Stroller handlebar actuator

Abstract

To provide a handle bar actuator of a stroller excellent in operability.SOLUTION: The handlebar actuator is provided on a handlebar of the stroller and includes a cable having one end attached to the handlebar actuator and the other end attached to a rear wheel of the stroller, and includes a protruding tab that can be pressed using one or both thumbs, wherein pressing the tab applies a rotational force to the handlebar actuator to rotate the handlebar actuator relative to the handlebar. This rotation causes the cable to be drawn inward toward the handlebar actuator, thereby unlocking the mechanism on the rear wheel. The mechanism is unlocked, allowing the rear wheel to rotate freely about a vertical axis.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10B

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] [CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 668,413, filed July 8, 2024, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 699,040, filed September 25, 2024, both of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates generally to the field of strollers, and more particularly to handlebar actuators for strollers. [Background technology]

[0003] Some strollers may be provided with a mechanism on the rear wheels that allows the rear wheels to be switched between a "drift" mode, in which the rear wheels are free to rotate about a vertical axis, and a locked mode, in which the rear wheels remain locked in the same orientation. The drift mode may be preferred in scenarios in which it is desired to turn the stroller more easily, while the locked mode may be preferred in scenarios in which it is desired to push the stroller in a straight line while locking the wheels to maintain a more stable configuration. Traditionally, the wheel mechanism is activated by squeezing a handlebar actuator located in a central position on the stroller's handlebars. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, grasping the handlebar actuator requires a user to have above-threshold grip strength, which may be difficult for some users, such as elderly or injured users. Furthermore, the user must move one hand toward the center of the handlebar where the handlebar actuator is located. Forcing the user to move one hand toward the center of the handlebar may result in a less-than-ideal hand position for pushing the stroller. Depending on how accustomed the user is to pushing the stroller with a temporarily adjusted hand position, the user may need to stop pushing the stroller to grasp the mechanism. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In one embodiment, the present disclosure describes a handlebar actuator including an outer housing with a protruding tab, an inner core with an opening, one or more first rails, and one or more second rails, a first slider disposed within the opening and configured to translate along the one or more first rails based on rotation of the outer housing, and a second slider disposed within the opening and configured to translate along the one or more second rails based on rotation of the outer housing.

[0006] In one embodiment, the present disclosure describes a stroller including a handlebar and a handlebar actuator. The handlebar actuator includes an outer housing including a protruding tab, an inner core including an opening, one or more first rails, and one or more second rails, a first slider disposed within the opening and configured to translate along the one or more first rails upon rotation of the outer housing, and a second slider disposed within the opening and configured to translate along the one or more second rails upon rotation of the outer housing.

[0007] In one embodiment, the present disclosure describes a stroller including a handlebar, a first wheel, a second wheel, and a handlebar actuator. The handlebar actuator includes an outer housing including a protruding tab, an inner core including an opening, one or more first rails, and one or more second rails, a first slider disposed within the opening and configured to translate along the one or more first rails upon rotation of the outer housing, a second slider disposed within the opening and configured to translate along the one or more second rails upon rotation of the outer housing, a first cable connected at a first end to the first slider and at a second end to the first wheel, and a second cable connected at a first end to the second slider and at a second end to the second wheel. The outer housing is configured to rotate around the inner core based on a force against the protruding tab, and rotation of the outer housing causes the first cable and the second cable to pull the first slider and the second slider inward, unlocking the first mechanism on the first wheel and the second mechanism on the second wheel and allowing the first wheel and second wheel to rotate freely.

[0008] The detailed description is set forth with reference to the accompanying drawings. The use of the same reference numbers may indicate similar or identical items. Various embodiments may utilize elements and / or components other than those shown in the drawings, and some elements and / or components may not be present in various embodiments. Elements and / or components in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. Throughout this disclosure, singular and plural terms may be used interchangeably where appropriate. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1A illustrates a stroller including a handlebar actuator according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 1B]FIG. 1B illustrates the operation of the handlebar actuator of the stroller of FIG. 1A in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 1C] FIG. 1C illustrates the operation of the handlebar actuator of the stroller of FIG. 1A in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 1D] FIG. 1D illustrates the operation of the handlebar actuator of the stroller of FIG. 1A in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 1E] FIG. 1E illustrates the operation of the handlebar actuator of the stroller of FIG. 1A in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows an expanded view of a handlebar actuator according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of the handlebar actuator of FIG. 2 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A illustrates a side view of the handlebar actuator of FIG. 2 in a first rotational position according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B illustrates a side view of the handlebar actuator of FIG. 4A in a second rotational position according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 5A] FIG. 5A illustrates a front view of the handlebar actuator of FIG. 4A in a first rotational position according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B illustrates a front view of the handlebar actuator of FIG. 4B in a second rotational position according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 6A and 6B show another front view of the handlebar actuator of FIGS. 5A and 5B in a first rotational position according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of an outer cover of the handlebar actuator of FIG. 2 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of the rotating sleeve and inner core of the handlebar actuator of FIG. 2 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 illustrates a wheel locking mechanism for the stroller of FIG. 1 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 10A] FIG. 10A shows an exploded front view of another handlebar actuator according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 10B] FIG. 10B shows an exploded perspective view of the handlebar actuator of FIG. 10A according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 10C] FIG. 10C shows an exploded perspective view of the handlebar actuator of FIG. 10A according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 11A] FIG. 11A shows a side view of the handlebar actuator of FIG. 10A in a first rotational position according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 11B] FIG. 11B shows a side view of the handlebar actuator of FIG. 11A in a second rotational position according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 12A] FIG. 12A shows a front view of the handlebar actuator of FIG. 10A in a first rotational position according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 12B] FIG. 12B shows a front view of the handlebar actuator of FIG. 10A in a second rotational position according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 12C-D] 12C and 12D show front views of FIGS. 12A and 12B with a translucent outer housing according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 13A] FIG. 13A illustrates an exemplary cable configuration according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 13B] FIG. 13B illustrates an exemplary cable configuration according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The present disclosure provides a more detailed and specific description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the drawings and specific description of the drawings, and any specific or other embodiments discussed, are intended to be read in conjunction with the entire disclosure.

