Winch system for child containment devices

Abstract

Winch reel systems for use with child containment devices are provided. The winch reel systems can include one-way winch reels, two-way winch reels, multi-cord winch reels, and / or drawstring winch reels. The winch reel systems can be included in various child containment devices, including strollers, toddler rockers, child car seats, play yards, toddler swings, baby carriers, bouncers, jumpers, high chairs, play mats, baby gates, child booster seats, and / or other types of infant carriers or containment systems and devices. Each winch reel system can include one or more wires engaged with the winch reel to adjust at least one feature of the child containment device. In other embodiments, the one or more wires can be replaced with one or more lines, cables, or straps. In some embodiments, each winch reel system can include at least one toothed pawl that engages with the winch reel.

Description

Technical Field

[0004]

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 028,289, filed on May 21, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to child - containing devices such as, for example, strollers, rockers, child car seats, playards, swings, baby carriers, bouncers, jumpers, high chairs, play mats, infant conveyance systems (ICS), baby gates, and child booster seats, and more particularly to systems, devices, and methods for providing a winch system for adjusting certain functions of child - containing devices.

Background Art

[0003] For example, child - containing devices such as strollers, rockers, child car seats, playards, swings, baby carriers, bouncers, jumpers, high chairs, play mats, infant conveyance systems (ICS), baby gates, and child booster seats are well - known in the art. Each type of child - containing device can include various ways to secure, couple, and / or fasten certain elements of the child - containing device. However, often these conventional methods require multiple hands to complete the adjustment and / or may require removing the child from the child - containing device to achieve the adjustment. By facilitating the adjustment, the use and safety of these conventional child - containing devices can be improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0004] With reference to the drawings herein, these drawings are intended to be illustrative and not restrictive, and similar elements are numbered similarly. Detailed descriptions are provided with reference to the accompanying drawings. The use of the same reference number may indicate similar or identical items. Various embodiments may utilize elements and / or components other than those shown in the drawings, and some elements and / or components may not be present in various embodiments. Elements and / or components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Throughout this disclosure, singular and plural terms may be used interchangeably depending on the context.

[0005] [Figure 1A] Figure 1A is a perspective view of a one-way winch reel system for use with a child containment device, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 1B] Figure 1B is a perspective view of a one-way winch reel system for use with a child containment device, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0006] [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a bidirectional winch reel system for use with a child containment device, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0007] [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a multi-cord winch reel system for use with a child containment device, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0008] [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a pull-cord winch reel system for use with a child containment device, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0009] [Figure 5]Figure 5 is a perspective view of an elastic section that may be incorporated into any of the winch reel systems of Figures 1A to 4 for use with a child containment device, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0010] [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a quick-release lever that may be incorporated into any of the winch reel systems of Figures 1A to 4 for use with a child containment device, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] [Figure 7] Figures 7A and 7B are front views of a tension indicator system, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, which may be incorporated into any of the winch reel systems of Figures 1A to 4 for use with a child containment device.

[0012] [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a baby carrier with a winch reel system according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a perspective view of a baby carrier, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, which includes a winch reel system for adjusting the tension of the backrest relative to the shoulder harness.

[0014] [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a perspective view of a baby carrier with a winch reel system for adjusting backrest tension, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] [Figure 11A] Figure 11A is a perspective view of a baby carrier with a winch reel system for adjusting the vertical position of the backrest, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11B]FIG. 11B is a perspective view of a baby carrier with a winch reel system for adjusting the vertical position of the backrest, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] [Figure 12A] FIG. 12A is a front view of a baby carrier with a winch reel system for adjusting the vertical position of the blind, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12B] FIG. 12B is a front view of a baby carrier with a winch reel system for adjusting the vertical position of the blind, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] [Figure 13A] FIG. 13A is a perspective view and a plan view of a baby carrier with a winch reel system for adjusting the curvature of the backrest cushion, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13B] FIG. 13B is a perspective view and a plan view of a baby carrier with a winch reel system for adjusting the curvature of the backrest cushion, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] [Figure 13C] FIG. 13C is a plan view of an adjustable cushion within a baby carrier with a winch reel system for adjusting the position of the backrest cushion, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] [Figure 14A] FIG. 14A is a front view of a baby carrier with a winch reel system for adjusting the rotational position of the backrest, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14B] FIG. 14B is a front view of a baby carrier with a winch reel system for adjusting the rotational position of the backrest, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] [Figure 15A] Figure 15A is a perspective view of a baby carrier with a winch reel system for adjusting the rotational position of a backrest shade, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 15B] Figure 15B is a perspective view of a baby carrier with a winch reel system for adjusting the rotational position of a backrest shade, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a perspective view of a baby carrier with a winch reel system for adjusting the position of the side cushions of the backrest, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] [Figure 17A] Figure 17A is a front view of a baby carrier, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, which includes a winch reel system for adjusting the opening and closing of a backrest vent. [Figure 17B] Figure 17B is a perspective view of a baby carrier, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, which includes a winch reel system for adjusting the opening and closing of a back vent.

[0023] [Figure 18A] Figure 18A is a perspective view of a baby carrier, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, which includes a winch reel system for adjusting the vertical position of the leg pads on the backrest. [Figure 18B] Figure 18B is a perspective view of a baby carrier, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, which includes a winch reel system for adjusting the vertical position of the leg pads on the backrest.

[0024] [Figure 19A] Figure 19A is a perspective view of a child car seat with a winch reel system for adjusting the tension of a harness system, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 19B]Figure 19B is a perspective view of a child car seat with a winch reel system for adjusting the tension of a harness system, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] [Figure 20A] Figure 20A is a perspective view of a child car seat, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, which includes a winch reel system for adjusting tension in the upper tether connection to the car seat. [Figure 20B] Figure 20B is a rear view of a child car seat, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, which includes a winch reel system for adjusting tension in the upper tether connection to the car seat.

[0026] [Figure 21A] Figure 21A shows various illustrations of a child car seat with a winch reel system for adjusting the length of a stabilizer leg, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 21B] Figure 21B shows various illustrations of a child car seat with a winch reel system for adjusting the length of a stabilizer leg, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 21C] Figure 21C shows various illustrations of a child car seat with a winch reel system for adjusting the length of a stabilizer leg, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] [Figure 22A] Figure 22A is a front view of a child car seat according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, which includes a winch reel system for adjusting the spacing of soft goods cushions in the seat base and seat back of the car seat. [Figure 22B] Figure 22B is a front view of a child car seat according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, which includes a winch reel system for adjusting the spacing of soft goods cushions in the seat base and seat back of the car seat.

[0028] [Figure 23A] Figure 23A is a perspective view of a child car seat, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, which includes a winch reel system for adjusting the recline of the seat back relative to the seat bottom of the car seat. [Figure 23B] Figure 23B is a perspective view of a child car seat, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, which includes a winch reel system for adjusting the recline of the seat back relative to the seat bottom of the car seat.

[0029] [Figure 24A] Figure 24A shows various illustrations of a child car seat with a winch reel system for adjusting the rotation of the seat shell relative to the seat base, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 24B] Figure 24B shows various illustrations of a child car seat with a winch reel system for adjusting the rotation of the seat shell relative to the seat base, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 24C] Figure 24C shows various illustrations of a child car seat with a winch reel system for adjusting the rotation of the seat shell relative to the seat base, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] [Figure 25A] Figure 25A is a variety of side views of a child car seat, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, which includes a winch reel system for adjusting the vertical position of the seat base and seat back cushion. [Figure 25B] Figure 25B shows various side views of a child car seat with a winch reel system for adjusting the vertical position of the seat base and seat back cushion, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 25C]Figure 25C shows various perspective views of a child car seat with a winch reel system for adjusting the vertical position of the seat base and seat back cushion, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 25D] Figure 25D shows various perspective views of a child car seat with a winch reel system for adjusting the vertical position of the seat base and seat back cushion, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] [Figure 26] Figure 26 is a perspective view of a child car seat with a winch reel system for adjusting the tension of a seat cover relative to a seat shell, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] [Figure 27] Figure 27 is a perspective view of a child car seat according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, which includes a winch reel system for adjusting a ventilation opening to open and close along the seat bottom and seat back of the seat shell.

[0033] [Figure 28] Figure 28 is a perspective view of a child car seat, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, which includes a winch reel system for adjusting the vertical position of a cushion along the seat bottom of a seat shell.

[0034] [Figure 29] Figure 29 is a perspective view of a child car seat, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, which includes a winch reel system for adjusting the shape of a mesh cushion within the seat shell.

[0035] [Figure 30] Figure 30 is a perspective view of a child car seat, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, which includes a winch reel system for adjusting the tension of an ISOFIX member attached to the car seat.

[0036] [Figure 31A] Figure 31A is a perspective view of a child car seat, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, which includes a winch reel system for adjusting the length of a clasp coupled to a harness system. [Figure 31B] Figure 31B is a perspective view of a child car seat, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, which includes a winch reel system for adjusting the length of a clasp coupled to a harness system.

[0037] [Figure 32] Figure 32 is a perspective view of a child car seat with a remotely controlled winch reel system for adjusting any of the features discussed in Figures 19A to 31B, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] [Figure 33A] Figure 33A is a perspective view of a stroller equipped with a winch reel system for adjusting the tension of the stroller seat harness system, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 33B] Figure 33B is a perspective view of a stroller equipped with a winch reel system for adjusting the tension of the stroller seat harness system, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 33C] Figure 33C is a perspective view of a stroller equipped with a winch reel system for adjusting the tension of the stroller seat harness system, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] [Figure 34] Figure 34 is a perspective view of a stroller equipped with a winch reel system for adjusting the position of the footrest of the stroller seat, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] [Figure 35]Figure 35 is a side view of a stroller equipped with a winch reel system for extending and retracting a canopy over the stroller seat, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] [Figure 36] Figure 36 is a side view of a stroller equipped with a winch reel system for adjusting the height of the stroller, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] [Figure 37] Figures 37A to 37D of Figure 37 show various figures of a stroller equipped with a winch reel system for adjusting the seat bottom and seat back of the stroller seat from an upright position to a substantially flat position, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] [Figure 38A] Figure 38A is a perspective view of a stroller equipped with a winch reel system for adjusting the radius of the stroller's wheels, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 38B] Figure 38B is a perspective view of a stroller equipped with a winch reel system for adjusting the radius of the stroller's wheels, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 38C] Figure 38C is a perspective view of a stroller equipped with a winch reel system for adjusting the radius of the stroller's wheels, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 38D] Figure 38D is a perspective view of a stroller equipped with a winch reel system for adjusting the radius of the stroller's wheels, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 38E] Figure 38E is a perspective view of a stroller equipped with a winch reel system for adjusting the radius of the stroller's wheels, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] [Figure 39A]Figure 39A is a perspective view of a stroller equipped with a winch reel system for adjusting the width of the stroller frame, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 39B] Figure 39B is a perspective view of a stroller equipped with a winch reel system for adjusting the width of the stroller frame, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] [Figure 40] Figure 40 is a perspective view of a stroller equipped with a winch reel system for lifting the bottom of the stroller seat, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] [Figure 41] Figure 41 is a perspective view of a stroller equipped with a winch reel system for adjusting the resistance of one or more wheels of the stroller, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] [Figure 42A] Figure 42A is a perspective view of a stroller, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, which includes a winch reel system for adjusting ventilation from open to closed in one or more soft goods cushions of the stroller seat. [Figure 42B] Figure 42B is a perspective view of a stroller according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, which includes a winch reel system for adjusting ventilation from open to closed in one or more soft goods cushions of the stroller seat.

[0048] [Figure 43A] Figure 43A is a perspective view of a stroller equipped with a winch reel system for adjusting the tension of soft goods in the stroller seat, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 43B] Figure 43B is a rear view of a stroller equipped with a winch reel system for adjusting the tension of soft goods in the stroller seat, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] [Figure 44] Figure 44 is a perspective view of a stroller, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, which includes a winch reel system for adjusting the tension of an additional pad optionally attached to the stroller seat.

[0050] [Figure 45A] Figure 45A is a perspective view of a stroller equipped with a rain cover, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, which includes a winch reel system for adjusting the tension of the open end of the cover and fastening it to the stroller frame of the stroller. [Figure 45B] Figure 45B is a perspective view of a stroller equipped with a rain cover, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, which includes a winch reel system for adjusting the tension of the open end of the cover and fastening it to the stroller frame of the stroller.

[0051] [Figure 46A] Figure 46A is a perspective view of a stroller equipped with a winch reel system for adjusting the tension of a mosquito net along the stroller frame of the stroller, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 46B] Figure 46B is a perspective view of a stroller equipped with a winch reel system for adjusting the tension of a mosquito net along the stroller frame of the stroller, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0052] [Figure 47A] Figure 47A is a perspective view of a stroller equipped with a winch reel system for adjusting tension around the opening of a shopping container from open to closed, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 47B] Figure 47B is a perspective view of a stroller with a winch reel system for adjusting tension around the opening of a shopping container from open to closed, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0053] [Figure 48A] Figure 48A is a side view of a stroller equipped with a winch reel system for adjusting the stroller to a fully folded position, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 48B] Figure 48B is a side view of a stroller equipped with a winch reel system for adjusting the stroller to a fully folded position, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0054] [Figure 49A] Figure 49A is a perspective view of a stroller equipped with a winch reel system for adjusting the position of a blanket or cover along the stroller seat, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 49B] Figure 49B is a perspective view of a stroller equipped with a winch reel system for adjusting the position of a blanket or cover along the stroller seat, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0055] [Figure 50] Figure 50 is a perspective view of a child locker equipped with a winch reel system for adjusting the tension of the locker's harness system, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0056] [Figure 51A] Figure 51A is a perspective view of a child's locker with a winch reel system for adjusting the width and length of the locker seat, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 51B] Figure 51B is a plan view of a child's locker with a winch reel system for adjusting the width and length of the locker seat, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0057] [Figure 52A] Figure 52A is a side view of a child's locker with a winch reel system for adjusting the height of the locker seat, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 52B] Figure 52B is a side view of a child's locker with a winch reel system for adjusting the height of the locker seat, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0058] [Figure 53A] Figure 53A is a perspective view of a child's locker with a winch reel system for adjusting the tilt of the locker seat, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 53B] Figure 53B is a side view of a child's locker with a winch reel system for adjusting the tilt of the locker seat, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0059] [Figure 54] Figure 54 is a perspective view of a child's locker with a winch reel system for adjusting the opacity of the locker seat canopy, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0060] [Figure 55A] Figure 55A shows various illustrations of a toddler rocker with a winch reel system for adjusting the tension of the elastic body of the rocker mechanism of the rocker seat, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 55B] Figure 55B shows various illustrations of a toddler rocker with a winch reel system for adjusting the tension of the elastic body of the rocker mechanism of the rocker seat, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 55C] Figure 55C shows various illustrations of a toddler rocker with a winch reel system for adjusting the tension of the elastic body of the rocker mechanism of the rocker seat, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0061] [Figure 56A] Figure 56A is a perspective view of a child's locker with a winch reel system for adjusting the position of the rocker cam of the rocker seat, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 56B] Figure 56B is a side view of a child's rocker, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, which includes a winch reel system for adjusting the position of the rocker cam of the rocker seat.

[0062] [Figure 57A] Figure 57A is a perspective and side view of a child's locker equipped with a winch reel system for adjusting the tension of a locker sheet mosquito net, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 57B] Figure 57B shows a perspective and side view of a child's locker equipped with a winch reel system for adjusting the tension of a locker seat mosquito net, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0063] [Figure 58A] Figure 58A is a perspective view of a child's rocker with a winch reel system for adjusting the tension of a mobile rocker seat, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 58B] Figure 58B is a perspective view of a child's rocker with a winch reel system for adjusting the tension of a mobile rocker seat, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0064] [Figure 59A] Figure 59A is a perspective view of a playpen equipped with a winch reel system for adjusting the tension of the upper rail member of the playpen, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 59B] Figure 59B is a perspective view of a playpen equipped with a winch reel system for adjusting the tension of the upper rail member of the playpen, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0065] [Figure 60A] Figure 60A is a perspective view of a playard equipped with a winch reel system for adjusting the tension of the upper and lower rail members of the playard, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 60B] Figure 60B is a side view of a playard equipped with a winch reel system for adjusting the tension of the upper and lower rail members of the playard, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0066] [Figure 61] Figure 61 is a perspective view of a player with a winch reel system for adjusting the opacity of one or more side panels of the player, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0067] [Figure 62A] Figure 62A is a perspective view of a playard equipped with a winch reel system for adjusting the playard's volume, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 62B] Figure 62B is a perspective view of a playard equipped with a winch reel system for adjusting the playard's volume, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0068] [Figure 63] Figure 63 is a perspective view of a playpen with a winch reel system for adjusting the vertical position of the playpen's floor panel, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0069] [Figure 64A] Figure 64A is a perspective view of a playpen equipped with a winch reel system for adjusting the tension of the playpen's floor panels, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 64B] Figure 64B is a perspective view of a playpen equipped with a winch reel system for adjusting the tension of the playpen's floor panels, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0070] [Figure 65A]Figure 65A is a perspective view of a playard equipped with a winch reel system for closing the playard, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 65B] Figure 65B is a perspective view of a playard equipped with a winch reel system for closing the playard, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0071] [Figure 66A] Figure 66A is a perspective view of a playard, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, which includes a winch reel system for adjusting the tension of a perimeter band positioned around the side panel of the playard. [Figure 66B] Figure 66B is a perspective view of a playard, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, which includes a winch reel system for adjusting the tension of a perimeter band positioned around the side panel of the playard.

