Child stroller apparatus

Abstract

To provide a child stroller device which is easily folded and unfolded and is made compact.SOLUTION: The child stroller apparatus 100 includes a rear leg frame 102 and a front leg frame 104 having a first side segment 112 and a second side segment 114, a handle frame 106 having a grip portion 118 and a third side segment 116 fixedly connected with a first coupling part and a second coupling part pivotally connected with each other, a latch mechanism for locking the rear leg frame, the front leg frame, and the handle frame in an unfolded state, and a latch carried on the third side segment. The latch can engage and disengage with the first coupling part to lock and unlock the grip portion relative to the third side segment.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 941,303, filed November 27, 2019, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a child stroller device. [Background technology]

[0003] Parents commonly rely on stroller devices to transport infants and children. Stroller devices are typically constructed of a rigid frame that can be folded for convenient storage or transportation and unfolded for use. The configuration adapted for the folding mechanism of the stroller device plays an important role in the design of the stroller frame, as the stroller device must be safe and easy to handle in a variety of situations. Furthermore, it may be desirable for the stroller frame to be able to accept a child car seat in a front-seat configuration or a rear-seat configuration, as needed. Unfortunately, some existing stroller frames that allow a child car seat to be installed in multiple seat configurations do not fold to a compact size, thus making storage or transportation more cumbersome and discouraging parents from purchasing these types of stroller devices. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for a child stroller device that can be conveniently folded and unfolded and that can address at least the aforementioned problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present application describes a child stroller apparatus that is easy to fold and unfold, and can be folded into a compact configuration.

[0006] In one embodiment, the child stroller apparatus includes a rear leg frame having a first side segment, a front leg frame having a second side segment, a handle frame having a third side segment and a grip portion, a latch mechanism operable to lock the rear leg frame, the front leg frame, and the handle frame together in the unfolded state, a latch carried by the third side segment, and a link. The second side segment and the third side segment are each pivotally connected to the first side segment, the grip portion is fixedly connected to the first coupling portion, and the third side segment is fixedly connected to a second coupling portion pivotally connected to the first coupling portion, and the grip portion is rotatable relative to the third side segment between an unfolded position and a folded position. The latch is engaged with the first coupling portion to lock the grip portion in the unfolded position and disengaged from the first coupling portion to unlock the grip portion for rotation of the grip portion between the unfolded position and the folded position. The link portion connects the latch to the rear leg frame or the front leg frame such that folding rotation of the handle frame relative to the rear leg frame disengages the latch from the first coupling portion to unlock the grip portion, or the link portion connects the latch to the latch mechanism such that unlocking movement of the latch mechanism disengages the latch from the first coupling portion to unlock the grip portion.

[0007] According to another embodiment, a child stroller apparatus includes a front leg frame having a rear leg frame with a first side segment fixedly connected to a first linkage, a front leg frame having a second side segment fixedly connected to a second linkage, and a handle frame having a third side segment and a grip portion pivotally connected to each other, wherein the third side segment is fixedly connected to the third linkage and the second and third links are each pivotally connected to the first linkage, a locking member carried on the third linkage, a latch mechanism operable to lock and unlock the grip portion to the third side segment, and a linking member, wherein the locking member is engaged with the first linkage to lock the rear leg frame, the front leg frame, and the handle frame together in the unfolded state. The link portion connects the lock portion to the grip portion such that folding rotation of the grip portion relative to the third side segment moves the lock portion to disengage from the first connecting portion to unlock the rear leg frame, the front leg frame and the handle frame, thereby allowing the child stroller device to be folded. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a side view illustrating an embodiment of a child stroller device. [Figure 2] 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating some internal structural details of the coupling structure used in the child stroller apparatus of FIG. 1; [Figure 3] 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating some internal structural details of the coupling structure that pivotally connects the grip portion to one side segment of the handle frame in the child stroller device of FIG. 1; FIG. [Figure 4] 2 is a side view illustrating the child stroller device of FIG. 1 in a folded state and the grip portion in a folded position. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating another embodiment of a child stroller device. [Figure 6]6 is another perspective view illustrating the child stroller device of FIG. 5. FIG. [Figure 7] 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating some internal structural details of the coupling structure used in the child stroller apparatus of FIGS. 5 and 6; FIG. [Figure 8] 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating some internal structural details of the coupling structure used in the child stroller apparatus of FIGS. 5 and 6; FIG. [Figure 9] 7 is a partial exploded view illustrating some internal structural details of the coupling structure that pivotally connects the grip portion to one side segment of the handle frame in the child stroller device of FIGS. 5 and 6. FIG. [Figure 10] 6 is a side view illustrating the child stroller device of FIG. 5 in a folded state and a grip portion of the child stroller device in a folded position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Fig. 1 is a side view illustrating an embodiment of a child stroller device 100. Referring to Fig. 1, the child stroller device 100 may include a rear leg frame 102, a front leg frame 104, and a handle frame 106. The rear leg frame 102 and the front leg frame 104 may be provided with wheel assemblies 108, 110, respectively.

