toddlers. Generally, a stroller has a chair assembly disposed on a chassis, which has one or more wheel members to facilitate the movement of the stroller. Figure 1 is a schematic view of a stroller described in co-pending International Application No. W02022 / 101517 of the same applicant.

[0003] Figure 1 A stroller 10 in an unfolded state is shown. The stroller 10 generally includes a sub-frame in the form of a chassis assembly 11, a handle assembly 26 connected to the sub-frame, and a seat assembly 28. In this example, the seat assembly 28 is mounted on the handle assembly 26 by a seat mounting device 30. It can be seen that in normal use, in the unfolded state, the seat back is generally in a substantially upright position. The seat back is preferably tiltable partially or fully. When the stroller 10 is in the unfolded state shown, the seat base 28b will generally remain in a substantially horizontal position.

[0004] A pair of forwardly extending wheel-supporting leg members 14 and a pair of rearwardly extending wheel-supporting leg members 16 are rotatably mounted on a central body portion 12 of the chassis assembly 11. The distal ends of the forwardly extending leg members 14 are front wheels 18, and the distal ends of the rearwardly extending leg members 16 are rear wheels.

[0005] Generally, the rear wheel assembly 20 is arranged such that the rear wheel 24 can rotate about a substantially horizontal axis. The front wheel assembly 18 includes a front wheel 22 that can rotate about a generally horizontal axis and is also arranged such that the front wheel 22 can rotate about a substantially vertical axis, thereby providing a potential steering facility to increase the maneuverability of the stroller 10.

[0006] In known strollers, the wheel member assembly can take many different forms. In addition, it should be noted that the description herein relates to the wheel member of a stroller, but the wheel member can equally be used for other small vehicles, such as golf carts, wheelchairs, golf carts, shopping carts, bicycles, and tricycles, and any other small vehicles. For example, the wheel member can also be used as a wheel member on a suitcase or a rollable bag.

[0007] Devices such as baby carriages are generally simple in structure, so it is neither suitable nor advisable to incorporate overly complex mechanisms. However, it is desired that a baby carriage can provide a smooth journey experience for a baby or young child. Similarly, in examples of other small vehicles such as golf carts, wheelchairs, golf push carts, and shopping carts, it is desired that the vehicle can move smoothly during normal use and can easily pass over uneven places on the surface being pushed.

[0008] Suspension systems have been tried and used in such carts, but suspension systems are generally complex in structure and thus costly. An example can be seen in CN114030524, which provides a spring-based suspension system connected to a baby carriage frame element.

[0009] Examples of wheel members including flexible spokes connected between an inner hub and an outer rim of a wheel member of a large vehicle are disclosed in US2020 / 114687, US2020207150, US2017341,464, WO2013 / 138548, US2006 / 113016. Summary of the Invention

[0010] There is a need for a simplified suspension mechanism for a baby carriage or other such small vehicles.

[0011] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a wheel member for a small vehicle, such as a baby carriage, the wheel member comprising: an inner hub for connection to an axle; an outer rim for engaging the ground in use; and a plurality of spokes connecting the hub and the outer rim, wherein the spokes are flexible.

[0012] There is provided a wheel member that can be provided on a baby carriage or other small vehicle, and the wheel member provides a simple and robust device for ensuring that the vehicle has a suspension effect, and can provide a smooth riding experience for the occupant or a comfortable experience for the user pushing the vehicle. The wheel member is suitable for a vehicle driven by manual operation, i.e., the vehicle is pushed or pulled by an operator to move the vehicle.

[0013] In one embodiment, the spoke has a thickness or cross-sectional area that decreases from a radially inner position to a radially outer position, or vice versa, i.e., the spoke has a thickness or cross-sectional area that decreases from a radially inner position to a radially outer position. In other words, as the distance from the radial center increases, the flexibility of the spoke becomes greater. This causes the spoke to be bent eccentrically or to bend to a greater extent as the position is farther from the center of the wheel-like member (i.e., the position is farther from the connection of the spoke to the hub). As described below, in use, this produces a beneficial two-stage compression effect. Depending on changes in the thickness, shape, material, etc. of the spoke, multiple stages of compression can be provided, but in practice, two-stage compression is preferred.