[0011] Exemplary embodiments are described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the concepts disclosed herein may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the exemplary embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the concepts to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to similar, but not necessarily identical, elements.

[0012] This disclosure describes variations on stroller handlebar actuators. Conventional stroller handlebar actuators include a mechanism that is activated based on a user's hand grasping the handlebar actuator. Activation of the mechanism switches the rear wheels of the stroller between a "drift" mode (in which the rear wheels of the stroller are free to rotate about a vertical axis) and a locked mode (in which the same wheels are locked and cannot rotate freely). However, grip-based mechanisms can be difficult for some users to activate. For example, grip-based mechanisms can require a threshold amount of hand force. Furthermore, grip-based mechanisms can require the user to move at least one hand to a center position on the handlebar where the actuator is located. The most stable hand position for pushing a stroller may include having each hand positioned at either end of the handlebar (either side of the center where the handlebar actuator is located). Thus, requiring the user to move one hand from the end of the handlebar toward the center to grasp the handlebar actuator would result in the user's hand being in a non-ideal position while still pushing the stroller.

[0013] In contrast, the improved stroller handlebar actuator described herein includes a different mechanism for switching the wheels between drift and locked modes. Specifically, the mechanism is activated by rotating the external housing relative to the handlebar (shown in detail in FIG. 1A). The external housing includes a protruding tab that can be pressed with minimal force to initiate this rotation. The protruding tab allows the user to initiate rotation with only a small amount of force, making the handlebar actuator easier to activate than conventional handlebar actuators. For example, a user can initiate rotation of the handlebar actuator by pressing the protruding tab with one or both thumbs while maintaining a hand position on each end of the handlebar. Thus, the user can activate the handlebar actuator while continuing to push the stroller with both hands in the ideal pushing position (on each end of the handlebar).

[0014] In some embodiments (e.g., shown in Figures 1A-8), the handlebar actuator includes an inner core (disposed within the outer housing) that includes two horizontal slots that house two springs, each connected to a pin. The springs are biased in a resting state to naturally push the pins outward from the center of the inner core. The pins are then each connected to a cable. The handlebar actuator also includes a rotating sleeve with an inclined groove disposed around the inner core and within the outer housing. The rotating sleeve also includes two slots in which the pins are also disposed, but the slots of the rotating sleeve curve inward along the rotating sleeve.

[0015] As the handlebar actuator rotates, the pin moves inward through a slot in the rotating sleeve toward the center of the rotating sleeve, and the pin pushes against a spring in a horizontal slot in the inner core, pulling the cable inward (this is further shown in Figures 6A-6B). The inward pulling of the cable activates a mechanism in the rear wheel that switches the rear wheel between drift and lock modes (or vice versa). This is shown in more detail in Figure 9.

[0016] Similarly, when force is removed from the protruding tab (e.g., the user stops pressing the protruding tab with their thumb) and the handlebar actuator returns to its rest position, the spring pushes the pin back outward, removing tension from the cable and returning the rear wheel mechanism to its previous mode. For example, rotating the handlebar actuator may switch the rear wheel to drift mode, and by default, the rear wheel may be in locked mode (although this is not intended to be limiting and the opposite may also be true).

[0017] In other embodiments (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 10A-12D), the handlebar actuator includes an outer housing with protruding tabs and an inner core contained within the outer housing, but does not include a rotating sleeve. That is, the handlebar actuator may be configured to perform similar functions to the handlebar actuator described in FIGS. 1A-9 without the use of a rotating sleeve. Additionally, the handlebar actuator may include a different configuration of the inner core and may also include a different mechanism for pulling the cable inward to switch the rear wheel between drift mode and locked mode (or vice versa).

[0018] In particular, the handlebar actuator may include two mechanical sliders. The sliders may operatively engage both the first portion of the outer housing and the inner core (the sliders may, in some embodiments, also operatively engage the second portion of the outer housing, or instead of the first portion). When the handlebar actuator rotates based on the application of force to the protruding tab, the internal structure of the outer housing causes the sliders to slide through and toward a center within the inner core, similar to how the first and second pins translate toward the center of the inner core as shown in FIG. 3 (although the mechanism used to slide the sliders toward the center of the inner core is different).

[0019] The handlebar actuator may optionally include a spring disposed between the first slider and the second slider. The spring may naturally push the first slider and the second slider apart, such that the first slider and the second slider naturally rest at the first and second ends of the opening in the inner core when the handlebar actuator is not rotated. The optional spring may also provide additional inward force to the first slider and the second slider so that the first slider and the second slider return to the first and second ends of the opening in the inner core after the handlebar actuator is rotated and the handlebar actuator is released by the user. However, as described in more detail below, a spring is not required for the first slider and the second slider to return to the first and second ends of the opening in the inner core when the handlebar actuator is no longer engaged by the user.

[0020] It should be noted that although reference is made herein to the handlebar actuator being used specifically to switch one or more wheels of the stroller between drift and locked modes, this use of the handlebar actuator is not intended to be limiting. Actuation of the handlebar actuator may also be used to control other components of the stroller.

[0021] Examples of these handlebar actuator variations are described below with reference to the figures.

[0022] Turning to the drawings, Figure 1A shows a stroller 100 that includes a handlebar actuator 106 mounted on a handlebar 102 of the stroller 100. For example, the handlebar actuator 106 may be located in the center of the handlebar 102, or the handlebar actuator 106 may be offset from the center of the handlebar 102. Additionally, although the handlebar actuator 106 is shown as a single structure, the handlebar actuator 106 may be separated into multiple separate structures.

[0023] The handlebar actuator 106 includes an outer housing 107 that is rotatable relative to the handlebar 102 about an axis 109 that passes through the handlebar 102. To provide ease of rotation, the outer housing 107 includes a protruding tab 108. To cause rotation of the handlebar actuator 106 (which may be in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction relative to the axis 109), a user may apply a downward or upward force to the protruding tab 108 (e.g., using one or more of the thumbs).

