Baby stroller with a compact folding and suspension system
A collapsible frame assembly with angled strut assemblies and integrated suspension systems addresses the large size issue of jogging strollers, allowing for compact folding and stable, shock-absorbing strollers.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2022545980
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2020-01-29
- Filing Date
- 2021-01-28
- Publication Date
- 2025-07-16
- Estimated Expiration
- 2041-01-28
AI Technical Summary
Jogging strollers are large in size, even when folded, making storage and transportation inconvenient.
A collapsible frame assembly with pivotable top and bottom frames, angled strut assemblies, and integrated suspension systems that allow the stroller to fold compactly while maintaining stability and shock absorption.
Enables a compact folded configuration for easy storage and transportation while providing a smooth ride and stable steering.
Smart Images

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Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] Cross-reference This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 967,466, filed on January 29, 2020, entitled "STROLLER HAVING COMPACT FOLDING AND SUSPENSION SYSTEM", the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety under 35 U.S.C. § 119(a).
[0002] Technical Field The subject matter described herein relates to various aspects of baby strollers having collapsible frames.
Background Art
[0003] Background Baby strollers provide numerous uses, such as carrying children or carrying items. The ability to use a baby stroller under various conditions enables improved convenience and practicality. For example, some baby strollers are configured to allow a user to take at least one child while running. Such jogging strollers can include a suspension system that contributes to a smoother ride for the child riding in the stroller. While jogging strollers offer many advantages, one disadvantage of jogging strollers is their relatively large size, including when in a folded or collapsed configuration. A smaller and more compact folded baby stroller configuration not only enables improved storage but also easier carrying, for example, in a car or on public transportation.
Summary of the Invention
[0004] Summary Aspects of the present subject matter include various aspects of a stroller assembly including a collapsible frame and a suspension system. In one aspect, the stroller assembly can include a collapsible frame assembly having a top frame including a handlebar. The collapsible frame assembly can further include a bottom frame pivotally coupled to the top frame such that the top frame is enabled to pivot along a longitudinal plane of the collapsible frame assembly. The collapsible frame assembly can form a folded configuration as a result of the top frame pivoting towards the bottom frame and can form an unfolded configuration as a result of the top frame pivoting away from the bottom frame. The collapsible frame assembly can further include a first strut assembly pivotally coupled to the bottom frame at a first angled joint. The first strut assembly can include a first rear wheel axle and the first angled joint can include a first axis of rotation angled with respect to the longitudinal plane such that the first rear wheel axle pivots towards the longitudinal plane when the top frame pivots towards the bottom frame to form the folded configuration.
[0005] In some variations, one or more of the following features can optionally be included in any practicable combination. The foldable frame assembly can further include a second strut assembly pivotally coupled to the bottom frame at a second angled joint. The second strut assembly can include a second rear wheel axle, and the second angled joint can include a second axis of rotation angled with respect to the vertical plane such that the second rear wheel axle pivots toward the vertical plane when the top frame pivots toward the bottom frame. The first axis of rotation can form a first angle with the vertical plane, and the first angle can be from about 70° to about 80°. The second axis of rotation can form a second angle with the vertical plane, and the second angle can be from about 70° to about 80°. The first axis of rotation and the second axis of rotation can extend along different planes, respectively.
[0006] The foldable frame assembly can further include a first suspension system including a first shock absorber, and the first suspension system can extend between the top frame and the first strut assembly. The foldable frame assembly can further include a second suspension system including a second shock absorber, and the second suspension system can extend between the top frame and the second strut assembly. The first suspension system can be coupled to the first strut assembly via a first ball joint that allows three-dimensional pivoting, and can be coupled to the top frame via a second ball joint that allows three-dimensional pivoting. The three-dimensional pivoting can allow the first suspension system and the first strut assembly to pivot toward the vertical plane when the top frame pivots toward the bottom frame.
