Hinge assembly for baby carriage
By designing locking buttons and actuator components in the stroller hinge assembly, the relative positions of the frame components are automatically locked or unlocked, solving the problem of stroller hinges being difficult to fix when folded and improving ease of use.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-10-09
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-10
AI Technical Summary
Existing stroller hinges are difficult to secure the frame components when folded, and the fixing and releasing mechanisms are not easy for users to operate.
A stroller hinge assembly has been designed, including a hinge body, a handle component, a second support leg component, and a locking component. Through the cooperation of a locking button and an actuator component, the locking component can move between locked and unlocked positions, automatically locking or unlocking the relative position of the frame components.
It achieves automatic locking of the stroller frame in the folded state and easy operation in the unfolded state, simplifying the user process and improving ease of use.
Smart Images
Figure CN121822609A_ABST
Abstract
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a hinge assembly for a stroller, and in particular, but not exclusively, to a hinge assembly for a stroller having improved ease of use. BACKGROUND
[0002] Strollers typically include one or more hinges and / or mechanical linkages / mechanisms for enabling the frame of the stroller to be folded into a more compact shape when the stroller is being transported or stored.
[0003] When folding a stroller, it is desirable for the frame members of the stroller to be secured in their folded position. It is also desirable for the securing mechanism to be easy for a user to apply and release, so that the user can easily control whether the frame members are secured in their folded position or are free to unfold. SUMMARY
[0004] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a stroller hinge assembly comprising: a hinge body; a first leg member coupled (e.g. fixedly coupled) to the hinge body; a handle member; a second leg member, wherein the handle member and the second leg member are pivotally coupled to the hinge body at respective pivot axes; wherein the hinge body comprises a housing having walls defining an interior space, wherein the assembly further comprises a locking member disposed within the interior space, wherein the locking member is movable within the interior space relative to the handle member and the second leg member, e.g. in a direction parallel to the pivot axes of the handle and the second leg, between a locked position in which portions of the locking member engage the handle member and the second leg member to prevent the handle member and the second leg member from rotating relative to the first leg member, and an unlocked position in which the portions of the locking member do not engage the handle member and the second leg member, wherein the hinge assembly further comprises an actuator member extending at least partially between the locking member and the exterior walls of the hinge body, wherein the hinge body comprises a lock button arranged at an opening or gap in the housing walls, wherein the lock button and the actuator member are configured such that depressing the lock button causes the actuator member to move (e.g. in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the locking member) to engage the locking member and cause the locking member to move into the unlocked position.
[0005] According to another aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a stroller hinge assembly comprising: a hinge body; a first leg member coupled (e.g. fixedly coupled) to the hinge body; a handle member; a second leg member, wherein the handle member and the second leg member are pivotally coupled to the hinge body at respective pivot axes; wherein the assembly further comprises a locking member movable relative to the handle member and the second leg member (e.g. in a direction parallel to the pivot axes of the handle and second leg) between a locked position in which portions of the locking member engage the handle member and the second leg member to prevent rotation of the handle member and the second leg member relative to the first leg member, and an unlocked position in which the portions of the locking member do not engage the handle member and the second leg member; wherein the hinge assembly further comprises an actuator member and a locking button, wherein the locking button and the actuator member are configured such that pressing the locking button causes the actuator member to move (e.g. in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the locking member) to engage the locking member and cause the locking member to move into the unlocked position.
[0006] The locking button can be part of the actuator member, for example formed at an end of the actuator member. Alternatively, the locking button can be a separate component to the actuator member, and can engage the actuator member and cause the actuator member to move (e.g. towards the locking member) when the locking button is pressed.
[0007] The hinge body can comprise a housing having walls defining an internal space. The locking member can be disposed within the internal space. The locking member can be movable within the internal space between the locked position and the unlocked position. The actuator member can extend at least partially between the locking member and an external wall of the hinge body. The locking button can be arranged at an opening or gap in the housing wall.