[0014] In one embodiment, the spoke has a thickness or cross-sectional area that continuously decreases from a radially inner position at its connection to the inner hub to a radially outer position at its connection to the outer rim. In an alternative configuration, the spoke has a thickness or cross-sectional area that continuously increases from a radially inner position at its connection to the inner hub to a radially outer position at its connection to the outer rim. In a preferred example, the thickness of the spoke is the magnitude of the cross-sectional area of the spoke.

[0015] In one embodiment, the thickness or cross-sectional area of the spoke varies such that the spoke provides a two-stage suspension effect in use.

[0016] In one embodiment, the variation in thickness or cross-sectional area is arranged such that: when a first force is applied, one or more of the spokes deform, thereby defining a bent portion. Preferably, the spokes are arranged such that: the bent portions of adjacent spokes can come into contact, although the spokes can also be spaced apart such that bent portions are formed in use, but the spacing between the spokes is such that adjacent spokes do not contact.

[0017] Thus, a first-stage suspension effect is provided when a first-stage force is applied, which typically may occur during daily use. For example, if used in a stroller, when crossing a rock or driving along a curb, bends or kinks may occur in the spokes. This is a typical situation when pushing a stroller and can ensure that the occupants in the stroller experience a relatively high level of comfort.

[0018] In one embodiment, the thickness variation is such that when the defined bend portion contacts an adjacent spoke, the remainder of the spoke only contacts when the force exceeds a defined threshold. The bend portion is typically formed at a point where the thickness of the spoke changes due to a variation along its length, to facilitate deformation at that point or to offset the deformation from that point. In other examples, in addition to the thickness variation, other variations in the spoke can be used to determine the location where the bend portion is formed. In an example, the spoke changes shape (e.g., cross-sectional shape) rather than thickness, i.e., the spoke changes from a flat rectangle to a cylindrical shape in the middle or is distorted such that the "weaker" portion is in the middle of the spoke to facilitate the formation of the bend portion during use.

[0019] Accordingly, a second stage of suspension or a second-level suspension is provided. Once the bend portion has made contact, the spokes will only contact further when the user is subjected to a greater force. This can occur during normal but infrequent use of the stroller, for example, if the user accidentally pushes the stroller up a high curb or drops it from a step that is larger than expected. The specific details of the force required to cause the initial bend portion contact and subsequent spoke contact can be selected and controlled by variations in the material or thickness (or shape) of the spokes in the wheel member.

[0020] In one embodiment, each spoke is connected to the inner hub at one circumferential position and to the outer rim at a different circumferential position such that the spoke is inclined between the inner hub and the outer rim, thereby forming an acute angle between the tangents to the hub or the rim.

[0021] In one embodiment, the connection between at least one spoke, preferably all spokes, and the outer rim is arcuate.

[0022] In one embodiment, the connection between at least one spoke, preferably all spokes, and the inner hub is arcuate.

[0023] In one embodiment, the wheel member is a molded wheel member.

[0024] In one embodiment, the wheel member is an integrally molded wheel member.

[0025] In one embodiment, the wheel member is formed entirely of a uniform composition.

[0026] In one embodiment, the wheel member is formed of a composition that varies along the length of the spokes.

[0027] In one embodiment, the diameter of the wheel member is between 10 cm and 50 cm, preferably between 18 cm and 28 cm. These dimensions are given as a preferred range but are not limiting. These dimensions represent typical wheel member diameters for strollers or small vehicles such as golf carts, wheelchairs, golf push carts, and shopping carts.

[0028] In an embodiment, the axial width of the molded wheel member varies according to the radius. Preferably, the wheel member is thicker at its radially inner position than at its radially outer position, in other words, in the axial direction, for the wheel member, the closer to the center, the thicker. This provides an efficient and effective way by which the amount of material in some or all of the spokes can vary with the radius.

[0029] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a stroller having a chassis, a seat, and at least three leg members, each leg member being provided with a wheel member to facilitate the movement of the stroller, wherein at least one of the wheel members is a wheel member according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0030] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of providing a suspension effect for a stroller, the method comprising providing a plurality of wheel members for a stroller having a chassis, a seat, and leg members supporting one or more wheels, at least one of the plurality of wheel members including: an inner hub for connection to an axle; an outer rim for engaging the ground in use; and a plurality of spokes connecting the hub and the outer rim, wherein the spokes are flexible.