[0024] Hand placements that may be used to perform such actuation are shown in FIGS. 1B-1E. Ideally, a user would push stroller 100 with both hands positioned on either end of the handlebars, as shown in FIGS. 1B-1C. Advantageously, the improved handlebar actuator described herein allows a user to maintain both hands on either end of the handlebars while simultaneously using one thumb (FIG. 1B) or both thumbs (FIG. 1C) to actuate the handlebar actuator and apply sufficient force to protruding tabs 108 on the outer housing to cause rotation of the handlebar actuator. In contrast, FIGS. 1D-1E illustrate that a conventional grip-type actuator requires a user to remove at least one hand from one end of handlebar 102 in order to grasp the grip-type actuator. Thus, conventional handlebar actuators do not allow a user to maintain an ideal hand placement when pushing a stroller and actuating the handlebar actuator.

[0025] FIG. 2 shows an enlarged view of a handlebar actuator 206 (which may be the same as the handlebar actuator 106 of FIG. 1 or other modified handlebar actuators described herein). The handlebar actuator 206 may include an outer housing 207 (including a protruding tab 208), a rotating sleeve 216, and an inner core 210. Two cables (e.g., a first cable 212 and a second cable 214) are also attached to the inner core 210. Each cable may also be connected to a mechanism (not shown) on each rear wheel of the stroller. In this manner, rotation of the handlebar actuator 206 retracts the cables inward toward the center of the inner core 210. This cable movement causes a change in the rear wheel mechanism, transitioning the rear wheel between a drift mode, in which the rear wheel is free to rotate about a vertical axis, and a locked mode, in which the wheel is unable to rotate freely. An example of the type of mechanism that may be provided on the wheel is shown in FIG. 9.

[0026] FIG. 2 also shows that inner core 210 includes openings (e.g., first opening 270 and second opening 272) at opposite ends of inner core 210 (e.g., first end 274 and second end 276, respectively). While FIG. 2 shows two openings, any other number of openings (including a single opening) may be provided. The openings may extend through the entire diameter of inner core 210 or may extend only partially through inner core 210. The openings are configured to receive elements for securing inner core 210 to handlebar 202. For example, at least a portion of handlebar 202 may be hollow, and first end 274 and second end 276 of inner core 210 may be inserted into handlebar 202. Handlebar 202 may include openings that align with the openings in inner core 210 when first end 274 and second end 276 are inserted into handlebar 202. Once first end 274 and second end 276 are inserted into handlebar 202, fastening elements such as rivets, screws, bolts, etc. may be inserted into the openings to secure inner core 210 to handlebar 202. Thus, inner core 210 may remain stationary, while rotating sleeve 216 and outer housing 207 may rotate relative to inner core 210 and handlebar 202.

[0027] FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of handlebar actuator 306 (which may be the same as handlebar actuators 106, 206, etc.). The exploded view shows outer housing 307, rotating sleeve 316, and inner core 310. Inner core 310 includes first and second cables 312 and 314 attached to first and second pins 313 and 315, respectively. First and second pins 313 and 315 are held within horizontal slots (e.g., horizontal slots 317 and 319). Also provided within the horizontal slots are springs (first spring 321 and second spring 323) with one end fixed to inner core 310 and the other end fixed to a pin. For example, first spring 321 is attached to first pin 313, and second spring 323 is attached to second pin 315. In a static state (before the handlebar actuator 306 is rotated in either direction), the first spring 321 and the second spring 323 naturally urge the first pin 313 and the second pin 315 toward the outer end of the inner core 310 (as shown in FIG. 3).

[0028] A rotating sleeve 316 is disposed around the inner core 310. The rotating sleeve 316 includes features configured to control the movement of the first pin 313 and the second pin 315 within horizontal slots in the inner core 310 to control the movement of the first cable 312 and the second cable 314. To accomplish this, the rotating sleeve 316 includes a first slot 318 for receiving the first pin 313 and a second slot 320 for receiving the second pin 315. The first slot 318 and the second slot 320 curve inward along the rotating sleeve 316, such that as the rotating sleeve 316 rotates, the first pin 313 and the second pin 315 move inward on the rotating sleeve 316 within the first slot 318 and the second slot 320 (the rotating sleeve 316 is also fixed to the outer housing 307, such that rotation of the outer housing causes rotation of the rotating sleeve 316).

[0029] When the rotating sleeve 316 is rotated by rotating the outer housing 307 (e.g., when a user applies force to the protruding tab 308), the first pin 313 and the second pin 315 move within the first slot 318 and the second slot 320 of the rotating sleeve 316, which causes the first pin 313 and the second pin 315 to generate a force against the first spring 321 and the second spring 323, moving inward within the first horizontal slot 317 and the second horizontal slot 319. The movement of the first pin 313 and the second pin 315 within the first horizontal slot 317 and the second horizontal slot 319 draws the first cable 312 and the second cable 314 inward within the horizontal slots, toward the center of the inner core 310. When the force on the protruding tab 308 is released, the first spring 321 and the second spring 323 press outward against the first pin 313 and the second pin 315, returning them to their original rest positions (as shown in FIG. 3) and rotating the handlebar actuator 306 to its original position. The first cable 312 and the second cable 314 then also return to their original positions.

[0030] Figure 4A shows a side view of handlebar actuator 406 (which may be the same as handlebar actuator 106, 206, 306, or another handlebar actuator) in a first rotated position. Figure 4B shows a side view of handlebar actuator 406 of Figure 4A in a second rotated position. For example, Figure 4A may specifically show handlebar actuator 406 in a natural, resting position when a user is not applying force to protruding tab 408, and Figure 4B may show handlebar actuator 406 in a rotated position after a user has applied a downward force to protruding tab 408.