[0072] [Figure 67] Figure 67 is a perspective view of a booster seat, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, which includes a winch reel system for adjusting the tension of a coupling element that connects the booster seat to a chair.

[0073] [Figure 68A] Figure 68A is a perspective view of a booster seat with a winch reel system for adjusting the height of the booster seat, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 68B] Figure 68B is a front view of a booster seat with a winch reel system for adjusting the height of the booster seat, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0074] [Figure 69] Figure 69 is a perspective view of a baby gate according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, which includes a winch reel system for adjusting the tension of a coupling element that connects the baby gate to a wall or other element.

[0075] [Figure 70] Figure 70 is a perspective view of a bouncer with a winch reel system for adjusting the length of the bouncer strap, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0076] [Figure 71A] Figure 71A is a perspective view of a waste bin with a winch reel system for closing a waste bag inside the waste bin, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 71B] Figure 71B is a perspective view of a waste bin equipped with a winch reel system for closing a waste bag within the waste bin, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0077] [Figure 72A] Figure 72A is a perspective view of a mat with a winch reel system for closing the mat, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 72B] Figure 72B is a perspective view of a mat with a winch reel system for closing the mat, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0078] Detailed description of exemplary embodiments While embodiments are described herein in detail so that those skilled in the art can put them into practice, it should be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and logical modifications may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure or the invention. Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments are described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings illustrating them. However, the concepts disclosed herein can be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the exemplary embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so as to make this disclosure thorough and complete and to fully convey the scope of the concepts to those skilled in the art. Similar numbers throughout refer to similar elements, but are not necessarily the same or identical. Throughout the disclosure, singular and plural terms may be used interchangeably as contextually.

[0079] Certain relationships between features of winch reel systems and / or child containment devices are described herein using the terms “substantially” or “substantially equal.” As used herein, the terms “substantially” and “substantially equal” indicate that an equal relationship is not an exact relationship and does not exclude functionally similar variations therefrom. Unless otherwise indicated in the context or description, the use of the terms “substantially” or “substantially equal” in relation to two or more dimensions described indicates that an equal relationship between dimensions includes variations in which the least significant digit of the dimension does not change when using mathematical and industrial principles accepted in the art (e.g., rounding, measurement or other systematic errors, manufacturing tolerances, etc.). “Substantially parallel” here means that a parallel relationship is not an exact relationship and does not exclude functionally similar variations therefrom. In this specification, the terms “substantially orthogonal” or “substantially perpendicular” indicate that an orthogonal relationship is not an exact relationship and does not exclude functionally similar variations therefrom.

[0080] The winch reel system described herein allows for easy and safe adjustment of specific functions of a child containment device.

[0081] While these winch reel systems are generally described herein in relation to child containment devices, it should be understood that the winch reel systems described herein may also be used in products other than child containment devices. For example, the winch reel systems described herein may be applied to waste bins, mats, and other products.

[0082] Figures 1A and 1B are perspective views of a one-way winch reel system for use with a child containment device, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring here to Figures 1A and 1B, the one-way winch reel system 100 may include a winch reel 105 that is movably coupled to a winch housing. The one-way winch reel system 100 may also include a first line, wire, cable, cord, rope, monofilament, elastic body, spring, braid, strand, string, hawser, tape, thread, ribbon, twisted yarn, weaving yarn, cord, filis, crease, or strap 110 (hereinafter collectively referred to as wire). The first wire 110 may include a first end connected to the winch reel 105 and a distal second end which may be configured to be directly or indirectly connected to a part of the child containment device. In certain embodiments, the one-way winch reel system 100 may also include a second wire 115 having a first end coupled to the winch reel 105 and a distal second end that may be configured to be directly or indirectly coupled to another part of the child containment device. In one embodiment, the child containment device may include a first element 120 and a second distal element 125. In one embodiment, the winch reel 105 and winch housing may be coupled to the first element 120 or arranged along the first element 120. In other embodiments, the winch reel 105 and winch housing may be located anywhere on the child containment device.

[0083] In some embodiments of the one-way winch reel system 100, rotating the winch reel 105 in direction A will cause portions of the first wire 110 and the second wire 115 to be wound onto the winch reel 105's winding mechanism (e.g., a shaft or one or more channels along the shaft), thereby moving the first element 120 in direction B toward the second distal element 125. Thus, the one-way winch reel system 100 allows for adjustment of the elements of the child containment device through the rotation of the winch reel 105 in the first direction. To release the first wire 110 and the second wire 115, the winch reel 105 can be popped or pulled axially outward in direction C. The weight of the first element 120 or a spring-biased element (such as a torsion spring) then rotates the winch reel 105 in the opposite direction to direction A, allowing the first element 120 to move in the opposite direction to direction B relative to the second distal element 125. In some embodiments, the winch reel 105 may include a pop-out element which may be spring-biased by a spring or other element. When the pop-out element is spring-biased, it can be positioned in a pop-in position or an inward position.

[0084] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a bidirectional winch reel system for use with a child containment device, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring here to Figure 2, the bidirectional winch reel system 200 may include a winch reel 205 that is movably coupled to the winch housing. The bidirectional winch reel system 200 may also include a first wire 110. The first wire 110 may include a first end coupled to the winch reel 205 and a distal second end which may be configured to be directly or indirectly coupled to a part of the child containment device. In certain embodiments, the bidirectional winch reel system 200 may also include a second wire 115 having a first end coupled to the winch reel 205 and a distal second end that may be configured to be directly or indirectly coupled to another part of the child containment device. In one embodiment, the child containment device may include a first element 120 and a second distal element 125, wherein the distal second end of the first wire 110 may be configured to be directly or indirectly connected to a first portion of the second distal element 125, and the distal second end of the second wire 115 may be configured to be directly or indirectly connected to a second portion of the second distal element 125. In some embodiments, the winch reel 205 and winch housing may be connected to the first element 120 or arranged along the first element 120. In other embodiments, the winch reel 205 and winch housing may be arranged at any location along the child containment device.

[0085] In some embodiments of the bidirectional winch reel system 200, rotating the winch reel 205 in direction A will cause portions of the first wire 110 and the second wire 115 to be wound onto the winch reel 205's winding mechanism (e.g., one or more channels along a shaft or shaft coupled to the winch reel 205), thereby moving the first element 120 in direction C toward the second distal element 125. Thus, the bidirectional winch reel system allows for adjustment of elements of the child containment device through the rotation of the winch reel 205 in the first direction. In some embodiments of the bidirectional winch reel system, rotating the winch reel 205 in direction B will cause portions of the first wire 110 and the second wire 115 to unwind on the winch reel 205's winding mechanism (e.g., one or more channels along a shaft or shaft coupled to the winch reel 205), thereby moving the first element 120 in direction D away from the second distal element 125. Thus, the bidirectional winch reel system also allows for adjustment of elements of the child containment device through rotation of the winch reel 205 in a second direction.

[0086] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a multi-cord winch reel system for use with a child containment device, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring here to Figure 3, the multi-cord winch reel system 300 may include a winch reel 305 movably coupled to the winch housing. The winch reel 305 may be a unidirectional winch reel 105 as shown in Figures 1A-1B, or a bidirectional winch reel 205 as shown in Figure 2. The system may also include a first wire 110. The first wire 110 may include a first end coupled to the winch reel 305 and a distal second end which may be configured to be directly or indirectly coupled to a part of the child containment device. In certain examples, the multi-cord winch reel system 300 may also include a second wire 115 which may have a first end coupled to the winch reel 305 and a distal second end which may be configured to be coupled directly or indirectly to another part of the child containment device. The multi-cord winch reel system 300 may also include a third wire 310 which may have a first end coupled to the winch reel 305 and a distal second end which may be configured to be directly or indirectly coupled to yet another part of the child containment device. In one example, the child containment device may include a first element 120 and other elements (not shown).

[0087] In one example, adjusting the length and / or tension of the first wire 110 and / or the second wire 115 causes the first element 120 to move in a first direction. In another example, adjusting the length and / or tension of the third wire 310 causes the first element 120 to move in a second direction different from the first direction. In yet another example, adjusting the length and / or tension of the third wire 310 causes different parts of the first element 120 to move. Accordingly, a single winch reel 305 can be configured to move a single element in multiple directions at once, and / or to move multiple elements of a child containment device at once. In one example, the winch reel 305 and winch housing can be coupled to or positioned along the first element 120, while in other examples, the winch reel 305 and winch housing can be positioned at any location along the child containment device.

[0088] In some embodiments of the multi-cord winch reel system 300, rotating the winch reel 305 in a first direction will cause portions of the first wire 110, second wire 115, and third wire 310 to be wound onto the winding mechanism of the winch reel 305 (e.g., a shaft, or one or more channels along a shaft coupled to the winch reel 305). In some embodiments of the multi-cord winch reel system 300, rotating the winch reel 305 in a second direction (opposite to the first direction) (or pulling the winch reel 305 axially outward to pop it out and release the winding) will cause portions of the first wire 110, second wire 115, and third wire 310 to unwind onto the winding of the winch reel 305 (e.g., a shaft, or one or more channels along a shaft coupled to the winch reel 305). In another embodiment, pulling the winch reel 305 axially outward can cause the winch reel 305 to pop out and release the winding, thereby allowing portions of the first wire 110, the second wire 115, and the third wire 310 to be unwound.

[0089] In other embodiments, the multi-cord winch reel system 300 may include three or more wires.

[0090] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a pull-cord winch reel system for use with a child containment device, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring here to Figure 4, the pull-cord winch reel system 400 may include a winch reel 405 that is movably coupled to the winch housing. The pull-cord winch reel system 400 may also include a first wire 110. The first wire 110 may include a first end coupled to the winch reel 405 and a distal second end which may be configured to be directly or indirectly coupled to a part of the child containment device. In certain embodiments, the pull-string winch reel system 400 may also include a second wire 115 having a first end coupled to the winch reel 405 and a distal second end which may be configured to be directly or indirectly coupled to another part of the child containment device. In one example, the child containment device may include a first element 120 and a second distal element 125. In some embodiments, the distal second end of the first wire 110 may be configured to be directly or indirectly connected to the first portion of the second distal element 125, and the distal second end of the second wire 115 may be configured to be directly or indirectly connected to the second portion of the second distal element 125. In one example, the winch reel 405 and winch housing can be coupled to or positioned along the first element 120, while in other examples, the winch reel 405 and winch housing can be positioned anywhere along the child containment device. In other embodiments, additional wires can be used in the pull-cord winch reel system 400.

[0091] The pull cord winch reel 405 may have a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the first wire 110 and the second wire 115 cannot move through the pull cord winch reel 405. In the unlocked position, the user can pull the first wire 110 and the second wire 115 through the pull cord winch reel 405 using the pull cord ends 410 attached to the first wire 110 and the second wire 115. The pull cord winch reel 405 can be adjusted from the locked position to the unlocked position by rotating the pull cord winch reel 405 in a first direction, and the pull cord winch reel 405 can be adjusted from the unlocked position to the locked position by rotating the pull cord winch reel 405 in a second direction opposite to the first direction. In one example, pulling the pull cord end 410 pulls the portions of the first wire 110 and the second wire 115 through the pull cord winch reel 405, causing the first element 120 to move toward the second distal element 125. Therefore, unlocking the pull cord winch reel 405 without pulling the pull cord end 410 allows the first wire 110 and the second wire 115 to return through the pull cord winch reel 405, thereby allowing the first element 120 to move toward the second distal element 125 of the child containment device.

[0092] Figure 5 is a perspective view of an elastic section that may be incorporated into any of the winch reel systems of Figures 1A to 4 for use with a child containment device, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring now to Figure 5, one or more wires, such as the first wire 110, the second wire 115, the third wire 310 (not shown in Figure 5), and / or any additional wires as described in Figures 1A to 4, may also include the elastic member 505. The elastic member 505 may have a first end 510 directly or indirectly coupled to the second distal element 125 or the mounting hook, and a distal second end 515 coupled to the second end of the first wire 110. In other embodiments, the second distal end 515 may be coupled to the distal second end of the second wire 115 or any other wire. The elastic member 505 may be made of any type of elastic material known to those skilled in the art. Providing elastic members 505 to the first wire 110, the second wire 115, and / or any other additional wires can provide the winch reel system with a small range of motion and flexibility, as well as additional comfort for the child in the child containment device. In Figure 5, the elastic member 505 is shown positioned at the distal second ends of the first wire 110 and the second wire 115, but this is for illustrative purposes only. In other exemplary embodiments, the elastic member 505 may be positioned between two separate portions of the first wire 110 and / or the second wire 115.

[0093] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a quick-release lever that may be incorporated into any of the winch reel systems of Figures 1A to 4 for use with a child containment device, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figure 6, the winch reel system may also include a quick-release mechanism 605. In a particular exemplary embodiment, the quick-release mechanism 605 may be coupled to one wire (e.g., the first wire 110). In other embodiments, multiple quick-release mechanisms may be provided, such that there is one quick-release mechanism coupled to each of the first wire 110, the second wire 115, and any additional wires. As shown in Figure 6, the quick-release mechanism 605 may include a lever 610 in certain exemplary embodiments. The lever 610 can be manually adjusted by the user to rotate the quick-release mechanism 605 from a locked position to an unlocked position. In the locked position, the first wire 110 will not be able to move through the quick-release mechanism 605. In the unlocked position, the first wire 110 can be quickly pulled through the quick-release mechanism 605, allowing the first element 120 to move toward the second distal element 125.

[0094] Figures 7A and 7B are front views of a tension indicator system, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, which may be incorporated into any of the winch reel systems of Figures 1A to 4 for use with a child containment device. Referring here to FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B of Figure 7, one or more wires or tethers 705 may include a tension indicator system 710. Each tension indicator system 710 can be made of the first material. As shown in FIG. 7A, the first material may include one or more slits or openings 715a to 715c. The tension indicator system 710 may have a first end 711 coupled to a first portion of the wire or tether 705 and a distal second end 712 coupled to a second portion of the wire or tether 705. As shown in FIG. 7B, the tension indicator system 710 may be placed on top of the second material 720. The first material is elastic and may be designed to stretch longitudinally. The elastic material of the first material may be any elastic material known to those skilled in the art. When tension is applied to the wire or tether 705, the first material is stretched longitudinally, causing the slits or openings 715a to 715c to open in directions A and B, respectively, and thus the second material 720 is exposed to the outside. The tension indicator system 710 may further include additional slits or openings. Exposing the second material 720 to the outside can provide the user with a visual indication that sufficient tension has been applied to that particular wire or tether 705. When the tension of the wire or tether 705 is reduced, the first material is no longer stretched longitudinally, thereby closing or substantially closing each of the slits or openings 715a to 715c, and thus the second material 720 is covered from the external view by the user of the child containment device.

[0095] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a baby carrier 800 with a winch reel system according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Any one or more of the winch reel systems and features shown in Figures 1A to 7 may be used as the winch reel system described herein. Referring to Figure 8, the baby carrier 800 may include a first shoulder harness 805, a second shoulder harness 810, a waist harness 815, and a carrier backrest 820. The first shoulder harness 805 can be configured to rest on the caregiver's first shoulder, and the second shoulder harness 810 can be configured to rest on the caregiver's second shoulder. In one example, the first shoulder harness 805 and the second shoulder harness 810 may include a foldable fabric material 825 along at least a portion of the first shoulder harness 805 and the second shoulder harness 810.

[0096] The first winch reel 835 and the second winch reel 845 can be positioned along the first shoulder harness 805 and the second shoulder harness 810, respectively, and may include wires extending through a foldable fabric material 825. By rotating and adjusting the first winch reel 835, the length of the foldable material 825 can be shortened or lengthened, thereby changing the overall length of the first shoulder harness 805. Similarly, by rotating and adjusting the second winch reel 845, the length of the foldable material 825 can be shortened or lengthened, thereby changing the overall length of the second shoulder harness 810. In addition to this exemplary embodiment, or in another exemplary embodiment, the first shoulder harness 805 and the second shoulder harness 810 may include tension indicators (such as those described in Figure 7) positioned along the first shoulder harness 805 and the second shoulder harness 810. By using the first winch reel 835 and the second winch reel 845, respectively, to tighten the first shoulder harness 805 and the second shoulder harness 810, the tension of the first shoulder harness 805 and the second shoulder harness 810 can be increased, thereby opening slits such as slits 715a to 715c in the first material of the tension indicator system 710, and exposing the second material 720 to the outside. By exposing the second material 720 to the outside, an indication can be provided to the caregiver when sufficient tension has been applied to the first shoulder harness 805 and the second shoulder harness 810.

[0097] In this exemplary embodiment or another exemplary embodiment, the waist harness 815 may include a foldable fabric material 830 arranged along at least a portion of the waist harness 815. The third winch reel 840 and the fourth winch reel 850 may include wires extending through a foldable fabric material 830, which can be positioned along the waist harness 815. By rotating and adjusting the third winch reel 840 and the fourth winch reel 850, the length of the foldable fabric material 830 can be shortened or lengthened, thereby shortening or lengthening the overall length of the waist harness 815. In addition to this exemplary embodiment, or in another exemplary embodiment, the waist harness 815 may include a tension indicator system 710 (such as the one described in Figure 7) positioned along the waist harness 815. By using the third winch reel 840 and the fourth winch reel 850 to tighten the waist harness 815, the tension of the waist harness 815 can be increased, thereby opening slits such as slits 715a to 715c in the first material of the tension indicator system 710, and exposing the second material 720 to the outside. By exposing the second material 720 to the outside, an indication can be provided to the caregiver when sufficient tension has been applied to the waist harness 815.