[0008] The second leg member and the handle member can be pivotable about the respective pivot axes into a folded configuration in which the second leg member and the handle extend from the hinge body in substantially the same direction as the first leg member.
[0009] The locking button can be arranged at an opening or gap in the housing wall substantially opposite to a location on the hinge body from which the first leg member extends.
[0010] The locking member can comprise a ramp. The actuator member can comprise a complementary ramp configured to engage the ramp to cause the locking member to move when the locking button is pressed.
[0011] The locking member can comprise a recess. The complementary ramp can be formed within the recess. The actuator member can extend into the recess to engage the locking member (e.g. at the complementary ramp).
[0012] The locking member can include an elongated body portion extending between a first end and a second end. The locking member can be engaged with the handle at the first end and can be engaged with the second leg at the second end. An elongation direction of the locking member is perpendicular to a direction of movement of the locking member. A recess can be formed in the elongated body portion. A thickness of the elongated body member can be locally increased in the area of the recess, e.g. in the direction of movement of the locking member.
[0013] The locking member can include a first pin portion formed at the first end for engaging the handle. The locking member can further include a second pin portion formed at the second end for engaging the second leg member.
[0014] The locking member can be supported for movement on the hinge body such that the locking member cannot be moved to engage only one of the handle and the second leg. For example, the locking member can be supported such that a rotation of the locking member (e.g. in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the locking member) is limited.
[0015] The hinge body can include one or more interior walls located within the interior space, the interior walls forming a passage through which the locking member moves.
[0016] The actuator member can be configured to pass through an opening in the interior wall to engage the locking member.
[0017] A cross-sectional shape of the passage can be substantially the same as a cross-sectional shape of the locking member (e.g. in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the locking member).
[0018] The handle member can include a pair of spaced apart plates. The handle member can be pivotally coupled to the hinge body by the pair of spaced apart plates, wherein the locking member is engageable with one of the spaced apart plates. One of the spaced apart plates can include an opening for receiving one of the pins formed on the locking member.
[0019] The second leg member can include plate members, e.g. located at a proximal end of the second leg member. The second leg can be pivotally coupled to the hinge body by the plate members. The locking member can be engaged with one of the plate members. For example, the plate member can include an opening for receiving one of the pins formed on the locking member.
[0020] The stroller frame can include the stroller hinge assembly described above. The stroller hinge assembly can be provided in one of a left side and a right side of the stroller, e.g. for hingedly connecting a handle frame member, a first leg frame member and a second leg frame member of the stroller frame in the one of the left side and the right side.
[0021] The stroller frame can further comprise a non-locking hinge assembly provided at the other one of the left and right sides of the stroller, e.g. for hingedly connecting the handle, the first leg and the second leg of the stroller at the other one of the left and right sides.
[0022] To avoid unnecessary repetition and repetition of text in the description, certain features are described only in relation to one or several aspects or embodiments of the application. However, it should be understood that, where technically feasible, features described in relation to any aspect or embodiment of the application can also be used in conjunction with any other aspect or embodiment of the application. For example, features described in relation to a first aspect can be combined with features of a second aspect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0023] For a better understanding of the present application, and to show more clearly how it can be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0024] Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a stroller according to the arrangement of the present application in an unfolded configuration;
[0025] Figure 2 is a front perspective view of a stroller in a folded configuration;
[0026] Figure 3 is a side perspective view of a stroller hinge according to the present disclosure shown in a folded configuration; Figure 1 and Figure 2 is a side perspective view of a stroller hinge according to the present disclosure shown in an unfolded configuration;
[0027] Figure 4 is a side perspective view of a stroller hinge, with a member of the hinge in between a folded configuration and an unfolded configuration;
[0028] Figure 5 is a front perspective cross-sectional view of a stroller hinge, with a member of the hinge in an unfolded configuration; and
[0029] Figure 6 is a front perspective cross-sectional view of a stroller hinge, with a member of the hinge in a folded configuration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0030] Reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 A stroller 2 according to the arrangement of the present disclosure comprises a stroller frame 10 and one or more seats 4, 6 supported on the stroller frame 10, e.g. one or more reclining seats for a child to sit or lie in. In other arrangements, another type of additional device for a child to sit or lie in, e.g. a carrycot or a car seat, can be supported on the stroller frame 10 instead of one or both of the seats 4, 6. The term "seat" used in the present disclosure refers to any additional device that can be supported on the stroller frame 10 for a child to sit or lie in.