[0031] The side views of FIGS. 4A-4B show that the rotating sleeve 416 rotates relative to the inner core 410 along with the outer housing 407. That is, the inner core 410 remains fixed at both ends within the handlebar (not shown in FIGS. 4A-4B), while the outer housing 407 and rotating sleeve 416 rotate relative to the fixed inner core 410 and handlebar. To ensure that the rotating sleeve 416 rotates with the outer housing 407, the rotating sleeve 416 and outer housing 407 may include interlocking elements. For example, the rotating sleeve may include protrusions 440 (although only two protrusions are shown in the figures, any number of protrusions may be provided at any other intervals around the rotating sleeve 416). The outer housing 407 may include corresponding notches 442 to receive the protrusions 440, thereby locking the rotating sleeve 416 and outer housing 407 together. These elements are further illustrated in FIGS. 7-8.

[0032] FIG. 5A shows a front view of handlebar actuator 506 (which may be the same as handlebar actuator 106, 206, 306, 406, or other handlebar actuators) in a first rotational position. FIG. 5B shows a front view of handlebar actuator 506 of FIG. 4B in a second rotational position. FIGS. 5A-5B provide another illustration of how applying a force to protruding tab 508 causes outer housing 507 to rotate relative to inner core 510. As previously described, rotation of outer housing 507 causes first cable 512 and second cable 514 to retract inward toward the center of inner core 510 and then extend back outward from the center of inner core 510 (as outer housing 507 returns to its natural resting position).

[0033] Figure 6A shows another front view of the handlebar actuator 606 (external housing not shown) in a first rotational position. Figure 6B shows another front view of the handlebar actuator 606 (external housing not shown) in a second rotational position. The handlebar actuator 606 may be the same as the handlebar actuator 106, 206, 306, 406, 506, or other handlebar actuators.

[0034] In particular, Figures 6A-6B illustrate the movement of the first pin 613 and the second pin 615 within the first slot 618 and the second slot 620. As also shown in Figure 3, the first slot 618 and the second slot 620 curve inward along the rotating sleeve 616, such that as the rotating sleeve 616 rotates, the first pin 613 and the second pin 615 move inward on the rotating sleeve 616 within the first slot 618 and the second slot 620. For example, Figure 6A can illustrate the handlebar actuator 606 in a rest position with no force applied to the protruding tabs (not shown in Figures 6A-6B) and the first pin 613 and the second pin 615 located at one end of the first slot 618 and the second slot 620.

[0035] As the rotating sleeve 616 rotates due to rotation of the outer housing, the first pin 613 and the second pin 615 move within the first slot 618 and the second slot 620. For example, as shown in FIG. 6B , rotation of the rotating sleeve 616 causes the first pin 613 and the second pin 615 to move within the first slot 618 and the second slot 620 to the other end of the first slot 618 and the second slot 620. The mechanism of the inner core 610 located below the rotating sleeve 616 is not visible in FIGS. 6A-6B , but as described with respect to FIG. 3 , the inner core 610 includes a first cable 612 and a second cable 614 attached to the first pin 613 and the second pin 615, respectively. The first pin 613 and the second pin 615 are held within horizontal slots in the inner core 610. Also located within the horizontal slot is a spring, one end of which is fixed to the inner core 610 and the other end of which is fixed to the pin.

[0036] As the rotating sleeve 616 rotates, the first and second pins 613, 615 move within the first and second slots 618, 620, which causes the first and second pins 613, 615 to generate a force against the first and second springs (located in the inner core 610 below the rotating sleeve 616 and not visible in FIGS. 6A-6B ) and move inward within the horizontal slots (located in the inner core 610 below the rotating sleeve 616 and not visible in FIGS. 6A-6B ) of the inner core 610. This inward movement of the first and second pins 613, 615 draws the first and second cables 612, 614 inward toward the center of the inner core 610 (as shown in FIG. 6B ). When the force on the protruding tabs is released, the first and second springs push outward against the first and second pins 613, 615, returning them to their original rest positions (as shown in FIG. 6A ) and rotating the handlebar actuator 606 back to its original position, which causes the first and second cables 612, 614 to extend outward from the center of the inner core 610 and return to their original positions.

[0037] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of an outer housing 707 of a handlebar actuator (which may be the same as handlebar actuator 106, 206, 306, 406, 506, 606, or other handlebar actuators). FIG. 7 provides another view of the interior of outer housing 707 (where the rotating sleeve and inner core are located) and notch 742. As previously mentioned, outer housing 707 may include any other number of notches 742 (or a single notch) spaced at various intervals. Furthermore, instead of notches 742 in outer housing 707 and protrusions on the rotating sleeve, notches 742 may be located on the rotating sleeve and protrusions may be located on the interior of outer housing 707. Furthermore, outer housing 707 and rotating sleeve may be interlocked using any other type of mechanism (e.g., fasteners, adhesive, etc.).

[0038] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a rotating sleeve 816 and inner core 810 of a handlebar actuator (which may be the same as handlebar actuator 106, 206, 306, 406, 506, 606, or other handlebar actuators). FIG. 8 shows another view of the rotating sleeve 816, showing all of the first slots 818 and second slots 820 of the rotating sleeve 816. FIG. 8 also shows a protrusion 840 on the rotating sleeve 816 that is received by a cutout in the outer housing. FIG. 8 also shows a first slot 850 and a second slot 852 in the inner core 810. A first cable and a second cable (not shown in FIG. 8) may be routed through the first slot 850 and the second slot 852.

[0039] FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary wheel locking mechanism for a wheel 960 of a stroller 900 (which may be the same as the stroller 100 of FIG. 1). In particular, FIG. 9 illustrates a structure 966 of the wheel 960 that allows the wheel 960 to rotate about a vertical axis 968. A pin 962 may be provided within an opening 964 of the structure 966 to transition the wheel 960 between a drift mode, in which the wheel 960 is free to rotate about the vertical axis 968, and a locked mode, in which the wheel 960 is not free to rotate. The pin 962 is also attached to a cable (e.g., shown as cable 912, which may be the same as cable 212, 312, 412, 512, 612, etc.). Thus, when the cable 912 is retracted inward based on rotation of the handlebar actuator relative to the handlebar, the cable 912 is retracted upward, causing the pin 962 to be pulled out of the opening 964. Once the pin 962 exits the opening 964, the structure 966 is no longer prevented from rotating freely and the stroller 900 enters the drift mode.