[0031] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a small vehicle having one or more wheel members to facilitate movement, wherein at least one of the wheel members is a wheel member according to the first aspect of the present invention. In one example, the vehicle is selected from the following: strollers, golf carts, wheelchairs, golf push carts, and shopping carts. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0033] Figure 1 is a schematic view of a stroller;

[0034] Figure 2 A to Figure 2D is a schematic view of a first example of a wheel member of a stroller;

[0035] Figure 3 A to Figure 3D is a schematic view of a second example of a wheel member of a stroller;

[0036] Figure 4A and Figure 4B shows an exemplary embodiment of a spoke of a wheel member in any of the figures in Figures 1 to 3 ;

[0037] Figure 5 A of Figure 5 and B of

[0038] Figures 6A to 6C is a view of a wheel member showing the stress on the wheel member of a stroller in use; and

[0039] Figure 7A and Figure 7B are schematic views of another example of a wheel member of a stroller; DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] The present invention provides a wheel member for a small vehicle, such as a stroller or a golf cart. The wheel member includes an inner hub for connection to an axle, such as directly or through a bearing or bearing assembly, and an outer rim for engagement with the ground in use. A plurality of spokes are connected between the hub and the rim. The spokes are flexible and are for providing a suspension action and controlling the position of the stroller or golf cart relative to the ground in use. The wheel member provides a simple and effective way to provide a suspension action for a small vehicle, such as a stroller. Accordingly, the comfort of a passenger, such as a baby or a toddler, in the stroller can be increased without the need for complex controls on the frame or on the stroller itself.

[0041] Referring again to Figure 1 , a schematic view of a stroller is shown, and it can be seen that the stroller includes a plurality of wheel members disposed at the ends of leg members 14 and 16. Figure 2 A through Figure 2D of Figure 1 shows an example of a wheel member for a stroller, such as the stroller shown in

[0042] See Figure 2 A through Figure 2 C of Figure 2 A throughFigure 2 In the example of C, the opening is generally triangular, although the sides of the opening do not necessarily have to be straight lines.

[0043] The spokes are preferably arranged generally radially, but the spokes are not perpendicular to the inner hub 32. In the example shown, the spokes make an acute angle θ with the tangent to the hub in the static configuration. The spokes also make an acute angle with the tangent to the outer rim. In the example shown, the angles are the same, but in other examples, the angles do not have to be the same.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment, the wheel member is provided as a one-piece molded part. In other examples, the wheel member can be formed from a plurality of molded parts that are assembled together to form the entire wheel member structure. For example, although preferably as a one-piece molded part in another example, the spokes can be provided as separate parts that are assembled with the hub and the rim to form the wheel member. In such a case, the spokes can be provided as springs, helices, vanes, etc. to be connected to the hub or the rim. The spokes can be integrally provided with one of the hub or the rim and not integrally provided with the other of the hub and the rim. In this example, the spokes can be formed from a material different from the hub and / or the rim.

[0045] The wheel member is preferably formed from a plastic material which may typically have other materials incorporated therein. For example, in one example, the wheel member is formed from plastic and glass fibers are incorporated in the plastic to provide additional strength to the wheel member. Importantly, by varying the composition of the molding material, the strength and flexibility of different parts of the wheel member can be determined. In another example, the wheel member is formed from a rubber material which optionally has other materials incorporated therein. Those skilled in the art will understand how to achieve such an effect.

[0046] In use, the stiffness of the spokes is selected such that the wheel member effectively has an internal suspension mechanism. This ensures that a rider in a stroller / baby carriage or any other small vehicle equipped with the wheel member does not experience any discomfort due to any irregularities or unevenness of the ground or surface on which the vehicle is located.

[0047] Reference Figure 2D , a magnified portion of the wheel member can be seen. As described above, an opening 38 is provided between each pair of adjacent spokes. In the radially inner portion of each spoke 40, the width A of the spoke is significantly greater than the width B at the radially outer region 42. The effect of the spoke thickness varying with the radial displacement is to make the spokes eccentric and ensure that when a force is applied to the rim, i.e., due to the wheel member hitting an object or moving over an unevenness in the underlying surface, the rim does not deform uniformly, but rather the points where significant bending occurs along the radial length of the rim can be determined or controlled.

