Wheeled carrying apparatus

Abstract

To provide a wheeled carrying apparatus having a wheel assembly which can be controllably locked and unlocked in a horizontal orientation and can provide better maneuverability.SOLUTION: Provided is a baby carriage apparatus which is a release mechanism, including: a link actuator movable by rotation of a handle frame to engage or disengage a wheel mounting part latch with or from a wheel mounting part; and a cable assembly coupling an operating part provided on the handle frame to the wheel mounting part latch, and in which the operation part is operable to disengage the wheel mounting part latch from the wheel mounting part when the handle frame is in a first position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority from Chinese Patent Application No. 201910858955.3 filed on September 11, 2019 and Chinese Patent Application No. 202010370191.6 filed on April 30, 2020, respectively. [Technical field]

[0002] The present invention relates to a wheeled transport device. [Background technology]

[0003] Caregivers commonly use stroller devices to transport babies and young children. Most stroller devices generally have front wheels that can rotate freely horizontally relative to the stroller frame to change the orientation of the wheel axis, and rear wheels that cannot rotate horizontally and have fixed wheel axes oriented laterally. As a result, such stroller devices may not be easy to turn in space-limited environments.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for an improved design that can provide better maneuverability and that can at least address the aforementioned challenges. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present application describes a wheeled transport device having wheel assemblies that can be controllably locked and unlocked in a horizontal orientation and can provide better maneuverability.

[0006] According to one embodiment, a wheeled transport device includes a standing frame and a handle frame pivotally coupled to each other, the handle frame being rotatable relative to the standing frame between a first position and a second position having different inclines; a first wheel mount supporting a first wheel and pivotally coupled to the standing frame, the first wheel being rotatable relative to the first wheel mount about a first wheel axis; and a locking assembly including a first wheel mount latch movably coupled to the standing frame, the first wheel mount latch configured to engage the first wheel mount thereby rotationally locking the first wheel mount relative to the standing frame and to disengage from the first wheel mount thereby unlocking the first wheel mount. the first wheel mount latch is engaged with or disengaged from the first wheel mount when the handle frame is in the first position; and a link actuator coupled to the first wheel mount via a link part, the link actuator being movable in a first direction or a second direction in response to the handle frame rotating between a first position and a second position, whereby the first wheel mount latch is engaged with or disengaged from the first wheel mount. The release mechanism includes an operating part provided on the handle frame and a cable assembly connecting the operating part to the first wheel mount latch, the operating part being operable to disengage the first wheel mount latch from the first wheel mount when the handle frame is in the first position.

[0007] According to one embodiment, the link actuator is rotatable with the handle frame relative to the standing frame.

[0008] According to one embodiment, the link part comprises a cable portion and the link actuator is rotatable with the handle frame from the second position to the first position to relax the link part so that the first wheel mount latch may engage and lock the first wheel mount, and is rotatable with the handle frame from the first position to the second position to pull the link part and bias the first wheel mount latch to disengage and unlock the first wheel mount.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the cable assembly includes a cable portion coupled to the link part or the first wheel mount latch.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the cable assembly comprises a flexible part that is tensioned or relaxed when the handle frame rotates between the first and second positions.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the flexible part comprises a cable section, a cord, a rope, a wire, a string, a band, a ribbon, or a strip.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the cable assembly further comprises a cable coupled to each of the operating part and the flexible part, the flexible part being movable relative to the cable so as to become tensioned or relaxed when the handle frame rotates between the first position and the second position.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the flexible part is connected to the link part, and the flexible part moves by being pulled or pushed by the link part to become tensioned or released when the handle frame rotates between the first position and the second position.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the standing frame comprises a carrier bar pivotally connected to the handle frame, the flexible part being connected to the link part at a location adjacent to the carrier bar.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the wheeled transport device includes a second wheel mount supporting a second wheel and pivotally connected to the standing frame, the second wheel being rotatable relative to the second wheel mount about a second wheel axis, the first wheel mount and the second wheel mount being spaced apart from each other along a longitudinal axis extending from the rear to the front of the wheeled transport device, and a second locking assembly including a second wheel mount latch movably connected to the standing frame, the second wheel mount latch engaging the second wheel mount thereby locking the standing frame. and a second locking assembly configured to rotationally lock the second wheel mount relative to the standing frame and configured to disengage from the second wheel mount, thereby unlocking the second wheel mount, thereby allowing the second wheel mount to rotate relative to the standing frame to change the orientation of the second wheel axis, the cable assembly further coupling an operating part to the second wheel mount latch, the operating part being operable to disengage the second wheel mount latch from the second wheel mount when the handle frame is in the second position.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the link actuator is coupled to the second wheel mount latch via a second link part, the link actuator being movable to engage the first wheel mount latch with the first wheel mount and to disengage the second wheel mount latch from the second wheel mount in response to the handle frame rotating from the second position to the first position, and the link actuator being movable to engage the second wheel mount latch with the second wheel mount and to disengage the first wheel mount latch from the first wheel mount in response to the handle frame rotating from the first position to the second position.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the cable assembly includes a first cable portion coupled to a first link part or a first wheel mount latch and a second cable portion coupled to a second link part or a second wheel mount latch.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the cable assembly comprises a first flexible part and a second flexible part, the first flexible part configured to transmit a pulling force to disengage the first wheel mount latch from the first wheel mount when the handle frame is in a first position, and the second flexible part configured to transmit a pulling force to disengage the second wheel mount latch from the second wheel mount when the handle frame is in a second position.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the first flexible part and the second flexible part are alternately tensioned or relaxed when the handle frame rotates between the first and second positions.