[0040] While FIG. 9 shows only an exemplary mechanism for one wheel 960 of stroller 900, similar mechanisms may be found for any other number of wheels that may be actuated by a handlebar actuator. For example, in some embodiments, a handlebar actuator may be used to transition both rear wheels between drift and locked modes. In other embodiments, a handlebar actuator may be used to transition any other number of wheels between drift and locked modes. Furthermore, multiple wheels may be transitioned simultaneously using a handlebar actuator, or different wheels may be transitioned individually. For example, a handlebar actuator may include multiple segments that are rotatable independently of one another, with individual segments being rotated to transition different wheels.

[0041] Furthermore, the mechanism by which the wheels 960 transition from drift mode to locked mode and vice versa is merely an exemplary mechanism, and any other type of mechanism attached to the cable 912 may also be used. Furthermore, although the handlebar actuators described herein are illustrated as being used to actuate the mechanisms of the wheels of the stroller, the handlebar actuators may also be used to actuate any other mechanisms of the stroller (as a non-limiting example, the handlebar actuators may be used to actuate a mechanism that allows the stroller to fold).

[0042] 10A shows an exploded front view of another handlebar actuator 1000 that may be used to transition the wheels of a stroller (any stroller described herein or otherwise) between drift and lock modes. As noted above, the rear wheels of the stroller may be transitioned between drift and lock modes, but in some embodiments, any other combination of wheels (e.g., front wheels, front and rear wheels, etc.) may also be transitioned between drift and lock modes.

[0043] The handlebar actuator 1000 includes an outer housing including a first portion 1001 and a second portion 1002. That is, the outer housing may be separated into two portions to allow for a less difficult plastic injection molding process (although reference is made to plastic injection, the outer housing may also be made from any other type of material). The first portion 1001 and the second portion 1002 may be combined in any suitable manner, such as with an adhesive, one or more fasteners, etc. However, the outer housing may be provided as a single structure rather than being separated into the first portion 1001 and the second portion 1002.

[0044] Similar to the handlebar actuators shown in FIGS. 1A-9, the outer housing of the handlebar actuator 1000 includes a protruding tab 1004. The protruding tab 1004 allows the user to actuate the handlebar actuator 1000 more easily than conventional handlebar actuators, as the user only needs to apply a small amount of force to the protruding tab to cause rotation. For example, a user can cause rotation of the handlebar actuator by pressing the protruding tab 1004 using one or both thumbs while maintaining hand positioning on either end of the handlebar. While FIG. 10A specifically shows the protruding tab 1004 on the first portion 1001 of the outer housing, this is not intended to be limiting, and the protruding tab 1004 may instead be on the second portion 1002.

[0045] Similar to the handlebar actuator shown in FIGS. 1A-9, contained within the outer housing (when the first and second portions 1001, 1002 are combined) is an inner core 1010. In embodiments, the inner core 1010 may be riveted (or attached in any other manner) to a tube (not shown) in the stroller handle. The inner core 1010 may function as a component bridging the left and right halves of the stroller handle such that the handlebar actuator 1000 is integrated into the stroller handle. It should be noted that the particular size and / or shape of the inner core 1010 shown in FIG. 10A is merely exemplary, and other sizes and / or shapes are possible (the same may apply to other components of the handlebar actuator 1000).

[0046] In contrast to the handlebar actuator shown in FIGS. 1A-9, the handlebar actuator 1000 shown in FIGS. 10A-12D may not include a rotating sleeve (e.g., rotating sleeves 216, 316, 416, 616, 816, etc.). That is, the handlebar actuator 1000 may be configured to perform similar functions to the handlebar actuators described with respect to FIGS. 1A-9 without using a rotating sleeve. Furthermore, the handlebar actuator 1000 may include a different configuration of the inner core 1010 and may also include a different mechanism for retracting the cable inward to transition the rear wheel between drift mode and locked mode (or vice versa).

[0047] In some embodiments, handlebar actuator 1000 (or any other handlebar actuator described herein) does not necessarily include a separate inner core. Alternatively, the stroller handle tube itself may function as the inner core. For example, instead of separating the handle into two components, one or more slots may be cut directly into the handle tube.

[0048] In particular, the handlebar actuator 1000 may include two mechanical sliders (e.g., a first slider 1006 and a second slider 1008, or any other number of sliders). As shown in more detail in subsequent figures, the sliders may operatively engage both the first portion 1001 of the outer housing and the inner core 1010 (the sliders may, in some embodiments, also operatively engage the second portion 1002 of the outer housing, or may operatively engage in place of the first portion 1001). When the handlebar actuator 1000 is rotated by applying a force to the protruding tab 1004, the internal structure of the outer housing causes the sliders to slide through and toward the center within the inner core 1010, similar to how the first pin 313 and the second pin 315 move toward the center of the inner core 310 as shown in FIG. 3 (although the mechanism used to slide the sliders toward the center of the inner core 1010 is different). The sliders may have cables attached (e.g., a first cable 1060 is shown attached to the first slider 1006 and a second cable 1062 is shown attached to the second slider 1008). The cables may be attached to a mechanism on the rear wheels (or any other wheels) that transitions the rear wheels between drift and locked modes (and vice versa). A more detailed description of how the sliders slide while the external housing is rotating is provided in FIG. 10B.