[0007] The first rear wheel axle can be configured to connect the first rear wheel, and the second rear wheel axle can be configured to connect the second rear wheel. When the foldable frame assembly is in the folded configuration, the first rear wheel and the second wheel can form a first wheel spacing therebetween, and when the foldable frame assembly is in the deployed configuration, the first rear wheel and the second wheel can form a second wheel spacing therebetween. Additionally, the second wheel spacing can be longer than the first wheel spacing. When the foldable frame assembly is in the deployed configuration, the first wheel can be positioned parallel to the second wheel, and when the foldable frame assembly is in the folded configuration, the first wheel can be positioned at an angle relative to the second wheel.
[0008] In some embodiments, the stroller assembly can further include a fabric seat portion coupled to the foldable frame assembly.
[0009] In another related aspect of the subject matter, the method includes forming a folded configuration of the foldable frame assembly of the stroller assembly. For example, the method can include pivoting a top frame of the foldable frame assembly toward a bottom frame of the foldable frame assembly along a longitudinal plane of the foldable frame assembly. The method can further include pivoting a first strut assembly and a first suspension assembly in the longitudinal plane as a result of the top frame pivoting toward the bottom frame. Additionally, the method can include pivoting a second strut assembly and a second suspension assembly in the longitudinal plane as a result of the top frame pivoting toward the bottom frame.
[0010] In some variations, one or more of the following features can optionally be included in any practicable combination. The first strut assembly can pivot independently of the second strut assembly. The first strut assembly can be pivotally connected to the bottom frame at a first angled joint, and the first strut assembly can include a first rear wheel axle. The first angled joint can include a first axis of rotation angled with respect to the vertical plane to pivot the first rear wheel axle in the vertical plane as a result of the top frame pivoting towards the bottom frame.
[0011] The first axis of rotation can form a first angle with the vertical plane, and the first angle can be from about 70° to about 80°. The first suspension system can include a first shock absorber and can extend between the top frame and the first strut assembly. The first suspension system can be connected to the first strut assembly via a first ball joint that allows three-dimensional pivoting and can be connected to the top frame via a second ball joint that allows three-dimensional pivoting. The three-dimensional pivoting can enable the first suspension system and the first strut assembly to pivot in the vertical plane when the top frame pivots towards the bottom frame.
[0012] The first rear wheel axle can be configured to connect a first rear wheel to the first strut assembly. The stroller assembly can further include a fabric sheet portion connected to the top frame and the bottom frame.
[0013] [Invention 1001] A top frame including a handlebar; A bottom frame pivotally connected to the top frame so as to be pivotable along a longitudinal plane of a foldable frame assembly, wherein the foldable frame assembly forms a folded configuration as a result of the top frame pivoting towards the bottom frame, and the foldable frame assembly forms an unfolded configuration as a result of the top frame pivoting away from the bottom frame; A first strut assembly pivotally connected to the bottom frame at a first angled joint, the first strut assembly including a first rear wheel axle, the first angled joint including a first axis of rotation angled with respect to the longitudinal plane such that the first rear wheel axle pivots towards the longitudinal plane when the top frame pivots towards the bottom frame to form the folded configuration; A baby stroller assembly including the foldable frame assembly. [Invention 1002] The baby stroller assembly of Invention 1001, wherein the foldable frame assembly further includes a second strut assembly pivotally connected to the bottom frame at a second angled joint, the second strut assembly including a second rear wheel axle, the second angled joint including a second axis of rotation angled with respect to the longitudinal plane such that the second rear wheel axle pivots towards the longitudinal plane when the top frame pivots towards the bottom frame. [Invention 1003] The baby stroller assembly of Invention 1002, wherein the first axis of rotation forms a first angle with the longitudinal plane, and the first angle is between about 70° and about 80°. [Invention 1004] The baby stroller assembly of Invention 1003, wherein the second axis of rotation forms a second angle with the longitudinal plane, and the second angle is between about 70° and about 80°. [Invention 1005] The baby stroller assembly of Invention 1004, wherein the first axis of rotation and the second axis of rotation extend along different planes. [Invention 1006] The foldable frame assembly further includes a first suspension system including a first shock absorber, the first suspension system extending between a top frame and a first strut assembly, the baby stroller