[0010] Each of the rear leg frame 102, the front leg frame 104, and the handle frame 106 may have a substantially symmetrical configuration including two parallel side segments disposed on the left and right sides of the child stroller device 100, for example, two side segments 112 for the rear leg frame 102, two side segments 114 for the front leg frame 104, and two side segments 116 for the handle frame 106. Furthermore, the handle frame 106 may further include a grip portion 118 pivotally connected to each of the two side segments 116. For example, the grip portion 118 may extend laterally and have a substantially U-shape with its two opposite ends pivotally connected to the two side segments 116, respectively. The side segments 112, 114, 116 and the grip portion 118 may include, for example, tubular portions. The side segments 112, 114, 116 are connected to each other via one connecting structure 120 on each of the left and right sides. The two connecting structures 120 on the left and right sides are generally similar in configuration, allowing the front leg frame 104 and the handle frame 106 to rotate together with respect to the rear leg frame 102 in order to fold and unfold the child stroller apparatus 100. Furthermore, a plurality of seat mounts 119A, 119B may be provided for the removable installation of a child seat. The side segment 114 of the front leg frame 104 may be assembled to the seat mount 119A, and the side segment 116 of the handle frame 106 may be assembled to the seat mount 119B.

[0011] In combination with FIG. 1 , FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating some internal structural details of the coupling structure 120. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 , the coupling structure 120 may include three linkages 122, 124, and 126 fixedly connected to the side segment 112 of the rear leg frame 102, the side segment 114 of the front leg frame 104, and the side segment 116 of the handle frame 106, respectively. The linkages 124 and 126 may each be pivotally connected to the coupling 122 about two pivot axes 128 and 130 spaced apart from each other. For example, the couplings 122, 124, and 126 may each include rigid plates 132, 134, and 136, and the rigid plates 134 and 136 of the couplings 124 and 126 may each be pivotally connected to the rigid plate 132 of the coupling 122 about the two pivot axes 128 and 130. Additionally, the linkage 122 may further include a shell 138 fixedly attached to the side segment 112 of the rear leg frame 102, with the rigid plates 132, 134, 136 at least partially housed within the shell 138. In this manner, the side segment 114 of the front leg frame 104 and the side segment 116 of the handle frame 106 may each be pivotally connected to the side segment 112 of the rear leg frame 102.

[0012] 2 , the connecting structure 120 may further include a link member 140 that rotationally connects the side segment 114 of the front leg frame 104 to the side segment 116 of the handle frame 106, thereby allowing the front leg frame 104 and the handle frame 106 to rotate together relative to the rear leg frame 102 during folding and unfolding of the child stroller device 100. The link member 140 may be a member having an elongated shape and may be at least partially enclosed within the shell 138. Examples of the link member 140 may include, without limitation, a rod, a bar, a plate, etc. A first end of the link member 140 may be pivotally connected to the coupling portion 124 at a location eccentric to the pivot axis 128, and a second end of the link member 140 may be pivotally connected to the coupling portion 126 at a location eccentric to the pivot axis 130.

[0013] 2 , a latch mechanism 141 may be provided to lock the rear leg frame 102, the front leg frame 104, and the handle frame 106 of the child stroller device 100 together in the unfolded state for use. The latch mechanism 141 may be assembled adjacent to the coupling structure 120 on each of the left and right sides, and may include a locking portion 142, a spring 144, and a release actuator 146. The locking portion 142 may be movably connected to the coupling portion 122 and may be disposed near the coupling portions 124, 126. The locking portion 142 is movable relative to the coupling portion 122 to engage with the coupling portions 124, 126 to lock the rear leg frame 102, the front leg frame 104, and the handle frame 106 together in the unfolded state. For example, the locking portion 142 may be slidably connected to the coupling portion 122, and may engage with an end surface 148 of the coupling portion 124 and an end surface 150 of the coupling portion 126 to lock the child stroller apparatus 100 in the unfolded state. According to an example configuration, the two end surfaces 148, 150 may be provided on the two rigid plates 134, 136, respectively. When the rear leg frame 102, the front leg frame 104, and the handle frame 106 are unfolded relative to each other, the two coupling portions 124, 126 are spaced apart from each other by a gap 152 such that the two end surfaces 148, 150 face each other across the gap 152, and the locking portion 142 may protrude from the side segment 112 into the gap 152 and may engage with the two end surfaces 148, 150, respectively, to lock the child stroller apparatus 100 in the unfolded state. Furthermore, the locking portion 142 can be retracted into the side segment 112 to fold or unfold the child stroller device 100 and can disengage from the coupling portions 124, 126 to allow simultaneous rotation of the front leg frame 104 and the handle frame 106 relative to the rear leg frame 102.

[0014] The spring 144 may have two opposite ends respectively connected to the locking portion 142 and to tethering features provided on the side segments 112. The spring 144 may bias the locking portion 142 for engagement with the links 124, 126 to lock the child stroller apparatus 100 in the unfolded state.

[0015] The release actuator 146 is connected to the locking portion 142 and is operable to retract the locking portion 142 into the side segments 112 and disengage it from the coupling portions 124, 126 in order to fold and rotate the front leg frame 104 and the handle frame 106 relative to the rear leg frame 102. According to an example configuration, the release actuator 146 may be a laterally extending strap that may be connected to the locking portion 142 on each of the left and right sides of the child stroller apparatus 100. A parent may thereby use the release actuator 146 to unlock and lift the child stroller apparatus 100, which may facilitate folding and transporting the child stroller apparatus 100.

[0016] 1 , the grip portion 118 of the handle frame 106 may be pivotally connected to the side segments 116 on each of the left and right sides via a connecting structure 160, which is disposed at an end of the side segment 116 opposite to the other end of the side segment 116 to which the connecting structure 120 is assembled. The grip portion 118 may thereby rotate relative to the two side segments 116 between an unfolded position in which the grip portion 118 generally extends away from the two side segments 116 and a folded position in which the grip portion 118 is folded to overlap the two side segments 116 to reduce the size of the handle frame 106. The grip portion 118 may be in its unfolded position when the child stroller apparatus 100 is in the unfolded state, and in its folded position when the child stroller apparatus 100 is in the folded state.