[0031] The stroller frame 10 includes a first stroller hinge assembly 12a provided on a left side of the stroller frame and a second stroller hinge assembly 12b provided on a right side of the stroller frame. Either or both of the first stroller hinge assembly 12a and the second stroller hinge assembly 12b can include a stroller hinge assembly 300 according to the present disclosure, described below with reference to Figure 3 and Figure 4 Specifically, the hinge assembly 12a can include the stroller hinge assembly 300.
[0032] In the description that follows, features of the stroller frame 10 are described, particularly frame members of the stroller frame and their connection with the stroller hinge assembly 12a on one lateral side of the stroller frame. However, it should be understood that the stroller frame 10 can be symmetrical between the left and right lateral sides of the stroller frame, and thus similar component (e.g., frame member) arrangements can be provided on both lateral sides of the stroller frame.
[0033] The stroller frame 10 also includes a handle frame member 14 extending from the stroller hinge assembly 12a and a handle 15 extending between a distal end of the handle frame member 14 and a distal end of another handle frame member provided on the other lateral side of the stroller frame. The handle is graspable by a user and facilitates the stroller. In other arrangements, the stroller frame 10 can not include a handle extending between the handle frame members 14, but can instead include a handle (e.g., a separate handle) coupled to the handle frame member 14 (e.g., on either side of the stroller frame) for a user to grasp when facilitating the stroller.
[0034] The stroller frame 10 also includes a first leg frame member (e.g., a front leg frame member 16) extending from the stroller hinge assembly 12a for supporting one or more front wheels 18 of the stroller and a second leg frame member (e.g., a rear leg frame member 20) extending from the stroller hinge assembly 12a for supporting one or more rear wheels 22 of the stroller.
[0035] The stroller frame 10 can include a front cross frame member 24 extending laterally between distal ends of the front leg frame members 16 provided on either lateral side of the stroller frame. As shown, the front cross frame member 24 can be curved. In some arrangements, the front cross frame member 24 can be integrally formed with one or both of the front leg frame members 16. In such arrangements, a single frame member can extend from the stroller hinge assembly 12a on one side of the stroller frame to one of the front wheels 18, laterally across the other of the front wheels 18, and from the other of the front wheels to the stroller hinge assembly 12b on the other side of the stroller frame.
[0036] Similarly, the stroller frame can include a rear cross frame member 26 extending laterally between the distal ends of the rear leg frame members 20. In some arrangements, the rear cross frame member 26 can be integrally formed with one or both of the rear leg frame members 20. In such arrangements, a single frame member can extend from the stroller hinge assembly 12a on one lateral side of the stroller frame to one of the rear wheels 22, laterally across the other of the rear wheels 22, and from the other of the rear wheels to the stroller hinge assembly 12b on the other lateral side of the stroller frame.
[0037] The stroller frame 10 is configured to fold into a folded configuration, as shown in Figure 2 In the folded configuration, the handle frame member 14, the front leg frame member 16, and the rear leg frame member 20 extend from the stroller hinge assemblies in generally the same direction as one another or in directions that are generally parallel to one another. The stroller hinge assemblies 12a, 12b can be configured to facilitate pivoting of the front leg frame member 16, the rear leg frame member 20, and the handle frame member 14 relative to one another between Figure 1 the unfolded configuration, as shown in Figure 2 and the folded configuration, as shown in
[0038] As shown in Figure 2 when the stroller frame 10 is in the folded configuration, the stroller frame can be set up on the rear wheels 22 and / or the front wheels 18 and the handle 15.