[0048] In the example shown, when a relatively low level of force is initially applied, the radially outer regions of the spokes will flexibly deform and move to the right (as Figure 2D shown). When this occurs, due to the positioning and presence of the rim 34, the adjacent spokes 36 will similarly deform. A certain chain reaction will occur, and multiple spokes will similarly deform in gradually decreasing amounts.

[0049] After a certain degree of deformation has occurred in one or more spokes, the adjacent spokes will contact each other in the radially outer regions, and the spokes will no longer deform if no additional compressive force is applied.

[0050] During normal use of the wheeled member, such as when the wheeled member is mounted on a stroller, this will be the degree of deformation of the spokes upon impact. However, when the outer regions of the spokes of a particular part of the wheeled member contact each other due to the above deformation, if a greater force is applied to the wheeled member, the lower, thicker part of the spokes - which is radially closer to the center of the wheeled member - will be forced to deform until it engages with the adjacent spokes.

[0051] Thus, through this shape and configuration of the spokes, that is, by providing spokes with a thickness variation, where the thickness varies radially from a position with a relatively high thickness in the radially inward configuration to a lower thickness in the radially outer position, a two-stage compression process can be achieved. This means that the wheeled member actually has two operating modes in use, or rather, two suspension modes can be provided.

[0052] Figure 4A and Figure 4B show exemplary embodiments of the spokes of a wheeled member for use in Figures 1 to 3 either. In Figure 4A , the spokes have a continuous circular cross-section along their length, but the material composition varies in order to create regions or points 35 with greater flexibility at the desired locations. Preferably, the more flexible regions or points 35 are between 30% and 70% along the direction from the connection at the hub outward towards the rim.

[0053] In Figure 4B 's example, the spokes are shaped such that they have the following cross-section: although the shape is consistent, it again becomes smaller towards the center, thereby creating regions or points 35 with greater flexibility at the desired locations. In the first response stage (of the two stages) of the flexible spokes, upon compression, a bend is formed at this location 35.

[0054] In other examples, the spokes are shaped such that they have a cross-sectional shape that varies along their length. In other words, the shape of the cross-section (circular, oval, triangular, rectangular, racetrack-shaped, etc.) is not uniform along the length of the spoke. In the non-limiting example shown, the region near the hub has a cross-section that is substantially racetrack-shaped or rectangular. A gradual change in the cross-section is provided such that at a defined point between 30% and 70% in the direction from the junction at the hub outwards towards the rim, the cross-section is circular and then transitions back to a different shape, such as substantially racetrack-shaped or rectangular.

[0055] In this example, the cross-section at the point where the spoke is circular is preferably slightly smaller (the numerical value of the cross-sectional area at the circular point is smaller than at either side of the circular point) such that when in use a bend is formed eccentrically at this location.

[0056] Figure 5 of A and Figure 5 Figures A and B are schematic views of another example of a wheeled member for a stroller. In this example, the cross-section of each spoke is oval. Again, as the radial distance increases, the size of the oval cross-section decreases such that the spokes generally become thinner further towards the rim of the wheeled member. The oval cross-section provides a significant advantage as the outer surface at any point on the spoke is smooth and curved. When using the stroller outdoors, this reduces the chance of dust or debris that the wheeled member will inevitably encounter becoming trapped in the wheeled member. Accordingly, the chance of dust or debris, such as stones or dirt, becoming lodged between the spokes is also reduced. Thus, by providing a continuous smooth outer surface for the spokes, any possible detrimental effects on the function of the spokes can be avoided or reduced.

[0057] In another example, the cross-section of the spoke is circular, which provides corresponding benefits to spokes with an oval cross-section.

[0058] Reference Figure 6A and Figure 6B show examples of a wheeled member where a radial force F is applied to the wheeled member, which may typically be caused by the wheeled member engaging with uneven protrusions on the surface on which it rolls. The force F may typically be a reaction to the weight of the stroller or, indeed, a reaction to a downward force on the wheeled member at a particular point in time. Figure 6A shows a rasterized version of the wheeled member, indicating the relative stresses on the components of the wheeled member. Figure 6B Clearly shows the relative deformation of the individual spokes within the wheeled member.