[0098] Figure 9 is a perspective view of a baby carrier, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, which includes a winch reel system for adjusting the tension of the backrest relative to the shoulder harness. Any one or more of the winch reel systems and features shown in Figures 1A to 7 may be used as the winch reel system described herein. Furthermore, the features described in Figure 9 may be provided separately from or in addition to any of the features described in Figure 8. Referring to Figure 9, the baby carrier 900 may include a first shoulder harness 905, a second shoulder harness 910, a waist harness 915, and a carrier backrest 920. The first shoulder harness 905 can be configured to rest on the caregiver's first shoulder, and the second shoulder harness 910 can be configured to rest on the caregiver's second shoulder. In certain cases, the baby carrier 900 may include a winch reel system for tightening the carrier backrest 920 toward the first shoulder harness 905 and the second shoulder harness 910. For example, the winch reel 935 may be coupled to the outer side of the carrier backrest 920.

[0099] The baby carrier 900 may also include a first wire 925 having a first end 927 connected to a first shoulder harness 905 and a distal second end 929 connected to a winch reel 935. The baby carrier 900 may also include a second wire 930 having a first end 931 connected to a second shoulder harness 910 and a distal second end connected to a winch reel 935. In one example, the winch reel 935 is a unidirectional or bidirectional reel. When the winch reel 935 is rotated in the first direction, the first wire 925 and the second wire 930 are wound onto the winch reel 935, and the carrier backrest 920 is moved in direction A toward the first shoulder harness 905 and the second shoulder harness 910. When the winch reel 935 is rotated in the second direction or popped out and the winding is released, the carrier backrest 920 moves in direction B away from the first shoulder harness 905 and the second shoulder harness 910. In certain exemplary embodiments, the winch reel 935 may also include one or more positioning settings, allowing for adjustment of the first wire 925 and the second wire 927, and thus allowing for different lengths between the upper end of the carrier backrest 920 and the first shoulder harness 905 and the second shoulder harness 910.

[0100] Figure 10 is a perspective view of a baby carrier with a winch reel system for adjusting backrest tension, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Any one or more of the winch reel systems and features shown in Figures 1A to 7 may be used as the winch reel system described herein. Furthermore, the features described in Figure 10 may be provided separately from, or in addition to, any of the features described in Figures 8 and / or 9. Referring to Figure 10, the baby carrier 1000 may include a first shoulder harness 1005, a second shoulder harness 1010, a waist harness 1015, a chest harness 1050, and a carrier backrest 1020. The first shoulder harness 1005 can be configured to rest on the caregiver's first shoulder, and the second shoulder harness 1010 can be configured to rest on the caregiver's second shoulder.

[0101] In a specific example, the baby carrier 1000 may include a winch reel system for tightening the carrier backrest 1020 toward the first shoulder harness 1005, the second shoulder harness 1010, the waist harness 1015, and the chest harness 1050. For example, the winch reel 1055 may be coupled to the outer side of the carrier backrest 1020. The carrier backrest 1020 may include a first shoulder strap mounting arm 1025, a second shoulder strap mounting arm 1035, and a first chest harness mounting arm 1045. The carrier backrest 1020 may also include a second chest harness mounting arm, which is not shown in Figure 10. The first shoulder strap mounting arm 1025 can be attached to the second shoulder harness 1010 at a first connection point 1030, while the second shoulder strap mounting arm 1035 can be attached to the first shoulder harness 1005 at a second connection point 1040. The baby carrier 1000 may also include several wires 1060 connected to the winch reel 1055. One wire 1060 may extend through or be connected to a portion of the first shoulder strap attachment arm 1025 and a portion of the second shoulder harness 1010. Another wire 1060 may extend through or be connected to a portion of the second shoulder strap attachment arm 1035 and a portion of the first shoulder harness 1005. Another wire 1060 may extend through or be connected to a portion of the first chest harness attachment arm 1045 and a portion of the chest harness 1050. Another wire 1060 may extend through or be connected to a portion of the second chest attachment arm (not shown in Figure 10) and a portion of the chest harness 1050. Another wire 1060 may extend through or be connected to the first portion of the waist harness 1015, while another wire 1060 may extend through or be connected to the second portion of the waist harness 1015.

[0102] In one example, the winch reel 1055 is a multi-cord reel. When the winch reel 1055 is rotated in the first direction, multiple wires 1060 are wound onto the winch reel 1055, and the carrier backrest 1020 is moved toward the first shoulder harness 1005, the second shoulder harness 1010, the chest harness 1050, and the waist harness 1015. Thus, when the winch reel 1055 is rotated in the first direction, the carrier backrest 1020 is simultaneously fastened toward the first shoulder harness 1005, the second shoulder harness 1010, the chest harness 1050, and the waist harness 1015. When the winch reel 1055 is rotated in the second direction or popped out and the winding is released, the carrier backrest 1020 moves in the opposite direction, simultaneously away from the first shoulder harness 1005, the second shoulder harness 1010, the chest harness 1050, and the waist harness 1015.

[0103] Figures 11A and 11B are perspective views of a baby carrier with a winch reel system for adjusting the vertical position of the backrest, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Any one or more of the winch reel systems and features shown in Figures 1A to 7 may be used as the winch reel described herein. Furthermore, the features described in Figures 11A and 11B may be provided separately from or in addition to any of the features described in Figures 8 to 10. Referring to Figures 11A and 11B, the baby carrier 1100 may include a first shoulder harness 1105, a second shoulder harness (not shown in Figure 11), a waist harness 1115, and a carrier backrest 1120. The first shoulder harness 1105 may be configured to rest on the caregiver's first shoulder, and the second shoulder harness may be configured to rest on the caregiver's second shoulder.

[0104] In certain examples, the baby carrier 1100 may include a winch reel system for tightening the carrier backrest 1120 toward the first shoulder harness 1105, the second shoulder harness, and the waist harness 1115, and for raising and lowering the carrier backrest 1120 toward the waist harness 1115. For example, a winch reel 1140 may be coupled to the outer side of the carrier backrest 1120. In some examples, additional winch reels may be provided to the baby carrier 1000, such as an additional winch reel 1125 located toward the first shoulder harness 1105. Furthermore, foldable fabric material 1142 can extend from the lower end of the carrier backrest 1120 to the waist harness 1115. Additional foldable fabric material 1127 can extend from each side edge of the carrier backrest 1120 to the respective first shoulder harnesses 1105 and second shoulder harnesses. A first wire 1130 can extend from the winch reel 1140 through a foldable fabric material 1127 to the first shoulder harness 1105. A second wire 1135 (not shown) can extend from the winch reel 1140 through a foldable fabric material 1127 to the second shoulder harness. A third wire 1145 can extend from the winch reel 1140 through a foldable fabric material 1142 to the waist harness 1115.

[0105] For example, the winch reel 1140 is a multi-cord reel. When the winch reel 1140 is rotated in the first direction, the first wire 1130, the second wire 1135, and the third wire 1145 are wound onto the winch reel 1140. As a result, the carrier backrest 1120 is moved in direction C toward the first shoulder harness 1105 and the second shoulder harness 1110, and the carrier backrest 1120 is lifted vertically upward in direction A toward the waist harness 1115. Moving the carrier backrest 1120 in directions A and C then fastens the carrier backrest 1120 simultaneously to the first shoulder harness 1105, the second shoulder harness, and the waist harness 1115. By adjusting the backrest 1120 upward and toward the caregiver in this way, the child's center of gravity in the baby carrier 1100 is shifted, thereby reducing the amount of fatigue experienced by the caregiver. When the winch reel 1140 is rotated in the second direction or popped out and the winding is released, the carrier backrest 1120 is moved in direction D away from the first shoulder harness 1105 and the second shoulder harness 1110, and at the same time, the carrier backrest 1120 is lowered vertically downward in direction B relative to the waist harness 1115. When the carrier backrest 1120 is moved in directions B and D, the carrier backrest 1120 then loosens simultaneously relative to the first shoulder harness 1105, the second shoulder harness, and the waist harness 1125.

[0106] Figures 12A and 12B are front views of a baby carrier equipped with a winch reel system for adjusting the vertical position of a blind, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Any one or more of the winch reel systems and features shown in Figures 1A to 7 may be used as the winch reel described herein. Furthermore, the features described in Figures 12A and 12B may be provided separately from or in addition to any of the features described in Figures 8 to 11. Referring here to Figures 12A and 12B, the baby carrier 1200 may include a first shoulder harness 1205, a second shoulder harness 1210, a waist harness, and a carrier backrest 1220. The first shoulder harness 1205 can be configured to rest on the caregiver's first shoulder, and the second shoulder harness 1210 can be configured to rest on the caregiver's second shoulder. In a particular example, the carrier backrest 1220 may include a window area along the upper edge of the carrier backrest 1220 and an adjustable blind 1225 coupled to a winch reel system for raising and lowering the adjustable blind 1225. For example, the winch reel 1235 may be coupled to the outer side of the carrier backrest 1220. The wire 1230 may have a first end coupled to the winch reel 1235 and a distal second end coupled to the upper edge of the adjustable blind 1225.

[0107] For example, the winch reel 1235 is a bidirectional reel. When the winch reel 1235 is rotated in the first direction, the wire 1230 is wound onto the winch reel 1235, and the blind 1225, which is adjustable downward in direction B relative to the carrier backrest 1220, is moved, thereby opening a window area to allow the child to be seen when the child is placed in a forward-facing position inside the baby carrier 1200. When the winch reel 1235 is rotated in the second direction, the wire 1230 is unwound from the winch reel 1235, and the adjustable blind 1225 is moved vertically upward in direction A relative to the carrier backrest 1220, thereby closing the window area and providing a headrest when the child is placed in a rearward-facing position inside the baby carrier 1200. In some embodiments, the adjustable blind 1225 can be made of a flexible or cushioned material.

[0108] Figures 13A–13C are perspective and plan views of a baby carrier with a winch reel system for adjusting the curvature of a back cushion, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Any one or more of the winch reel systems and features shown in Figures 1A to 7 may be used as the winch reel described herein. Furthermore, the features described in Figures 13A to 13C may be provided separately from or in addition to any of the features described in Figures 8 to 12. Referring here to Figures 13A to 13C, the baby carrier 1300 may include a first shoulder harness 1305, a second shoulder harness 1310, a waist harness 1315, and a carrier backrest 1320. The first shoulder harness 1305 can be configured to rest on the caregiver's first shoulder, and the second shoulder harness 1310 can be configured to rest on the caregiver's second shoulder. In certain examples, the carrier backrest 1320 may include at least one adjustable cushion 1340 coupled to a winch reel system to increase or decrease the spacing between the edges of each adjustable cushion. In some embodiments, the carrier backrest 1320 may include an adjustable upper cushion and an adjustable bottom cushion. In other embodiments, the carrier backrest 1320 may include only one adjustable cushion.

[0109] As shown in Figure 13C, each adjustable cushion may include a first end 1345 positioned adjacent to a first side of the carrier backrest 1320 and a second end 1350 positioned adjacent to a second side of the carrier backrest 1320. The first winch reel 1325 can be coupled to the outer side of the carrier backrest 1320. The first wire 1330 may have a first end coupled to the first winch reel 1325 and a distal second end coupled to the first end 1345 of the adjustable upper cushion. The second wire 1335 may have a first end coupled to the first winch reel 1325 and a distal second end coupled to the second end 1350 of the adjustable upper cushion. The second winch reel 1355 can be coupled to the outer side of the carrier backrest 1320 at a vertical position below the first winch reel 1325. The third wire 1360 may have a first end coupled to the second winch reel 1355 and a distal second end coupled to the first end 1345 of the adjustable bottom cushion. The fourth wire 1365 may have a first end coupled to the second winch reel 1355 and a distal second end coupled to the second end 1350 of the adjustable bottom cushion.

[0110] When the first winch reel 1325 is rotated in the first direction, the first wire 1330 and the second wire 1335 are wound onto the winding of the first winch reel 1325, and then the first end 1345 of the adjustable upper cushion is moved in direction A and the second end 1350 of the adjustable upper cushion is moved in direction C. As a result, the first end 1345 of the adjustable upper cushion and the second end 1350 of the adjustable bottom cushion are moved toward each other. When the first winch reel 1325 is rotated in the second direction, the first wire 1330 and the second wire 1335 are unwound from the winding of the first winch reel 1325, so that the first end 1345 of the adjustable upper cushion moves in direction B and the second end 1350 of the adjustable upper cushion moves in direction D. As a result, the first end 1345 of the adjustable upper cushion and the second end 1350 of the adjustable bottom cushion move away from each other.

[0111] When the second winch reel 1355 is rotated in the first direction, the third wire 1360 and the fourth wire 1365 are wound onto the winding of the second winch reel 1355, so that the first end 1345 of the adjustable bottom cushion moves in direction A and the second end 1350 of the bottom cushion moves in direction C. As a result, the first end 1345 of the adjustable bottom cushion and the second end 1350 of the adjustable bottom cushion move toward each other. When the second winch reel 1355 is rotated in the second direction, the third wire 1360 and the fourth wire 1365 are unwound from the winding of the second winch reel 1355, so that the first end 1345 of the adjustable bottom cushion moves in direction B and the second end 1350 of the adjustable bottom cushion moves in direction D. As a result, the first end 1345 of the adjustable top cushion and the second end 1350 of the adjustable bottom cushion move away from each other.

[0112] By providing both the first winch reel 1325 and the second winch reel 1355, more refined adjustment of the cushions in the child's head and body areas within the baby carrier 1300 is possible, thus creating one that better fits the child. However, as shown in Figure 13A, the single winch reel can be replaced with two winch reels, with all wires coupled to the single winch reel, thus allowing simultaneous adjustment of the adjustable upper cushion and the adjustable lower cushion through the use of a single reel winch.

[0113] Figures 14A and 14B are front views of a baby carrier equipped with a winch reel system for adjusting the rotational position of the backrest, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Any one or more of the winch reel systems and features shown in Figures 1A to 7 may be used as the winch reel described herein. Furthermore, the features described in Figures 14A and 14B may be provided separately from or in addition to any of the features described in Figures 8 to 13. Referring here to Figures 14A and 14B, the baby carrier 1400 may include a first shoulder harness 1405, a second shoulder harness 1410, a waist harness 1415, and a carrier backrest 1420. The first shoulder harness 1405 can be configured to rest on the caregiver's first shoulder, and the second shoulder harness 1410 can be configured to rest on the caregiver's second shoulder. The baby carrier 1400 may also include a first upper support arm 1455 positioned along the second shoulder harness 1410 and a second upper support arm 1460 positioned along the first shoulder harness 1405.

[0114] In one example, the first upper support arm 1455 and the second upper support arm 1460 can be detachably connected to and separated from each other. For example, the first upper support arm 1455 may include a first winch reel 1445, and the second upper support arm 1460 may include a hook or other retaining member 1447. The first wire 1450 may have a first end connected to the first winch reel 1445 and a distal second end. The distal second end of the first wire 1450 may be detachably connected to and disconnected from a hook or other retaining member 1447. When the first winch reel 1445 is rotated in the first direction, the first wire 1450 is wound onto the winding mechanism of the first winch reel 1445, thus reducing the distance between the end of the first upper support arm 1455 and the end of the second upper support arm 1460. When the first winch reel 1445 is rotated in the second direction, the first wire 1450 is unwound from the winding of the first winch reel 1445. Thus, rotating the first winch reel 1445 in the second direction creates slack in the first wire 1450, increasing the distance between the end of the first upper support arm 1455 and the end of the second upper support arm 1460. The first wire 1450 is then released from or otherwise separated from the hook or other retaining member 1447.

[0115] The baby carrier 1400 may also include a feeding strap 1425 that extends from one part of the waist harness 1415 to another part of the waist harness 1415 around the outer side of the carrier backrest 1420. In one exemplary embodiment, the nursing strap 1425 may be made of a foldable material, such as a foldable fabric material. The baby carrier 1400 may also include a second winch reel 1430. One or more second wires 1435 may extend from one part of the waist harness 1415 to another part of the waist harness 1415 through the nursing strap 1425. When the baby carrier 1400 is not being used to breastfeed the child, the second winch reel 1430 is rotated in the first direction, the second wire 1435 is wound onto the winding mechanism of the second winch reel 1430, and thus the breastfeeding strap 1425 is tightened, causing the bottom of the carrier backrest 1420 to be pulled tightly by the caregiver. When the second winch reel 1430 is rotated in the second direction, the second wire 1435 is unwound from the winding of the second winch reel 1430, thus creating slack in the carrier backrest 1420, and the carrier backrest 1420 is loosened from the caregiver's body. When the nursing strap 1425 is loosened and the first upper support arm 1455 is separated from the second upper support arm 1460, the carrier backrest 1420 is rotated relative to the first shoulder harness 1405 and the second shoulder harness 1410, allowing the caregiver to breastfeed the child.