[0020] According to one embodiment, a first flexible part is connected to a link part and a second flexible part is connected to a second link part, and when the handle frame rotates from the second position to the first position, the first flexible part is tensioned and the second flexible part is slack, and when the handle frame rotates from the first position to the second position, the second flexible part is tensioned and the first flexible part is slack.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the wheeled transport device is a child stroller device.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the wheeled transport device described comprises a standing frame and a handle frame pivotally coupled relative to each other, the handle frame being rotatable relative to the standing frame between a first position and a second position with different inclines, a first wheel mount supporting a first wheel and pivotally coupled to the standing frame, the first wheel being rotatable relative to the first wheel mount about a first wheel axis, and a locking assembly comprising a first wheel mount latch movably coupled to the standing frame, the first wheel mount latch configured to engage against the first wheel mount thereby rotationally locking the first wheel mount relative to the standing frame, and to disengage from the first wheel mount thereby unlocking the first wheel mount. a locking assembly configured to allow the first wheel mount to rotate relative to the standing frame to change the orientation of the first wheel axle; a link actuator movably linked to the handle frame; an operating part provided on the handle frame; and a cable assembly coupling the operating part to the first wheel mount latch, the cable assembly comprising a flexible part connected to the link actuator via the link part, the flexible part being moved into or out of tension by being pulled or pushed by the link part when the handle frame rotates between the first position and the second position, the operating part being operable to disengage the first wheel mount latch from the first wheel mount when the flexible part is tensioned and the handle frame is in the first position.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the link part is coupled to a first wheel mount latch and the link actuator is movable in a first direction or a second direction in response to the handle frame rotating between a first position and a second position, whereby the first wheel mount latch is engaged or disengaged from the first wheel mount, and the first wheel mount latch is engaged to the first wheel mount when the handle frame is in the first position and the operating part is released.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the handle frame is pivotally coupled to the standing frame about a pivot axis, and the link actuator is rotatable together with the handle frame about the pivot axis relative to the standing frame.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the flexible part comprises a cable section, a cord, a rope, a wire, a string, a band, a ribbon, or a strip.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the cable assembly further comprises a cable coupled to each of the operating part and the flexible part, the flexible part being movable relative to the cable so as to become tensioned or relaxed when the handle frame rotates between the first position and the second position.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the flexible part is configured to be tensioned and to transmit a traction force generated by actuation of the operating part to disengage the first wheel mount latch from the first wheel mount when the handle frame is in the first position.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the standing frame comprises a carrier bar pivotally connected to the handle frame, the flexible part being connected to the link part at a location adjacent to the carrier bar. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a wheeled transport device. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing one wheel assembly provided in a wheeled transport device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is an enlarged perspective view of another wheel assembly provided in the wheeled transport device. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing some structural details of an actuation assembly and a release mechanism provided in the wheeled transport device. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view showing some structural details of the actuation assembly and release mechanism provided in the wheeled transport device. [Figure 6] 1 is a perspective view showing a portion of an actuation assembly and release mechanism on a carrier bar of a wheeled transport device; FIG. [Figure 7] 1 is a perspective view showing further structural details of an actuation assembly and release mechanism provided in a wheeled transport device; FIG. [Figure 8] 8 is a perspective view showing the structure of a modified example of the release mechanism shown in FIG. 7. [Figure 9] 8 is a perspective view showing the structure of another modified example of the release mechanism shown in FIG. 7. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view showing some structural details of the operating parts provided in the release mechanism. [Figure 11] 13 is a plan view showing another structure of a release mechanism provided in the wheeled transport device. FIG. [Figure 12] 12 is a plan view of the release mechanism shown in FIG. 11 in another configuration. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0030] The present application provides a wheeled transport device comprising a standing frame and a plurality of wheel assemblies provided at the bottom of the standing frame. The wheel assemblies can be controllably locked and unlocked in a horizontal orientation relative to the standing frame, and the unlocked wheel assemblies can rotate relative to the standing frame to change the horizontal orientation of the wheel axis. If necessary, some of the wheel assemblies can be locked while others are unlocked, or all wheel assemblies can be unlocked simultaneously as desired. Thus, the wheeled transport device can have a higher degree of freedom in use and better maneuverability. The embodiments of the wheeled transport device described herein include a baby stroller device. However, it will be understood that wheeled transport devices that may incorporate the structures and features described herein may include, but are not limited to, baby stroller devices, pushchairs, shopping carts, and the like. Thus, it will be understood that the structures and features described herein may be broadly applicable to any type of product having wheels, and that the wheeled transport device as described and claimed herein is not limited to the examples shown below.

[0031] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing one embodiment of a wheeled transport device 100, which is an example of a stroller device for children. Referring to Fig. 1, the wheeled transport device 100 may include a frame structure 102 consisting of a standing frame 104 and a handle frame 106 coupled to each other, and a plurality of wheel assemblies 108 and 110 provided on the lower part of the standing frame 104.

[0032] According to an example structure, the standing frame 104 may include two leg frames 112 and 114, two side link bars 116, two side support bars 118, and two carrier bars 120. The leg frame 112 may be, for example, a rear leg frame, and the leg frame 114 may be, for example, a front leg frame. The leg frames 112 and 114 may each include two side segments symmetrically disposed on the left and right sides of the standing frame 104, for example, two side segments 112A for the leg frame 112 and two side segments 114A for the leg frame 114, respectively. Further, each of the leg frames 112 and 114 may have a lateral segment fixedly connected to two side segments, such as a lateral segment 112B fixedly connected to two side segments 112A for the leg frame 112 and a lateral segment 114B fixedly connected to two side segments 114A for the leg frame 114. On each of the left and right sides, side segment 112A of leg frame 112 and side segment 114A of leg frame 114 can each be pivotally connected to a side link bar 116, and a side support bar 118 extends between side segments 112A and 114A and can be pivotally connected to side segment 114A, thereby enabling leg frames 112 and 114, side link bar 116, and side support bar 118 to rotate relative to one another during folding and unfolding of the wheeled transport device 100.