assembly of the present invention 1005. [The present invention 1007] The foldable frame assembly further includes a second suspension system including a second shock absorber and extending between a top frame and a second strut assembly of the baby stroller assembly of the present invention 1006. [The present invention 1008] The first suspension system is connected to the first strut assembly via a first ball joint that allows three-dimensional pivoting, the first suspension system is connected to the top frame via a second ball joint that allows three-dimensional pivoting, and the three-dimensional pivoting allows the first suspension system and the first strut assembly to pivot in a longitudinal plane when the top frame pivots towards the bottom frame, the baby stroller assembly of the present invention 1007. [The present invention 1009] The baby stroller assembly of the present invention 1008, wherein a first rear axle is configured to connect a first rear wheel and a second rear axle is configured to connect a second rear wheel. [The present invention 1010] When the foldable frame assembly is in the folded configuration, the first rear wheel and the second wheel form a first wheel spacing therebetween, and when the foldable frame assembly is in the deployed configuration, the first rear wheel and the second wheel form a second wheel spacing therebetween, the second wheel spacing being longer than the first wheel spacing, the baby stroller assembly of the present invention 1009. [The present invention 1011] When the foldable frame assembly is in the deployed configuration, the first wheel is positioned parallel to the second wheel, and when the foldable frame assembly is in the folded configuration, the first wheel is positioned at an angle relative to the second wheel, the baby stroller assembly of the present invention 1009. [The present invention 1012] The baby stroller assembly of the present invention 1001 further includes a fabric sheet portion connected to the foldable frame assembly. [The present invention 1013] A method of forming a folded configuration of a foldable frame assembly of a baby stroller assembly, the method including the following steps: Pivoting the top frame of the foldable frame assembly towards the bottom frame of the foldable frame assembly along the longitudinal plane of the foldable frame assembly; As a result of the top frame pivoting towards the bottom frame, pivoting the first strut assembly and the first suspension assembly towards the longitudinal plane; and As a result of the top frame pivoting towards the bottom frame, pivoting the second strut assembly and the second suspension assembly towards the longitudinal plane. [Invention 1014] The method of Invention 1013, wherein the first strut assembly pivots independently of the second strut assembly. [Invention 1015] The method of Invention 1014, wherein the first strut assembly is pivotally connected to the bottom frame at a first angled joint, the first strut assembly includes a first rear axle, and the first angled joint includes a first axis of rotation angled with respect to the longitudinal plane for pivoting the first rear axle towards the longitudinal plane as a result of the top frame pivoting towards the bottom frame. [Invention 1016] The method of Invention 1015, wherein the first axis of rotation forms a first angle with the longitudinal plane, and the first angle is between about 70° and about 80°. [Invention 1017] The method of Invention 1016, wherein the first suspension system includes a first shock absorber, and the first suspension system extends between the top frame and the first strut assembly. [Invention 1018] The method of Invention 1017, wherein the first suspension system is connected to the first strut assembly via a first ball joint that allows three-dimensional pivoting, and the first suspension system is connected to the top frame via a second ball joint that allows three-dimensional pivoting, and the three-dimensional pivoting allows the first suspension system and the first strut assembly to pivot towards the longitudinal plane when the top frame pivots towards the bottom frame. [Invention 1019] The method of Invention 1015, wherein the first rear axle is configured to connect a first rear wheel to the first strut assembly. [Invention 1020] The method of the present invention 1013, wherein the stroller assembly further includes a fabric sheet portion connected to the top frame and the bottom frame. Details of one or more variations of the subject matter described in this specification are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description. Other features and advantages of the subject matter described in this specification will become apparent from the detailed description, the accompanying drawings, and the claims. The appended claims that follow this disclosure are intended to define the scope of the protected subject matter.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0014] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate specific aspects of the subject matter disclosed in this specification and, together with the detailed description, serve to explain some of the principles associated with the disclosed embodiments.
[0015]
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Figure 1-9
Figure 1-10
[0016] In practice, like reference numerals indicate like structures, features or elements.