[0049] The handlebar actuator 1000 may optionally include a spring 1009 between the first slider 1006 and the second slider 1008. The spring 1009 may naturally push the first slider 1006 and the second slider 1008 apart, causing the first slider 1006 and the second slider 1008 to rest at first and second ends 1050 and 1052 in openings (shown in FIGS. 10B-10C) in the inner core 1010 (shown in FIGS. 10B-10C) when the handlebar actuator 1000 is not rotating. The optional spring 1009 creates an additional inward force against the first slider 1006 and the second slider 1008 after the handlebar actuator 1000 is rotated, causing the first slider 1006 and the second slider 1008 to return to the first end 1050 and the second end 1052 of the opening in the inner core 1010 after the handlebar actuator 1000 is released by the user. However, as explained in more detail below, the spring 1009 is not necessary to cause the first slider 1006 and the second slider 1008 to return to the first end 1050 and the second end 1052 of the opening in the inner core 1010 when the handlebar actuator 1000 is no longer engaged by the user.

[0050] 10B-10C show exploded perspective views of the handlebar actuator 1000 of FIG. 10A. FIGS. 10B-10C show the internal workings of the handlebar actuator 1000 in more detail. Starting with the sliders, each slider is shown to include at least a cable hole (e.g., the first slider 1006 includes a cable hole 1018, and the second slider 1008 includes a cable hole 1026), a rail (e.g., the first slider 1006 includes a rail 1022, and the second slider includes a rail 1028), and a protrusion (e.g., the first slider 1006 includes a protrusion 1024, and the second slider 1008 includes a protrusion 1030) configured to operatively engage the interior of the first portion 1001 of the outer housing. As indicated above with respect to the inner core 1010, the size and / or shape of the sliders are merely exemplary, and other sizes and / or shapes are possible to achieve the same functionality.

[0051] The cable holes are configured to receive and hold cables connected to pins located on the rear wheels (not shown) of the stroller, such that when the sliders move toward the center of the inner core 1010 (e.g., the first slider 1006 moves toward the second slider 1008, or vice versa), the sliders pull on the cables, causing the pins to actuate. The cables may be secured to the sliders in any other suitable manner.

[0052] The rails are configured to operatively engage with corresponding rails on the inner core 1010. For example, rail 1022 of the first slider 1006 is configured to operatively engage with rail 1023 on the inner core 1010, and rail 1028 of the second slider 1008 is configured to operatively engage with rail 1014 on the inner core 1010. Although not visible in the perspective shown in FIG. 10B, each slider may include two sets of rails that operatively engage with two corresponding rails on the inner core 1010. These additional rails are visible in the perspective shown in FIG. 10C. For example, the second slider 1008 is also shown to include rail 1044 disposed opposite rail 1028. Similarly, the inner core 1010 may include rail 1042 configured to receive rail 1044 of the second slider 1008 and rail 1040 configured to receive an additional rail (not visible) of the first slider 1006. Thus, when the sliders are disposed within the openings 1016 of the inner core 1010, each slider operatively engages the inner core 1010 on both sides of the slider, facilitating smoother and more efficient movement of the slider relative to the inner core 1010.

[0053] During operation of the handlebar actuator 1000, the rails on each slider slide along corresponding rails on the inner core 1010 between the end of the opening 1016 and the center point of the opening 1016. For example, as the handlebar actuator 1000 rotates, the first slider 1006 slides from the first end 1050 of the opening 1016 along rails 1023 and 1040 to the center point of the opening 1016. Similarly, the second slider 1008 slides from the second end 1052 of the opening 1016 along rails 1014 and 1042 to the center point of the opening 1016.

[0054] When the handlebar actuator 1000 is in a non-rotated position (e.g., no force is applied to the protruding tab 1004), the first slider 1006 may naturally rest at the first end 1050 of the opening 1016 in the inner core 1010, and the second slider 1008 may naturally rest at the second end 1052 of the opening 1016 in the inner core 1010. This may be caused by an optional spring 1009 (which may be provided between the first slider 1006 and the second slider 1008, as shown in FIG. 10A ). For example, the spring 1009 may be connected to the first slider 1006 at the second protrusion 1054 of the first slider 1006 and the second protrusion 1056 of the second slider 1008. This may also be caused by a pin located in the stroller wheel. 9, the pin may be connected to a spring that naturally urges the pin downward when the handlebar actuator 1000 is no longer rotating. Thus, when the handlebar actuator 1000 is released, the spring urges the pin back downward, which pulls the cable and pulls the slider toward the first end 1050 and second end 1052, away from the center point of the opening 1016 in the inner core 1010.

[0055] The first protrusions of the sliders (e.g., first protrusion 1024 and first protrusion 1030) are configured to operatively engage corresponding structures within the interior of the first portion 1001 of the outer housing (or the interior of the second portion 1002, or both). In particular, the first protrusion 1024 of the first slider 1006 may be contained within a first internal structure 1032 of the first portion 1001 of the outer housing, and the first protrusion 1030 of the second slider 1008 may rest within a second internal structure 1034 of the first portion 1001 of the outer housing. When the handlebar actuator 1000 is in a non-rotated position (e.g., no force is being applied by the user against the protruding tab 1004), the first protrusion 1024 of the first slider 1006 may rest within the pocket 1033 of the first internal structure 1032, and the first protrusion 1030 of the second slider 1008 may rest within the pocket 1035 of the second internal structure 1034.

[0056] As the outer housing begins to rotate (e.g., based on the application of a force to the protruding tab 1004), the first internal structure 1032 and the second internal structure 1034 also begin to rotate relative to the first slider 1006 and the second slider 1008. As the first internal structure 1032 and the second internal structure 1034 rotate relative to the first slider 1006 and the second slider 1008, the first protrusion 1024 of the first slider 1006 slides along the inclined surface 1036 of the first internal structure 1032. Similarly, the first protrusion 1030 of the second slider 1008 slides along the inclined surface 1038 of the first internal structure 1034. Because the inclined surfaces 1036 and 1038 are both inclined inward toward the center point of the first portion 1001 of the outer housing, the first slider 1006 and the second slider 1008 are pressed inward during rotation of the outer housing. This causes the first slider 1006 and the second slider 1008 to slide along the rails of the inner core 1010 toward the center point of the inner core 1010. As the first slider 1006 and the second slider 1008 slide along the rails of the inner core 1010, the first slider 1006 and the second slider 1008 pull the cables held in the first cable hole 1018 and the second cable hole 1026. As illustrated in FIG. 9 , the cables pull pins located on the rear wheels of the stroller, causing the rear wheels to transition between different operating modes.