[0116] Figures 15A and 15B are perspective views of a baby carrier equipped with a winch reel system for adjusting the rotational position of a backrest shade, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Any one or more of the winch reel systems and features shown in Figures 1A to 7 may be used as the winch reel described herein. Furthermore, the features described in Figures 15A and 15B may be provided separately from or in addition to any of the features described in Figures 8 to 14B. Referring here to Figures 15A and 15B, the baby carrier 1500 may include a first shoulder harness 1505, a second shoulder harness 1510, a waist harness 1515, and a carrier backrest 1520. The first shoulder harness 1505 can be configured to rest on the caregiver's first shoulder, and the second shoulder harness 1510 can be configured to rest on the caregiver's second shoulder.

[0117] In certain examples, the carrier backrest 1520 may include a shade panel 1525 coupled along the upper edge of the carrier backrest 1520, where the shade panel 1525 is adjustable from an open configuration to a closed configuration. For example, a winch reel 1530 may be coupled to the outer side of the carrier backrest 1520. The wire or member may have a first end coupled to the winch reel 1530 and a distal second end coupled to the first end of the shade panel 1525. In one example, the winch reel 1530 is a bidirectional reel. When the winch reel 1530 is rotated in the first direction, the wire is wound onto the winch reel 1530, and the shade panel 1525 is extended in direction A across the upper end of the carrier backrest 1520, so that the shade panel 1525 is adjusted from a closed configuration to an open configuration, providing shade protection to the child inside the baby carrier 1500. When the winch reel 1530 is rotated in the second direction, the wire is unwound from the winch reel 1530, and the shade panel 1525 folds in direction B across the upper end of the carrier backrest 1520, thereby closing the shade panel 1525. The shade panel 1525 can be made of a flexible or cushioning material. In one example, the opening and closing of the shade panel 1525 is achieved not through the use of wires and a winch reel 1530, but by the rotation of a portion of the shade panel 1525 that is directly connected to the winch reel 1530 by a component.

[0118] Figure 16 is a perspective view of a baby carrier with a winch reel system for adjusting the position of the side cushions of the backrest, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Any one or more of the winch reel systems and features shown in Figures 1A to 7 may be used as the winch reel described herein. Furthermore, the features described in Figure 16 may be provided separately from or in addition to any of the features described in Figures 8 to 15B. As shown in Figure 16, the baby carrier 1600 may include a first shoulder harness, a second shoulder harness 1610, a waist harness 1615, and a carrier backrest 1620, which are not shown. The first shoulder harness can be configured to rest on the caregiver's first shoulder, and the second shoulder harness 1610 can be configured to rest on the caregiver's second shoulder. In certain embodiments, the carrier backrest 1620 may include an adjustable first upper cushion 1625A, an adjustable second upper cushion 1625D, an adjustable first bottom cushion 1625B, and an adjustable second bottom cushion 1625C, all of which are coupled to a winch reel system to increase or decrease the amount by which each of the adjustable upper and bottom cushions 1625A, 1625B, 1625C, and 1625D extends from the carrier backrest 1620. The adjustable first upper cushion 1625A and the adjustable first lower cushion 1625B can be positioned adjacent to the first side of the carrier backrest 1620, and the adjustable second upper cushion 1625C and the adjustable second lower cushion 1625D can be positioned adjacent to the second side of the carrier backrest 1620.

[0119] The winch reel 1650 can be attached to the outer side of the carrier backrest 1620. The first wire 1630 may have a first end connected to the winch reel 1650 and a distal second end connected to the adjustable first upper cushion 1625A. The second wire 1645 may have a first end connected to the winch reel 1650 and a distal second end connected to the adjustable second upper cushion 1625D. The third wire 1635 may have a first end connected to the winch reel 1650 and a distal second end connected to the adjustable first bottom cushion 1625B. The fourth wire 1640 may have a first end connected to the winch reel 1650 and a distal second end connected to an adjustable second bottom cushion 1625C. In certain examples, instead of two separate upper cushions and two separate lower cushions, there is only a single upper cushion and a single lower cushion. However, in this embodiment, the adjustable cushion still functions substantially the same.

[0120] When the winch reel 1650 is rotated in the first direction, the first wire 1630, the second wire 1645, the third wire 1635, and the fourth wire 1640 are wound onto the winch reel 1650. As a result, the adjustable first upper cushion 1625A and the adjustable second upper cushion 1625D move toward each other, and the adjustable first bottom cushion 1625B and the adjustable second bottom cushion 1625C move toward each other, thereby reducing the amount of contact a child has with any of the adjustable upper and bottom cushions 1625A-D. When the winch reel 1650 is rotated in the second direction, the first wire 1630, the second wire 1645, the third wire 1635, and the fourth wire 1640 are unwound from the winch reel 1650. As a result, the adjustable first upper cushion 1625A and the adjustable second upper cushion 1625D move away from each other, and the adjustable first bottom cushion 1625B and the adjustable second bottom cushion 1625C move away from each other, thereby further extending each of the adjustable upper and bottom cushions 1625A-D laterally along the side edge of the carrier backrest 1620, increasing the amount of contact the child in the baby carrier 1600 has with any of the adjustable upper and bottom cushions 1625A-D.

[0121] Figures 17A and 17B are a front view and a perspective view of a baby carrier, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, which includes a winch reel system for adjusting the opening and closing of a back vent. Any one or more of the winch reel systems and features shown in Figures 1A to 7 may be used as the winch reel described herein. Furthermore, the features described in Figures 17A and 17B may be provided separately from or in addition to any of the features described in Figures 8 to 16. Referring here to Figures 17A and 17B, the baby carrier 1700 may include a first shoulder harness 1705, a second shoulder harness 1710, a waist harness 1715, and a carrier backrest 1720. The first shoulder harness 1705 can be configured to rest on the caregiver's first shoulder, and the second shoulder harness 1710 can be configured to rest on the caregiver's second shoulder. In certain examples, the carrier backrest 1720 may include one or more openings 1725 extending from the outer side to the inner side of the carrier backrest 1720. Each of the openings 1725 may function as a vent, thus allowing air to pass through the carrier backrest 1720. Each of the openings 1725 may include an adjustable ventilation cover 1730 positioned between the outer and inner sides of the carrier backrest 1720. Each adjustable ventilation cover 1730 may be sized and shaped to cover each opening 1725.

[0122] The winch reel 1735 can be coupled to the outer side of the carrier backrest 1720. One or more wires may each have a first end coupled to the winch reel 1735 and a distal second end coupled to a member, which may be further coupled to a portion of the adjustable ventilation cover 1730 or to each of the adjustable ventilation covers 1730. In one example, the winch reel 1735 is a bidirectional reel. When the winch reel 1735 is rotated in the first direction, the wire is wound onto the winch reel 1735, and thus the adjustable vent cover 1730 is moved relative to its respective openings 1725 from a closed configuration to an open configuration. In the open configuration, air can pass through each opening 1725. When the winch reel 1735 is rotated in the second direction, the wire is unwound from the winding of the winch reel 1735, and thus each adjustable vent cover 1730 moves relative to its respective opening 1725 from an open configuration to a closed configuration. In the closed configuration, each opening 1725 is closed, so that air is prevented from passing through each opening 1725.

[0123] Figures 18A and 18B are perspective views of a baby carrier, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, which includes a winch reel system for adjusting the vertical position of the leg pads on the backrest. Any one or more of the winch reel systems and features shown in Figures 1A to 7 may be used as the winch reel described herein. Furthermore, the features described in Figures 18A and 18B may be provided separately from or in addition to any of the features described in Figures 8 to 17B. Referring here to Figures 18A and 18B, the baby carrier 1800 may include a first shoulder harness 1805, a second shoulder harness 1810, a waist harness 1815, and a carrier backrest 1820. The first shoulder harness 1805 can be configured to rest on the caregiver's first shoulder, and the second shoulder harness 1810 can be configured to rest on the caregiver's second shoulder. In a particular example, the carrier backrest 1820 may include an adjustable first leg pad 1825 and an adjustable second leg pad 1830.

[0124] The winch reel 1845 can be coupled to the outer side of the carrier backrest 1820. The first wire 1835 may have a first end coupled to the winch reel 1845 and a distal second end coupled to the adjustable first leg pad 1825. The second wire 1840 may have a first end coupled to the winch reel 1845 and a distal second end coupled to the adjustable second leg pad 1830. In one example, the winch reel 1845 is a bidirectional reel. When the winch reel 1845 is rotated in the first direction, the first wire 1835 and the second wire 1840 are wound onto the winch reel 1845, so that the adjustable first leg pad 1825 and the adjustable second leg pad 1830 are raised to a substantially horizontal position as shown in Figure 18B. When the winch reel 1845 is rotated in the second direction, the first wire 1835 and the second wire 1840 are unwound from the winch reel 1845, and thus, the decrease in tension of the first wire 1835 and the second wire 1840 causes the adjustable first leg pad 1825 and the adjustable second leg pad 1830 to be lowered to a substantially vertical position as shown in Figure 18A.

[0125] Figures 19A and 19B are perspective views of a child car seat with a winch reel system for adjusting the tension of a harness system, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The car seat 1900 can be configured to be placed on a car seat. Any one or more of the winch reel systems and features shown in Figures 1A to 7 may be used as the winch reel described herein. The car seat 1900 may include a seat shell 1905 having a seat base 1920 and a seat back 1915. The car seat 1900 may also include soft goods that cover all or part of the seat base 1920 and the seat back 1915. The car seat 1900 may also include one or more harness straps 1910A–1910E. Five harness straps 1910A–1910E are shown in Figures 19A and 19B, but more or fewer harness straps may be used instead.

[0126] The car seat 1900 may also include a winch reel 1925 positioned along the front of the seat base 1920. In other embodiments, the winch reel 1925 may be positioned at any other location along the car seat 1900. The winch reel 1925 can be directly or indirectly connected to each of the harness straps 1910A to 1910E. For example, although not shown in Figures 19A and 19B, multiple wires may be provided, each having a first end connected to the winch reel 1925 and a distal second end directly or indirectly connected to one of the harness straps 1910A to 1910E. In one example, the winch reel 1925 is a one-way winch reel. When the winch reel 1925 is rotated in the first direction, multiple wires are wound onto the winch reel 1925, and thus each harness strap 1910A to 1910E is tightened simultaneously. When the winch reel 1925 is rotated in the second direction or popped out and the winding is released, the user can pull each of the harness straps 1910A to 1910E to unwind each wire from the winding, or each wire can be automatically unwound from the winch reel 1925 to loosen the harness straps 1910A to 1910E.

[0127] Figures 20A and 20B are perspective and rear views of a child car seat equipped with a winch reel system for adjusting tension in an upper tether connection to a car seat, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Any one or more of the winch reel systems and features shown in Figures 1A to 7 may be used as the winch reel described herein. Furthermore, the features described in Figures 20A and 20B may be provided separately from or in addition to any of the features described in Figures 19A to 19B. The car seat 2000 may include a seat shell 2005 having a seat base 2007 and a seat back 2010. The car seat 2000 may also include soft goods covering all or part of the seat base 2007 and the seat back 2010. The seat back 2010 may have a front side 2020 and an opposite rear side 2015. A first winch reel 2040 may be positioned along the upper edge of the seat back 2010.

[0128] The car seat 2000 may also include an upper tether restraint. The upper tether restraint may include a first tether 2025 having a first end directly or indirectly coupled to a first winch reel 2040 and a distal second end. The upper tether restraint may also include a second tether 2030 having a first end directly or indirectly coupled to the first winch reel 2040 and a distal second end coupled to the second end of the first tether 2025. The upper tether restraint may also include a hook or other coupling device 2035 and a second winch reel 2037 positioned adjacent to the hook 2035. Thus, the distal second end of the first tether 2025 and the distal second end of the second tether 2030 may be directly or indirectly coupled to the second winch reel 2037.

[0129] The hook or other binding device 2035 may be configured to be removably coupled to an anchor 2050 along the underside of the car seat 2045 in which the car seat 2000 is placed. Depending on the caregiver's position, once the hook 2035 is coupled to the anchor 2050, either the first winch reel 2040 or the second winch reel 2037 may be used to apply tension to the upper tether restraint. For example, when the first winch reel 2040 is rotated in a first direction, either and / or both of the first tether 2025 or the second tether 2030 are wound onto the winch reel 2040, and thus the first tether 2025 and the second tether 2030 are tightened simultaneously. When the winch reel 2040 rotates in the second direction or pops out to release the winding, the caregiver can pull the first tether 2025 and / or the second tether 2030 to unwind the winding, or the first tether 2025 and / or the second tether 2030 can be automatically unwound from the winding of the first winch reel 2040, thereby loosening the first tether 2025 and the second tether 2030. The second winch reel 2037 can be used substantially in the same manner to tighten and loosen the first tether 2025 and / or the second tether 2030.

[0130] Figures 21A–21C show various illustrations of a child car seat equipped with a winch reel system for adjusting the length of the stabilizer legs, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Any one or more of the winch reel systems and features shown in Figures 1A to 7 may be used as the winch reel described herein. Furthermore, the features described in Figures 21A to 21C may be provided separately from or in addition to any of the features described in Figures 19A to 20B. The car seat 2100 may include a seat shell 2105 having a seat base 2110 and a seat back 2115. The car seat 2100 may also include soft goods that cover all or part of the seat base 2110 and the seat back 2115.

[0131] The height-adjustable leg 2125 can be coupled along the bottom edge 2120 of the car seat 2100. The height-adjustable leg 2125 may include an upper end 2130 adjacent to the car seat 2100 and a distal bottom end 2135 configured to be adjacent to the floor surface 2140 of the vehicle. The height-adjustable leg 2125 may also include a ratchet-type unidirectional winch reel 2145 and a toothed pawl 2150 extending downward from the winch reel 2145 and engaging with the winch reel 2145 to provide a function to extend the height of the height-adjustable leg 2125. The toothed claw 2150 may be replaced by a ratchet, catch, tooth, sprocket, pinion, fang, tine, gear, or cam (hereinafter collectively referred to as toothed claw). For example, when the winch reel 2145 is rotated in a first direction, the toothed pawl 2150 is moved in the first direction by the winch reel 2145, extending the length and thereby the height of the height-adjustable leg 2125 until the distal bottom end 2135 of the height-adjustable leg 2125 contacts the floor surface 2140. When the winch reel 2145 is rotated in a second direction or the winch reel 2145 is popped out, the toothed pawl 2150 is further moved in a second direction, reducing the length and thereby the height of the height-adjustable leg 2125.

[0132] Figures 22A and 22B are front views of a child car seat, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, which includes a winch reel system for adjusting the spacing of soft goods cushions in the seat base and seat back of the car seat. Any one or more of the winch reel systems and features shown in Figures 1A to 7 may be used as the winch reel described herein. Furthermore, the features described in Figures 22A and 22B may be provided separately from or in addition to any of the features described in Figures 19A to 21C. The car seat 2200 may include a seat shell 2205 having a seat base 2210 and a seat back 2215. The car seat 2200 may also include soft goods covering all or part of the seat base 2210 and the seat back 2215. The soft goods may include a first back cushion 2220A, a second back cushion 2220B, a first bottom cushion 2225A, and a second bottom cushion 2225B. Each of the first back cushion 2220A, the second back cushion 2220B, the first bottom cushion 2225A, and the second bottom cushion 2225B may be coupled to an elastic end that is spring-biased to pull each cushion toward the side edge of the seat shell 2205.

[0133] The car seat 2200 may also include a winch reel 2230. In one example, the winch reel is a one-way winch reel and is positioned along the back of the seat back 2215. The first wire 2221 may have a first end connected to the winch reel 2230 and a distal second end connected to the first back cushion 2220A. The second wire 2222 may have a first end connected to the winch reel 2230 and a distal second end connected to the second back cushion 2220B. The third wire 2226 may have a first end connected to the winch reel 2230 and a distal second end connected to the first bottom cushion 2225A. The fourth wire 2227 may have a first end connected to the winch reel 2230 and a distal second end connected to the second bottom cushion 2225B. When the winch reel 2230 is rotated in the first direction, the first wire 2221, the second wire 2222, the third wire 2226, and the fourth wire 2227 are all wound onto the winch reel 2230, so that the first upper cushion 2220A and the first bottom cushion 2225A are moved in direction A, and the second upper cushion 2220B and the second bottom cushion 2225B are moved in direction B. This movement causes the first upper cushion 2220A and the second upper cushion 2220B and the first bottom cushion 2225A and the second bottom cushion 2225B to move toward each other, so that the distance between the two upper cushions and the two bottom cushions is reduced, improving the comfort of smaller children. When the winch reel 2340 is rotated in the second direction or popped out and the winch reel 2230 is released, the elastic end pulls the first upper cushion 2220A and the first bottom cushion 2225A in direction B, and the second upper cushion 2220B and the second bottom cushion 2225B in direction A. Such movement causes the first upper cushion 2220A and the second upper cushion 2220B, and the first bottom cushion 2225A and the second bottom cushion 2225B to move away from each other, thus increasing the distance between the two upper cushions and the two bottom cushions, thereby improving greater child comfort.

[0134] Figures 23A and 23B are perspective views of a child car seat, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, which includes a winch reel system for adjusting the recline of the seat back relative to the seat bottom of the car seat. Any one or more of the winch reel systems and features shown in Figures 1A to 7 may be used as the winch reel described herein. Furthermore, the features described in Figures 23A and 23B may be provided separately from or in addition to any of the features described in Figures 19A to 22B. The car seat 2300 may include a seat base 2305 and a seat shell 2307 coupled to the seat base 2305. The seat shell 2307 may include a seat bottom 2310 and a seat back 2315. The car seat 2300 may also include soft goods that cover all or part of the seat bottom 2310 and the seat back 2315.