[0033] The handle frame 106 may be pivotally coupled to the standing frame 104 on the left and right sides via two bar link devices 122. Each bar link device 122 may include a bar 122A. More specifically, the handle frame 106 may include two side portions 106A symmetrically arranged on the left and right sides, and a grip portion 106B connected to the two side portions 106A. On each of the left and right sides, the carrier bar 120 may have an upper portion pivotally coupled to the side link bar 116, and a lower portion pivotally coupled to the side support bar 118, the bar 122A of the bar link device 122, and the side portion 106A of the handle frame 106 about a common pivot axis R. The bar 122A of the bar linkage device 122 can be pivotally connected to the side segment 112A of the leg frame 112 and the side portion 106A of the handle frame 106, respectively, about a pivot axis R. This structure allows the handle frame 106 to rotate about the pivot axis R relative to the standing frame 104 and the bar linkage device 122 to adjust between two positions with different inclines, thereby allowing the wheeled transport device 100 to be pushed in different directions with the child facing forward or backward. For example, the handle frame 106 can be tilted toward the leg frame 112 in a first position (as shown in FIG. 1 ) and toward the leg frame 114 in a second position.

[0034] 1, each of the wheel assemblies 108 and 110 may include a wheel mount that is pivotally connected to the standing frame 104 and supports at least one wheel that is rotatable relative to the wheel mount about a wheel axis that extends substantially horizontally, such that the wheel mount can rotate relative to the standing frame 104 to change the orientation of the wheel axis. For example, two wheel assemblies 108 can be provided at the lower end of the side segment 112A of the leg frame 112, and two wheel assemblies 110 can be provided at the lower ends of the two side segments 114A of the leg frame 114, respectively. Each wheel assembly 108 may include a wheel mount 124. The wheel mount 124 is pivotally coupled to the leg frame 112 and supports at least one wheel 126 rotatable relative to the wheel mount 124 about a generally horizontally extending wheel axle 126A such that the wheel mount 124 can rotate to change the horizontal orientation of the wheel axle 126A. Similarly, each wheel assembly 110 can include a wheel mount 128. The wheel mount 128 is pivotally coupled to the leg frame 114 and supports at least one wheel 130 rotatable relative to the wheel mount 128 about a generally horizontally extending wheel axle 130A such that the wheel mount 128 can rotate to change the horizontal orientation of the wheel axle 130A. The wheel mount 124 is spaced from the wheel mount 128 along a longitudinal axis of the wheeled transport device 100 that extends from the rear to the front of the wheeled transport device 100.

[0035] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of one wheel assembly 108 in relation to FIG. 1. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the two wheel assemblies 108 may have the same structure. In each wheel assembly 108, the wheel mount 124 may be pivotally coupled to the leg frame 112 about a pivot axle 132, such that the wheel mount 124 and the wheel 126 provided thereon may rotate together about the pivot axle 132. According to an example structure, the wheel mount 124 may include a housing 134 pivotally coupled to the leg frame 112 via the pivot axle 132. A wheel axle 136 defining a wheel axis 126A may be disposed through the housing 134 for pivotally coupling the wheel 126 to the wheel mount 124. According to one example structure, the wheel axle 136 may be disposed through a sliding part 138 assembled inside the housing 134 for vertical sliding, and a spring 140 may be coupled to each of the sliding part 138 and the housing 134. The spring 140 may provide a cushion for vertical displacement of the wheel 126 relative to the wheel mount 124 to dissipate undesirable impact energy during use.

[0036] 2, a locking assembly 142 is provided for rotationally locking and unlocking the wheel mount 124 relative to the standing frame 104. The locking assembly 142 may include a wheel mount latch 144 movably coupled to the standing frame 104 and a locking spring 146 coupled to the wheel mount latch 144. According to one example construction, the wheel mount latch 144 may be slidably coupled to the side segment 112A of the leg frame 112. More specifically, the side segment 112A may have a cavity and the wheel mount latch 144 may have an elongated portion slidably received within the cavity of the side segment 112A, thereby allowing the wheel mount latch 144 to slide out of the cavity or retract inward. The locking spring 146 may be disposed within a cavity in the side segment 112A and have two ends coupled to the side segment 112A and to the wheel mount latch 144, respectively. The locking spring 146 may bias the wheel mount latch 144 to protrude outward for engagement with the wheel mount 124.

[0037] Within the locking assembly 142, the wheel mount latch 144 can slide downward to engage the wheel mount 124, thereby rotationally locking the wheel mount 124 to the standing frame 104, and slide upward to disengage from the wheel mount 124, unlocking the wheel mount 124 and allowing it to rotate relative to the standing frame 104. A locking spring 146 can apply a biasing force to bias the wheel mount latch 144 into engagement with the wheel mount 124. The same locking assembly 142 described above can be provided for each of the two wheel assemblies 108.