[0059] For example, the wheel-like member may be rolling on a rock on a sidewalk or may fall into a crack or pothole in the sidewalk. In fact, in the example shown, the wheel-like member appears to be on a flat surface, but this is only for explanation. It can be understood that the force applied to the wheel-like member at this point is radially inward.

[0060] The spokes of the wheel-like member have undergone the deformation of the above-described first stage. The radially outer regions of adjacent spoke pairs have come into contact. Observe Figure 6A and Figure 6B the lowermost pair of spokes 44 and 46 in, which have been deformed such that both spokes 44 and 46 are deformed into a generally curved shape. In this example, a contact point or kink 48 has been established between the two spokes. The kink is formed at a specific position along the length of the spoke, and this position is controlled by a change in the thickness of the spoke along its length and / or a change in the composition of the material from which the spoke is made.

[0061] As a result, the first spoke 44 and the second spoke 46 are closer together (compared to a pair of spokes in the uncompressed upper part of the wheel-like member). For example, see the relative separation of the uppermost pair of spokes 54 and 56 at this point of rotation. Nevertheless, the first spoke 44 in the lowermost pair of spokes arches away from the second spoke 46, leaving a gap between the pair of spokes in the middle region of the spokes. In the radially inner region of the spokes 46 and 44, the spokes remain a distance C apart.

[0062] Of course, the materials of the spokes 44 and 46 are in contact at the kink, and the remaining non-contact portions of the spokes are thicker portions that are more radially inward. Due to the material of the thicker portion, it is still deformable, but since the thickness of this thicker portion has increased compared to the more radially outer portion of the spoke, more force is required for further deformation at this stage. In other words, more force is required to bring the inner regions of the spokes together at this stage, and thus the configuration of the spokes effectively provides the second stage of the compression cycle. By selectively changing the width of the spoke so that it decreases in the radial direction, the interaction of the spokes is controlled such that the radially outer regions deform first, and only after the contact points between adjacent spokes are defined is it possible for the second radially inner regions of the spokes to interact. The thicker nature of the radially inner regions means that more force is required at this stage to effect the deformation of the spokes.

[0063] It can be understood that, without the need for adjacent spokes to contact at the bent portion, the same two-stage compression effect can also be achieved. In other words, the reason for this can be simply achieved is that when the first thinner portion of the spoke deforms according to its function, the second thicker portion will not deform until the force on the second thicker portion reaches the required threshold level. In fact, in some examples, even if no bent portion is formed in any of the spokes, the two-stage compression effect or suspension effect can be achieved.

[0064] Reference Figure 6C This can be further understood. In this example, a wheel member under a lighter load is shown. The wheel member 55 includes a plurality of spokes, such as spokes 57 and 59 in the upper half of the wheel member 55. The wheel member is under a lighter load, and under this condition, the spokes 57 and 59 in the upper half of the wheel member do not deform. However, the spokes in the lower half of the wheel member, such as 61 and 63, deform in the outer region. It can be seen that the thickness of the spoke decreases as the radial distance increases, such that the spoke becomes thinner along its length from the hub 32 to the rim 34. As a result, all the deformations of the lower spokes of the wheel member are outside the region indicated by the dashed line (preferably a circle) 65. Inside the line 65, the spokes of the entire wheel member are not affected. Therefore, the two-stage compression can be achieved without any contact between adjacent spokes.

[0065] This may be due to changes in the material composition, thickness, or shape of the spoke along its length. For example, if each spoke is formed by a helical spring, where the first part has one spring constant and the second part has a different spring constant, then when pressure is applied to the spoke along its axial length, a two-stage compression will be provided.

[0066] Another example includes setting each spoke as a hydraulic mechanism or a spring, such as including two or more members that are telescopically mounted and arranged to slide relative to each other when a force is applied. In the above two examples, the spokes are generally provided in a simple radial arrangement to connect the hub to the outer rim or any intermediate rim in the case of providing more than one annular region.