[0135] The car seat 2300 may also include a winch reel 2325. The car seat 2300 may also include one or more wires 2320. In one example, a first wire 2320A has a first end connected to the winch reel 2325 and a distal second end connected to the seat back 2315. A second wire 2320B has a first end connected to the winch reel 2325 and a distal second end connected to the seat bottom 2310. In one example, the winch reel 2325 is a bidirectional winch reel. When the winch reel 2325 is rotated in the first direction, the first wire 2320A and the second wire 2320B are wound onto the winch reel 2325, so that the seat back 2315 reclines in direction B relative to the seat base 2310, and the seat base 2310 moves away from the seat back 2315. In one example, the seat back 2315 can recline to be flat or substantially flat relative to the seat base 2310. When the winch reel 2325 is rotated in the second direction, the first wire 2320A and the second wire 2320B are unwound from the winch reel 2325, and the seat back 2315 is moved toward an upright position relative to the seat bottom 2310 and toward the seat back 2315 in direction A.

[0136] Figures 24A–24C illustrate various aspects of a child car seat with a winch reel system for adjusting the rotation of the seat shell relative to the seat base, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Any one or more of the winch reel systems and features shown in Figures 1A to 7 may be used as the winch reel described herein. Furthermore, the features described in Figures 24A to 24C may be provided separately from or in addition to any of the features described in Figures 19A to 23B. The car seat 2400 may include a seat base 2410 and a seat shell 2405 that is coupled to the seat base 2410 and rotatable relative to the seat base 2410 about a vertical axis A. The seat shell 2405 may include a seat bottom 2407 and a seat back 2415. The car seat 2400 may also include soft goods that cover all or part of the seat bottom 2407 and the seat back 2415.

[0137] The car seat 2400 may also include a winch reel 2420. In one example, the winch reel 2420 may be positioned along the front side of the seat base 2410. Although not shown in Figures 25A to 24C, the car seat 2400 may also include one or more wires and / or toothed pawls that are coupled to the seat shell 2405 and can engage with the winch reel 2420. In one example, the winch reel 2420 is a bidirectional winch reel. When the winch reel 2420 is rotated in the first direction, the winch reel 2420 engages with the toothed pawl and / or wire, thus rotating the sheet shell 2405 in the first direction about vertical axis A. When the winch reel 2420 is rotated in the second direction, it engages with the toothed pawl and / or wire, thus rotating the seat shell 2405 in the second direction opposite to the first direction around the vertical axis A. In some embodiments, the seat shell 2405 can be rotated to face the side door of the automobile.

[0138] Figures 25A to 25D are side and perspective views of a child car seat, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, which includes a winch reel system for adjusting the vertical position of the seat bottom cushion and seat back cushion. Any one or more of the winch reel systems and features shown in Figures 1A to 7 may be used as the winch reel described herein. Furthermore, the features described in Figures 25A to 25D may be provided separately from or in addition to any of the features described in Figures 19A to 24C. The car seat 2500 may include a seat base 2505 and a seat shell 2510 including a seat bottom 2520 and a seat back 2515. The car seat 2500 may also include soft goods that cover all or part of the seat bottom 2520 and seat back 2515. In one example, the soft goods may include a seat bottom cushion 2530 configured to rest on the seat bottom 2520 and a seat back cushion 2535 configured to abut against the front side 2525 of the seat back 2515. The seat bottom cushion 2530 and the seat back cushion 2535 may be configured to move relative to each other.

[0139] The car seat 2500 may also include a winch reel 2540 and one or more wires 2545. Each of the one or more wires 2545 may have a first end connected to the winch reel 2540 and a distal second end connected to the seat back cushion 2535 and / or the seat bottom cushion 2530. In one example, the winch reel 2540 is a one-way winch reel. When the winch reel 2540 is rotated in the first direction, one or more wires 2545 are wound onto the winch reel 2540, so that the bottom of the seat back cushion 2535 and the back of the seat bottom cushion 2530 are pulled in direction A away from the seat bottom 2520 and seat back 2515. Moving the seat back cushion 2535 and the seat bottom cushion 2530 outward in this way can help to put a child in and / or remove them from the car seat 2500. When the winch reel 2540 is rotated in a second direction or popped out to release the winding of the winch reel 2540, the caregiver can push the seat back cushion 2535 and the seat bottom cushion 2530 to unwind the wire from the winch reel 2540, or the wire can be automatically unwound from the winch reel 2540, moving the seat back cushion 2535 and the seat bottom cushion 2530 toward the seat bottom 2520 and the seat back 2515 in direction B.

[0140] Figure 26 is a perspective view of a child car seat with a winch reel system for adjusting the tension of a seat cover relative to a seat shell, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Any one or more of the winch reel systems and features shown in Figures 1A to 7 may be used as the winch reel described herein. Furthermore, the features described in Figure 26 may be provided separately from or in addition to any of the features described in Figures 19A to 25D. The car seat 2600 may include a seat shell 2605, which includes a seat base and a seat back. The car seat 2600 may also include soft goods 2610 that are detachably coupled to the seat shell 2605 and cover all or part of the seat base and seat back. The soft goods 2610 may include a number of hooks 2613, 2615, 2617, 2619, 2621, 2623 for coupling the soft goods 2610 to the seat shell 2605. In one example, the hooks are coupled directly to the soft goods 2610.

[0141] In another example, elastic materials 2612, 2614, 2616, 2618, 2620, and 2622 extend between the soft goods 2610 and their respective hooks 2613, 2615, 2617, 2619, 2621, and 2623. The sheet shell 2605 may include corresponding loops 2625A to 2625E for coupling with the hooks 2613, 2615, 2617, 2619, 2621, and 2623. Each of the loops 2625A to 2625E can be coupled to the corresponding wires 2635A to 2635E, each having a first end coupled to the winch reel 2630 and a distal second end coupled to the corresponding loops 2625A to 2625E. In one example, the winch reel 2630 is a one-way winch reel. When the winch reel 2630 is rotated in the first direction, the wires 2635A to 2635E are wound onto the winch reel 2630, and the increased tension of the wires 2635A to 2635E firmly pulls the soft goods 2610 onto the seat shell 2605. When the winch reel 2630 is rotated in the second direction or popped out and the winding of the winch reel 2630 is released, the reduced tension of the wires 2635A-2635E allows the user to pull the soft goods 2610 away from the shell 2605 and to detach the hooks 2613, 2615, 2617, 2619, 2621, and 2623 from the corresponding loops 2625A-2625E.

[0142] Figure 27 is a perspective view of a child car seat according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, which includes a winch reel system for adjusting a ventilation opening to open and close along the seat bottom and seat back of the seat shell. Any one or more of the winch reel systems and features shown in Figures 1A to 7 may be used as the winch reel described herein. Furthermore, the features described in Figure 27 may be provided separately from or in addition to any of the features described in Figures 19A to 26. The car seat 2700 may include a seat shell 2705, which includes a seat base 2710 and a seat back 2715. The car seat 2700 may also include soft goods that cover all or part of the seat base 2710 and the seat back 2715. In one example, the soft goods may include a sliding seat base mesh panel 2720 and a sliding seat back mesh panel 2725, which are positioned over openings that pass through the seat base 2710 and the seat back 2715, respectively.

[0143] In the first position, the sliding seat bottom mesh panel 2720 and the sliding seat back mesh panel 2725 cover the opening and prevent airflow through the seat bottom 2710 and seat back 2715, respectively. In the second position, the openings of the sliding seat bottom mesh panel 2720 and the sliding seat back mesh panel 2725 are aligned or substantially aligned with the openings, allowing air to flow through the seat bottom 2710 and the seat back 2715, respectively. The winch reel 2730 can be coupled to the side or another part of the seat shell 2705. Although not shown in Figure 27, one or more wires can be coupled to the winch reel 2730 at a first end and to one or more of the slidable seat bottom mesh panels 2720 and / or slidable seat back mesh panels 2725 at a distal second end.

[0144] For example, the winch reel 2730 is a bidirectional reel. When the winch reel 2730 is rotated in the first direction, the wire is wound onto the winch reel 2730, and the sliding seat bottom mesh panel 2720 and the sliding seat back mesh panel 2725 are moved from a closed configuration to an open configuration with respect to their respective openings, allowing air to pass through each opening to provide additional ventilation and cooling capacity to the car seat 2700. When the winch reel 2730 is rotated in the second direction, the wire is unwound from the winch reel 2730, and the sliding seat bottom mesh panel 2720 and the sliding seat back mesh panel 2725 are moved from an open configuration to a closed configuration with respect to their respective openings, so that their respective openings are blocked and air is prevented from passing through the openings of the sliding seat bottom mesh panel 2710 and the sliding seat back mesh panel 2715.

[0145] Figure 28 is a perspective view of a child car seat, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, which includes a winch reel system for adjusting the vertical position of a cushion along the seat bottom of a seat shell. Any one or more of the winch reel systems and features shown in Figures 1A to 7 may be used as the winch reel described herein. Furthermore, the features described in Figure 28 may be provided separately from or in addition to any of the features described in Figures 19A to 27. The car seat 2800 may include a seat shell 2805, which includes a seat base 2810 and a seat back 2815. The car seat 2800 may also include soft goods that cover all or part of the seat base 2810 and the seat back 2815. In one example, the soft goods include a plurality of cushion members 2820A-F that extend along the longitudinal axis of the seat base 2810. In certain exemplary embodiments, each of the cushion members 2820A-F may be adjustable perpendicular to the seat base 2810.

[0146] The car seat 2800 may also include a winch reel 2825 coupled to the side or another part of the seat shell 2805. One or more wires 2830 may each have a first end directly or indirectly coupled to the winch reel 2825 and a distal second end directly or indirectly coupled to one or more of the cushion members 2820A-F. In one example, the winch reel 2825 is a bidirectional reel. When the winch reel 2825 is rotated in the first direction, one or more wires 2830 are wound onto the winch reel 2825, and thus one or more of the cushion members 2820A-F are moved downward in direction B. In one example, all of the cushion members 2820A-F can be moved at once. In another example, the cushion members 2820A-F can be moved one at a time, such that the first cushion member 2820A is moved as far down as possible before the second cushion member can be moved downward. When the winch reel 2825 is rotated in the second direction, one or more wires 2830 are unwound from the winch reel 2825, and one or more of the cushion members 2820A-F move vertically upward in direction A. The ability to change the vertical position of the multiple cushion members 2820A-F allows the user to adjust the seat base 2810 to match how the child sits in the car seat 2800, thereby better balancing the child's weight.

[0147] Figure 29 is a perspective view of a child car seat, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, which includes a winch reel system for adjusting the shape of a mesh cushion within the seat shell. Any one or more of the winch reel systems and features shown in Figures 1A to 7 may be used as the winch reel described herein. Furthermore, the features described in Figure 29 may be provided separately from any of the features described in Figures 19A to 28, or in addition to any of the features described in Figures 19A to 28. The car seat 2900 may include a seat shell 2905, which includes a seat base 2910 and a seat back 2915. The car seat 2900 may also include soft goods such as horizontal cushion members 2920 and vertical cushion members 2925, which are removably coupled to the seat shell 2905 and cover all or part of the seat base 2910 and seat back 2915. The horizontal cushion members 2920 and vertical cushion members 2925 may include multiple split panels for individual adjustment. The car seat 2900 may also include a plurality of winch reels 2930, 2940, 2950, ​​2960, and 2970. Each winch reel 2930, 2940, 2950, ​​2960, and 2970 may be coupled to the first end of the corresponding wires 2935, 2945, 2955, 2965, and 2975. Each of the corresponding wires 2935, 2945, 2955, 2965, and 2975 may further have a distal second end coupled to a particular panel of the horizontal cushion member 2920 and / or the vertical cushion member 2925. Each winch reel 2930, 2940, 2950, ​​2960, 2970 can be configured to adjust any panel connected via the corresponding wires 2935, 2945, 2955, 2965, 2975 in a direction or manner that changes the overall form and shape of the horizontal cushioning member 2920 and the vertical cushioning member 2925.

[0148] Figure 30 is a perspective view of a child car seat, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, which includes a winch reel system for adjusting the tension of an ISOFIX member attached to the car seat. Any one or more of the winch reel systems and features shown in Figures 1A to 7 may be used as the winch reel described herein. Furthermore, the features described in Figure 30 may be provided separately from any of the features described in Figures 19A to 29, or in addition to any of the features described in Figures 19A to 29. The child car seat 3000 may include a seat base 3005. In some embodiments, not shown in Figure 30, the child car seat 3000 may be configured to be detachably coupled to an infant transport system (ICS) and / or a seat shell. The seat base 3005 may include a first isofix connector 3010 and a second isofix connector 3015, which extend toward the back of the seat base 3005, respectively. The first isofix connector 3010 and the second isofix connector 3015 may each include corresponding first hook elements 3011 and second hook elements 3016, respectively. The first hook elements 3011 and the second hook elements 3016 may each be configured to be detachably coupled to corresponding first anchors 3025 and corresponding second anchors 3030, respectively, along the car seat 3020.

[0149] The sheet base 3005 may also include a winch reel 3040. In one example, the winch reel 3040 may be positioned along the top surface of the sheet base 3005 for easy access. The sheet base may also include one or more wires 3045, each having a first end coupled to the winch reel 3040 and a distal second end coupled to either a corresponding first isofix connector 3010 or a corresponding second isofix connector 3015. The winch reel 3040 may be a one-way winch reel. When the winch reel 3040 is rotated in the first direction, one or more wires 3045 are wound onto the winch reel 3040, and the increased tension of one or more wires 3045 pulls the first isofix connector 3010 and the second isofix connector 3015 toward the body of the seat base 3005, so that the seat base 3005 is tightened toward the first anchor 3025 and the second anchor 3030. In certain exemplary embodiments, the winch reel 3040 may include a torque limiter that generates an audible sound when sufficient tension is generated. When the winch reel 3040 is rotated in the second direction or popped out to release the winding of the winch reel 3040, the user can pull the seat base 3005 away from the car seat 3020, pull the first isofix connector 3010 and the second isofix connector 3015 away from the seat base 3005, and release the tension of one or more wires 2045, thereby separating the first isofix connector 3010 and the second isofix connector 3015 from the first anchor 3025 and the second anchor 3030, respectively.

[0150] Figures 31A and 31B are perspective views of a child car seat, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, which includes a winch reel system for adjusting the length of a clasp coupled to a harness system. Any one or more of the winch reel systems and features shown in Figures 1A to 7 may be used as the winch reel described herein. Furthermore, the features described in Figure 28 may be provided separately from or in addition to any of the features described in Figures 19A to 30. The car seat 3100 may include a seat shell 3105, which includes a seat base 3107 and a seat back 3109. The car seat 3100 may also include soft goods that cover all or part of the seat base 3107 and the seat back 3109. The car seat 3100 may also include a first shoulder harness strap 3110 and a second shoulder harness strap 3115. Each of the first shoulder harness strap 3110 and the second shoulder harness strap 3115 may include a corresponding first mounting post 3111 and a corresponding second mounting post 3116 extending outward.

[0151] The car seat 3100 may also include a clasp 3120 configured to be removably coupled to both the first mounting post 3111 and the second mounting post 3116. The clasp 3120 may include a winch reel 3135, a first wire loop 3125, and a second wire loop 3130. The winch reel 3135 may be a one-way winch reel. The first wire loop 3125 and the second wire loop 3130 may also be configured to be positioned around the first mounting post 3111 and the second mounting post 3116, respectively. When the winch reel 3135 is rotated in the first direction, the first wire loop 3125 and the second wire loop 3130 are wound onto the winch reel 3135, and thus the size of the first wire loop 3125 and the second wire loop 3130 is reduced so as to close around the first mounting post 3111 and the second mounting post 3116, respectively. Such movement pulls the first shoulder harness 3110 toward the second shoulder harness 3115. When the winch reel 3135 is rotated in the second direction or popped out and the winding of the winch reel 3135 is released, the user can pull the first wire loop 3125 and the second wire loop 3130 to enlarge the size of those loops, allowing the user to remove the clasps from the first mounting post 3111 and the second mounting post 3116.

[0152] Figure 32 is a perspective view of a child car seat with a remotely controlled winch reel system for adjusting any of the features discussed in Figures 19A to 31B, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Any one of the winch reels shown in Figures 19A to 31B further includes a receiver or transceiver and a motor, which can automatically rotate the winch reel 3210 in either or both of the first and second directions to change any of the described embodiments of the car seat 3205. The receiver or transceiver can be communicatively coupled to a remote control 3215 which may include one or more buttons that can be manually pressed by a caregiver to change the car seat 3205 to a desired embodiment. In certain exemplary embodiments, the remote control 3215 can control the operation of two or more winch reels 3210, is optionally programmable, and may include additional winch reel control functions.

[0153] Figures 33A–33C are perspective views of a stroller equipped with a winch reel system for adjusting the tension of the stroller seat harness system, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Any one or more of the winch reel systems and features shown in Figures 1A to 7 may be used as the winch reel described herein. The adjustable features of the Stroller 3300 may be adjusted to suit the child's current needs (such as sleeping, playing, protection from rain, protection from insects, protection from other environmental factors, the child's growth, and / or other potential reasons for preferring adjustment). Stroller 3300 may include a stroller frame 3305. Stroller frame 3305 may include a front stroller frame 3307, a rear stroller frame 3309, and a handle. Each of the front stroller frame 3307 and the rear stroller frame 3309 may include one or more front wheels 3311 and one or more rear wheels 3313, respectively. The stroller 3300 may also include a seat base 3315 and a seat back 3317 for accommodating a child. In certain examples, the stroller 3300 may also include soft goods to cover all or part of the seat base 3315 and seat back 3317. Baby stroller 3300 can also include one or more harness straps 3319, 3321, 3323, 3325, 3327 for holding a child within baby stroller 3300. Five harness straps 3319, 3321, 3323, 3325, 3327 are shown in FIGS. 33A-33C, although more or fewer harness straps may alternatively be used.