[0038] FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of one wheel assembly 110 in relation to FIG. 1. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, the wheel assembly 110 may have the same structure as described above and may include a wheel mount 128 pivotally coupled to the leg frame 114. This allows the wheel mount 128 and the wheel 130 attached to the wheel mount 128 to rotate together with the leg frame 114. Furthermore, a locking assembly 148 may be provided for rotationally locking and unlocking the wheel mount 128 with respect to the standing frame 104. The locking assembly 148 may have a structure similar to the locking assembly 142 of the wheel assembly 108. According to one example structure, the locking assembly 148 may include a wheel mount latch 150 movably coupled to the standing frame 104 and a locking spring 152 coupled to the wheel mount latch 150. For example, the wheel mount latch 150 may be slidably connected to the side segment 114A of the leg frame 114, and the locking spring 152 may have two ends connected to the side segment 114A and the wheel mount latch 150, respectively. This allows the wheel mount latch 150 to slide downwards to engage the wheel mount 128, thereby rotationally locking the wheel mount 128 to the standing frame 104, and slide upwards to disengage from the wheel mount 128, unlocking the wheel mount 128, thereby allowing the wheel mount 128 to rotate freely relative to the standing frame 104 to change the horizontal orientation of the wheel axle 130A. The locking spring 152 may bias the wheel mount latch 150 to engage the wheel mount 128.

[0039] 4-11 are schematic diagrams illustrating other structural details of the wheeled transport device 100 in relation to Figures 1-3. Referring to Figures 1-11, the wheeled transport device 100 may further include an actuation assembly 220 and a release mechanism 222.

[0040] 1-5, the actuation assembly 220 is coupled to the handle frame 106 and each of the wheel mount latches 144 and 150 and is operable independently of the release mechanism 222 to switch the wheel mount latches 144 and 150 between a locked state and an unlocked state depending on the position of the handle frame 106. According to one example construction, the actuation assembly 220 can include a link actuator 226 coupled to the handle frame 106, a link part 228 coupling the wheel mount latch 144 to the link actuator 226, and a link part 230 coupling the wheel mount latch 150 to the link actuator 226, with the wheel mount latches 144 and 150 associated with each of the wheel assemblies 108 and 110 located on the same side (i.e., left or right) of the wheeled transport device 100. In FIG. 4, the link parts 228 and 230 are shown in phantom lines.

[0041] The link actuator 226 may move in a first direction to pull the link part 230 and urge the wheel mount latch 150 to disengage from the wheel mount 128, and simultaneously relax the link part 228 to engage the wheel mount latch 144 to the wheel mount 124 under the bias of the locking spring 146. The link actuator 226 may move in a second direction opposite to the first direction to pull the link part 228 and urge the wheel mount latch 144 to disengage from the wheel mount 124, and simultaneously relax the link part 230 to engage the wheel mount latch 150 to the wheel mount 128 under the bias of the locking spring 152. The link actuator 226 is movably linked to the handle frame 106 such that the link actuator 226 is movable in a first direction or a second direction in response to the handle frame 106 rotating between a first position and a second position having different inclinations relative to the standing frame 104. In this embodiment, the link actuator 226 is pivotally coupled to the standing frame 104 about a pivot axis R, and can rotate together with the standing frame 104 in a first direction and a second direction. According to an example structure, the side portion 106A of the handle frame 106 can be fixedly coupled to a shaft portion 170 extending along the pivot axis R, and the link actuator 226 can be disposed adjacent to the carrier bar 120 and can be rotationally coupled to the handle frame 106 by engaging the shaft portion 170 through a hole 226A in the link actuator 226, such that the link actuator 226 and the handle frame 106 can rotate together with the standing frame 104 about the pivot axis R. Examples of suitable structures for the link actuator 226 can include, but are not limited to, a rotating plate, a ring, and the like.

[0042] 1-5, the two link parts 228 and 230 may comprise cable sections provided as separate cables or formed from a single cable, and may be threaded along the standing frame 104. Suitable cables may include any elongated flexible structure that may be tensioned to transmit traction forces, including, but not limited to, metallic cables, cords, ropes, wires, strings, bands, strips, and the like. According to an example structure, the two link parts 228 and 230 may each comprise two cable sections that respectively couple the wheel mount latches 144 and 150 to the link actuator 226. For example, the link part 228 may comprise a cable section fixed to the link actuator 226 via the mounting part 234 and one end fixed to the wheel mount latch 144, and the link part 230 may comprise a cable section fixed to the link actuator 226 via the mounting part 234 and one end fixed to the wheel mount latch 150. Link part 228 may extend, for example, from wheel mount latch 144 along side segment 112A of leg frame 112, side link bar 116, and carrier bar 120 to link actuator 226. Link part 230 may extend, for example, from wheel mount latch 150 along side segment 114A of leg frame 114, side link bar 116, and carrier bar 120 to link actuator 226. Link parts 228 and 230 may extend substantially parallel to each other along carrier bar 120.

[0043] According to one example construction, the two link parts 228 and 230 may be formed from a single cable that may form an integral single link part, which may be passed along the frame structure as previously described and may have first and second ends fixed to the wheel mount latch 144 and the wheel mount latch 150, respectively, and an intermediate portion that is looped around the link actuator 226 and fixed to the link actuator 226 via the mounting part 234.

[0044] Thus, in the actuation assembly 220, the link actuator 226 can rotate together with the handle frame 106 in a first direction to pull the link part 230 (particularly the end of the link part 230 fixed to the wheel mounting portion latch 144), thereby urging the wheel mounting portion latch 150 to disengage from the wheel mounting portion 128 and unlock the wheel mounting portion 128, and simultaneously relax the link part 228 (particularly the end of the link part 228 fixed to the wheel mounting portion latch 144), causing the wheel mounting portion latch 144 to engage and lock with the wheel mounting portion 124. Furthermore, the link actuator 226 can rotate together with the handle frame 106 in a second direction opposite to the first direction to pull the link part 228 (particularly the end of the link part 228 fixed to the wheel mounting portion latch 144), thereby urging the wheel mounting portion latch 144 to disengage from the wheel mounting portion 124 and unlock the wheel mounting portion 124, and simultaneously relax the link part 230 (particularly the end of the link part 230 fixed to the wheel mounting portion latch 150), causing the wheel mounting portion latch 150 to engage and lock with the wheel mounting portion 128.