[0017] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating some internal structural details of a coupling structure 160 pivotally connecting the grip portion 118 to one of the side segments 116. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, the coupling structure 160 may include two coupling portions 162, 164 fixedly connected to an end of the grip portion 118 and an end of the side segment 116, respectively. The coupling portions 162, 164 may be pivotally connected to one another about a pivot axis 166 about which the grip portion 118 can rotate relative to the side segment 116 between the unfolded position and the folded position. According to an example configuration, the coupling structure 160 may further include a spring 168 operable to bias the grip portion 118 toward the folded position. For example, the spring 168 may be a torsion spring connected to the coupling portions 162, 164, respectively.

[0018] 3, the handle frame 106 may further include a latch 170 operable to rotationally lock the grip portion 118 relative to the side segment 116. The latch 170 may be carried by the side segment 116 and may engage with the coupling portion 162 to lock the grip portion 118 in a deployed position relative to the side segment 116, and may disengage from the coupling portion 162 for rotation of the grip portion 118 relative to the third side segment 116. For example, the latch 170 may engage with an opening 172 provided in the coupling portion 162 to lock the grip portion 118 in the deployed position, and may disengage from the opening 172 to unlock the grip portion 118 so that the grip portion 118 may rotate relative to the side segment 116 and the latch 170 between the deployed and folded positions. According to an example configuration, latch 170 may be slidably connected to side segment 116 and may slide relative to side segment 116 along an axis substantially perpendicular to pivot axis 166. Thus, latch 170 may slide in a first direction to engage coupling portion 162 to lock grip portion 118 in the deployed position, and may slide in an opposite second direction to disengage from coupling portion 162 to unlock grip portion 118. A spring 174 may be provided to bias latch 170 into engagement with coupling portion 162. For example, spring 174 may have two opposite ends connected to latch 170 and side segment 116, respectively.

[0019] 2 and 3 , the latch 170 may be operably coupled to the rear leg frame 102 via a link 176, such that folding and rotating the handle frame 106 relative to the rear leg frame 102 may move the latch 170 and unlock the grip portion 118. According to an example configuration, the link 176 may include a cable having an end 176A connected to the latch 170 and another end 176B connected to the link 122, and the end 176B may be anchored to the rigid plate 132 or shell 138 of the link 122, typically at a location offset from the pivot axis 130.

[0020] According to another embodiment, folding rotation of the handle frame 106 relative to the rear leg frame 102 may similarly move the latch 170 and unlock the grip portion 118, via a connection structure in which the link 176 operably connects the latch 170 to the front leg frame 104. For example, the link 176 may include a cable having an end 176A connected to the latch 170 and another end 176B connected to the coupling 124, and the end 176B may typically be anchored to the rigid plate 134 of the coupling 124.

[0021] When the handle frame 106 rotates about the pivot axis 130 relative to the rear leg frame 102 in the folding direction (i.e., to fold the child stroller device 100), the coupling 122 (or coupling 124) connected to the end 176B may apply a tensile force to the link portion 176, which may be tensioned and may thereby move relative to the side segment 116, pulling the latch 170 to disengage from the coupling portion 162. As a result, the grip portion 118 may be unlocked and rotated from the unfolded position to the folded position relative to the side segment 116 under the biasing force of the spring 168. Folding of the handle frame 106 to a reduced size may thus be facilitated, and this folding of the handle frame 106 may occur simultaneously with the folding rotation of the front leg frame 104 and the handle frame 106 relative to the rear leg frame 102. The child stroller apparatus 100 is thereby foldable to a compact size with the side segments 114 of the front leg frame 104 and the side segments 116 of the handle frame 106 positioned approximately parallel to and on two opposite sides of the side segments 112 of the rear leg frame 102, respectively. The grip portions 118 can be folded onto the sides of the side segments 116, allowing the side segments 116 to be positioned near the side segments 112 of the rear leg frame 102 in the folded state of the child stroller apparatus 100, i.e., the side segments 116 can be positioned between the folded grip portions 118 and the side segments 112 in the folded state. Figure 4 illustrates the child stroller apparatus 100 in the folded state and the grip portions 118 in the folded position.

[0022] When the handle frame 106 rotates about the pivot axis 130 relative to the rear leg frame 102 in the deployment direction (i.e., to deploy the child stroller apparatus 100), the pulling force applied by the coupling portion 122 (or coupling portion 124) through the link portion 176 can be reduced or eliminated. As a result, as soon as the child stroller apparatus 100 is fully deployed and the grip portion 118 is rotated from the folded position to the deployed position, the latch 170 can engage with the coupling portion 162 under the biasing force of the spring 174 to lock the grip portion 118 in the deployed position.

[0023] According to another embodiment, the link 176 may include a cable having an end 176A connected to the latch 170 and another end 176B connected to the latch mechanism 141, with the end 176B typically being tethered to the lock 142. When the lock 142 is disengaged from between the couplings 124, 126, the link 176 may be tensioned by the unlocking movement of the lock 142, thereby moving relative to the side segment 116 and pulling the latch 170 to disengage from the coupling 162. The handle frame 106 may thereby be folded into a compact configuration, which may occur simultaneously with the folding and rotation of the front leg frame 104 and the handle frame 106 relative to the rear leg frame 102.