[0154] Baby stroller 3300 can also include a winch reel 3335 disposed along the rear side of seat back 3317. In other embodiments, winch reel 3335 can be disposed at any other location along baby stroller 3300. Winch reel 3335 can be coupled directly or indirectly to each of harness straps 3319, 3321, 3323, 3325, 3327. For example, a plurality of wires 3319A, 3321A, 3323A (not shown), 3325A, 3327A may be provided, each having a first end coupled to winch reel 3335 and a distal second end coupled directly or indirectly to one of each of harness straps 3319, 3321, 3323, 3325, 3327. In one example, winch reel 3335 is a one-way winch reel. When winch reel 3335 is rotated in a first direction, wires 3319A, 3321A, 3323A, 3325A, 3327A are wound up by the winding of winch reel 3335, and each harness strap 3319, 3321, 3323, 3325, 3327 is simultaneously tightened. When the winch reel 3335 is rotated in the second direction or popped out to release the winding of the winch reel 3335, the user can pull one or more of the harness straps 3319, 3321, 3323, 3325, 3327 to unwind each of the wires 3319A, 3321A, 3323A, 3325A, 3327A from the winding of the winch reel 3335, or the wires 3319A, 3321A, 3323A, 3325A, 3327A are automatically unwound from the winding of the winch reel 3335 so that each of the harness straps 3319, 3321, 3323, 3325, 3327 is loosened. In certain examples, one or more of the harness straps 3319, 3321, 3323, 3325, 3327 can include tension indicators 3340A, 3340B, 3340C. The tension indicators 3340A, 3340B, 3340C can operate as described in FIG. 7 and can provide a visual indication to the caregiver when sufficient tension is applied to each of the harness straps 3319, 3321, 3323, 3325, 3327.

[0155] FIG. 34 is a perspective view of a stroller having a winch reel system for adjusting the position of a footrest of a stroller seat according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Any one or more of the winch reel systems and features of FIGS. 1A - 7 can be used as the winch reel described herein. Also, the features described in FIG. 34 can be provided separately from, or in addition to, any of the features described in FIGS. 33A - 33C. The stroller 3400 can include a stroller frame 3405. The stroller frame 3405 can include a front stroller frame, a rear stroller frame, and a handle 3409. Each of the front stroller frame and the rear stroller frame can include one or more wheels. The stroller 3400 may also include a seat base 3415 and a seat back 3410 for accommodating a child, and an adjustable leg panel 3420 that rotates relative to the seat base 3415 around a hinge 3407. In certain examples, the stroller 3400 may also include soft goods that cover all or part of the seat base 3415 and seat back 3410.

[0156] The stroller 3400 may also include a winch reel 3425. In one example, the winch reel 3425 is a one-way winch reel. The stroller 3400 may also include one or more wires 3430, each having a first end connected to the winch reel 3425 and a distal second end connected to an adjustable leg panel 3420. When the winch reel 3425 is rotated in the first direction, the wire 3430 is wound onto the winch reel 3425, generating tension in one or more wires 3430, which pulls the adjustable leg panel 3420 in direction A. In one example, the adjustable leg panel 3420 can be rotated to be flat or substantially flat, or to be at the same height as the seat base 3415. When the winch reel 3425 is rotated in the second direction or popped out and the winding of the winch reel 3426 is released, the user can push the adjustable leg panel 3420 in direction B, or the weight of the adjustable leg panel 3420 can cause the adjustable leg panel 3420 to rotate in direction B.

[0157] Figure 35 is a side view of a stroller equipped with a winch reel system for extending and retracting a canopy over the stroller seat, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Any one or more of the winch reel systems and features shown in Figures 1A to 7 may be used as the winch reel described herein. Furthermore, the features described in Figure 35 may be provided separately from any of the features described in Figures 33A to 34, or in addition to any of the features described in Figures 33A to 34. Stroller 3500 may include a stroller frame 3505. Stroller frame 3505 may include a front stroller frame, a rear stroller frame, and a handle. Each of the front and rear stroller frames may include one or more wheels. The stroller 3500 may also include a seat base 3510, a seat back 3515 for accommodating a child, and an adjustable canopy 3520 that rotates relative to the seat back 3515. In certain examples, the stroller 3500 may also include soft goods that cover all or part of the seat base 3510 and the seat back 3515.

[0158] Stroller 3500 may also include a first winch reel 3525. In one example, the first winch reel 3525 is a one-way winch reel. Stroller 3500 may also include one or more first wires 3530, each having a first end connected to the first winch reel 3525 and a distal second end connected to the adjustable canopy 3520. Additionally or alternatively, stroller 3500 may also include a second winch reel 3535 located on the handle of stroller 3500 and a second wire 3540 having a first end connected to the second winch reel 3535 and a distal second end connected to the adjustable canopy 3520. When one or both of the first winch reel 3525 and the second winch reel 3535 are rotated in the first direction, one or more first wires 3530 and / or second wires 3540 are wound onto the respective windings of the first winch reel 3525 and / or second winch reel 3535. This movement generates tension in one or more first wires 3530 and / or second wires 3540, pulling the adjustable canopy 3520 in direction A from the open position to the closed position, which covers most of the seat back 3515. When the first winch reel 3525 or the second winch reel 3535 is rotated in the second direction or popped out to release the winding of the respective first winch reel 3525 or second winch reel 3535, the user can push the adjustable canopy 3520 from the closed position to the open position in direction B, and one or more first wires 3530 or second wires 3540 can be unwound from the winding of the first winch reel 3525 or second winch reel 3535.

[0159] Figure 36 is a side view of a stroller equipped with a winch reel system for adjusting the height of the stroller, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Any one or more of the winch reel systems and features shown in Figures 1A to 7 may be used as the winch reel described herein. Furthermore, the features described in Figure 36 may be provided separately from or in addition to any of the features described in Figures 33A to 35. Stroller 3600 may include a stroller frame 3605. Stroller frame 3605 may include a front stroller frame 3615, a rear stroller frame 3610, and a handle. Each of the front stroller frame 3615 and the rear stroller frame 3610 may include one or more wheels. The stroller 3600 may also include a seat base 3619 and a seat back 3621 for accommodating a child. In certain examples, the stroller 3600 may also include soft goods to cover all or part of the seat base 3619 and seat back 3621.

[0160] The stroller 3600 may also include a winch reel 3630. In one example, the winch reel 3630 is a one-way winch reel. In a particular exemplary embodiment, the winch reel 3630 may be positioned on a cross member 3622 extending from the front stroller frame 3615 to the rear stroller frame 3610. Each of the front stroller frame 3615 and the rear stroller frame 3610 may include a front outer frame member 3626 and a front inner frame member 3627, and a rear outer frame member 3628 and a rear inner frame member 3629, respectively, which are slidably adjustable relative to the corresponding front outer frame member 3626 or rear outer frame member 3628. The stroller 3600 may also include a first wire 3620 having a first end connected to a winch reel 3630 and a distal second end connected to a rear outer frame member 3628 of the rear stroller frame 3610. The stroller 3600 may also include a second wire 3625 having a first end connected to a winch reel 3630 and a distal second end connected to a front outer frame member 3626 of the front stroller frame 3625.

[0161] When the winch reel 3630 is rotated in the first direction, the first wire 3620 and the second wire 3625 are wound onto the winch reel 3630, which creates tension in the first wire 3620 and the second wire 362, so that the rear outer frame member 3628 of the rear stroller frame 3610 is pulled in direction C and the front outer frame member 3626 of the front wheel frame 3615 is pulled in direction A, raising the overall height of the stroller 3600. When the winch reel 3630 is rotated in the second direction or popped out and the winding of the winch reel 3630 is released, the user can push the stroller 3600 downward, and thus push the front outer frame member 3626 in direction B and the rear outer frame member 3628 in direction D. Alternatively, the weight of the stroller 3600 may cause the first wire 3620 and the second wire 3625 to unwind from the winding of the winch reel 3630, and thus allow the rear outer frame member 3628 to move in direction D and the front outer frame member 3626 to move in direction B.

[0162] Figures 37A to 37D of Figure 37 show various figures of a stroller equipped with a winch reel system for adjusting the seat bottom and seat back of the stroller seat from an upright position to a substantially flat position, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Any one or more of the winch reel systems and features shown in Figures 1A to 7 may be used as the winch reel described herein. Furthermore, the features described in Figures 37A to 37D may be provided separately from or in addition to any of the features described in Figures 33A to 36. Stroller 3700 may include a stroller frame 3705. Stroller frame 3705 may include a front stroller frame, a rear stroller frame, and a handle. Each of the front and rear stroller frames may include one or more wheels. The stroller 3700 may also include a seat base 3710 and a seat back 3715 for accommodating a child. In certain examples, the stroller 3700 may also include soft goods to cover all or part of the seat base 3710 and seat back 3715. The seat base 3710 and seat back 3715 may be adjustable from a substantially upright position as shown in FIG. 37B of Figure 37 to a reclined position as shown in FIG. 37A of Figure 37.

[0163] To perform a reclining motion, the stroller 3700 may also include a reclining mechanism 3720 which includes a curved toothed claw 3725 and a winch reel 3730 which is coupled to the seat base 3710 and / or seat back 3715 and engages with the toothed claw 3725. In one example, the winch reel 3730 is a bidirectional winch reel. When the winch reel 3730 is rotated in the first direction, the winch reel 3730 moves along the curved toothed pawl 3725, moving the seat base 3710 outward from the stroller 3700 in direction A, and moving the seat back 3715 from the upright position to the reclined position in direction C. When the winch reel 3730 is rotated in the second direction, it moves along the curved toothed pawl 3725, moving the seat base 3710 inward towards the stroller 3700 in direction B, and moving the seat back 3715 from the reclined position to the upright position in direction D. Although not shown in FIG.37A to FIG.37D of Figure 37, the reclining mechanism 3720 may include at least one wire and a winch reel 3730 coupled to the seat base 3710 and / or seat back 3715. In such embodiments, the at least one wire has a first end coupled to the winch reel 3720 and a distal second end connected to the seat base 3710 and / or seat back 3715 at a pivot axis. The connection of at least one wire to the pivot axis of the seat base 3710 and / or seat back 3715 provides additional upward tilt resistance, which prevents a continuous forward moment for the child placed inside the stroller 3700 when the stroller 3700 hits a curb or other raised surface and pitches forward.

[0164] Figures 38A to 38E are perspective views of a stroller equipped with a winch reel system for adjusting the radius of the stroller's wheels, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Any one or more of the winch reel systems and features shown in Figures 1A to 7 may be used as the winch reel described herein. Furthermore, the features described in Figures 38A to 38E may be provided separately from any of the features described in FIG. 37D of Figures 33A to 37, or in addition to any of the features described in FIG. 37D of Figures 33A to 37. Stroller 3800 may include a stroller frame 3805. Stroller frame 3805 may include a front stroller frame 3810, a rear stroller frame 3815, and a handle. Each of the front stroller frame 3810 and the rear stroller frame 3815 may include one or more front wheels 3820A-B and one or more rear wheels 3825A-B, respectively. The stroller 3800 may also include a seat base and seat back for accommodating a child. In certain embodiments, the stroller 3800 may also include soft goods that cover all or part of the seat base and seat back.

[0165] Each of the front wheels 3820A-B and rear wheels 3825A-B may have an adjustable radius to change the circumference of each wheel based on the terrain on which the stroller 3800 is being used. To perform the radius change, each front wheel 3820A-B and each rear wheel 3825A-B may include a plurality of hub members 3830 coupled to each adjustable spoke 3835 extending to the center of each front wheel 3820A-B or each rear wheel 3825A-B. An elastic membrane 3831 may be positioned around the plurality of hub members 3830 and may be configured to contact the ground. Each adjustable spoke 3835 may include a wire 3845 having a first end coupled to a central winch reel 3840 and a distal second end coupled to one of each of the plurality of hub members 3830. In one example, the central winch reel 3840 is a bidirectional winch reel. When the winch reel 3840 is rotated in the first direction, each of the wires 3845 of each hub member 3830 of one of the front wheels 3820A-B or one of the rear wheels 3825A-B is wound onto the winch reel 3630, thus generating tension in each of the wires 3845 extending radially outward from the first part of the spoke 3835 relative to the second part of the spoke 3835. This tension helps to increase the overall length of each spoke 3835, and therefore the overall radius of the front wheels 3820A-B or the rear wheels 3825A-B as shown in Figure 38E. When the winch reel 3840 is rotated in the second direction, each of the wires 3845 of each hub member 3830 is unwound from the winch reel 3840, and the first portion of the spoke 3835 is drawn into the portion of the second portion of the spoke 3835, thus reducing the overall length of each spoke 3835 and the overall radius of the front wheel 3820A-B or the rear wheel 3825A-B. In certain examples, each of the spokes 3835 may further include a spring that spring-biases the hub member 3830 radially outward to provide additional suspension.

[0166] Figures 39A and 39B are perspective views of a stroller equipped with a winch reel system for adjusting the width of the stroller frame, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Any one or more of the winch reel systems and features shown in Figures 1A to 7 may be used as the winch reel described herein. Furthermore, the features described in Figures 39A and 39B may be provided separately from or in addition to any of the features described in Figures 33A to 38E. Stroller 3900 may include a stroller frame 3905. Stroller frame 3905 may include a front stroller frame, a rear stroller frame, and a handle 3945. Each of the front and rear stroller frames may include one or more wheels. The stroller 3900 may also include a seat base and seat back for accommodating a child. In certain embodiments, the stroller 3900 may also include soft goods that cover all or part of the seat base and seat back. In a particular example, the stroller frame 3905 includes a left frame portion 3910 and a right frame portion 3915. The right frame portion 3915 includes a right rear cross member 3920 and a right front cross member 3925. The left frame portion 3910 includes a left front cross member 3920 and a left rear cross member (not shown), which are slidably insertable into the right front cross member 3925 and the right rear cross member 3930, respectively, thus allowing the width of the stroller frame 3905 to be adjustable. In one example, each of the right rear cross member 3930, the right front cross member 3925, the left rear cross member, and the left front cross member 3920 is made of a mesh material. In a particular example, the upper cross member 3940 connects the right portion of the rear stroller frame to the left portion of the rear stroller frame such that the upper cross member 3940 is substantially parallel to the handle 3945.

[0167] The stroller 3600 can also include a winch reel 3950. In one example, the winch reel 3650 is a bidirectional winch reel. The winch reel 3950 can be disposed on the side of the right frame portion 3915, but alternatively can be disposed along another portion of the stroller 3900. The stroller 3900 can also include a first wire 3955A having a first end coupled to the winch reel 3950 and a distal second end coupled to the right rear cross member 3930 of the right frame portion 3915. The stroller 3900 can also include a second wire 3955B having a first end coupled to the winch reel 3950 and a distal second end coupled to the right front cross member 3925 of the right frame portion 3915. The stroller 3900 can also include a third wire 3955C having a first end coupled to the winch reel 3950 and a distal second end coupled to the upper cross member 3940. When the winch reel 3950 is rotated in the first direction and the first wire 3955A, the second wire 3955B, and the second wire 3955C are wound onto the winch reel 3950, tension is generated in each of the first to third wires 3955A to C, pulling the left frame section 3910 toward the right frame section 3915 in direction B, thus reducing the overall width of the stroller 3900. When the winch reel 3950 is rotated in the second direction, the first to third wires 3955A to C are unwound from the winch reel 3950, so that the left frame portion 3910 moves away from the right frame portion 3915 in direction A, and the overall width of the stroller 3900 is increased.

[0168] Figure 40 is a perspective view of a stroller equipped with a winch reel system for lifting the bottom of the stroller seat, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Any one or more of the winch reel systems and features shown in Figures 1A to 7 may be used as the winch reel described herein. Furthermore, the features described in Figure 40 may be provided separately from any of the features described in Figures 33A to 39B, or in addition to any of the features described in Figures 33A to 39B. Stroller 4000 may include stroller frame 4005. Stroller frame 4005 may include a front stroller frame, a rear stroller frame, and a handle. Each of the front and rear stroller frames may include one or more wheels. The stroller 4000 may also include a seat base 4010 and a seat back 4015 for accommodating a child. In certain examples, the stroller 4000 may also include soft goods that cover all or part of the seat base 4010 and seat back 4015. For example, the soft goods may include a seat bottom cushion panel 4030, a seat back cushion panel 4025, and a leg cushion panel 4020. The seat bottom cushion panel 4030 and the seat back cushion panel 4025 are configured to move relative to each other.