[0045] Since the two wheel assemblies 108 and 110 are provided on each of the left and right sides of the wheeled transport device 100, the actuation assembly 220 can be disposed symmetrically on the left and right sides.

[0046] 4-7, the release mechanism 222 may comprise an operating part 224 provided on the grip portion 106B of the handle frame 106. The operating part 224 is operable when the handle frame 106 is in either a first position or a second position that simultaneously unlocks the wheel mounts 124 and 128. To this end, the release mechanism 222 may comprise a cable assembly 236 that may couple the operating part 224 to the wheel mount latches 144 and 150, such that the operating part 224 is operable to pull the cable assembly 236 such that the wheel mount latches 144 and 150 are simultaneously disengaged from the wheel mounts 124 and 128, respectively.

[0047] According to an example structure, the cable assembly 236 may include a sliding part 238, two cable portions 240 and 242 connected to the sliding part 238, and a cable 244 connected to the sliding part 238 and the operating part 224, respectively. The two cable portions 240 and 242 and the cable 244 may include any elongated and flexible structure that can be tensioned to transmit a traction force, including but not limited to metallic or plastic cables, cords, ropes, wires, strings, bands, strips, and the like. The sliding part 238 may be disposed adjacent to the carrier bar 120 and may slide along the longitudinal axis of the carrier bar 120. The two cable portions 240 and 242 may be provided as two separate cables each connected to the sliding part 238, or may be formed from a single cable that contacts and loops around the sliding part 238. Cable portion 240 may be coupled to wheel mount latch 144, for example, by connecting an end of cable portion 240 to link part 228 at a location between link actuator 226 and wheel mount latch 144. Cable portion 242 may be coupled to wheel mount latch 150, for example, by connecting an end of cable portion 242 to link part 230 at a location between link actuator 226 and wheel mount latch 150. Figure 7 shows one configuration in which two cable portions 240 and 242 may be attached to link parts 228 and 230, respectively, via two fastening members 246. FIG. 8 shows an alternative structure in which two cable portions 240 and 242 may have ends connected to the wheel attachment latches 144 and 150, respectively, overlapping the link parts 228 and 230, where the cable portion 240 and the link part 228 may be guided adjacent to each other through a sleeve 248, and the cable portion 242 and the link part 230 may be guided adjacent to each other through another sleeve 248.9 shows another modified structure in which two cable portions 240 and 242 may overlap the link parts 228 and 230 and have ends connected to the wheel mount latches 144 and 150, respectively, where the two link parts 228 and 230 and the two cable portions 240 and 242 may be guided through four separate sleeves 250 that are separated from each other. In the structure in which the cable portions 240 and 242 have ends connected to the wheel mount latches 144 and 150, respectively, the cable portions 240 and 242 may be routed along the frame structure in the same manner as the link parts 228 and 230, as previously described. With the previously described structure, a traction action applied to the cable 244 urges the sliding part 238 and the cable portions 240 and 242 to move, which can then be moved in the unlocking direction by pulling the wheel mount latches 144 and 150, respectively.

[0048] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view showing the structural details of the operating part 224. Referring to FIG. 10, the operating part 224 may include a barrel 252 and a button 254. The barrel 252 may be pivotally connected to the grip portion 106B of the handle frame 106, and the cable 244 may be fixed at one end to the barrel 252. The button 254 may be slidably connected to the grip portion 106B and pivotally connected to the barrel 252. With this structure, the button 254 may be pressed to urge the barrel 252 to rotate, thereby pulling and moving the cable 244, the sliding part 238, and the cable portions 240 and 242. This may then pull and move the wheel mount latches 144 and 150, respectively, in the unlocking direction, thereby simultaneously unlocking the wheel mounts 124 and 128.

[0049] By providing two wheel assemblies 108 and 110 on each of the left and right sides of the wheeled transport device 100, the release mechanism 222 can be positioned symmetrically on the left and right sides and similarly coupled to the operating part 224.

[0050] In the wheeled transport device 100, the handle frame 106 may be tilted toward the leg frame 112 in a first position and toward the leg frame 114 in a second position. The link actuator 226 of the actuation assembly 220 may be rotated with the handle frame 106 in a first direction to pull the link part 230 and relax the link part 228 when the handle frame 106 rotates from the second position to the first position, thereby disengaging the wheel mount latch 150 from the wheel mount 128 to unlock the wheel mount 128 and engaging the wheel mount latch 144 with the wheel mount 124 to lock the wheel mount 124. In contrast, link actuator 226 may be rotated with handle frame 106 in a second direction such that link part 228 is pulled and link part 230 is relaxed as handle frame 106 is rotated from the first position to the second position, thereby disengaging wheel mount latch 144 from wheel mount 124, unlocking wheel mount 124, and engaging wheel mount latch 150 with wheel mount 128, locking wheel mount 128.

[0051] When the handle frame 106 is in the first position and the operating part 224 is released, the wheel mount latch 144 is engaged with the wheel mount 124 to lock the wheel mount 124 relative to the standing frame 104, and the wheel mount latch 150 is maintained in a disengaged state from the wheel mount 128 by an initial distance so that the wheel mount 128 is unlocked to be freely rotatable relative to the standing frame 104. To unlock the wheel mounts 124 and 128 when the handle frame 106 is in the first position, the caregiver can pull the cable assembly 236 by actuating the operating part 224 to urge the wheel mount latch 144 to disengage from the wheel mount 124 without operating the link actuator 226. Also, the traction applied via the cable assembly 236 can move the wheel mount latch 150 further away from the wheel mount 128, so that the wheel mount latch 150 still remains in a disengaged state from the wheel mount 128. Thus, the wheel mounts 124 and 128 can be unlocked simultaneously when the handle frame 106 is in the first position.