[0024] 5 and 6 are two perspective views illustrating another embodiment of the child stroller apparatus 200. Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the child stroller apparatus 200 may similarly include a rear leg frame 202, a front leg frame 204, and a handle frame 206. The rear leg frame 202 and the front leg frame 204 may be provided with wheel assemblies 208, 210, respectively. Each of the rear leg frame 202, the front leg frame 204, and the handle frame 206 may have a substantially symmetrical configuration including two parallel side segments disposed on the left and right sides of the child stroller apparatus 200, for example, two side segments 212 for the rear leg frame 202, two side segments 214 for the front leg frame 204, and two side segments 216 for the handle frame 206. Furthermore, the handle frame 206 may further include a grip portion 218 pivotally connected to each of the two side segments 216. For example, the grip portion 218 may extend laterally and have a generally U-shape with two opposite ends pivotally connected to the two side segments 216, respectively. The side segments 212, 214, 216 and the grip portion 218 may include, for example, tubular portions. The side segments 212, 214, 216 are connected to each other via one connecting structure 220 on each of the left and right sides. The two connecting structures 220 on the left and right sides are generally similar in configuration and allow the front leg frame 204 and the handle frame 206 to rotate together with respect to the rear leg frame 202 in order to fold and unfold the child stroller device 200.

[0025] 7 and 8, in combination with Figures 5 and 6, are two schematic views illustrating some internal structural details of the coupling structure 220 from two opposite sides. Referring to Figures 5 to 8, the coupling structure 220 may include three linkages 222, 224, and 226 fixedly connected to the side segment 212 of the rear leg frame 202, the side segment 214 of the front leg frame 204, and the side segment 216 of the handle frame 206, respectively. The linkages 224 and 226 may each be connected to the coupling 222 so as to be pivotable about two pivot axes 228 and 230 spaced apart from each other. For example, the linkages 222, 224, and 226 may include rigid plates 232, 234, and 236, respectively, and the rigid plates 234 and 236 of the linkages 224 and 226 may be pivotally connected to the rigid plate 232 of the linkage 222 about two pivot axes 228 and 230, respectively. In addition, the linkage 222 may further include a shell 238, which is fixedly attached to the side segment 212 of the rear leg frame 202, and the rigid plates 232, 234, and 236 are at least partially housed within the shell 238. In this manner, the side segment 214 of the front leg frame 204 and the side segment 216 of the handle frame 206 may be pivotally connected to the side segment 212 of the rear leg frame 202, respectively.

[0026] 6 and 8 , the coupling structure 220 may further include a link member 240 that rotationally couples the side segment 214 of the front leg frame 204 to the side segment 216 of the handle frame 206, thereby allowing the front leg frame 204 and the handle frame 206 to rotate together relative to the rear leg frame 202 during folding and unfolding of the child stroller device 200. The link member 240 may be a member having an elongated shape and may be at least partially enclosed within the shell 238. Examples of the link member 240 may include, without limitation, a rod, a bar, a plate, etc. A first end of the link member 240 may be pivotally connected to the coupling portion 224 via a pivot connection 242 at a location eccentric to the pivot axis 228, and a second end of the link member 240 may be pivotally connected to the coupling portion 226 via a pivot connection 244 at a location eccentric to the pivot axis 230. The pivot connections 242, 244 may typically include pin or shaft portions. Furthermore, the linking portion 222 may include two guide surfaces 246, 248 adapted to provide guiding support for the link member 240. For example, the two guide surfaces 246, 248 may be defined as wall surfaces of a guide slot 249 provided in the rigid plate 232 of the linking portion 222, and the two pivot connections 242, 244 may be disposed in the guide slot 249 so as to be in sliding contact with the two guide surfaces 246, 248, respectively.

[0027] 6 and 7, a latch mechanism 250 may be provided to lock the rear leg frame 202, the front leg frame 204, and the handle frame 206 of the child stroller device 200 together in the unfolded state for use. The latch mechanism 250 may be assembled adjacent to the connecting structure 220 on each of the left and right sides, respectively, and may include a lock portion 252 carried on the coupling portion 226. The lock portion 252 may be pivotally connected to the coupling portion 226 (e.g., the rigid plate 236 of the coupling portion 226) via a pin 256. The lock portion 252 is rotatable relative to the coupling portion 226 to engage with the coupling portion 222 to lock the rear leg frame 202, the front leg frame 204, and the handle frame 206 together in the unfolded state, or to disengage from the coupling portion 222 to unlock the rear leg frame 202, the front leg frame 204, and the handle frame 206 for folding and rotating. For example, the locking portion 252 may engage with a locking pin 258 fixedly connected to the rigid plate 232 of the connecting portion 222 to lock the rear leg frame 202, the front leg frame 204, and the handle frame 206 together in the unfolded state, and may disengage from the locking pin 258 to allow simultaneous rotation of the front leg frame 204 and the handle frame 206 relative to the rear leg frame 202 for folding or unfolding the child stroller device 200.

[0028] 5 and 6, the grip portion 218 of the handle frame 206 may be pivotally connected to the side segments 216 on each of the left and right sides via a connecting structure 260, which is disposed at an end of the side segment 216 opposite to the other end of the side segment 216 to which the connecting structure 220 is assembled. The grip portion 218 of the handle frame 206 may thereby rotate relative to the two side segments 216 between an unfolded position in which the grip portion 218 generally extends away from the two side segments 216 and a folded position in which the grip portion 218 is folded over the two side segments 216 to reduce the size of the handle frame 206. The grip portion 218 may be in its unfolded position when the child stroller apparatus 200 is in the unfolded state shown in FIG. 5, and in its folded position when the child stroller apparatus 200 is in the folded state shown in FIG. 10.