[0169] The stroller 4000 may also include a winch reel 4035 and one or more wires. Each of the one or more wires may have a first end connected to the winch reel 4035 and a distal second end connected to the seat bottom cushion panel 4030. In one example, the winch reel 4035 is a one-way winch reel. When the winch reel 4035 is rotated in the first direction, each of the one or more wires is wound onto the winch reel 4035, so that the seat bottom cushion panel 4030 is pulled upward from the seat bottom 4010 and away from the seat bottom 4010 in direction A. This movement of the seat bottom cushion panel 4030 in direction A also pulls a portion of the seat back cushion panel 4025 away from the seat back 4015. Moving the cushion outward in this way can help to put a child in and / or transfer them from the stroller 4000. When the winch reel 4035 is rotated in the second direction or popped out and the winding of the winch reel 4035 is released, the user can push the seat back cushion panel 4025 and the seat bottom cushion panel 4030 to unwind each of the wires from the winding of the winch reel 4035, or each of the wires can be automatically unwound from the winding of the winch reel 4035, and the seat bottom cushion panel 4030 can be moved in direction B toward the seat bottom 4010 and seat back 4015. This movement of the seat bottom cushion panel 4030 toward direction B also pushes a portion of the seat back cushion panel 4025 toward the seat back 4015.

[0170] Figure 41 is a perspective view of a stroller equipped with a winch reel system for adjusting the resistance of one or more wheels of the stroller, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Any one or more of the winch reel systems and features shown in Figures 1A to 7 may be used as the winch reel described herein. Furthermore, the features described in Figure 41 may be provided separately from or in addition to any of the features described in Figures 33A to 40. The stroller 4100 may include a stroller frame 4105. The stroller frame 4105 may include a front stroller frame 4110, a rear stroller frame 4115, and a handle. The front stroller frame 4110 may include front wheels 4111. In some embodiments, the front stroller frame 4110 may include two or more front wheels. The rear stroller frame 4115 may include a first rear wheel 4116 and a second rear wheel 4117. The stroller 4100 may also include a seat base and seat back for accommodating a child. In certain embodiments, the stroller 4100 may also include soft accessories to cover all or part of the seat base and seat back.

[0171] The stroller 4100 may also include one or more tension brakes 4120 coupled to the front stroller frame 4110 or the rear stroller frame 4115, each of which is configured to engage with at least one of the front wheels 4111, the first rear wheel 4116, and the second rear wheel 4117. Each of the one or more tension brakes 4120 may be adjustable to provide varying tensions to each of the front wheels 4111, the first rear wheel 4116, and / or the second rear wheel 4117 when the stroller 4100 is being pushed by a caregiver. The stroller may also include a winch reel 4125. In one example, the winch reel 4125 is a bidirectional winch reel and may be mounted on the handle of the stroller 4100. The stroller 4100 may also include a wire having a first end coupled to the winch reel 4125 and a distal second end coupled to a tension brake 4120 engaged with the first rear wheel 4116. When the winch reel 4125 is rotated in the first direction, the wire is wound onto the winch reel 4125, thus generating tension in the wire and increasing the braking force on the first rear wheel 4116 by the tension brake 4120. When the winch reel 4125 is rotated in the second direction, the wire is unwound from the winch reel 4125, thus reducing the tension of the wire and decreasing the braking force on the first rear wheel 4116 by the tension brake. Therefore, caregivers operating the stroller 4100 can quickly and easily adjust the brake tension of the stroller 4100 to match their desired movement.

[0172] Figures 42A and 42B are perspective views of a stroller equipped with a winch reel system for adjusting ventilation from open to closed in one or more soft goods cushions of the stroller seat, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Any one or more of the winch reel systems and features shown in Figures 1A to 7 may be used as the winch reel described herein. Furthermore, the features described in Figures 42A and 42B may be provided separately from or in addition to any of the features described in Figures 33A to 41. The stroller 4200 may include a stroller frame 4205. The stroller frame 4205 may include a front stroller frame, a rear stroller frame, and a handle. Each of the front and rear stroller frames may include one or more wheels 4208. The stroller 4200 may also include a seat base 4210 and a seat back 4207 for accommodating a child. In certain examples, the stroller 4200 may also include soft goods 4215 that cover all or part of the seat base 4210 and seat back 4207. In one example, the soft goods include a mesh panel that slides over an opening that passes through the seat base 4210 and the seat back 4207.

[0173] In the first position 4235, the sliding mesh panel covers the opening and prevents airflow through the seat bottom 4210 and seat back 4207. In the second position 4240, the opening of the sliding mesh panel is aligned or substantially aligned with the opening, allowing air to flow through the seat bottom 4210 and the seat back 4207. The winch reel 4220 can be attached to the side or another part of the stroller 4200. Although not shown in Figures 42A and 42B, one or more wires may be attached to the winch reel 4220 at a first end and to one or more sliding mesh panels at a distal second end. In one example, the winch reel 4220 is a bidirectional reel. When the winch reel 4220 is rotated in the first direction, the wire is wound onto the winch reel 4220, and the mesh panels are moved from a closed configuration 4235 to an open configuration 4240 with respect to their respective openings, allowing air to pass through each opening to provide additional ventilation and cooling to the stroller 4200. A sliding mesh panel 4215A in such an open configuration is shown in Figure 42B. When the winch reel 4220 is rotated in the second direction, the wire is unwound from the winding of the winch reel 4220, and each sliding mesh panel is moved from an open configuration 4240 to a closed configuration 4235 with respect to their respective openings, so that each opening is blocked and air is prevented from passing through the openings in the seat bottom 4210 and the seat back 4207.

[0174] Figures 43A and 43B are perspective and rear views of a stroller equipped with a winch reel system for adjusting the tension of soft goods in the stroller seat, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Any one or more of the winch reel systems and features shown in Figures 1A to 7 may be used as the winch reel described herein. Furthermore, the features described in Figures 43A and 43B may be provided separately from or in addition to any of the features described in Figures 33A to 42B. Stroller 4300 may include a stroller frame 4307. Stroller frame 4307 may include a front stroller frame, a rear stroller frame, and a handle 4305. Each of the front and rear stroller frames may include one or more wheels. The stroller 4300 may also include a seat base 4310 and a seat back 4315 for accommodating a child. In certain examples, the stroller 4300 may also include soft goods 4320 that cover all or part of the seat base 4310 and seat back 4315. In one example, the soft goods 4320 are removably attached to the seat base 4310 and the seat back 4315. The soft goods 4320 may include a number of hooks 4322A-E for attaching the soft goods 4320 to the seat base 4310 and the seat back 4315. In one example, the hooks 4322A-E are directly attached to the soft goods 4320. In another example, an elastic material extends between the soft goods 4320 and each of the respective hooks 4322A-E.

[0175] The seat bottom 4310 and seat back 4315 may include corresponding loops 4325A-E for coupling with hooks 4322A-E. Each of the loops 4325A-E may be coupled with a corresponding wire 4326A-E, each wire 4326A-E having a first end coupled to a winch reel 4335 and a distal second end coupled to the corresponding loop 4325A-E. In one example, the winch reel 4335 is a one-way winch reel. When the winch reel 4335 is rotated in the first direction, the wires 4326A-E are wound onto the winch reel 4335, and the tension of the wires 4326A-E simultaneously and firmly pulls the soft goods 4320 onto the seat bottom 4310 and the seat back 4315. When the winch reel 4335 is rotated in the second direction or popped out and the winding of the winch reel 4335 is released, the user can pull the soft goods 4320 away from the seat bottom 4310 and seat back 4315 and detach the hooks 4322A-E from the corresponding loops 4325A-E.

[0176] Figure 44 is a perspective view of a stroller, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, which includes a winch reel system for adjusting the tension of an additional pad optionally attached to the stroller seat. Any one or more of the winch reel systems and features shown in Figures 1A to 7 may be used as the winch reel described herein. Furthermore, the features described in Figure 44 may be provided separately from any of the features described in Figures 33A to 43B, or in addition to any of the features described in Figures 33A to 43B. Stroller 4400 may include a stroller frame 4405. Stroller frame 4405 may include a front stroller frame, a rear stroller frame, and a handle. Each of the front and rear stroller frames may include one or more wheels. The stroller 4400 may also include a seat base 4410 and a seat back 4415 for accommodating a child. In certain examples, the stroller 4400 may also include a first soft item 4420 and a second soft item 4425 that cover all or part of the seat base 4410 and the seat back 4415. In certain examples, the first soft item 4420 may be configured to include a winter type pad, while the second soft item 4425 may be configured to include a summer type pad. Each of the first soft goods 4420 and the second soft goods 4425 may include a first hook 4422 and a second hook 4427, respectively. In some embodiments, the first soft goods 4420 and the second soft goods 4425 may include two or more hooks for each soft goods. The stroller 4400 may include one or more corresponding loops for receiving hooks and a winch reel that can attach and detach the soft goods to and from the stroller in substantially the same manner as described in Figures 43A and 43B.

[0177] Figures 45A and 45B are perspective views of a stroller equipped with a rain cover, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, which includes a winch reel system for adjusting the tension of the open end of the cover and fastening it to the stroller frame of the stroller. Any one or more of the winch reel systems and features shown in Figures 1A to 7 may be used as the winch reel described herein. Furthermore, the features described in Figures 45A and 45B may be provided separately from or in addition to any of the features described in Figures 33A to 44. Stroller 4500 may include a stroller frame 4505. Stroller frame 4505 may include a front stroller frame, a rear stroller frame, and a handle. Each of the front and rear stroller frames may include one or more wheels. The stroller 4500 may also include a seating section 4510 for accommodating a child. In certain examples, the stroller 4500 may also include soft goods to cover all or part of the seating area 4510. The rain cover 4515 may be sized and shaped to fit the stroller frame 4505. The rain cover 4515 may include an open lower end 4520 and a closed upper end. The body of the rain cover 4515 can be made of plastic or another waterproof material.

[0178] The wire 4525 can extend along a channel around the open lower end 4520 of the rain cover 4515 and may have a distal end coupled to a winch reel 4530. In one example, the winch reel 4530 is a one-way winch reel. When the winch reel 4530 is rotated in the first direction, the wire 4525 is wound onto the winch reel 4530, and the tension of the wire 4525 pulls around the open lower end 4520 of the rain cover 4515, which closes it around the bottom end of the stroller frame 4505. When the winch reel 4530 is rotated in the second direction or popped out to release the winding, the user can pull around the open lower end 4520 of the rain cover 4515 to loosen the rain cover 4515 from the stroller frame 4505 and remove the rain cover 4515 from the stroller 4500.

[0179] Figures 46A and 46B are perspective views of a stroller equipped with a winch reel system for adjusting the tension of a mosquito net along the stroller frame of the stroller, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Any one or more of the winch reel systems and features shown in Figures 1A to 7 may be used as the winch reel described herein. Furthermore, the features described in Figures 46A and 46B may be provided separately from or in addition to any of the features described in Figures 33A to 45B. Stroller 4600 may include a stroller frame 4605. Stroller frame 4605 may include a front stroller frame 4622, a rear stroller frame 4620, and a handle. Each of the front stroller frame 4622 and the rear stroller frame 4620 may include one or more wheels. The stroller 4600 may also include a seat base 4610 and a seat back 4615 for accommodating a child. In certain examples, the stroller 4600 may also include soft goods that cover all or part of the seat base 4610 and seat back 4615.

[0180] The stroller 4600 may also include a canopy 4625 and a mosquito net 4630 movably coupled to the canopy 4625. The mosquito net 4630 may include a bottom perimeter and wires 4640 positioned within channels along the bottom perimeter. The body of the mosquito net 4630 may be made of mesh that allows air to pass through. The distal end of the wires 4640 may be coupled to a winch reel 4635. In one example, the winch reel 4635 is a one-way winch reel. When the mosquito net 4630 is rotated downwards to cover the sheet bottom 4610 and sheet back 4615, the winch reel 4635 is rotated in the first direction, so that the wire 4640 can be wound onto the winch reel 4635. The tension of the wire 4640 pulls the bottom periphery of the mosquito net 4630, which closes it around the outside of the sheet bottom 4610. When the winch reel 4635 is rotated in the second direction or popped out and the winding of the winch reel 4635 is released, the user can pull the bottom edge of the mosquito net 4630 to loosen the mosquito net 4630 from the bottom of the sheet 4610 and rotate the mosquito net 4630 to move it backward toward the canopy 4625.

[0181] Figures 47A and 47B are perspective views of a stroller equipped with a winch reel system for adjusting tension around the opening of a shopping container from open to closed, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Any one or more of the winch reel systems and features shown in Figures 1A to 7 may be used as the winch reel described herein. Furthermore, the features described in Figures 47A and 47B may be provided separately from or in addition to any of the features described in Figures 33A to 46B. Stroller 4700 may include a stroller frame 4705. Stroller frame 4705 may include a front stroller frame, a rear stroller frame, and a handle. Each of the front and rear stroller frames may include one or more wheels. The stroller 4700 may also include a seating section 4710 for accommodating a child. The seating section 4710 may include a seat base and a seat back. In certain examples, the stroller 4700 may also include soft goods to cover all or part of the seating area 4710. The shopping container 4715 may be sized and shaped to fit under the seat section 4710 of the stroller 4700. In one example, the shopping container 4715 may be made of a flexible material. In another example, the shopping container 4715 may be made of plastic or another material. The shopping container 4715 may include an open top end 4717 and a closed bottom end.

[0182] The wire 4725 can extend along a channel around the open upper end 4717 of the shopping container 4715 and may have a distal end coupled to a winch reel 4720. In one example, the winch reel 4720 is a one-way winch reel. When the winch reel 4720 is rotated in the first direction, the wire 4725 is wound onto the winch reel 4530, and the tension of the wire 4525 pulls around the open upper end 4717, closing it and preventing items from falling out of the shopping container. When the winch reel 4720 is rotated in the second direction or popped out and the winding of the winch reel 4720 is released, the user can pull around the open upper end 4717 of the shopping container 4715 to loosen the open upper end 4717 of the shopping container 4715 and open it to access the inside of the shopping container 4715.

[0183] Figures 48A and 48B are side views of a stroller equipped with a winch reel system for adjusting the stroller to a fully folded position, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Any one or more of the winch reel systems and features shown in Figures 1A to 7 may be used as the winch reel described herein. Furthermore, the features described in Figures 48A and 48B may be provided separately from or in addition to any of the features described in Figures 33A to 47B. The stroller 4800 may include a stroller frame 4805 and a winch reel 4810. The stroller 4800 may also include one or more wires connected to the frame members of the stroller frame 4805. When the stroller 4800 is folded for transport, the winch reel 4810 is rotated in the first direction shown in Figure 48B so that the front portion of the stroller frame 4805 is moved closer to the rear portion of the stroller frame 4805, thereby further tightening the frame members of the stroller frame 4805 together.

[0184] Figures 49A and 49B are perspective views of a stroller equipped with a winch reel system for adjusting the position of a blanket or cover along the stroller seat, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Any one or more of the winch reel systems and features shown in Figures 1A to 7 may be used as the winch reel described herein. Furthermore, the features described in Figures 49A and 49B may be provided separately from or in addition to any of the features described in Figures 33A to 48B. Stroller 4900 may include stroller frame 4905. Stroller frame 4905 may include a front stroller frame, a rear stroller frame, and a handle. Each of the front and rear stroller frames may include one or more wheels. The stroller 4900 may also include a seat base 4910 and a seat back for accommodating a child. In certain examples, the stroller 4900 may also include soft goods that cover all or part of the seat base 4910 and seat back.

[0185] In one example, the stroller 4900 may also include an adjustable blanket 4915 and a winch reel 4920 for winding up and unwinding the adjustable blanket 4915. The adjustable blanket 4915 may be adjustable from a first position in which the adjustable blanket 4915 is wound onto the winch reel 4920 to a second position in which the adjustable blanket 4915 covers all or part of the child along the bottom of the stroller 4900 seat 4910. The winch reel 4925 can be attached to the side or another part of the stroller 4900. Although not shown in Figures 49A and 49B, one or more wires can be attached to the winch reel 4925 at one end and to an adjustable blanket 4915 at a distal second end. In one example, the winch reel 4925 is a bidirectional reel. When the winch reel 4925 is rotated in the first direction, one or more wires are wound onto the winch reel 4925, and the adjustable blanket 4915 is moved from the first position to direction A as shown in Figure 49A, and then to the second position as shown in Figure 49B. When the winch reel 4925 is rotated in the second direction, one or more wires are unwound from the winch reel 4925, and the adjustable blanket 4915 is moved from the second position shown in Figure 49B to direction B, and then to the first position shown in Figure 49A.

[0186] Figure 50 is a perspective view of a child locker equipped with a winch reel system for adjusting the tension of the locker's harness system, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Any one or more of the winch reel systems and features shown in Figures 1A to 7 may be used as the winch reel described herein. The Locker 5000 can be replaced with a crib or a platform (hereinafter collectively referred to as the Locker). The rocker 5000 may include a rocker frame 5010 that supports the crib 5005. The crib 5005 may include an outer shell 5013 that surrounds or substantially surrounds the sleeping surface 5015. In one example, the outer shell 5013 may be made of plastic. The sleeping surface 5015 may include soft goods to provide a comfortable sleeping surface 5015 for the crib 5005. In certain examples, although not shown in Figure 50, the rocker 5000 may include a pedestal support that extends vertically or substantially vertically upward from the rocker frame 5010 to the crib 5005. The locker 5000 may also include one or more harness straps 5020A-E for holding the child inside the crib 5005. Five harness straps 5020A-E are shown, but more or fewer harness straps may be used as alternatives.