[0057] 11A-12B illustrate the rotation of the handlebar actuator 1000. FIG. 11A illustrates a side view of the handlebar actuator 1000 of FIG. 10A in a first rotational position. FIG. 11B illustrates a side view of the handlebar actuator of FIG. 11A in a second rotational position. FIG. 12A illustrates a front view of the handlebar actuator 1000 of FIG. 10A in a first rotational position. FIG. 12B illustrates a front view of the handlebar actuator 1000 of FIG. 10A in a second rotational position. While FIGS. 11A-12B illustrate the handlebar actuator 1000 rotating in a particular direction, this is not intended to be limiting, and the handlebar actuator 1000 may be configured to rotate in other directions as well. That is, the handlebar actuator 1000 may be configured to rotate in a counterclockwise or clockwise direction depending on the configuration of its internal mechanisms.

[0058] FIG. 12C shows a front view of FIG. 12A with a translucent outer housing 1060. For example, the outer housing 1060 may include the first portion 1001 and second portion 1002 shown in FIGS. 10A-12B. However, as noted above, in some embodiments, the outer housing 1060 may be a single component rather than two separate portions that are combined. FIG. 12D shows a front view of FIG. 12D with a translucent outer housing 1060. Specifically, FIG. 12C corresponds to FIG. 11A and shows the handlebar actuator 1000 in an unrotated position, and FIG. 12D corresponds to FIG. 11B and shows the handlebar actuator 1000 in a rotated position.

[0059] 10B-10C, when the outer housing begins to rotate, the internal structure of the outer housing causes the first slider 1006 and the second slider 1008 to slide along the rails of the inner core 1010 toward the center point of the inner core 1010. As the first slider 1006 and the second slider 1008 slide along the rails of the inner core 1010, the first slider 1006 and the second slider 1008 pull the cables held in the first cable hole 1018 and the second cable hole 1026.

[0060] As indicated above, the pins on the rear wheels of the stroller may be spring-loaded. Thus, when a user releases the protruding tab 1004, the spring pushes the pins downward, pulling on the cables attached to the first and second sliders 1006, 1008. As the pins pull the cables downward, the cables pull against the first and second sliders 1006, 1008, pulling the first and second sliders 1006, 1008 outward toward the first and second ends of the opening 1016 in the inner core 1010. As shown in FIG. 10A , in some embodiments, a spring may also be provided between the first and second sliders 1006, 1008. This optional spring may provide another force to push the first slider 1006 and the second slider 1008 toward the first and second ends of the opening 1016 in the inner core 1010 when the opposing force caused by the rotation of the outer housing is no longer present.

[0061] 13A-13B illustrate exemplary cable configurations. In particular, reference is made herein to transitioning the stroller from drift mode to locked mode (and vice versa) by retracting the cables inward. For example, FIG. 13A illustrates first cable 1302 and second cable 1305 being retracted inward to actuate a mechanism (e.g., pin 962 shown in FIG. 9) that causes the transition between modes. However, this is merely one exemplary way in which the cables may be manipulated to cause the transition between modes.

[0062] Figure 13B shows another possibility where the cables are connected in opposite ways, so that both are pulled outward, causing a transition between modes. Using the embodiment shown in Figure 10A as an example, the first cable 1060 could instead be connected to the second slider 1008, and the second cable 1062 could be connected to the first slider (in a similar manner as shown in Figure 13B). Thus, inward movement of the first slider 1006 causes the second cable 1062 to move outward, and inward movement of the second slider 1008 causes the first cable 1060 to move outward.

[0063] Although particular product features, functions, components, and parts have been described in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure, the scope of coverage of this patent is not limited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all embodiments of the teachings of the disclosure that properly fall within the scope of permissible equivalents.

[0064] Unless otherwise noted, terms used herein should be understood in accordance with conventional usage by those skilled in the relevant art. In addition to the definitions of terms provided below, it should be understood that "a" or "an," as used in the specification and claims, may mean one or more, depending on the context in which it is used.

[0065] Throughout this application, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" mean "including, but not limited to." It should be noted that while a particular embodiment may be described in connection with a single glass, the corresponding description should be read as including two or more glass embodiments. Different features, variations, and multiple different embodiments have been shown and described herein with various details. The foregoing description of specific embodiments in this application is done for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit or suggest that only a single specific embodiment or specific embodiments have been contemplated. It should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the single specific embodiment or the listed variations. Numerous modifications, variations, and other embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art, and these are intended to be, and are, encompassed by this disclosure. Indeed, it is intended that the scope of this disclosure be determined by the appropriate legal interpretation and construction of the disclosure, including equivalents, as understood by those skilled in the art relying on the complete disclosure as it exists at the time of filing.

[0066] Conditional language such as "can," "could," "may," and "might," unless specifically stated otherwise or understood otherwise within the context in which it is used, generally intends that certain implementations may include certain features, elements, and / or operations, while other implementations do not include certain features, elements, and / or operations. Thus, such conditional language does not generally imply that features, elements, and / or operations are in any way required for one or more implementations, or that one or more implementations necessarily include logic for determining whether those features, elements, and / or operations are included or performed in any particular implementation, with or without user input or prompting.