[0039] The stroller hinge assemblies 12a, 12b can include hinge bodies 13a, 13b. One of the front leg frame member 16 and the rear leg frame member 20 can be coupled (e.g., fixedly coupled) to the hinge bodies 13a, 13b of the stroller hinge assemblies. For example, in the arrangements shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2 the front leg frame member 16 is fixedly coupled to the hinge body 13a. The other of the front leg frame member 16 and the rear leg frame member 20 can be pivotally coupled to the hinge bodies 13a, 13b. Further, the handle frame member 14 can be pivotally coupled to the hinge bodies 13a, 13b (e.g., on either lateral side of the stroller frame). The other of the front leg frame member and the rear leg frame member and the handle frame member can be coupled to the hinge bodies 13a, 13b at different respective pivot axes.
[0040] Referring to Figure 3 and Figure 4 A stroller hinge assembly 300 according to arrangements of the present disclosure will now be described. The stroller hinge assembly 300 can be provided in place of either or both of the stroller hinge assemblies 12a, 12b of the stroller frame 10 described above.
[0041] When provided as part of a stroller frame 10, the stroller hinge assembly 300 is configured to enable the relative positions of the front leg frame member 16, the rear leg frame member 20, and the handle member 14 to be locked when the stroller frame 10 is in the folded configuration. The stroller hinge assembly 300 can be configured to cause the relative positions of the front leg frame member 16, the rear leg frame member 20, and the handle member 14 to be automatically locked when the frame members (e.g., all of the frame members) are moved into the folded configuration. The stroller hinge assembly 300 is further configured to enable the relative positions of the front leg frame member 16, the rear leg frame member 20, and the handle member 14 to be unlocked by an action (e.g., a single action) of a stroller user.
[0042] The stroller hinge assembly 300 includes a hinge body 310. The hinge body 310 can include a housing and include an outer wall 312 that at least partially defines an interior space 314 of the housing. As shown, the hinge body 310 can be generally prismatic (e.g., cylindrical) with a longitudinal axis. The outer wall 312 can have a tubular shape, such as a cylindrical tube shape. The hinge body 310 can include axial end plates 316 for closing the interior space 314 of the hinge body at axial ends of the interior space 314. The axial end plates can be provided at axial ends of the outer wall 312, or at locations along the outer wall that are spaced apart from each other in the axial direction of the outer wall. As shown, one of the axial end plates can be integrally formed with the outer wall 312, while the other axial end plate (not shown in FIG. 1) can be removably coupled to the hinge body. In other arrangements, the hinge body 310 and the housing defined by the hinge body can have any other desired shape. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The hinge body 310 can be formed of any suitable material, such as a metal or a plastic. In some arrangements, the hinge body 310 can be formed of a metal, such as aluminum or steel. In other arrangements, the hinge body 310 can be formed of a plastic, such as a polymeric material. In some arrangements, the hinge body 310 can be formed of a metal and a plastic. In other arrangements, the hinge body 310 can be formed of any other suitable material or materials.
[0043] The first leg member 320 (e.g., the front leg member) of the hinge assembly can be coupled (e.g., fixedly coupled) to the hinge body 310. The first leg member 320 can be coupled to a first leg frame member of a stroller frame, such as the front leg frame member 16 of the stroller frame 10 described above. In alternative arrangements, a first leg frame member of a stroller frame can be integrally formed within the first leg member of the hinge assembly. In other words, the first leg member can be the first leg frame member.
[0044] The hinge assembly 300 further comprises a second leg member 322 and a handle member 324. The second leg member 322 is configured to be coupled to a second leg frame member of a stroller frame, such as the rear leg frame member 20 of the stroller frame 10 described above. In alternative arrangements, the second leg frame member can be integrally formed within the second leg member of the hinge assembly. In other words, the second leg member 322 can be the second leg frame member 20 of the stroller frame. Similarly, the handle member 324 can be coupled to a handle frame member of a stroller frame, such as the handle frame member 14 of the stroller frame 10. In alternative arrangements, the handle frame member 14 can be integrally formed with the handle member of the hinge assembly. In other words, the handle member 324 can be the handle frame member 14 of the stroller frame.