[0017] **DETAILED DESCRIPTION** The present subject matter relates to various aspects of a foldable baby stroller having a foldable frame including a folding function that enables the foldable baby stroller to be efficiently and effectively folded and collapsed into a compact form. In some aspects, the foldable baby stroller can include a suspension system that can effectively absorb shocks during use of the foldable baby stroller. For example, the foldable baby stroller can be transitioned between a deployed form (e.g., in a non-folded state) and a folded form (e.g., in a collapsed state). Additionally, the deployed state can enable carrying a child (e.g., disposed on a fabric sheet portion of the foldable baby stroller), and the folded form can enable storage of the foldable baby stroller. The foldable baby stroller described herein can be used in a variety of ways, such as for a user to push while running or walking to carry a child. Other uses of the stroller are within the scope of the present disclosure.
[0018] In some aspects, the foldable baby stroller includes a foldable frame assembly including at least one angled joint assembly that aids in enabling the foldable baby stroller to form an improved compact form compared to, for example, at least some other currently available baby strollers, as described in further detail below.
[0019] Figures 1A - 1R illustrate aspects of a foldable baby stroller 100 consistent with the present subject matter. As shown in FIGS. 1A - 1J, the foldable baby stroller 100 can include a foldable frame assembly 110 that includes a top frame 112 pivotally coupled to a bottom frame 114. As shown in FIG. 1C, the bottom frame 114 can include a frame crossbar 109 and a pair of bottom sidebars 117. As shown in FIG. 1C, the bottom sidebars 117 can each include a first end coupled to opposite ends of the frame crossbar 109. Also as shown in FIG. 1C, the bottom sidebars 117 can also be coupled to each other at the second ends of each bottom sidebar 117. Further, as shown in FIGS. 1E - 1J, the bottom frame 114 can be coupled to front wheels 116. For example, the front wheels 116 can be coupled to the second ends of the bottom sidebars 117.
[0020] In some aspects, as shown in FIG. 1C, the top frame 112 can include a pair of top sidebars 107 each coupled to opposite ends of a handlebar 111. The handlebar 111 can be configured to enable a user to push and / or steer the foldable baby stroller 100. In some aspects, the handlebar 111 can be coupled to the top sidebars 107 via a handlebar pivot joint 103 that enables the handlebar 111 to form two or more configurations relative to the top sidebars 107, e.g., to form two or more angles between the handlebar 111 and the top sidebars 107. For example, the handlebar 111 can form an angle of about 180° to about 90° relative to the top sidebars 107. A handlebar support structure 105 can extend between the handlebar pivot joints 103 to assist in providing structural support for the top frame 112 of the foldable frame assembly 110.
[0021] The foldable frame assembly 110 can include a pair of frame joints 115 that pivotally connect the top frame 112 to the bottom frame 114 and assist in moving the foldable frame assembly 110 between an unfolded configuration as shown, for example, in FIGS. 1E and 1H and a folded configuration as shown, for example, in FIGS. 1G and 1J. As shown in FIGS. 1F and 1I, the top frame 112 and the bottom frame 114 can pivot toward each other along the longitudinal plane L (the pivot points being the frame joints 115) to form a folded configuration. The frame joints 115 can include a releasable locking mechanism that allows a user to selectively pivot the foldable frame assembly 110 into the folded and / or unfolded configurations and / or can be controlled thereby. As shown in FIG. 1C, for example, when in the unfolded configuration, a frame joint support structure 106 can extend between the frame joints 115 to assist in providing structural support to the foldable frame assembly 110.
[0022] As shown in FIGS. 1A-1J, the foldable stroller 100 can include two strut assemblies 120 connected to the bottom frame 114, each strut assembly 120 being connected to the bottom frame 114 by an angled joint assembly 122. In some aspects, as shown in FIGS. 1A-1J, each strut assembly 120 can be connected to the top frame 112 via a suspension assembly 125. As will be described in further detail below, the connection of each strut assembly 120 to the top frame 112 and the bottom frame 114 allows the foldable stroller 100 to provide effective steering and a comfortable ride while achieving an improved compact form compared to, for example, at least some currently available jogging and / or foldable strollers.
