stroller

Abstract

To provide a stroller that is easier for the operator to use. [Solution] A stroller 100 includes a seating section 12 for carrying and moving an infant, a handle 18 located behind the seating section in the direction of travel for operating the seating section, a frame section 14 for supporting the seating section, and a caster section 16 located below the frame section, wherein the seating section or the frame section is equipped with a belt section 30 located behind it in the direction of travel that can be attached to at least a part of the operator's body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention mainly relates to a baby stroller for carrying and driving an infant.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, baby strollers for moving while pushing an infant have been widely used. These baby strollers generally have a configuration including a riding section for seating an infant, a frame section for supporting the riding section, a plurality of caster sections provided below the frame section, and a handle for an operator to push from behind and operate the traveling direction.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Normally, an operator holds the handle with both hands and moves the baby stroller while pushing. However, in recent years, there are many situations where shopping, carrying luggage, operating a smartphone, leading an older child, etc. are carried out simultaneously, and one-handed operation or temporary release operation may be required.

[0005] Also, on a slope, a road surface with a step, an uneven ground, etc., the traveling stability of the baby stroller is likely to be impaired, and there is a problem that it places a burden on the operator. In particular, depending on the structure of the rotation mechanism of the caster section, the resistance and vibration during turning may increase, and the operability may decrease.

[0006] As described above, in the conventional baby stroller, there is still room for improvement from the viewpoints of improving the operability and reducing the burden on the operator.

[0007] This invention was made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a stroller that can be operated more easily by the user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To solve the above problems, a stroller according to one embodiment of the present invention includes (1) a seating section for carrying and moving an infant, a handle located behind the seating section in the direction of travel for operating the seating section, a frame section for supporting the seating section, and a caster section located below the frame section, wherein the seating section or the frame section is provided with a belt section located behind it in the direction of travel that can be connected to at least a part of the operator's body.

[0009] The stroller described in (1) above may (2) have a caster section comprising a rotatable wheel, a bearing section provided in the center of the wheel, a shaft passing through the bearing section, and a ball bearing having a plurality of balls positioned between the bearing section and the shaft, wherein the wheel is rotatably supported with respect to the shaft via the ball bearing.

[0010] The stroller described in (1) or (2) above may have (3) an operating aid that extends vertically downward from the handle. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] This invention makes it possible to provide a stroller that can be operated more easily by the user. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing the stroller of this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a partially enlarged view of the stroller according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing the stroller of this embodiment from another direction. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] Next, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described. For convenience, in the following description, the length direction of the stroller will be designated as the X direction, the width direction of the stroller as the Y direction, and the direction that intersects these X and Y directions and is vertically upward (upper in the vehicle height direction) will be designated as the Z direction. However, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited by the above-mentioned directional definitions and does not unduly reduce the scope of the utility model registration.

[0014] An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figure 1.

[0015] The stroller 100 shown in Figure 1 includes a seating area 12 for carrying and moving an infant, and a frame 14 that supports the seating area 12. Below the frame 14, there is a caster 16. A handle 18 is provided at the rear of the seating area 12 in the direction of travel for the operator to operate the stroller 100. The tip of the handle 18 is provided with an operating assist part 20 that extends vertically downward. A belt 30 is provided on the rear side of the seating area 12 in the direction of travel.

[0016] The passenger section 12 includes a seat 121 and a backrest 123 in which an infant can sit. The passenger section 12 is structured to move forward as part of the stroller 100. The widthwise ends of the seat 121 may also be equipped with guard sections 125 to prevent the seated infant from falling out in the event of an unexpected stop of the stroller 100.

[0017] The frame part 14 is configured to stably support the riding part 12. The frame part 14 includes a pair of left and right frame members (14a, 14b) in the width direction of the stroller. The left frame member 14a and the right frame member 14b are each configured in an inverted Y shape. And the left and right frame members 14a, 14b are connected to each other by a plurality of connecting members (141, 143, 145), thereby constituting the entire frame part 14. As a result, when viewed from the front in the traveling direction of the stroller 100, the entire frame part 14 forms a substantially rectangular frame shape, ensuring high rigidity and stability as a whole.

[0018] The frame part 14 may be configured in an appropriately known foldable shape. Further, the frame part 14 may be formed of a known material adopted for the stroller. For example, it can be formed of a lightweight and high-rigidity material such as aluminum or resin.

[0019] A plurality of caster parts 16 are provided at the lower part (legs) in the vertical direction of the frame part 14. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, two wheels are provided on each of the front left and right legs and the rear left and right legs, for a total of four casters. However, it is not limited to this, and for example, it may be provided with a total of three casters.