[0029] 9 is a partially exploded view illustrating some internal structural details of a coupling structure 260 that pivotally connects the grip portion 218 to one of the side segments 216. Referring to FIGS. 5, 6, and 9, the coupling structure 260 may include two coupling portions 262, 264 fixedly connected to an end of the grip portion 218 and an end of the side segment 216, respectively. The coupling portions 262, 264 may be pivotally connected to each other about a pivot axis 266 about which the grip portion 218 can rotate relative to the side segment 216 between an unfolded position and a folded position.

[0030] 9 , the handle frame 206 may be assembled with a latch mechanism 270 operable to lock and unlock the grip portion 218 relative to the side segment 216. The latch mechanism 270 may include a latch 272, a spring 274, a cable 276, and a release actuator 278. The latch 272 is operable to rotationally lock the grip portion 218 relative to the side segment 216. For example, the latch 272 may be carried on the grip portion 218 and movable to engage with an opening 280 provided in the coupling portion 264 to lock the grip portion 218 in a deployed position relative to the side segment 216, or to disengage from the opening 280 to unlock the grip portion 218 relative to the side segment 216 so that the grip portion 218 may rotate relative to the side segment 216 between the deployed and folded positions. According to an example configuration, latch 272 may be slidably connected to grip portion 218 and may slide relative to grip portion 218 along an axis substantially perpendicular to pivot axis 266. Thus, latch 272 may slide in a first direction to engage coupling portion 264 to lock grip portion 218 in the deployed position, and in an opposite second direction to disengage from coupling portion 264 to unlock grip portion 218 and allow rotation between the deployed and folded positions.

[0031] A spring 274 may be provided to bias the latch 272 into engagement with the coupling portion 264. For example, the spring 274 may have two opposite ends connected to the latch 272 and the coupling portion 262 or the grip portion 118, respectively.

[0032] Release actuator 278 may be disposed on grip portion 218 at a location spaced apart from latch 272 and operably connected to latch 272 via cable 276. According to an example configuration, release actuator 278 may be a push button disposed on a lateral section of grip portion 218. Release actuator 278 may be operable to pull cable 276, causing latch 272 to move against the biasing force of spring 274 and disengage from coupling 264, thereby unlocking grip portion 218 from side segment 216.

[0033] A similar assembly consisting of a latch 272, spring 274 and cable 276 may be provided on each of the left and right sides of the handle frame 206 so that a latch mechanism 270 may lock and unlock the grip portion 218 to each of the two side segments 216.

[0034] 7 and 9, the lock portion 252 may be operably coupled to the grip portion 218 via a link portion 284, such that folding rotation of the grip portion 218 relative to the two side segments 216 may move the lock portion 252 to disengage from the coupling portion 222 to unlock the rear leg frame 202, the front leg frame 204, and the handle frame 206, thereby allowing the child stroller device 200 to fold. According to an example configuration, the link portion 284 may include a cable having an end 284A connected to the grip portion 218 and another end 284B connected to the lock portion 252. For example, the grip portion 218 may be fixedly connected to a barrel 286, and the end 284A of the link portion 284 may be anchored to the barrel 286. The link portion 284 may at least partially wrap around the barrel 286 and may pull the locking portion 252 to disengage from the connecting portion 222 when the barrel 286 rotates with the grip portion 218 in a direction to fold the grip portion 218 over the side segment 216.

[0035] When the grip portion 218 rotates in the folding direction relative to the two side segments 216, the grip portion 218 may pull the link portion 284, causing the lock portion 252 to simultaneously rotate to disengage from the connecting portion 222. The rear leg frame 202, the front leg frame 204, and the handle frame 206 may thereby be unlocked for folding the child stroller device 200.

[0036] When the grip portion 218 rotates in the unfolding direction relative to the two side segments 216, the pulling force applied by the grip portion 218 through the link portion 284 may be reduced or eliminated. As soon as the child stroller apparatus 200 is fully unfolded and the grip portion 218 is rotated from the folded position to the unfolded position, the lock portion 252 may accordingly rotate and engage with the coupling portion 222 to lock the rear leg frame 202, the front leg frame 204, and the handle frame 206 in the unfolded position. According to an example configuration, when the pulling force applied through the link portion 284 is eliminated, the lock portion 252 may rotate to engage with the coupling portion 222 under the action of gravity. According to another example configuration, the lock portion 252 may be coupled to a spring (not shown) adapted to provide a biasing force that may facilitate movement of the lock portion 252 to engage with the coupling portion 222.

[0037] In the above-described configuration, the rear leg frame 202, the front leg frame 204, and the handle frame 206 can be unlocked for folding of the child stroller apparatus 200 by rotating the grip portion 218 from the unfolded position toward the folded position. For safer use, it is desirable to ensure that the locking portion 252 effectively unlocks the rear leg frame 202, the front leg frame 204, and the handle frame 206 only after it has fully disengaged from the connecting portion 222 and the grip portion 218 has rotated a significant angle from the unfolded position toward the folded position. According to an example configuration, the locking portion 252 may have an end 252A that remains engaged with the locking pin 258 and prevents folding of the child stroller apparatus 200 as long as the grip portion 218 has rotated less than a buffer angle from the unfolded position toward the folded position. The locking portion 252 and the end 252A of the locking portion 252 can be fully disengaged from the locking pin 258 only after the grip portion 218 has rotated more than the buffer angle from the unfolded position. In this manner, unintentional folding of the child stroller device 200 can be prevented.

[0038] Advantages of the structure described herein include the ability to provide a handle frame having two side segments and a grip portion that can be folded to reduce the size of the handle frame for compact storage and easy transport of the child stroller apparatus. Furthermore, the folding of the grip portion relative to the side segments of the handle frame can be operably linked with a mechanism used to fold the leg frame of the child stroller apparatus, making folding of the child stroller apparatus easier.