[0023] As shown in FIG. 1B, the foldable frame assembly 110 can include a first strut assembly 120a connected to the bottom frame 114 via a first angled joint assembly 122a and connected to the top frame 112 via a first suspension assembly 125a. Also as shown in FIG. 1B, the foldable frame assembly 110 can include a second strut assembly 120b connected to the bottom frame 114 via a second angled joint assembly 122b and connected to the top frame 112 via a second suspension assembly 125b. The first strut assembly 120a and the second strut assembly 120b can include the same or similar functions and features. Thus, the description of the strut assembly 120 can be applicable to the description of the first strut assembly 120a and the second strut assembly 120b. Similarly, the first angled joint assembly 122a and the second angled joint assembly 122b can include the same or similar functions and features. Thus, the description of the angled strut assembly 122 can be applicable to the description of the first angled joint assembly 122a and the second angled joint assembly 122b. Further, the description of the suspension assembly 125 can be applicable to the description of the first suspension assembly 125a and the second suspension assembly 125b.
[0024] As shown in FIG. 1B, the strut assembly 120 can include a structural support 130 extending between a first support end 131 and a rear axle 132. The first support end 131 can form part of the angled joint assembly 122, as shown in FIGS. 1K and 1L. The rear axle 132 can be configured to connect a rear wheel 134 thereto, as shown in FIG. 1B. In some embodiments, the structural support 130 can have a curved shape along the length of the structural support 130, as shown, for example, in FIG. 1B.
[0025] As shown in FIGS. 1B and 1Q, the first angled joint assembly 122a can be arranged at an angle with respect to the second angled joint assembly 122b. For example, the first angled joint assembly 122a can have a first axis of rotation 135a that is neither parallel nor coaxial with the second axis of rotation 135b of the second angled joint assembly 122b. In some embodiments, the first axis of rotation 135a and the second axis of rotation 135b can extend along different planes. As shown in FIGS. 1B and 1Q, the first axis of rotation 135a and the second axis of rotation 135b can intersect at an angle θ that is about 70° to about 80° along the longitudinal plane L of the foldable baby stroller 100. As will be described in more detail below, such an angled arrangement of the first angled joint assembly 122a and the second angled joint assembly 122b allows the first strut assembly 120a and the second strut assembly 120b to pivot towards each other (e.g., towards the longitudinal plane L) and towards the top frame 112 as the foldable baby stroller 100 moves into its folded configuration, as shown in FIGS. 1E - 1J. As shown in FIG. 1B, the longitudinal plane L can extend along the longitudinal axis of the foldable frame assembly 110.
[0026] As shown in FIGS. 1G and 1J, as a result of the strut assembly 120 and the suspension assembly 125 pivoting inwardly toward the longitudinal plane L, when the foldable frame assembly 110 is in the folded configuration, the strut assembly 120 and the suspension assembly 125 can be disposed within or at least substantially within the boundary formed by at least the top side bar 107 and the handle bar 111 of the top frame 112. Thus, in the folded configuration, as shown in FIG. 1J, the maximum width of the foldable stroller 100 can be defined by and / or not exceed the distance between the outer surfaces of the top side bars 107 of the top frame 112. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 1J, when the foldable frame assembly 110 is in the folded configuration, the rear wheels 134 can be positioned at least substantially adjacent to the front wheels 116. For example, when the foldable frame assembly 110 is in the deployed configuration, the rear wheels 134 can be spaced apart by about 22 inches to about 25 inches, such as about 23.5 inches. Further, when the foldable frame assembly 110 is in the folded configuration, the rear wheels 134 can be spaced apart by about 10 inches to about 12 inches, such as about 11 inches. Such a reduction in the overall width between the deployed and folded configurations of the foldable stroller 100 can enable the foldable stroller 100 to achieve a compact size that is effective for storage and transportation, for example, in a compact form.
[0027] In some embodiments, the foldable stroller 100 can have a height of about 43 inches in the deployed configuration (as shown in FIG. 1E) and a height of about 29 inches in the folded configuration (as shown in FIG. 1G). Additionally, the foldable stroller 100 can have a length (e.g., front-to-back distance) of about 39 inches in the deployed configuration (as shown in FIG. 1E) and a length of about 16 inches in the folded configuration (as shown in FIG. 1G). Further, the foldable stroller 100 can have a width (e.g., side-to-side distance) of about 25 inches in the deployed configuration (as shown in FIG. 1H) and a width of about 17 inches in the folded configuration (as shown in FIG. 1J). Other configurations and dimensions of the foldable stroller 100 are within the scope of the present disclosure.