[0067] Observe again Figure 2 (Especially Figure 2In C), it can be seen that in this example, the thickness of the wheel-shaped member is not uniform in the radial direction. In other words, the thickness X of the wheel-shaped member at a relatively large radial distance is less than the thickness Y of the wheel-shaped member in the radially inner region. This also provides a method for controlling the relative flexibility of the spoke along its length. Specifically, by making the thickness X of the spoke in the radially outer part less than the thickness Y in the radially inner part, the deformation of the spoke is eccentrically formed to occur first in this radially outer region, rather than in the radially inner region where its axial length Y is larger (axial direction along the axis of rotation of the wheel-shaped member). Alternative configurations are possible, such as where X is the same as Y, or in fact where X is greater than Y.

[0068] Preferably, the material composition of the spoke does not vary along the length of the spoke, such that the variation in flexibility only results from the variation in width and thickness in the radial direction (i.e., the axial direction). However, in one example, the material composition is also controlled such that the spoke has different degrees of flexibility or rigidity along its length.

[0069] See Figure 3 , which shows a second example of the wheel-shaped member. The overall configuration is similar to that of Figure 2 A to Figure 2D in, but in this case, the opening 50 between adjacent pairs of spokes 52 is generally trapezoidal or rectangular, rather than Figure 2 A to Figure 2D the triangle in the example of. The spokes are again configured such that: when the spoke is in a static or unloaded state, each spoke forms an acute angle with the tangent of the hub.

[0070] Figure 3D Shows Figure 3 A to Figure 3 The enlarged part of the wheel-shaped member shown in C of. It can be seen from the joint between the spoke and the outer rim 34 that instead of providing an acute angle connection, a smooth or arc (radius) connection is provided at the circumferentially forward and circumferentially backward connection points. The connection portion 50 is curved or arc-shaped, rather than linear and sharp. This is done to reduce the risk of damage to the wheel-shaped member during use.

[0071] Since the wheel-shaped member continuously bends and straightens during use, eventually, some damage may occur to the connection between the spoke and the rim 34. By providing a smooth or arc-shaped connection point (as shown in Figure 3D ) between each spoke and the rim 34 (and optionally or alternatively also the hub 32), the risk of damage or breakage is minimized.

[0072] Compared with Figure 2 A to Figure 2D In comparison, Figure 3 A to Figure 3DThe example shown in [figure number] includes a greater number of spokes. This is preferred as it increases the portion of the outer surface of the wheel member or rim 34 that is actually supported by the material from one of the spokes. As compared with the example shown in Figure 2 from A to Figure 2D in [figure number], the reduced spoke thickness facilitates providing a greater number of spokes. Similarly, the overall interaction of adjacent spokes is the same as that described above with reference to Figure 2 from A to Figure 2D in [figure number].

[0073] In use, it is contemplated that the wheel member is sized for arrangement on a small vehicle, such as a stroller or a pushcart. Specifically, the rear wheel and the front wheel are of the same size, or alternatively, the rear wheel is slightly larger than the front wheel. In a non - limiting example, the radius of the rear wheel is between 18 cm and 24 cm, and the radius of the front wheel is between 15 cm and 21 cm. Most preferably, the radius of the rear wheel is 21 cm and the radius of the front wheel is 18 cm. Preferably, the ratio of the radius of the rear wheel to the radius of the front wheel is 7:6. However, it should be understood that although these values do represent preferred embodiments, these values are given for illustrative purposes only and are not restrictive.

[0074] The configuration of the wheel member is such that it can actually be considered that the inner hub 32 is suspended from the rim 34 by the spokes during normal use. Thus, the pressure on the spokes that are in the lower position at any given time will be greater. However, in use, when the wheel member rotates during normal use, the stress will be distributed substantially evenly among all the spokes.

[0075] Figure 7A is a schematic view of another example of a wheel member 58 for a stroller. This wheel member can be formed of a material and in a manner similar to the wheel members described in any one of the above - referenced Figure 1 to 6. However, the wheel member of this example includes two different and discrete spoke radial regions 63 or annular regions 65.

[0076] These two regions include a radially outer region 63 and a radially inner region 65. These two regions are separated by an intermediate rim 64 that is preferably generally cylindrical. The radially outer region 63 includes a plurality of spokes 66 that connect the outer rim 60 of the wheel member and the cylindrical intermediate rim 64. The radially inner region 65 includes a plurality of spokes 68 that connect the hub 62 of the wheel member and the cylindrical intermediate rim 64.