[0045] The second leg member 322 and the handle member 324 are pivotally coupled to the hinge body 310 at respective pivot axes A L ,A H . Specifically, the second leg member can be pivotally coupled to the hinge body 310 at a leg pivot axis A L , and the handle member can be pivotally coupled to the hinge body at a handle pivot axis A H . The leg pivot axis and the handle pivot axis can be parallel to each other. For example, the leg pivot axis and the handle pivot axis can be parallel to a longitudinal axis of the hinge body. The leg pivot axis and the handle pivot axis can be spaced apart from each other. Specifically, the leg pivot axis and the handle pivot axis can be spaced apart from each other in a direction that is perpendicular to a direction in which the first leg member or the first leg frame member extends (e.g. primarily extends) from the hinge body. Thereby, the second leg member and the handle member are pivotable relative to each other and the first leg member between the folded configuration shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3 and the unfolded configuration shown in Figure 1 .
[0046] The hinge assembly 300 further comprises a locking member 330 configured to lock (e.g. automatically lock) the relative positions of the first leg member 320, the second leg member 322, and the handle member 324 when the first leg member, the second leg member, and the handle member are in the folded configuration.
[0047] As shown, the locking member 330 is disposed within the interior space 314 of the hinge body. The locking member 330 is movable within the interior space relative to the second leg member 322 and the handle member 324. Specifically, the locking member 330 can be movable within the interior space in a direction that is perpendicular to the pivot axes (e.g. the leg pivot axis A L and the handle pivot axis A HThe locking member 330 can be movable in a direction parallel to the axis of the hinge body. Thus, the locking member 330 can be movable in an axial direction of the hinge body. The locking member 330 is movable between a locked position, in which portions of the locking member engage the second leg member and the handle member, e.g. to prevent or limit movement of the second leg member and the handle member relative to the first leg member, and an unlocked position, in which portions of the locking member do not engage the second leg member and the handle member.
[0048] The locking member 330 can be in the locked position when the second leg member 322 and the handle member 324 are in the folded configuration. The locking member 330 can not be in the locked position when either of the second leg member and the handle member is not in the folded configuration.
[0049] As described in more detail below, the locking member 330 is arranged within the hinge body 310, e.g. in the interior space, such that an angular position of the locking member, e.g. about an axis of pivoting A L , A H parallel to the axis of pivoting of the second leg member and the handle member, is fixed relative to the hinge body 310.
[0050] As described above, the second leg member 322 and the handle member 324 are pivotable relative to each other and the first leg member 320 between the folded configuration and the unfolded configuration. The second leg member 322 and the handle member 324 can be prevented from moving out of the folded configuration when the locking member 330 is in the locked position.
[0051] The hinge assembly 300 further comprises an actuator member 340. The actuator member 340 extends at least partially between the locking member 330 and the outer wall 312 of the housing.
[0052] The hinge assembly 300 further comprises a locking button 350 provided at the outer wall 312. The locking button 350 can be arranged in an opening or gap in the outer wall such that a user of a stroller comprising the hinge assembly 300 can press a pressing surface 352 of the locking button to depress the locking button 350 relative to the outer wall 312 of the hinge assembly. In an undepressed position of the locking button 350, the pressing surface 352 can protrude beyond the outer wall 312 of the housing, e.g. outside the interior space 314 of the housing, or can be flush with or below an outer surface of the outer wall of the housing. As shown, the locking button 350 can be arranged at the opening or gap in the outer wall substantially opposite a position on the hinge body 310 at which the first leg member 320 extends. Thus, as shown, the pressing surface 352 of the locking button 350 can face upwards when the stroller comprising the hinge assembly 300 is in the folded configuration and is arranged upright on the wheels and handle, to make it easily accessible for a user. Figure 2
[0053] The locking button 350 and actuator component 340 can be configured such that pressing the locking button 350 (e.g., relative to the outer wall 312) moves the actuator component 340 toward the locking component 330. In the illustrated arrangement, the locking button 350 and actuator component 340 are integrally formed. For example, the locking button 350 may be formed at the end of the actuator component 340, for example, as part of the actuator component. In other arrangements, the locking button 350 may be a separate component from the actuator component 340. In such an arrangement, pressing the locking button 350 (e.g., relative to the outer wall 312) engages the locking button with the actuator component 340 and causes the actuator component 340 to move toward the locking component 330.