[0039] Implementations of the child stroller device have been described in the context of specific embodiments. These embodiments are meant to be illustrative, not limiting. Many variations, modifications, additions, and improvements are possible. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements may fall within the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims. [Additional note 1] a rear leg frame having a first side segment; a front leg frame having a second side segment, and a handle frame having a third side segment and a grip portion, the second side segment and the third side segment each pivotally connected to the first side segment, the grip portion fixedly connected to a first coupling portion, the third side segment fixedly connected to a second coupling portion pivotally connected to the first coupling portion, and the grip portion rotatable relative to the third side segment between an unfolded position and a folded position; a latch mechanism operable to lock the rear leg frame, the front leg frame, and the handle frame together in the deployed state; a latch carried on the third side segment, the latch engaged with the first coupling portion to lock the grip portion in the deployed position and disengaged from the first coupling portion to unlock the grip portion for rotation of the grip portion between the deployed position and the folded position; a link portion that connects the latch to the rear leg frame or the front leg frame such that folding rotation of the handle frame relative to the rear leg frame disengages the latch from the first coupling portion to unlock the grip portion, or connects the latch to the latch mechanism such that unlocking movement of the latch mechanism disengages the latch from the first coupling portion to unlock the grip portion; A child stroller device comprising: [Additional note 2] 2. The child stroller apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a spring operable to bias the latch into engagement with the first coupling portion. [Additional note 3] The child stroller device described in appended item 1 or 2, wherein the first side segment, the second side segment, and the third side segment are fixedly connected to a first connecting portion, a second connecting portion, and a third connecting portion, respectively, the second connecting portion and the third connecting portion are pivotally connected to the first connecting portion, respectively, and the link portion includes a cable having a first end connected to the latch and a second end connected to the first connecting portion, the second connecting portion, or the latch mechanism. [Additional note 4] A child stroller device as described in appended claim 3, wherein the second connecting portion and the third connecting portion are each connected to the first connecting portion so as to be pivotable around two pivot axes spaced apart from each other. [Additional note 5] A child stroller device as described in Appendix 3, wherein the third linking portion is connected to the first linking portion so as to be pivotable around a pivot axis, and the second end of the cable is anchored to the first linking portion at a location offset from the pivot axis. [Additional note 6] A child stroller device described in any one of appendix items 3 to 5, wherein the second connecting portion and the third connecting portion are pivotally connected to a link member, whereby the front leg frame and the handle frame can rotate integrally with respect to the rear leg frame during folding and unfolding of the child stroller device. [Additional note 7] A child stroller device as described in appended item 1 or 2, wherein the first side segment, the second side segment, and the third side segment are fixedly connected to a first connecting portion, a second connecting portion, and a third connecting portion, respectively, and the second connecting portion and the third connecting portion are pivotally connected to the first connecting portion, respectively, and the latch mechanism includes a locking portion movably connected to the first connecting portion, and the locking portion is movable to engage with the second connecting portion and the third connecting portion to lock the rear leg frame, the front leg frame, and the handle frame together in the unfolded state. [Additional note 8] A child stroller device as described in Appendix 7, wherein when the rear leg frame, the front leg frame, and the handle frame are in the unfolded state, the second connecting portion and the third connecting portion are spaced apart from each other by a gap, and the locking portion protrudes into the gap and engages with a first end surface of the second connecting portion and a second end surface of the third connecting portion, respectively, to lock the rear leg frame, the front leg frame, and the handle frame together in the unfolded state. [Additional note 9] The child stroller device described in appended claim 7 or 8, wherein the latch mechanism further includes a spring operable to bias the locking portion into engagement with the second linkage and the third linkage, and a release actuator connected to the locking portion and operable to disengage the locking portion from the second linkage and the third linkage. [Additional Note 10] 10. The child stroller device according to any one of appended items 1 to 9, further comprising a spring operable to bias the grip portion toward the folded position. [Additional Note 11] A child stroller device, a rear leg frame having a first side segment fixedly connected to the first link; a front leg frame having a second side segment fixedly connected to a second linkage, and a handle frame having a third side segment and a grip portion pivotally connected to each other, wherein the third side segment is fixedly connected to the third linkage, and the second linkage and the third linkage are each pivotally connected to the first linkage; a locking unit carried by the third connecting unit, the locking unit engaging with the first connecting unit to lock the rear leg frame, the front leg frame, and the handle frame together in the deployed state; a latch mechanism operable to lock and unlock the grip portion relative to the third side segment; a link portion connecting the lock portion to the grip portion such that folding rotation of the grip portion relative to the third side segment moves the lock portion to disengage from the first connecting portion to unlock the rear leg frames, the front leg frames, and the handle frame, thereby allowing the child stroller apparatus to be folded; and A child stroller device comprising: [Additional Note 12] The child stroller device described in Appendix 11, wherein the link portion includes a cable having a first end connected to the grip portion and a second end connected to the lock portion. [Additional Note 13] The child stroller device described in appended claim 12, wherein the grip portion is fixedly connected to the barrel, and the first end is anchored to the barrel. [Additional Note 14] A child stroller device as described in any one of appendix items 11 to 13, wherein the first connecting portion includes a rigid plate, and the locking portion engages with a locking pin fixedly connected to the rigid plate to lock the rear leg frame, the front leg frame, and the handle frame together in the unfolded state. [Additional Note 15] A child stroller device described in any one of appended items 11 to 14, wherein the second connecting portion and the third connecting portion are each connected to the first connecting portion so as to be pivotable around two pivot axes spaced apart from each other. [Additional Note 16] A child stroller device described in any one of appended claims 11 to 15, wherein the second connecting portion and the third connecting portion are pivotally connected to a link member, thereby allowing the front leg frame and the handle frame to rotate integrally with the rear leg frame during folding and unfolding of the child stroller device. [Additional Note 17] A child stroller device as described in appended claim 16, wherein the link member is connected to the second connecting portion and the third connecting portion, respectively, via a first pivot connection and a second pivot connection that are in sliding contact with a first guide surface and a second guide surface, respectively, provided on the first connecting portion. [Additional Note 18] A child stroller device as described in any one of appended claims 11 to 17, wherein the grip portion and the third side segment are fixedly connected to a first coupling portion and a second coupling portion, respectively, which are pivotally connected to each other, and the latch mechanism includes a latch carried on the grip portion, which is movable to engage with the second coupling portion to lock the grip portion relative to the third side segment, or to disengage from the second coupling portion to unlock the grip portion relative to the third side segment. [Additional Note 19] The child stroller device according to claim 18, wherein the latch is slidably connected to the grip portion. [Additional Note 20] A child stroller device as described in appended claim 18 or 19, wherein the latch mechanism further includes a spring operable to bias the latch into engagement with the second coupling portion, and a release actuator operably connected to the latch via a cable, the release actuator operable to pull the cable and move the latch to disengage from the second coupling portion. [Explanation of symbols]