[0020] In the present embodiment, the caster part 16 has a freely rotatable structure, and at least the front casters are capable of a pivoting (swivel) operation of the wheels in the horizontal direction. With this structure, the direction change and turning of the entire stroller 100 can be performed smoothly.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 2, the caster unit 16 includes a wheel 16a that contacts the ground, a bearing portion 16b provided at the central portion of the wheel 16a, a shaft 16c that penetrates the bearing portion 16b, and a ball bearing 16d that is disposed between the bearing portion 16b and the shaft 16c and has a plurality of balls. The caster unit 16 may include a caster holder (not shown) attached to the lower end of the frame portion 14, and the wheel 16a may be provided in the caster holder.

[0022] The wheel 16a is a disc-shaped member that contacts the ground in the caster unit 16. The wheel 16a is configured to be rotatable about the shaft 16c. The outer peripheral portion of the wheel 16a may be formed of rubber, urethane, or other elastic material. With this configuration, the impact when crossing a step is alleviated, and the vibration to the infants during riding is reduced.

[0023] The bearing portion 16b is provided at the central portion of the wheel 16a and is a member that supports the rotation of the wheel 16a. Inside the bearing portion 16b, a ball bearing 16d for smoothly rotating the shaft 16c and the wheel 16a relative to each other is disposed.

[0024] The shaft 16c is a rod-shaped member that penetrates the bearing portion 16b. The shaft 16c functions as a rotation axis of the wheel 16a by being fixed to a support member such as a caster holder.

[0025] The ball bearing 16d is a rolling element that is disposed between the bearing portion 16b and the shaft 16c and has a plurality of balls. By rolling of these plurality of balls along the periphery of the shaft 16c, the frictional resistance between the wheel 16a and the shaft 16c is reduced, and the wheel 16a rotates smoothly.

[0026] By providing the ball bearing 16d in this way, the frictional resistance between the wheel 16a and the shaft 16c is reduced, and the rotation performance of the caster unit 16 is improved. As a result, the operating force when pushing and moving the stroller 100 can be reduced, and the operating burden on the user can be alleviated.

[0027] The ball bearings 16d may be provided in multiple caster sections 16 of the stroller 100, in one caster section 16, or in all caster sections 16. Specifically, ball bearings 16d may be provided in the left and right caster sections 16 at the front in the direction of travel. In this embodiment, ball bearings have been used as an example, but the type of bearing is not limited to this, and shielded bearings or sealed bearings may be used as needed.

[0028] The handle 18 extends above and connects to the frame 14, and is positioned on the rear side in the direction of travel of the stroller 100. The operator can grip the handle 18 to push the stroller 100 or steer it. The surface of the handle 18 may be coated with rubber or elastomer for non-slip purposes. The handle 18 includes a left handle 18a provided on the left side in the width direction of the stroller, and a right handle 18b provided on the right side.

[0029] The tip of the handle 18 is provided with an operating assistance part 20 that extends vertically downward (-Z direction). More specifically, as shown in Figures 1 and 3, the operating assistance part 20 is composed of at least two rod-shaped members arranged front to back in the direction of travel (X direction), namely a front operating assistance part 20a and a rear operating assistance part 20b. In this way, by providing the operating assistance part 20 with multiple operating members arranged spaced apart front to back in the direction of travel, the operator can select a gripping position according to the situation, thereby improving the operability of the stroller 100.

[0030] The shape of the operating assistance part 20 is not limited to a rod-shaped member; it may be a cube-shaped member like a die, or a protruding member of another shape, as long as it improves the maneuverability of the stroller 100. The operating assistance part 20 may be provided on both the left handle 18a and the right handle 18b, or on just one of them. The installation position of the operating assistance part 20 is not limited to the position shown in the figure; it can be appropriately installed in a position where the operator can easily apply force when moving the stroller 100 forward and backward.

[0031] As shown in Figure 3, the rear operating assist part 20b is configured to protrude vertically downward (-Z direction) from the tip of the handle 18. On the other hand, the front operating assist part 20a is configured to similarly protrude vertically downward (-Z direction) at a position further forward (-X side) in the direction of travel than the rear operating assist part 20b. In other words, in this embodiment, the parts are configured to extend downward from positions separated in the front and rear directions in the direction of travel.

[0032] According to this embodiment, the operator can perform operations with different directions of action, such as pushing forward, reversing, lifting the rear wheels to overcome obstacles, and making fine adjustments when changing direction, stably and smoothly by gripping the operation assist parts 20a and 20b, which are positioned appropriately for each operation. In particular, when overcoming obstacles, it becomes easier to apply upward force by gripping the rear operation assist part 20b, which contributes to reducing the burden on the operator.