[0028] At least some currently available strollers include a crossbar between a pair of wheels, e.g., between a pair of rear wheels, to assist in fixing the relative positions of the rear wheels. The foldable stroller 100 of the present disclosure does not include a crossbar or structure extending between the rear axle 132 or the rear wheels 134. Instead, the foldable stroller 100 can include a hub crossbar 113 that extends between angled joint assemblies 122 as shown in FIG. 1B and that can provide structural support and stability to the foldable stroller 100 and enable other advantages associated with the foldable stroller 100. For example, the hub crossbar 113 can enable the strut assemblies 120, e.g., the first strut assembly 120a and the second strut assembly 120b, to move and pivot independently of each other. Such independent movement and pivoting toward the longitudinal plane L, as further described below, can enable the foldable stroller 100 to form a desired compact configuration (e.g., the rear wheels 134 can move closer to each other) and achieve smooth and stable steering and movement (e.g., thanks to the suspension system 125). The hub crossbar 113 can also prevent the strut assemblies 120 from pivoting toward each other (e.g., toward the longitudinal plane L) while maintaining the deployed configuration.
[0029] Figures 1K - 1P show aspects of the angled joint assembly 122 of the foldable baby stroller 100. In Figures 1L - 1P, at least a portion of the angled joint assembly 122 is hidden. The angled joint assembly 122 enables each strut assembly 120 to maintain alignment (including a range of alignment) with at least the bottom frame 114, thereby enabling the foldable baby stroller 100 to achieve smooth and stable steering and movement. As shown in Figures 1K - 1Q, the angled joint assembly 122 can include a hub bracket 142 extending from the bottom frame 114, for example, from the frame crossbar 109. The hub bracket 142 can include a pair of spaced parallel extensions 144 that provide a hub bushing 146 that includes a hub shaft 149 disposed therebetween, as shown in Figure 1M. The first support end 131 of the strut assembly 120 can be connected to the hub bushing 146 and can be disposed between the parallel extensions 144 as shown in Figures 1K and 1L, thereby enabling the strut assembly 120 to pivot along the hub shaft 149 and maintain alignment with the hub bracket 142. For example, when the hub bushing 146 is connected to the hub bracket 142, the hub shaft 149 is collinear with the axis of rotation 135 of the angled joint assembly 122, and thus, when the foldable frame assembly 110 transitions to the folded configuration, the hub shaft enables the strut assembly 120 to pivot toward the longitudinal plane L of the foldable baby stroller 100.
[0030] As shown in FIGS. 1N and 1P, for example, to enable the strut assembly 120 to maintain its position relative to the bottom frame 114 and / or achieve a range of positions, the pivot bolt assembly 150 can extend along the hub axis 149 to provide a stable axis of rotation. Thus, the rear wheels 134 connected to the strut assembly 120 can be maintained in a desired alignment and / or a range of alignments relative to the bottom frame 114 and / or the longitudinal plane. For example, by angling at least the angled joint assembly 122 including the hub axis 149 and the axis of rotation, when the foldable baby stroller 100 is in the deployed position as shown in FIG. 1B, the rear wheels 134 can be arranged parallel to each other. In addition, when the foldable baby stroller is in the folded configuration as shown in FIG. 1J, the rear wheels 134 can be angled relative to each other.
[0031] As described above, the axes of rotation 135 of the first and second angled joint assemblies 122a, 122b are non-parallel and not coaxial with each other, allowing the strut assembly to pivot towards the longitudinal plane L of the foldable baby stroller 100 when transitioning to the folded configuration. Such an inward pivot enables a compact folded configuration. Thus, the angled joint assembly 122 can assist in achieving a compact folded configuration of the foldable baby stroller 100 and can assist in achieving efficient and effective steering and movement of the foldable baby stroller (e.g., maintaining the rear wheels 134 parallel to each other when the foldable baby stroller 100 is in the deployed configuration).