[0067] What is described herein in the specification and drawings includes examples of systems, apparatus, methods, devices, and / or techniques. Of course, for purposes of describing the various elements of the disclosure, it is not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components and / or methods, but it can be recognized that many further combinations and permutations of the disclosed elements are possible. Accordingly, it may be apparent that various modifications can be made to the disclosure without departing from its scope. Additionally, or alternatively, other embodiments of the disclosure may be apparent from consideration of the specification and accompanying drawings and practice of the disclosure presented herein. The examples described in the specification and accompanying drawings are intended to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Certain terms used herein are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims

1. 1. A handlebar actuator for a stroller, comprising: an outer housing having a protruding tab; an inner core having an opening, one or more first rails, and one or more second rails; a first slider disposed within the opening and configured to translate along the one or more first rails upon rotation of the outer housing; a second slider disposed within the opening and configured to translate along the one or more second rails upon rotation of the outer housing; A handlebar actuator comprising:

2. 2. The handlebar actuator of claim 1, wherein the outer housing comprises a first structure configured to receive a first protrusion on the first slider and a second structure configured to receive a second protrusion on the second slider, the first structure configured to slide the first slider along the one or more first rails toward the center of the inner core based on rotation of the outer housing, and the second structure configured to slide the second slider along the one or more second rails toward the center of the inner core based on rotation of the outer housing.

3. 3. The handlebar actuator of claim 2, wherein the first structure comprises a first angled surface and the second structure comprises a second angled surface, the first angled surface configured to guide the first slider toward a center of the inner core during rotation of the outer housing, and the second angled surface configured to guide the second slider toward a center of the inner core during rotation of the outer housing.

4. 2. The handlebar actuator of claim 1, wherein the first slider includes a first aperture configured to receive a first cable, and the second slider includes a second aperture configured to receive a second cable.

5. 5. The handlebar actuator of claim 4, wherein the first cable is configured to pull the first slider toward a first end of the inner core and the second cable is configured to pull the second slider toward a second end of the inner core.

6. 2. The handlebar actuator of claim 1, wherein the first slider includes one or more third rails and the second slider includes one or more fourth rails, the one or more first rails of the inner core configured to receive the one or more third rails of the first slider, and the one or more second rails of the inner core configured to receive the one or more fourth rails of the second slider.

7. 10. The handlebar actuator of claim 1, further comprising a spring operatively coupled between the first slider and the second slider, the spring configured to create an inward force on both the first slider and the second slider.

8. 2. The handlebar actuator of claim 1, wherein the inner core further comprises a first opening for receiving a first rivet or a first fastener for securing a first end of the inner core to a stroller handlebar at the first end, and a second opening for receiving a second rivet or a second fastener for securing a second end of the inner core to the handlebar at the second end.

9. Handlebars and A handlebar actuator; Equipped with The handlebar actuator an outer housing including a protruding tab; an inner core including an opening, one or more first rails, and one or more second rails; a first slider disposed within the opening and configured to translate along the one or more first rails upon rotation of the outer housing; a second slider disposed within the opening and configured to translate along the one or more second rails upon rotation of the outer housing; and A stroller equipped with:

10. 10. The stroller of claim 9, wherein the external housing comprises a first structure configured to receive a first protrusion on the first slider and a second structure configured to receive a second protrusion on the second slider, the first structure configured to slide the first slider along the one or more first rails toward the center of the internal core based on rotation of the external housing, and the second structure configured to slide the second slider along the one or more second rails toward the center of the internal core based on rotation of the external housing.

11. 11. The stroller of claim 10, wherein the first structure comprises a first inclined surface, the second structure comprises a second inclined surface, the first inclined surface configured to guide the first slider toward the center of the inner core during rotation of the outer housing, and the second inclined surface configured to guide the second slider toward the center of the inner core during rotation of the outer housing.

12. 10. The stroller of claim 9, wherein the first slider includes a first aperture configured to receive a first cable and the second slider includes a second aperture configured to receive a second cable.

13. 13. The stroller of claim 12, wherein the first cable is configured to pull the first slider toward a first end of the inner core and the second cable is configured to pull the second slider toward a second end of the inner core.

14. 10. The stroller of claim 9, wherein the first slider comprises one or more third rails, the second slider comprises one or more fourth rails, the one or more first rails of the inner core are configured to receive the one or more third rails of the first slider, and the one or more second rails of the inner core are configured to receive the one or more fourth rails of the second slider.

15. 10. The stroller of claim 9, further comprising a spring operably connected between the first slider and the second slider, the spring configured to generate an inward force on both the first slider and the second slider.

16. 10. The stroller of claim 9, wherein the inner core further comprises a first opening for receiving a first rivet or first fastener for securing a first end of the inner core to the handlebar at the first end, and a second opening for receiving a second rivet or second fastener for securing a second end of the inner core to the handlebar at the second end.

17. Handlebars and a first wheel and a second wheel; A handlebar actuator; Equipped with The handlebar actuator an outer housing including a protruding tab; an inner core including an opening, one or more first rails, and one or more second rails; a first slider disposed within the opening and configured to translate along the one or more first rails upon rotation of the outer housing; a second slider disposed within the opening and configured to translate along the one or more second rails upon rotation of the outer housing; a first cable connected at a first end to the first slider and at a second end to the first wheel; and a second cable connected at a first end to the second slider and at a second end to the second wheel. Equipped with The stroller, wherein the outer housing is configured to rotate around the inner core based on a force applied to the protruding tab, and rotation of the outer housing causes the first cable and the second cable to pull the first slider and the second slider inward, unlocking a first mechanism on the first wheel and a second mechanism on the second wheel, allowing the first wheel and the second wheel to rotate freely.

18. 18. The stroller of claim 17, wherein the outer housing comprises a first structure configured to receive a first protrusion on the first slider and a second structure configured to receive a second protrusion on the second slider, the first structure configured to slide the first slider along the one or more first rails toward the center of the inner core based on rotation of the outer housing, and the second structure configured to slide the second slider along the one or more second rails toward the center of the inner core based on rotation of the outer housing.

19. 19. The stroller of claim 18, wherein the first structure comprises a first inclined surface, the second structure comprises a second inclined surface, the first inclined surface configured to guide the first slider toward the center of the inner core during rotation of the outer housing, and the second inclined surface configured to guide the second slider toward the center of the inner core during rotation of the outer housing.

20. 18. The stroller of claim 17, further comprising a spring operably connected between the first slider and the second slider, the spring configured to generate an inward force on both the first slider and the second slider.

Images