[0033] The protruding lengths of the forward operation assist section 20a and the rear operation assist section 20b in the vertical direction (-Z direction) may be the same or different. Also, although the protruding directions of both are the same in Figure 3, they are not limited to this. For example, the forward operation assist section 20a may protrude vertically downward, and the tip of the rear operation assist section 20b may extend inclined toward the operator.

[0034] Furthermore, although not shown in the diagram, the lower ends of the forward operating assist section 20a and the rear operating assist section 20b may be connected, in which case the tip of the handle 18 forms a frame that is roughly square or rectangular. This configuration further improves gripping stability and makes it easier to operate with both hands.

[0035] The forward operating assist section 20a and the rear operating assist section 20b may have a rubber or elastomer coating on their surfaces to prevent slipping. This configuration helps to prevent injury to the operator's hands.

[0036] The belt portion 30 is provided on the riding portion 12. One end of the belt portion 30 is fixed to the back of the riding portion 12. The belt portion 30 includes a band-shaped portion 31 on the riding portion 12 side and an annular portion 32 at the tip. The annular portion 32 is configured to be worn on the operator's body. The operator's body may include, but is not limited to, the waist, abdomen, shoulder, or arm. The belt portion 30 may also be configured to be provided on the upper rear of the frame portion 14, for example.

[0037] With the above configuration, the operator can operate the stroller 100 while the belt section 30 is connected to their body. This provides benefits such as ensuring safety during sudden acceleration, preventing the stroller from unexpectedly running away if the operator lets go, and maintaining safety when both hands are temporarily used for other purposes. In particular, it is effective in preventing the stroller 100 from moving excessively forward on downhill slopes.

[0038] The belt portion 30 may be equipped with a buckle 34 that can be attached and detached with a single touch. This configuration makes it easier for the operator to connect it to their own body. The belt portion 30 may also be equipped with an adjustment mechanism (not shown) that allows the size of the loop of the annular portion 32 to be adjusted as appropriate. This makes it possible to adjust the tension to an appropriate state according to the operator's physique.

[0039] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the belt portion 30 may be made of an elastic material. Specifically, the belt portion 30 can be an elastic belt containing rubber, elastomer, elastic fiber, etc.

[0040] The elasticity of the belt section 30 allows it to easily follow the operator's walking movements, cushions sudden load changes, and suppresses the generation of excessive tensile force. In other words, by using an elastic connection structure rather than a simple fixed connection, both operability and safety can be achieved.

[0041] The belt portion 30 may be a single piece or a pair of left and right pieces. Furthermore, it may be configured with a winding mechanism or a configuration that allows it to be stored when not in use. This invention is not limited to the specific shape or mounting position of the belt portion 30. [Industrial applicability]

[0042] The stroller according to this invention can be used as a mobility aid for transporting infants and toddlers.

[0043] According to this invention, by equipping the caster section with bearings, rotation during travel becomes smoother, providing a stroller with excellent operability and durability. Furthermore, by equipping the handle with an operating assist section that extends vertically downward, various operations such as overcoming steps and reversing can be easily performed. In addition, by equipping the stroller with a belt that can be attached to the operator's body, safety can be improved and the stroller can be prevented from running away on slopes, etc.

[0044] Therefore, this invention can be widely used in fields such as the manufacturing of infant strollers, the childcare products industry, and the welfare equipment industry. Furthermore, the structure of this invention is also applicable to pet carts, walking aids for the elderly, shopping carts, and other small mobile devices, and has industrial applicability in the field of various related mobility aids. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0045] 12 Passenger compartment 121 Seat area 123 Backrest 125 Guard section 14 Frame section 141 Connecting member 143 Connecting member 145 Connecting member 16 Caster section 18 handle 20 Operation support section 20a Front operation auxiliary part 20b Rear operation auxiliary part 30 Belt section 31. Band-shaped portion 32 Ring section 34 Buckles

Claims

1. The passenger compartment for carrying infants and toddlers, A handle located behind the passenger compartment in the direction of travel and used to operate the passenger compartment's movement, The frame portion that supports the aforementioned riding portion, Includes a caster section positioned below the frame section, A stroller in which the passenger seat or frame is equipped with a belt portion at the rear in the direction of travel that can be attached to at least a part of the operator's body.

2. The stroller according to claim 1, wherein the caster portion comprises a rotatable wheel, a bearing portion provided in the center of the wheel, a shaft passing through the bearing portion, and a ball bearing having a plurality of balls disposed between the bearing portion and the shaft, and the wheel is rotatably supported with respect to the shaft via the ball bearing.

3. The stroller according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the handle is equipped with an operating assist part that extends vertically downward.

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