[0054] As shown, the hinge body 310 may include one or more actuator component guide walls 318 disposed within the internal space 314 for actuating movement of the actuator component 340. For example, the actuator component guide walls 318 may include a pair of spaced-apart walls configured to guide sliding movement of an actuator component disposed between the walls. The actuator component 340 may be configured to move toward the locking member 330 in a direction at an angle (e.g., perpendicular) to the direction in which the locking member moves between the locked and unlocked positions. When the actuator component 340 moves toward the locking member, it may engage the locking member 330 and cause the locking member 330 to move toward the unlocked position.
[0055] In the arrangement shown in the figure, the actuator component 340 includes a ramp 342, and the locking component includes a complementary ramp 332 configured to engage the ramp 342 of the actuator component. The locking component 330 is propelled toward the unlocked position due to the engagement between the angled ramps.
[0056] Apart from Figure 5 and Figure 6 In addition, it also refers to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The locking member 330 may be included between the first end 330a and the second end 330b of the locking member along the elongation direction D. E An extended elongated main body portion 334. The direction of extension may be perpendicular to the direction in which the locking member moves between the locked and unlocked positions. A complementary bevel 332 may be formed on the elongated main body portion 334 of the locking member.
[0057] As shown, the locking component 330 can include a recess 336. The recess can be open on both sides of the recess. The actuator component 340 can extend into the recess, for example through one of the open sides. The actuator component can engage the locking component 330 within the recess. Complementary bevels 332 can be formed within the recess, for example as a wall of the recess. In some arrangements, the thickness of the body portion 334 of the locking component can be locally increased in the region of the recess 336.
[0058] In other arrangements, the actuator component 340 and the locking component 330 can be configured to cause the locking component to move in any other way when the locking button 350 is depressed. With brief reference to Figure 5 and Figure 6 , the locking component 330 can be biased towards the locked position. The hinge assembly 300 can include a resilient member 318 (for example a coil spring) arranged to bias the locking component 330 into the locked position. Additionally or alternatively, the actuator component 340 can be biased into a position in which the actuator component 340 does not push the locking component 330 into the unlocked position. For example, the hinge assembly can include a resilient member 319 (for example a coil spring) configured to bias the actuator component 340 away from the locking component 330. The actuator component 340 can be biased into a position in which the locking button is in a minimum depressed position of the locking button relative to the outer wall 312, for example such that the locking button protrudes beyond the outer wall. As Figure 3 and Figure 4 shown, the actuator component 340 can include an opening 344, and a post 311 can be formed on the hinge body 310 arranged within the opening 344. The resilient member 319 can be arranged within the opening 344 between the post 311 and a wall of the opening 344 to bias the position of the actuator component 340 relative to the hinge body and / or the locking component.
[0059] The locking component 330 can include a first pin portion 338a formed at a first end 330a and a second pin portion 338b formed at a second end 330b. The first and second pin portions can extend from the body portion 334 in a direction perpendicular to the direction of elongation D E . In particular, the first and second pin portions 338a, 338b can extend from the body portion 334 in a direction in which the locking component moves from the unlocked position to the locked position. In the arrangement shown, the first and second pin portions 338a, 338b are substantially cylindrical. However, in other arrangements, the pin portions can be any other shape.
[0060] The first pin portion 338a is configured such that, when the handle member is in the folded configuration, the first pin portion 338a is aligned (e.g., substantially fully aligned) with the opening 324c formed in the handle member. Similarly, the second pin portion 338b is configured such that, when the second leg member is in the folded configuration, the second pin portion 338b is aligned (e.g., substantially fully aligned) with the opening 322c formed in the second leg member.