[0032] As shown in FIG. 1A, the foldable baby stroller 100 can include a suspension assembly 125 that can be part of and / or integrated with a foldable frame assembly 110. As shown in FIG. 1A, the suspension assembly 125 can extend between a top frame 112 and a strut assembly 120. For example, when transitioning the foldable baby stroller 100 between a folded configuration and a deployed configuration, the suspension assembly 125 can pivot with respect to each of the top frame 112 and the strut assembly 120, enabling the suspension assembly 125 to pivot in a direction toward and away from a longitudinal plane L.
[0033] For example, the suspension assembly 125 can include a shock absorber 155 that extends between two ball joints 157. As shown in FIG. 1A, a first ball joint 157a can connect the shock absorber 155 to the top frame 112, and a second ball joint 157b can connect the shock absorber 155 to the strut assembly 120. As shown in FIG. 1B, the foldable baby stroller 100 can include a first suspension assembly 125a that extends between the top frame 112 and the first strut assembly 120a, and a second suspension assembly 125b that extends between the top frame 112 and the second strut assembly 120b. The first suspension assembly 125a can be the same as or substantially the same as the second suspension assembly 125b so that the disclosure of the suspension assembly 125 can be applied to the first and second suspension assemblies 125a, 125b. The ball joints 157 that connect the shock absorber 155 to the top frame 112 and the strut assembly 120 can enable three-dimensional movement of the shock absorber 155, and thus, as shown in FIGS. 1H-1J, enable the strut assembly 120 and the suspension assembly 125 to pivot toward the longitudinal plane L of the foldable baby stroller 100. Thus, the suspension assembly 125 can provide shock absorption, such as absorbing the shock resulting from the rear wheel 134 passing over an uneven surface (via the shock absorber 155), and can enable the strut assembly 120 and the suspension assembly 125 to pivot inwardly toward the longitudinal plane L of the foldable baby stroller 100 to assist in forming a compact folded configuration.
[0034] The first and second suspension assemblies 125a, 125b can further enable the first and second strut assemblies 125a, 125b to move independently. For example, the movement of the rear wheel 134 associated with the first strut assembly 125a may move on an uneven surface, thereby actuating (e.g., compressing) the associated first shock absorber 155a of the first suspension assembly 125a and absorbing at least some of the movement of the first strut assembly 120a caused by such movement. In addition, for example, if the rear wheel 134 associated with the second strut assembly 120b moves on a flat surface, the first strut assembly 120a can be moved (e.g., relative to the top frame 112), and the associated shock absorber 155 can be actuated, but the second strut assembly 120b may not move (e.g., relative to the top frame 112), and thus the associated second shock absorber 155 may not be actuated. Therefore, the movement and shock absorption of the first strut assembly 120a are independent of the movement and shock absorption of the second strut assembly 120b, thereby providing stable and smooth steering and movement of the foldable baby stroller 100.
[0035] Figure 1R shows an aspect of the fabric sheet portion 190 connected to the foldable frame assembly. The fabric sheet portion 190 can provide a seat and support for a rider (e.g., a child) of the foldable baby stroller. The fabric sheet portion 190 can be flexible to enable the foldable baby stroller to form a folded configuration and a deployed configuration. Other features having various functions, such as a retractable sunshade 192, can also be connected to the foldable frame assembly. Other features and functions associated with the foldable baby stroller 100 are within the scope of the present disclosure.
[0036] In the foregoing detailed description and the appended claims, phrases such as "at least one of" and "one or more of" may follow a conjunctive list of elements or features. Also, the phrase "and / or" may appear in a list of two or more elements or features. Unless contextually inconsistent, implicitly or explicitly, such phrases are intended to mean any of the listed elements or features individually, or any of the listed elements or features in combination with any of the other listed elements or features. For example, the phrases "at least one of A and B", "one or more of A and B" and "A and / or B" are each intended to mean "only A, only B, or A and B together". A similar interpretation is intended for lists that include three or more items. For example, the phrases "at least one of A, B or C", "one or more of A, B or C" and "A, B and / or C" are each intended to mean "only A, only B, only C, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B and C together". The use of the phrase "based on" in the foregoing and the appended claims is intended to mean "based at least in part on", and features or elements not recited are also contemplated.