[0040] 100,200...Child stroller device, 102,202...Rear leg frame, 104,204...Front leg frame, 106,206...Handle frame, 112,212...First side segment, 114,214...Second side segment, 116,216...Third side segment, 118,218...Grip portion, 122,222...First connecting portion, 124,224...Second connecting portion, 126,226...Third connecting portion, 132,134,136,232,234,236...Rigid plate, 140,240...Link member, 141,250,270...Latch mechanism, 142,252...Lock portion, 144, 168, 174, 274...spring, 146, 278...release actuator, 148...first end surface, 150...second end surface, 152...gap, 162, 262...first coupling portion, 164, 264...second coupling portion, 128, 130, 166, 228, 230, 266...pivot shaft, 170, 272...latch, 176, 240, 284...link portion, 176A, 284A...first end, 176B, 284B...second end, 242...first pivot connection, 244...second pivot connection, 246...first guide surface, 248...second guide surface, 258...lock pin, 276...cable, 286...barrel

Claims

1. A child stroller device, a rear leg frame having a first side segment; a front leg frame having a second side segment; a handle frame having a third side segment and a grip portion, wherein the second side segment is pivotally connected to the first side segment for rotation about a first pivot axis, the third side segment is pivotally connected to the first side segment for rotation about a second pivot axis spaced from the first pivot axis, and the grip portion is pivotally connected to the third side segment such that the grip portion is rotatable relative to the third side segment between an unfolded position and a folded position; a link member pivotally connected to the second side segment for rotation about a third pivot axis spaced from the first pivot axis, the link member pivotally connected to the third side segment for rotation about a fourth pivot axis spaced from the second pivot axis, such that the handle frame and the front leg frame rotate synchronously with respect to the rear leg frame; A child stroller device comprising:

2. a latch mechanism operable to lock the rear leg frame, the front leg frame, and the handle frame together in the deployed state; a latch coupled to the third side segment, the latch movable between an engaged position where the latch is engaged with the grip portion to lock the grip portion in the deployed position and a disengaged position where the latch is disengaged from the grip portion to unlock the grip portion for rotation of the grip portion between the deployed position and the folded position; a linkage connecting the latch to one of the rear leg frame and the front leg frame, wherein movement of the handle frame relative to the rear leg frame disengages the latch from the grip portion; and The child stroller apparatus of claim 1 further comprising:

3. a latch mechanism operable to lock the rear leg frame, the front leg frame, and the handle frame together in the deployed state; a latch coupled to the third side segment, the latch movable between an engaged position where the latch is engaged with the grip portion to lock the grip portion in the deployed position and a disengaged position where the latch is disengaged from the grip portion to unlock the grip portion for rotation of the grip portion between the deployed position and the folded position; a linkage connecting the latch with the latch mechanism such that unlocking movement of the latch mechanism disengages the latch from the grip portion; and The child stroller apparatus of claim 1 further comprising:

4. 3. The child stroller apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a spring biasing the latch into engagement with the grip portion.

5. 3. The child stroller apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a cable having a first end connected to the latch and a second end connected to one of the first side segment, the second side segment, and the latch mechanism.

6. 6. The child stroller apparatus of claim 5, wherein the second end of the cable is anchored to the first side segment at a location offset from the first pivot axis.

7. The child stroller apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the link member operates so that the front leg frame and the handle frame rotate synchronously relative to the rear leg frame during folding and unfolding of the child stroller apparatus.

8. 3. The child stroller device of claim 2, wherein the latch mechanism includes a locking portion movably connected to the first side segment, and the locking portion is movable to engage with the second side segment and the third side segment to lock the rear leg frame, the front leg frame, and the handle frame together in the unfolded state.

9. 9. A child stroller device as described in claim 8, wherein when the rear leg frame, the front leg frame and the handle frame are in the unfolded state, the second side segment and the third side segment are spaced apart from each other by a gap, and the locking portion protrudes into the gap and engages with a first end surface of the second side segment and a second end surface of the third side segment, respectively, to lock the rear leg frame, the front leg frame and the handle frame together in the unfolded state.