[0061] As noted above, the locking member 330 is biased toward the locked position, and thus, when the handle member 324 and the second leg member 322 are in the folded configuration, the locking member can move into the locked position by virtue of its bias, in which the first pin portion 338a is received within the opening 324c formed in the handle member and the second pin portion 338b is received within the opening 322c formed in the second leg member, thereby locking (e.g., automatically locking) the positions of the handle member 324 and the second leg member 322 about their respective pivot axes.
[0062] With particular reference to Figure 6 , the handle member 324 and the second leg member 322 can be coupled to the hinge body on a side of the axial end plate 316 opposite the interior space 314 of the hinge body housing. The first pin portion 338a and the second pin portion 338b can extend through the openings 316a, 316b formed in the axial end plate of the hinge body to reach the handle member 324 and the second leg member 322.
[0063] As shown, the handle member 324 can include a pair of spaced apart plates 324a, 324b. The spaced apart plates 324a, 324b can be spaced apart in a direction parallel to the handle pivot axis A H The handle member 324 can be coupled to the hinge body 310 by the pair of plates 324a, 324b. As shown, a first inner plate 319a of the hinge body can be disposed between the pair of plates 324a, 324b. Further, an end 319b of the hinge body can be disposed on a side of the pair of plates opposite the axial end plate 316. The handle member 324 can be coupled to the axial end plate 316, the first inner plate 319a, and / or the end 319b at the handle pivot axis A H The opening 324c in the handle member for receiving the first pin portion 338a can be formed in one of the pair of plates 324a, 324b (e.g., in the one of the pair of plates closest to the interior space).
[0064] Similarly, the second leg member 322 can include one or more plates, such as a pair of spaced apart plates 322a, 322b. The spaced apart plates 322a, 322b can be spaced apart in a direction parallel to the leg pivot axis A LThe second leg member 322 can be coupled to the hinge body 310 through the pair of plates 322a, 322b. As shown, the second inner plate 319c of the hinge body can be disposed between the pair of plates 322a, 322b. In some arrangements, the first inner plate 319a and the second inner plate 319c can be integrally formed. The end 319b of the hinge body can be disposed on the side of the pair of plates 322a, 322b opposite the axial end plate 316. The second leg member 322 can be coupled to the axial end plate 316, the second inner plate 319c, and / or the end 319b at the leg pivot axis A L The opening 322c in the handle member for receiving the second pin portion 336 can be formed in one of the pair of plates 322a, 322b, e.g., in the one of the pair of plates closest to the interior space.
[0065] Returning to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The hinge body 310 can also include one or more interior walls 317 within the interior space of the housing. The interior walls can form a channel 315. The locking member 330 can be disposed within the channel and can be moved through the channel between the locked position and the unlocked position. The interior walls 317 can be configured to guide the movement of the locking member 330. In a plane perpendicular to the direction of movement of the locking member, the cross-sectional shape of the channel 315 formed by the interior walls 317 can be substantially the same as the cross-sectional shape of the locking member 330.
[0066] As shown, the actuator member 340 can extend through an opening 317a in the interior walls to reach the locking member 330, e.g., to engage the locking member, as described above.
[0067] The interior walls 317 can be configured to prevent or limit rotation of the locking member 330, e.g., about an axis parallel to the handle pivot axis A H and the leg pivot axis A L In some arrangements, the interior walls 317 can be configured to at least partially prevent or limit rotation of the locking member 330 about an axis perpendicular to the elongation direction D E of the locking member, e.g., which rotation can cause the locking member to engage only one of the handle member and the second leg member. Additionally or alternatively, the width of the ramp 342 and the complementary ramp 332 formed on the actuator member and the locking member, respectively, can prevent or limit rotation of the locking member 330 about an axis perpendicular to the elongation direction.
[0068] It will be understood by those within the art that, while the application has been described herein in terms of one or more particular examples, the application is not intended to be limited to the disclosed examples, and that alternative examples can be constructed without departing from the scope of the application as defined by the claims appended hereto.