[0052] When the handle frame 106 is in the second position and the operating part 224 is released, the wheel mount latch 150 is engaged with the wheel mount 128 to lock the wheel mount 128 relative to the standing frame 104, and the wheel mount latch 144 is maintained in a disengaged state from the wheel mount 124 by an initial distance so that the wheel mount 124 is unlocked to be freely rotatable relative to the standing frame 104. To unlock the wheel mounts 124 and 128 when the handle frame 106 is in the second position, the caregiver can pull the cable assembly 236 by actuating the operating part 224 to urge the wheel mount latch 150 to disengage from the wheel mount 128 without operating the link actuator 226. Also, the pulling action applied via the cable assembly 236 can move the wheel mount latch 144 further away from the wheel mount 124, thereby allowing the wheel mount latch 144 to still remain in a disengaged state from the wheel mount 124. Thus, the wheel mounts 124 and 128 can be unlocked simultaneously when the handle frame 106 is in the second position.

[0053] 11 and 12 are two plan views showing another structure of the release mechanism 222 that may be an alternative to the release mechanism described above in relation to FIGS. 1 to 4. Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, 11, and 12, the release mechanism 222 may include an operating part 224 and a cable assembly 258 that may couple the operating part 224 to the wheel mount latches 144 and 150. The cable assembly 258 may include a cable 244 connected to the operating part 224 as described above, and two flexible parts 260 and 262 connected to the cable 244. The two flexible parts 260 and 262 may include any flexible structure that may be tensioned to transmit a traction force, including, but not limited to, cable segments, cords, ropes, wires, strings, bands, ribbons, and strips.

[0054] The two flexible parts 260 and 262 can be connected to the cable 244 via a fastening member 264 and can be connected to the link parts 228 and 230 of the actuation assembly 220 via two fastening members 266 and 268, respectively. The actuation assembly 220 is structurally similar and can operate as described above. The flexible part 260 can be connected to the link part 228 at a position between the link actuator 226 and the wheel mount latch 144, and the flexible part 262 can be connected to the link part 230 at a position between the link actuator 226 and the wheel mount latch 150. For example, the positions where the flexible parts 260 and 262 are connected to the link parts 228 and 230, respectively, can be adjacent to the carrier bar 120. According to an example structure, the two flexible parts 260 and 262 can be provided as two separate cables. According to another example structure, the two flexible parts 260 and 262 may be formed from a single cable. The length of the flexible part 260 between the fastening member 264 and the fastening member 266 (i.e., between the two positions where the flexible part 260 is connected to the cable 244 and the link part 228, respectively) may be substantially equal to the length of the flexible part 262 between the fastening member 264 and the fastening member 268 (i.e., between the two positions where the flexible part 262 is connected to the cable 244 and the link part 230, respectively). The flexible parts 260 and 262 may be connected to the link actuator 226 via the link parts 228 and 230, respectively, so that the link actuator 226 may be rotated together with the handle frame 106 to cause the flexible parts 260 and 262 to be displaced relative to each other.

[0055] When the handle frame 106 is rotated relative to the standing frame 104 between a first position and a second position with different inclines, the link parts 228 and 230 can move simultaneously in opposite directions, respectively, by the link actuator 226 rotating with the handle frame 106. This allows the flexible parts 260 and 262 to be tensioned or released by being pulled or pushed, respectively, to move relative to the cable 244. For example, the link part 228 can be tensioned when the handle frame 106 is rotated from the second position to the first position, and released when the handle frame 106 is rotated from the first position to the second position, by urging the flexible part 260 to move relative to the cable 244. In contrast, the link part 230 can be tensioned when the handle frame 106 rotates from the first position to the second position by biasing the flexible part 262 to move relative to the cable 244, and can be released when the handle frame 106 rotates from the second position to the first position. The tensioned one of the two flexible parts 260 and 262 can transmit a traction force from the cable 244 through the link part coupled to the cable 244, thereby unlocking the corresponding wheel mount latch. Meanwhile, the released one of the two flexible parts 260 and 262 cannot transmit a traction force through the link part coupled to the cable 244. Thus, depending on whether the handle frame 106 is in the first position or the second position, the operating part 224 is operable to trigger the unlocking of only one of the two wheel mount latches 144 and 150 on each side at the same time.

[0056] 11, the cable assembly 258 of the release mechanism 222 is shown in a configuration corresponding to a first position of the handle frame 106 tilted towards the leg frame 112. When the handle frame 106 is in the first position and the operating part 224 is released, the wheel mount latch 144 is engaged with the wheel mount 124 to lock the wheel mount 124 to the standing frame 104, and the wheel mount latch 150 is kept disengaged from the wheel mount 128 by a distance so that the wheel mount 128 is unlocked to be free to rotate relative to the standing frame 104. Additionally, the flexible part 260 is in a tensioned state, while the flexible part 262 is in a relaxed state.

[0057] To unlock the wheel mounts 124 and 128 when the handle frame 106 is in the first position, the caregiver can actuate the operating part 224, which applies a traction force that pulls and moves the cable 244. With the flexible part 260 in a tensioned state, the traction force is substantially transferred from the cable 244 through the flexible part 260 to the link part 228, which can urge the wheel mount latch 144 to disengage from the wheel mount 124. On the other hand, the flexible part 262 in a slack state cannot transfer the traction force from the cable 244 to the link part 230, and the wheel mount latch 150 is not affected by the actuation of the operating part 224 and can remain in a position disengaged from the wheel mount 128 by the same distance. Thus, the wheel mounts 124 and 128 can be unlocked simultaneously when the handle frame 106 is in the first position.