10. 9. The child stroller device of claim 8, wherein the latch mechanism further includes a spring that biases the locking portion into engagement with the second side segment and the third side segment, and a release actuator is connected to the locking portion and operable to disengage the locking portion from the second side segment and the third side segment.

11. The child stroller apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a spring biasing the grip portion toward the folded position.

12. A child stroller device, A rear leg frame; A front leg frame, a handle frame having a lower portion and a grip portion, wherein the front leg frame is pivotally connected to the rear leg frame for rotation about a first pivot axis, the lower portion of the handle frame is pivotally connected to the rear leg frame for rotation about a second pivot axis spaced from the first pivot axis, and the grip portion is pivotally connected to the lower portion of the handle frame such that the grip portion is rotatable relative to the lower portion of the handle frame between an unfolded position and a folded position; a link member pivotally connected to the front leg frame for rotation about a third pivot axis spaced apart from the first pivot axis, the link member comprising: a link member pivotally connected to the lower portion of the handle frame about a fourth pivot axis spaced apart from the second pivot axis, so that the handle frame and the front leg frame rotate synchronously with respect to the rear leg frame; A child stroller device comprising:

13. a latch mechanism operable to lock the rear leg frame, the front leg frame, and the handle frame together in the deployed state; a latch coupled to the lower portion of the handle frame, the latch movable between an engaged position where the latch is engaged with the grip portion to lock the grip portion in the deployed position and a disengaged position where the latch is disengaged from the grip portion to unlock the grip portion for rotation of the grip portion between the deployed position and the folded position; a linkage connecting the latch to one of the rear leg frame and the front leg frame, wherein movement of the lower portion of the handle frame relative to the rear leg frame disengages the latch from the grip portion; and The child stroller apparatus of claim 12 further comprising:

14. a latch mechanism operable to lock the rear leg frame, the front leg frame, and the handle frame together in the deployed state; a latch coupled to the lower portion of the handle frame, the latch movable between an engaged position where the latch is engaged with the grip portion to lock the grip portion in the deployed position and a disengaged position where the latch is disengaged from the grip portion to unlock the grip portion for rotation of the grip portion between the deployed position and the folded position; a linkage connecting the latch with the latch mechanism such that unlocking movement of the latch mechanism disengages the latch from the grip portion; and The child stroller apparatus of claim 12 further comprising:

15. 14. The child stroller device of claim 13, further comprising a cable having a first end connected to the latch and a second end connected to one of a first side segment of the rear leg frame, a second side segment of the front leg frame, and the latch mechanism, wherein the second end of the cable is anchored to the rear leg frame at a location offset from the first pivot axis.

16. The child stroller apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the link members operate so that the front leg frame and the handle frame rotate synchronously relative to the rear leg frame during folding and unfolding of the child stroller apparatus.

17. A child stroller device, a rear leg frame having a first side segment fixedly connected to the first link; a front leg frame having a second side segment fixedly connected to the second link; a handle frame having a third side segment and a grip portion pivotally connected to each other, the third side segment being fixedly connected to a third linkage, the second linkage and the third linkage each being pivotally connected to the first linkage, and the second linkage and the third linkage each being pivotally connected to the first linkage about two pivot axes spaced apart from each other; a locking unit carried by the third connecting unit, the locking unit engaging with the first connecting unit to lock the rear leg frame, the front leg frame, and the handle frame together in the deployed state; a latch mechanism operable to lock and unlock the grip portion relative to the third side segment; a link portion connecting the lock portion to the grip portion such that folding rotation of the grip portion relative to the third side segment moves the lock portion to disengage from the first connecting portion to unlock the rear leg frames, the front leg frames, and the handle frame, thereby allowing the child stroller apparatus to be folded; A child stroller device comprising:

18. 18. The child stroller apparatus of claim 17, wherein the link portion includes a cable having a first end connected to the grip portion and a second end connected to the lock portion.

19. 19. The child stroller apparatus of claim 18, wherein the grip portion is fixedly connected to a barrel and the first end is anchored to the barrel.

20. 18. The child stroller device of claim 17, wherein the first connecting portion includes a rigid plate, and the locking portion engages with a locking pin fixedly connected to the rigid plate to lock the rear leg frame, the front leg frame, and the handle frame together in the unfolded state.

21. The child stroller apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the second link and the third link are each connected to the first link so as to be pivotable about two pivot axes spaced apart from each other.

22. 18. The child stroller device of claim 17, wherein the second link portion and the third link portion are pivotally connected to each other by a link member, so that the front leg frame and the handle frame rotate synchronously relative to the rear leg frame during folding and unfolding of the child stroller device.

23. 23. The child stroller device of claim 22, wherein the link member is connected to the second and third link portions via a first pivot connection and a second pivot connection that are in sliding contact with a first guide surface and a second guide surface, respectively, provided on the first link portion.

24. 18. The child stroller device of claim 17, wherein the grip portion and the third side segment are fixedly connected to a first coupling portion and a second coupling portion, respectively, which are pivotally connected to each other, and the latch mechanism includes a latch carried on the grip portion, which is movable to engage with the second coupling portion to lock the grip portion relative to the third side segment, or to disengage from the second coupling portion to unlock the grip portion relative to the third side segment.

25. 25. The child stroller apparatus of claim 24, wherein the latch is slidably connected to the grip portion.

26. 25. The child stroller device of claim 24, wherein the latch mechanism further includes a spring operable to bias the latch into engagement with the second coupling, and a release actuator operably connected to the latch via a cable, the release actuator operable to pull the cable and move the latch to disengage from the second coupling.

Images