[0077] It can be seen that the spokes 66 in the radially outer region 63 are thinner (and thus more flexible if the material composition is uniform) than the spokes 68 in the radially inner region 65. The wheel member operates in the same manner as Figure 1The operation of the wheel-shaped members in FIGS. 0 to 6 is similar. That is to say, the wheel-shaped members have two operating modes, or two suspension modes can be provided when in use. Under the first-stage compressive force, the relatively thin spokes 66 in the radially outer region will respond by deforming. After reaching the equilibrium position, if a greater force is applied, the relatively thick spokes 68 in the radially inner region 65 will respond by deforming.

[0078] In this example, the above-mentioned bent portion is actually replaced by the cylindrical intermediate rim 64. Similarly, before the spokes in the inner region 65 are activated or fully deformed, contact may occur between the adjacent spokes 66 in the radially outer region. However, the bending of the inner spokes only occurs between the hub 62 and the cylindrical intermediate rim, rather than Figure 1 as shown in FIGS. 0 to 6 and in the above example, at the contact point or between the bent portion and the hub.

[0079] In one example, two or more intermediate rims are provided, so that the region between the outer rim and the inner hub is divided into more than 2 spoke regions. For example, two intermediate rims can be provided to separate the regions of the spokes with different thicknesses or material compositions within the wheel-shaped member, as described above.

[0080] Figure 7B Such an arrangement is schematically shown. In this example, two intermediate rings 641 and 642 are provided. The first intermediate ring 641 is the outer boundary of the first region 70 defined between the hub 62 and the first intermediate ring 641. The second intermediate ring 642 is the outer boundary of the second region 72 defined between the first intermediate ring 641 and the second intermediate ring 642. A third region 72 is defined between the second intermediate ring 642 and the outer rim 60.

[0081] As shown, spokes 76, 78, and 80 are also schematically provided in each of the regions 70, 72, and 74. Only a single spoke is shown in the figure. Of course, the spokes will be arranged as Figure 7A shown, and the spokes in each region are the same within that region, but different from the spokes in another region. Therefore, the spokes 76 in the region 70 are all the same, the spokes 78 in the region 72 are all the same, and the spokes 80 in the region 74 are all the same. However, the spokes 80 in the region 74 have greater flexibility than the spokes 78 in the region 72 and the spokes 76 in the region 70, and the spokes 78 in the region 72 have greater flexibility than the spokes 76 in the region 70.

[0082] Therefore, when a force is applied to the wheel-shaped member, the spokes will be gradually compressed, thus providing a multi-stage suspension effect, just like the example described above. In Figure 7BIn the example, suspension effects for three stages are provided. If desired, additional regions can be provided so that suspension effects for any number of desired stages can be achieved.

[0083] As can be seen, the provided wheel-like member has a plurality (two or more) of annular regions, and each annular region has a plurality of spokes. Preferably, the spokes in each annular region have a different flexibility from one or more other annular regions. For example, the plurality of spokes of the wheel-like member can generally include a plurality of radially inner spokes in a first annular region, a plurality of radially intermediate spokes in a second annular region, and a plurality of radially outer spokes in a radially outer region. An intermediate rim is provided between each adjacent annular region.

[0084] Observe Figure 7A , it can be understood that the advantage of this arrangement is that when the outer spoke 66 reaches its maximum compression, the cylindrical intermediate rim 64 is used to distribute the load more evenly to the less flexible spokes 68 in the radially inner region 65. In addition, the cylindrical intermediate rim 64 also provides enhanced lateral stability to the wheel-like member. The corresponding advantages apply to the arrangement in Figure 7B that provides 3 annular regions.

[0085] The shape of each spoke (e.g., the cross-section of each spoke) can be the same as the shape described with reference to any one of Figure 1 to FIG. 6 above. The spokes may all have the same cross-section, but in one example, the cross-section of the spokes in one annular region, such as the inner region 65 in Figure 7A , is different from the cross-section of the spokes in the outer region 63 in Figure 7A .