[0037] The embodiments described in the detailed description do not represent all embodiments that conform to the subject matter described herein. On the contrary, they are merely some examples that conform to aspects related to the described subject matter. Although some variations have been described in detail herein, other changes or additions are possible. In particular, additional features and / or variations can be provided in addition to those described herein. For example, the above embodiments can relate to various combinations and sub - combinations of the disclosed features, and / or combinations and sub - combinations of one or more additional features with respect to those disclosed herein. Additionally, the logical flows shown in the accompanying drawings and / or described herein do not necessarily require the specific order, i.e., sequence, shown to achieve desirable results. The appended claims may include other embodiments or aspects.
Claims
1. A top frame including a handlebar; A bottom frame pivotally connected to the top frame so as to be pivotable along the longitudinal plane of a foldable frame assembly, wherein the foldable frame assembly forms a folded configuration as a result of the top frame pivoting towards the bottom frame, and the foldable frame assembly forms a deployed configuration as a result of the top frame pivoting away from the bottom frame; A first strut assembly pivotally connected to the bottom frame at a first angled joint, the first strut assembly including a first rear wheel axle, the first angled joint including a first axis of rotation angled with respect to the longitudinal plane such that the first rear wheel axle pivots towards the longitudinal plane when the top frame pivots towards the bottom frame to form the folded configuration; A second strut assembly pivotally connected to the bottom frame at a second angled joint, the second strut assembly including a second rear wheel axle separated from the first rear wheel axle, the second angled joint including a second axis of rotation angled with respect to the longitudinal plane such that the second rear wheel axle pivots towards the longitudinal plane when the top frame pivots towards the bottom frame; A brace coupled to the first angled joint or the second angled joint, the brace including a crossbar extending between the first angled joint and the second angled joint; A stroller assembly including the foldable frame assembly.
2. The stroller assembly of claim 1, wherein the first axis of rotation forms a first angle with the longitudinal plane, and the first angle is between approximately 70° and approximately 80°.
3. The stroller assembly of claim 2, wherein the second axis of rotation forms a second angle with the longitudinal plane, and the second angle is between approximately 70° and approximately 80°.
4. The stroller assembly of claim 3, wherein the first axis of rotation and the second axis of rotation extend along different planes.
5. The foldable frame assembly further includes a first suspension system including a first shock absorber, the first suspension system extending between a top frame and a first strut assembly, the baby stroller assembly of claim 4.
6. The foldable frame assembly further includes a second suspension system including a second shock absorber and extending between the top frame and a second strut assembly of the baby stroller assembly of claim 5.
7. The first suspension system is connected to the first strut assembly via a first ball joint that allows three-dimensional pivoting, the first suspension system is connected to the top frame via a second ball joint that allows three-dimensional pivoting, and the three-dimensional pivoting allows the first suspension system and the first strut assembly to pivot towards the longitudinal plane when the top frame pivots towards the bottom frame, the baby stroller assembly of claim 6.
8. The baby stroller assembly of claim 7, wherein a first rear axle is configured to connect a first rear wheel and a second rear axle is configured to connect a second rear wheel.
9. When the foldable frame assembly is in the folded configuration, the first rear wheel and the second wheel form a first wheel spacing therebetween, and when the foldable frame assembly is in the deployed configuration, the first rear wheel and the second wheel form a second wheel spacing therebetween, the second wheel spacing being longer than the first wheel spacing, the baby stroller assembly of claim 8.
10. When the foldable frame assembly is in the deployed configuration, the first wheel is positioned parallel to the second wheel, and when the foldable frame assembly is in the folded configuration, the first wheel is positioned at an angle to the second wheel, the baby stroller assembly of claim 8.
11. The baby stroller assembly of claim 1, further including a fabric sheet portion connected to the foldable frame assembly. **Claim 12**: The first angled joint and the second angled joint are each hub brackets extending from the bottom frame, comprising an inner extension and an outer extension, the inner extension and the outer extension being parallel to each other, and the inner extension and the outer extension being configured to receive and hold a hub bushing, the baby stroller assembly according to claim 1, including the hub brackets. **Claim 13**: The crossbar extends between the parallel inner extensions of the first angled joint and the parallel inner extensions of the second angled joint, the baby stroller assembly according to claim 12.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Infant carriage frame
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