Claims
1. A stroller hinge assembly, comprising: Hinge body; The first leg component is connected to the hinge body; Handle component; The second leg component, wherein the handle component and the second leg component are pivotally connected to the hinge body at their respective pivot axes; The hinge assembly further includes a locking member movable relative to the handle member and the second leg member between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, a portion of the locking member engages the handle member and the second leg member to prevent rotation of the handle member and the second leg member relative to the first leg member. In the unlocked position, the portion of the locking member is not engaged with the handle member and the second leg member. The hinge assembly also includes an actuator member and a locking button, wherein the locking button and the actuator member are configured such that pressing the locking button causes the actuator member to move to engage the locking member and move the locking member into the unlocked position.
2. The stroller hinge assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The hinge body includes a housing with walls defining an internal space, wherein a locking member is disposed within the internal space, wherein the locking member is movable within the internal space between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein an actuator member extends at least partially between the locking member and the outer wall of the hinge body, and wherein a locking button is arranged at an opening or gap in the housing wall.
3. The stroller hinge assembly according to claim 2, wherein, The locking button is located at the opening or gap in the housing wall, approximately opposite to the position from which the first leg member on the hinge body extends.
4. The stroller hinge assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The locking component includes a ramp, and the actuator component includes a complementary ramp configured to engage the ramp when the locking button is pressed to cause the locking component to move.
5. The stroller hinge assembly according to claim 4, wherein, The locking component includes a recess, wherein the complementary bevel is formed within the recess.
6. The stroller hinge assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The locking component includes an elongated body portion extending between a first end and a second end.
7. The stroller hinge assembly according to claim 6, wherein, The locking component can engage with the handle at the first end and with the second leg at the second end.
8. The stroller hinge assembly according to claim 7, wherein, The extension direction of the locking component is perpendicular to the direction of movement of the locking component.
9. The stroller hinge assembly according to any one of claims 6 to 8 and 5, wherein, The recess is formed in the elongated main body portion.
10. The stroller hinge according to claim 9, wherein, The thickness of the elongated main body component increases locally in the region of the recess, for example, along the direction of movement of the locking component.
11. The stroller hinge assembly according to any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein, The locking component includes: a first pin portion formed at the first end for engaging the handle; and a second pin portion formed at the second end for engaging the second leg member.
12. The stroller hinge assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The locking member is supported to move on the hinge body such that the locking member cannot move to engage only one of the handle and the second leg.
13. The stroller hinge assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The hinge body includes one or more internal walls located within the internal space, the internal walls forming a channel through which the locking component moves.
14. The stroller hinge assembly according to claim 13, wherein, The actuator component passes through an opening in the inner wall to engage the locking component.
15. The stroller hinge assembly according to claim 13 or 14, wherein, In a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the locking component, the cross-sectional shape of the channel is approximately the same as that of the locking component.
16. The stroller hinge assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The handle component includes a pair of spaced-apart plates, wherein the handle component is pivotally connected to the hinge body via the pair of spaced-apart plates, wherein the locking component is capable of engaging with one of the spaced-apart plates.
17. The stroller hinge assembly according to claim 16, wherein, One of the spaced-out plates includes an opening for receiving one of the pins formed on the locking member.
18. The stroller hinge assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The second leg member includes a plate member, wherein the second leg member is pivotally connected to the hinge body via the plate member, and wherein the locking member is capable of engaging the plate member.
19. The stroller hinge assembly according to claim 18, wherein, The plate component includes an opening for receiving one of the pins formed on the locking component.
20. A stroller frame, comprising: The stroller hinge assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the stroller hinge assembly is disposed on one of the left and right sides of the stroller frame for hingedly connecting the handle frame member, the first leg frame member and the second leg frame member of the stroller frame on the left and right sides.
21. The stroller frame according to claim 20, further comprising: A non-locking hinge assembly is provided on the other of the left and right sides of the stroller for hingedly connecting the stroller's handle, first leg, and second leg to the other of the left and right sides.