[0058] In Fig. 12, the cable assembly 258 of the release mechanism 222 is shown in a configuration corresponding to a second position of the handle frame 106 tilted towards the leg frame 114. When the handle frame 106 is in the second position and the operating part 224 is released, the wheel mount latch 150 is engaged with the wheel mount 128 to lock the wheel mount 128 to the standing frame 104, and the wheel mount latch 144 is kept disengaged from the wheel mount 124 by a distance so that the wheel mount 124 is unlocked to be free to rotate relative to the standing frame 104. Furthermore, the flexible part 262 is in a tensioned state, while the flexible part 260 is in a relaxed state.

[0059] To unlock the wheel mounts 124 and 128 when the handle frame 106 is in the second position, the caregiver can actuate the operating part 224, which applies a traction force that pulls and moves the cable 244. With the flexible part 262 in a tensioned state, the traction force is substantially transferred from the cable 244 through the flexible part 262 to the link part 230, which can urge the wheel mount latch 150 to disengage from the wheel mount 128. On the other hand, the flexible part 260 in a slack state cannot transfer the traction force from the cable 244 to the link part 228, and the wheel mount latch 144 is not affected by the actuation of the operating part 224 and can remain in a position disengaged from the wheel mount 124 by the same distance. Thus, the wheel mounts 124 and 128 can be unlocked simultaneously when the handle frame 106 is in the second position.

[0060] Since the operating part 224 initiates the unlocking of only one of the two wheel mount latches 144 and 150 on each side at the same time, the actuation for simultaneously unlocking all of the wheel mounts 124 and 128 requires a relatively low driving force. Thus, the effort required to actuate the operating part 224 is reduced, and the component parts of the release mechanism 222 may be subjected to reduced mechanical stress during operation.

[0061] Advantages of the wheeled transport device described herein include the ability to lock and unlock the wheel assemblies to the standing frame in a flexible manner. Depending on the need, some of the wheel assemblies can be locked while others are unlocked, or all wheel assemblies can be unlocked simultaneously, depending on the desire. Thus, the wheeled transport device can have more freedom in use, resulting in better maneuverability.

[0062] Implementations of wheeled transport devices have been described in the context of specific embodiments. These embodiments are intended to be illustrative and not limiting. Many variations, modifications, additions, and improvements are possible. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements may be included within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0063] 100 Wheeled transport device 102 Frame Structure 104 Standing Frame 106 Handle Frame 106A Side section 106B Grip part 108 Wheel Assembly 110 Wheel Assembly 112 Leg Frame 112A Side Segment 112B Transverse Segment 114 Leg Frame 114A Side Segment 114B Transverse Segment 116 Side link bar 118 Side Support Bar 120 Career Bar 122 Bar Link Device 122A Bar 124 Wheel mounting part 126 Wheels 126A wheel axle 128 Wheel mounting part 130 wheels 130A wheel axle 132 Swivel Axle 134 Housing 136 Wheel axle 138 Sliding Parts 140 Spring 142 Locking Assembly 144 Wheel mounting latch 146 Locking Spring 148 Locking Assembly 150 Wheel mounting latch 152 Locking spring 170 Shaft part 220 Actuation Assembly 222 Release mechanism 224 Operation Parts 226 Link Actuator 226A hole 228 Link Parts 230 Link Parts 234 Attached Parts 236 Cable Assembly 238 Sliding Parts 240 Cable section 242 Cable section 244 Cable 246 Fastening members 248 Sleeve 250 sleeve 252 barrels 254 Buttons 258 Cable Assembly 260 Flexible Parts 262 Flexible Parts 264 Fastening members 266 Fastening members 268 Fastening members R Rotational axis

Claims

1. a standing frame and a handle frame pivotally coupled to each other, the handle frame being rotatable relative to the standing frame between a first position and a second position having different inclinations; a first wheel mounting portion supporting a first wheel and rotatably connected to the standing frame, the first wheel being rotatable relative to the first wheel mounting portion about a first wheel axis; a locking assembly comprising a first wheel mount latch movably connected to the standing frame, the first wheel mount latch configured to engage the first wheel mount thereby rotationally locking the first wheel mount relative to the standing frame, and configured to disengage from the first wheel mount thereby unlocking the first wheel mount allowing the first wheel mount to rotate relative to the standing frame to change an orientation of the first wheel axis; a link actuator coupled to the first wheel mount latch via a link part, the link actuator being movable in a first direction or a second direction in response to the handle frame rotating between the first position and the second position, whereby the first wheel mount latch is engaged or disengaged from the first wheel mount; a release mechanism comprising an operating part provided on the handle frame and a cable assembly coupling the operating part to the first wheel mount latch, the operating part being operable to disengage the first wheel mount latch from the first wheel mount when the handle frame is in the first position; A wheeled transport device comprising:

2. The link actuator is rotatable together with the handle frame relative to the standing frame.

2. The wheeled transport device of claim 1.

3. the link part comprises a cable portion, and the link actuator is rotatable with the handle frame from the second position to the first position to relax the link part so that the first wheel mount latch may engage and lock the first wheel mount, and is rotatable with the handle frame from the first position to the second position to pull the link part and bias the first wheel mount latch to disengage and unlock the first wheel mount.

3. The wheeled transport device of claim 2.

4. the cable assembly includes a cable portion coupled to the link part or the first wheel mount latch; A wheeled transport device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. the cable assembly includes a flexible part that is tensioned or relaxed when the handle frame rotates between the first position and the second position; A wheeled transport device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. The flexible part comprises a cable section, a cord, a rope, a wire, a string, a band, a ribbon, or a strip.