[0086] Embodiments of the present invention have been described specifically with reference to the illustrated examples. However, it should be understood that variations and modifications can be made to the described examples within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A wheel-like member for a small vehicle, the wheel-like member comprising: An inner hub for connection to an axle, An outer rim for engaging the ground in use, A plurality of spokes connecting between the inner hub and the outer rim, wherein the spokes are flexible.

2. The annular member according to claim 1, wherein, The spokes have a thickness or cross-sectional area that varies along the length of the spokes.

3. The annular member according to claim 2, wherein, The spokes have a thickness or cross-sectional area that decreases from a radially inner position to a radially outer position.

4. The wheel-shaped member according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The spokes have a thickness or cross-sectional area that continuously decreases from a radially inner position at the connection of the spoke to the inner hub to a radially outer position at the connection of the spoke to the outer rim, or the spokes have a thickness or cross-sectional area that continuously decreases from a radially outer position at the connection of the spoke to the outer rim to a radially inner position at the connection of the spoke to the inner hub.

5. The annular member according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The thickness, shape or material of the spokes varies along the length of the spokes such that in use the spokes provide a two-stage suspension effect.

6. The wheel-shaped member according to claim 5, wherein, Under a first load, any deformation of the spokes is in a radially outer region between: the rim; and an annular portion between the rim and the hub.

7. The annular member according to claim 6, wherein, The annular portion is a circle.

8. The annular member according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein, The variation in thickness or cross-sectional area is set such that: when a first force is applied, one or more of the spokes deform to define a bend.

9. The wheel-shaped member according to claim 8, wherein, The defined bend contacts an adjacent spoke.

10. The wheel-shaped member according to claim 9, wherein, The variation in thickness, shape, material or cross-sectional area is set such that: when the defined bend contacts an adjacent spoke, if the force exceeds a defined threshold, i.e., higher than the force required to make the bend contact, the remaining portion of the spoke will contact.

11. The annular member according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, Each spoke is connected to the inner hub at a circumferential position and to the outer rim at a different circumferential position such that the spoke is inclined between the inner hub and the outer rim, thereby defining an acute angle between the spoke and a tangent to the hub or the rim.

12. The annular member according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein, The connection between at least one of the spokes and the outer rim is arcuate.

13. The annular member according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein, The connection between at least one of the spokes and the inner hub is arcuate.

14. The annular member according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein, The wheel-like member is a molded wheel-like member.

15. The wheel-shaped member according to claim 14, wherein, The wheel-like member is an integrally molded wheel-like member.

16. The wheel-shaped member according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein, The wheel-like member is formed entirely of a uniform composition.

17. The wheel-shaped member according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein, The wheel-like member is formed of a composition that varies along the length of the spokes.

18. The annular member according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein, The diameter of the wheel-like member is between 3 cm and 50 cm, preferably between 10 cm and 40 cm, and most preferably between 18 cm and 28 cm.

19. The annular member according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein, The plurality of spokes includes a first annular spoke region having a plurality of radially inner spokes and a second annular spoke region having a plurality of radially outer spokes, and an intermediate rim is provided between the first annular spoke region and the second annular spoke region.

20. The wheel-like member according to claim 19, wherein the wheel-like member includes one or more additional annular spoke regions that are radially offset from each of: the inner plurality of spokes, the radially outer plurality of spokes, and the corresponding additional intermediate rim.

21. The annular member according to claim 19, wherein, The inner plurality of spokes are connected between the hub and the intermediate rim, and the radially outer plurality of spokes are connected between the intermediate rim and the outer rim.

22. The wheel-shaped member according to any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein The radially outer plurality of spokes have greater flexibility than the inner plurality of spokes.

23. A baby stroller, the baby stroller having a chassis, a seat, and at least three leg members, each leg member being provided with a wheel member to facilitate movement of the baby stroller, wherein, At least one of the wheel-like members is the wheel-like member according to any one of claims 1 to 22.

24. A small vehicle having one or more wheel-like members to enable the small vehicle to roll or move on the ground, wherein, At least one of the wheel-like members is the wheel-like member according to any one of claims 1 to 22.

25. The small vehicle according to claim 24, wherein, The vehicle is selected from among: A golf cart, a wheelchair, a golf caddy, a shopping cart, a suitcase, a tricycle, or a bicycle.

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