6. The wheeled transport device of claim 5.

7. the cable assembly further comprises a cable coupled to each of the operating part and the flexible part, the flexible part being movable relative to the cable so as to become tensioned or relaxed when the handle frame rotates between the first position and the second position.

7. A wheeled transport device according to claim 5 or 6.

8. the flexible parts are connected to the link parts, and the flexible parts are moved by being pulled or pushed by the link parts into or out of tension when the handle frame rotates between the first position and the second position; A wheeled transport device according to any one of claims 5 to 7.

9. The standing frame includes a carrier bar pivotally connected to the handle frame, and the flexible part is connected to the link part at a position adjacent to the carrier bar.

9. The wheeled transport device of claim 8.

10. a second wheel mounting portion supporting a second wheel and pivotally connected to the standing frame, the second wheel being rotatable relative to the second wheel mounting portion about a second wheel axis, the first wheel mounting portion and the second wheel mounting portion being spaced apart from each other along a longitudinal axis extending from the rear to the front of the wheeled transport device; a second locking assembly including a second wheel mount latch movably connected to the standing frame, the second wheel mount latch configured to engage with the second wheel mount, thereby rotationally locking the second wheel mount relative to the standing frame, and configured to disengage from the second wheel mount, thereby unlocking the second wheel mount, thereby allowing the second wheel mount to rotate relative to the standing frame to change an orientation of the second wheel axis; Further equipped with the cable assembly further couples the operating part to the second wheel mount latch, the operating part being operable to disengage the second wheel mount latch from the second wheel mount when the handle frame is in the second position. A wheeled transport device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

11. the link actuator is coupled to the second wheel mount latch via a second link part, the link actuator being movable to engage the first wheel mount latch with the first wheel mount and to disengage the second wheel mount latch from the second wheel mount in response to the handle frame rotating from the second position to the first position, and the link actuator being movable to engage the second wheel mount latch with the second wheel mount and to disengage the first wheel mount latch from the first wheel mount in response to the handle frame rotating from the first position to the second position.

11. The wheeled transport device of claim 10.

12. the cable assembly includes a first cable portion coupled to a first link part or the first wheel mount latch, and a second cable portion coupled to the second link part or the second wheel mount latch.

12. The wheeled transport device of claim 11.

13. the cable assembly comprises a first flexible part and a second flexible part, the first flexible part configured to transmit a pulling force to disengage the first wheel mount latch from the first wheel mount when the handle frame is in the first position, and the second flexible part configured to transmit a pulling force to disengage the second wheel mount latch from the second wheel mount when the handle frame is in the second position.

12. The wheeled transport device of claim 11.

14. the first flexible part and the second flexible part are alternately tensioned or relaxed when the handle frame rotates between the first position and the second position.

14. The wheeled transport device of claim 13.

15. the first flexible part is connected to the link part and the second flexible part is connected to the second link part, and when the handle frame rotates from the second position to the first position, the first flexible part is tensioned and the second flexible part is slack, and when the handle frame rotates from the first position to the second position, the second flexible part is tensioned and the first flexible part is slack.

15. The wheeled transport device of claim 14.

16. Implemented as a toddler stroller device, 16. A wheeled transport device according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

17. a standing frame and a handle frame pivotally coupled to each other, the handle frame being rotatable relative to the standing frame between a first position and a second position having different inclinations; a first wheel mounting portion supporting a first wheel and rotatably connected to the standing frame, the first wheel being rotatable relative to the first wheel mounting portion about a first wheel axis; a locking assembly comprising a first wheel mount latch movably connected to the standing frame, the first wheel mount latch configured to engage the first wheel mount thereby rotationally locking the first wheel mount relative to the standing frame, and configured to disengage from the first wheel mount thereby unlocking the first wheel mount to allow the first wheel mount to rotate relative to the standing frame to change an orientation of the first wheel axis; a link actuator movably linked to the handle frame; a release mechanism including an operating part provided on the handle frame and a cable assembly connecting the operating part to the first wheel mount latch, the cable assembly including a flexible part connected to the link actuator via a link part; Equipped with the flexible part is moved into or out of tension by being pulled or pushed by the link part as the handle frame rotates between the first position and the second position, and the operating part is operable to disengage the first wheel mount latch from the first wheel mount when the flexible part is tensioned and the handle frame is in the first position. Wheeled transport device.

18. the link part is coupled to the first wheel mount latch, and the link actuator is movable in a first direction or a second direction in response to the handle frame rotating between the first position and the second position, whereby the first wheel mount latch is engaged or disengaged from the first wheel mount, and the first wheel mount latch is engaged to the first wheel mount when the handle frame is in the first position and the operating part is released.

18. The wheeled transport device of claim 17.

19. the handle frame is coupled to the standing frame so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis, and the link actuator is rotatable together with the handle frame about the rotation axis relative to the standing frame.

19. A wheeled transport device according to claim 17 or 18.

20. The flexible part comprises a cable section, a cord, a rope, a wire, a string, a band, a ribbon, or a strip.

20. A wheeled transport device as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 19.

21. the cable assembly further comprises a cable coupled to each of the operating part and the flexible part, the flexible part being movable relative to the cable so as to become tensioned or relaxed when the handle frame rotates between the first position and the second position.

21. A wheeled transport device according to any one of claims 17 to 20.

22. the flexible part is configured to be tensioned and to transmit a traction force generated by actuation of the operating part to disengage the first wheel mount latch from the first wheel mount when the handle frame is in the first position.

22. The wheeled transport device of claim 21.

23. The standing frame includes a carrier bar pivotally connected to the handle frame, and the flexible part is connected to the link part at a position adjacent to the carrier bar.

23. A wheeled transport device according to any one of claims 17 to 22.

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