[0187] The rocker 5000 may also include a winch reel 5025 positioned along the front end of the rocker 5000. In other embodiments, the winch reel 5025 may be positioned at any other location along the rocker 5000. The winch reel 5025 may be directly or indirectly connected to each of the harness straps 5020A-E. For example, although not shown in Figure 50, multiple wires may be provided, each having a first end connected to the winch reel 5025 and a distal second end directly or indirectly connected to one of the harness straps 5020A-E. In one example, the winch reel 5025 is a one-way winch reel. When the winch reel 5025 is rotated in the first direction, multiple wires are wound onto the winch reel 5025, and each harness strap 5020A-E is tightened simultaneously. When the winch reel 5025 is rotated in the second direction or popped out and the winding of the winch reel 5025 is released, the user can pull one or more of the harness straps 5020A-E to unwind the wire from the winding of the winch reel 5025, or the wire can be automatically unwound from the winding of the winch reel 5025 and the harness straps 5020A-E can be loosened. In certain examples, although not shown in Figure 50, one or more of the harness straps 5020A-E may include a tension indicator. The tension indicator can operate as described in Figure 7 above and can provide a visual indication to the user when each of the harness straps 5020A-E is under sufficient tension.

[0188] Figures 51A and 51B are perspective and plan views of a child's locker equipped with a winch reel system for adjusting the width and length of the locker seat, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Any one or more of the winch reel systems and features shown in Figures 1A to 7 may be used as the winch reel described herein. Furthermore, the features described in Figures 51A and 51B may be provided separately from or in addition to any of the features described in Figures 50A and 50B. The rocker 5100 may include a rocker frame 5110 that supports the crib 5105. The crib 5105 may include an outer shell 5113 that surrounds or substantially surrounds the sleeping surface 5115. In one example, the outer shell 5113 may be made of flexible plastic with adjustable dimensions and may include a head end 5122, a foot end 5124, a first side 5116, and a second side 5118. In one example, each of the first side 5116 and the second side 5118 may extend from the head end 5122 to the foot end 5124. The sleeping surface 5115 may include soft goods to provide a comfortable sleeping surface 5115 in the crib 5105. In certain examples, although not shown in Figures 51A and 51B, the rocker 5100 may include a pedestal support extending vertically or substantially vertically upward from the rocker frame 5110 to the crib 5105.

[0189] The locker 5100 may also include multiple winch reels for adjusting the external dimensions of the crib 5105. In one example, the locker 5100 may include a first winch reel 5125 positioned along the first side 5116 of the crib 5105. In another embodiment, the first winch reel 5125 may be positioned at any other location along the locker 5100. The first wire 5120 may have a first end connected to the first winch reel 5125 and a distal second end directly or indirectly connected to the second side portion 5118 of the outer shell 5118. Thus, the first winch reel 5125 may be configured to adjust the overall width of the central portion of the outer shell 5113 between the first side portion 5116 and the second side portion 5118, as shown in Figure 51B. In one exemplary embodiment, the second winch reel 5130 can be positioned along the head end 5122 of the outer shell 5113. The second wire 5135 may have a first end 5137 extending from the head end 5122 toward the first side 5116. The second wire 5135, or another wire, may also have a distal second end 5139 extending from the head end 5122 toward the second side 5118. The second winch reel 5130 can be configured to adjust the overall width and / or curvature of the head end 5122 of the outer shell 5113, as shown in Figure 51B. In one exemplary embodiment, the third winch reel 5140 can be positioned along the foot end 5124 of the outer shell 5113. The third wire 5145 may have a first end 5147 extending from the foot end 5124 toward the first side 5116. The third wire 5145, or another wire, may also have a distal second end 5149 extending from the foot end 5124 toward the second side 5118. The third winch reel 5140 may be configured to adjust the overall width and / or curvature of the foot end 5124 of the outer shell 5113, as shown in Figure 51B. In one example, the first winch reel 5125, the second winch reel 5130, and the third winch reel 5140 are all bidirectional winch reels. When each winch reel 5125, 5130, and 5140 is rotated in the first direction, each wire 5120, 5135, and 5145 is wound onto the winding mechanism of each winch reel 5125, 5130, and 5140, and the width of the portion of the outer shell 5113 adjacent to each winch reel 5125, 5130, and 5140 is reduced. As each winch reel 5125, 5130, and 5140 is rotated in the second direction, each wire 5120, 5135, and 5145 is unwound from the winding of each winch reel 5125, 5130, and 5140, increasing the width of the portion of the outer shell 5113 adjacent to each winch reel 5125, 5130, and 5140.

[0190] Figures 52A and 52B are side views of a child's locker equipped with a winch reel system for adjusting the height of the locker seat, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Any one or more of the winch reel systems and features shown in Figures 1A to 7 may be used as the winch reel described herein. Furthermore, the features described in Figures 52A and 52B may be provided separately from or in addition to any of the features described in Figures 50A to 51B. The rocker 5200 may include a rocker frame 5210 that supports the crib 5205. The crib 5205 may include an outer shell 5215 that surrounds or substantially surrounds the sleeping surface. In one example, the outer shell 5215 may be made of plastic. The rocker 5200 may also include soft goods that cover all or part of the sleeping surface. In certain examples, although not shown in Figures 51A and 51B, the rocker 5000 may include a base support extending vertically or substantially vertically upward from the rocker frame 5210 to the crib 5205.

[0191] The crib 5200 may also include an adjustable extension member 5225. In one example, the adjustable extension member 5225 may have a first end connected to the base 5220 of the crib and a second end connected to the frame 5210. In another example, the adjustable extension member 5225 may have a first end connected directly to the outer shell 5215 of the crib 5205. In a particular example, the adjustable extension member 5225 is a toothed claw 5225. The rocker 5200 may also include a ratchet bidirectional winch reel 5230 that engages with the toothed claw 5225 to adjust the height of the crib 5205 from the floor. For example, when the winch reel 5230 is rotated in the first direction, the toothed jaw 5225 is moved by the winch reel 5230 in direction B, extending the length of the toothed jaw 5225 between the winch reel 5230 and the rocker frame 5210, thereby increasing the overall height of the crib 5205, as shown in Figure 52B. When the winch reel 5230 is rotated in the second direction, the toothed jaw 5225 is moved in direction A, reducing the length of the toothed jaw 5225 between the winch reel 5230 and the rocker frame 5210, thereby reducing the height of the crib 5205 as shown in Figure 52A.

[0192] Figures 53A and 53B are perspective and side views of a child's locker equipped with a winch reel system for adjusting the tilt of a locker seat, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Any one or more of the winch reel systems and features shown in Figures 1A to 7 may be used as the winch reel described herein. Furthermore, the features described in Figures 53A and 53B may be provided separately from or in addition to any of the features described in Figures 50A to 52B. The rocker 5300 may include a rocker frame 5310 that supports the crib 5305. The crib 5305 may include an outer shell 5315 that surrounds or substantially surrounds the sleeping surface 5320. In one example, the outer shell 5315 may be made of plastic. In certain embodiments, although not shown in Figures 53A and 53B, the rocker 5300 may include a pedestal support extending vertically or substantially upward from the rocker frame 5310 to the crib 5305. The rocker 5300 may include soft goods covering all or part of the sleeping surface 5320. The sleeping surface 5320 may include a seat base and a seat back. The seat base and seat back, together with the outer shell 5315 of the crib 5305, may be rotatable in directions A and B relative to the rocker frame 5310.

[0193] The rocker 5300 may also include a winch reel 5325 coupled to the outer shell 5315 and / or another part of the crib 5305 to rotatably adjust the angle of the crib 5305 relative to the rocker frame 5310. In one example, the winch reel 5325 is a bidirectional winch reel. When the winch reel 5325 is rotated in the first direction, the crib 5305, including the outer shell 5315 and the sleeping surface 5320, is rotated to an inclined seat position relative to the rocker frame 5310 in direction A, as shown in Figure 53B, in which the seat bottom is substantially horizontal and the seat back is angled upward, for example between 20 and 50 degrees, to place the child in a substantially upright position. When the winch reel 5325 is rotated in the second direction, the crib 5305, including the outer shell 5315 and the sleeping surface 5320, is rotated to a horizontal seat position in direction B relative to the rocker frame 5310, as shown in Figure 53B, in which case both the seat bottom and seat back are substantially horizontal.

[0194] Figure 54 is a perspective view of a child's locker with a winch reel system for adjusting the opacity of the locker seat canopy, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Any one or more of the winch reel systems and features shown in Figures 1A to 7 may be used as the winch reel described herein. Furthermore, the features described in Figure 54 may be provided separately from or in addition to any of the features described in Figures 50A to 53B. The rocker 5400 may include a rocker frame 5410 that supports the crib 5405. The crib 5405 may include an outer shell 5415 that surrounds or substantially surrounds the sleeping surface. In one example, the outer shell 5415 may be made of plastic. In certain examples, although not shown in Figure 54, the locker 5400 may include a base support extending vertically or substantially vertically upward from the locker frame 5410 to the crib 5405. The locker 5400 may also include soft goods that cover all or part of the sleeping surface. The rocker 5400 may also include an adjustable canopy 5420. In certain embodiments, the canopy 5420 may include a plurality of panels 5420A-C, each made of a multilayer mesh material so that the canopy 5420 can be adjusted to adjust the position of each of the plurality of panels 5420A-C relative to another of the plurality of panels 5420A-C, and to adjust the opacity (or transparency) of each of the plurality of panels 5420A-C.

[0195] In position 1, the openings in each of the multiple panels 5420A-C are offset from each other to prevent light from passing through the canopy panel 5420. Position 1 provides maximum opacity and is shown in panel 5420A. Position 1 would be useful when a child is sleeping or when the locker 5400 is in a sunny location that could potentially harm a child's eyes. In the second position, the openings of the multiple panels 5420A-C are aligned with each other, allowing light to pass through and enabling the caregiver to see through the canopy 5420. The second position provides low opacity, as shown in panels 5420B-C. This would be useful when the child is awake or when the caregiver wants to check on the child's condition.

[0196] The winch reels 5425A-C can be coupled to each panel 5420A-C, respectively. Although not shown in Figure 54, one or more wires may be provided, each of which can be coupled at one end to each winch reel 5425A-C and at its distal second end to one or more of the panels 5420A-C. In one example, each winch reel 5425A-C is a bidirectional winch reel. When each winch reel 5425A-C is rotated in the first direction, one or more wires are wound onto the winding of each winch reel 5425A-C, and one or more of the panels 5420A-C are moved relative to each other of the panels 5420A-C from the second position to the first position (as shown on panel 5420A), so that no one can see through panel 5420A. When each winch reel 5425A-C is rotated in the second direction, the wire is unwound from the winding of each winch reel 5425A-C, and one of the multiple panels 5420A-C is moved relative to the other panel of the multiple panels 5420A-C from the first position to the second position (as shown in panels 5420B and 5420C), so that the opacity is reduced and the caregiver can see through each of the panels 5420A-C. In Figure 54, the opacity of each panel 5420A-C is controlled by its own respective winch reel 5425A-C; however, in other exemplary embodiments, a single winch reel can simultaneously adjust the opacity of all of the multiple panels 5420A-C of the canopy 5420.

[0197] Figures 55A to 55C illustrate various aspects of a child's rocker, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, which includes a winch reel system for adjusting the tension of the elastic body of the rocker mechanism of the rocker seat. Any one or more of the winch reel systems and features shown in Figures 1A to 7 may be used as the winch reel described herein. Furthermore, the features described in Figures 55A to 55C may be provided separately from or in addition to any of the features described in Figures 50A to 54. The rocker 5500 may include a rocker frame 5510 that supports the crib 5505. The crib 5505 may include an outer shell 5515 that surrounds or substantially surrounds the sleeping surface. In one example, the outer shell 5515 may be made of plastic. In certain embodiments, although not shown in Figures 55A–55C, the rocker 5500 may include a pedestal support that extends vertically or substantially vertically upward from the rocker frame 5510 to the crib 5505. The rocker 5500 may also include soft goods that cover all or part of the sleeping surface. Furthermore, the rocker 5500 may include a base panel 5520 positioned between the crib 5505 and the rocker frame 5510. In one example, the base panel 5520 may include a rocking mechanism 5535 that generates rocking of the crib 5505. In a particular example, the rocking mechanism 5535 may include elastic members 5530 along each end of the rocking mechanism. By adjusting the tightness of these elastic members 5530, the type of rocking motion acting on the crib 5505 can be changed. For example, by tightening the elastic members 5530, the rocking motion of the crib 5505 can be changed from a long, slow rocking motion represented by arrow B in Figure 55B to a short, fast rocking motion represented by arrow A in Figure 55A.

[0198] The rocker 5500 may also include a winch reel 5525 that can be coupled to the base panel 5520. Although not shown in Figures 55A to 55C, one or more wires may be provided, each of which may be coupled to the winch reel 5525 at one end and to one of the elastic members 5530 at a distal second end. In one example, the winch reel 5525 is a bidirectional winch reel. When the winch reel 5525 is rotated in the first direction, the wire is wound onto the winch reel 5525, and the elastic members 5530 are stretched and tightened toward each other, thus generating a faster and shorter oscillating motion as indicated by arrow A in Figure 55A. When the winch reel 5525 is rotated in the second direction, the wire is unwound from the winch reel 5525, causing the elastic members 5530 to move relatively far apart from each other and to become relatively slack, thus generating a longer and slower oscillating motion as indicated by arrow B in Figure 55B.

[0199] Figures 56A and 56B are perspective and side views of a child's locker equipped with a winch reel system for adjusting the position of the rocker cam of the rocker seat, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Any one or more of the winch reel systems and features shown in Figures 1A to 7 may be used as the winch reel described herein. Furthermore, the features described in Figures 56A and 56B may be provided separately from or in addition to any of the features described in Figures 50A to 55C. The rocker 5600 may include a rocker frame 5610 that supports the crib 5615. The crib 5615 may include an outer shell that surrounds or substantially surrounds the sleeping surface. In one example, the outer shell may be made of plastic. In a particular example, the rocker 5600 may include a pedestal support 5617 that extends vertically or substantially vertically upward from the top 5605 of the rocker frame 5610 to the crib 5615. The rocker 5600 may also include soft goods that cover all or part of the sleeping surface.

[0200] Furthermore, the rocker 5600 may include a rocker arm 5620 that engages with a cam 5630 to generate a rocking motion of the crib 5615. In certain examples, the position of the cam 5630 relative to the rocker arm 5620 can be adjusted laterally to change the type of rocking motion acting on the crib 5612. The rocker 5600 may also include a winch reel 5625 that can be coupled to the rocker frame 5610. Although not shown in Figures 56A–56B, one or more wires may be coupled to the winch reel 5625 at one end and to the cam 5630 along a distal second end. In one example, the winch reel 5625 is a bidirectional winch reel. When the winch reel 5625 is rotated in the first direction, one or more wires are wound onto the winch reel 5625, causing the cam 5630 to move in the first direction 5635, which changes the oscillating motion generated in the crib 5612. When the winch reel 5625 is rotated in the second direction, the wire is unwound from the winch reel 5625, the cam 5630 is moved in the opposite direction to the first direction 5635, and the motion of the rocker arm 5620 along the cam 5630 is changed.

[0201] Figures 57A and 57B are perspective and side views of a child's locker equipped with a winch reel system for adjusting the tension of a locker sheet mosquito net, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Any one or more of the winch reel systems and features shown in Figures 1A to 7 may be used as the winch reel described herein. Furthermore, the features described in Figures 57A and 57B may be provided separately from or in addition to any of the features described in Figures 50A to 56B. The rocker 5700 may include a rocker frame 5710 that supports the crib 5705. The crib 5705 may include an outer shell 5715 that surrounds or substantially surrounds the sleeping surface. In one example, the outer shell 5715 may be made of plastic. In certain examples, although not shown in Figures 57A–57B, the rocker 5700 may include a pedestal support that extends vertically or substantially vertically upward from the rocker frame 5710 to the crib 5705. The rocker 5700 may also include soft goods that cover all or part of the sleeping surface.

[0202] The locker 5700 may also include an adjustable mosquito net 5720 that is movable and attached to a crib 5705. The mosquito net 5720 may also include a winch reel 5725, where 5725A-C show various possible positions of the winch reel 5725 when the adjustable mosquito net is in a different configuration. In one example, the adjustable mosquito net 5720 may be movable from an open position to a closed position by extending panels 5720A-C onto an outer shell 5715 with a winch reel moving along paths 5725A-C. The adjustable mosquito net 5720 may include a bottom perimeter and one or more wires 5730C-D arranged in channels along the bottom perimeter. The body of the adjustable mosquito net 5720 may be made of mesh to allow air to flow through the adjustable mosquito net 5720. The distal ends of each wire 5730C-D can be coupled to a winch reel 5725. In one example, the winch reel 5725 is a one-way winch reel. When the adjustable mosquito net 5720 is rotated downwards to cover the open upper side of the outer shell 5715, including the sleeping surface, the winch reel 5725 can be rotated in the first direction, thereby winding the wires 5730C-D onto the winch reel 5725, and the tension of each wire 5730C-D pulls around the bottom edge of the adjustable mosquito net 5720, which then closes around the outside of the outer shell 5715. When the winch reel 5725 is rotated in the second direction or popped out and the winding of the winch reel 5725 is released, the user can pull the bottom edge of the adjustable mosquito net 5720 to loosen the adjustable mosquito net 5720 from the outer shell 5715 and rotate the adjustable mosquito net 5720 back to the open position. It should be further noted that the adjustable mosquito net 5720 may be rotated in part. In one embodiment, the bottom edge of the adjustable mosquito net is 5730A, and the winch reel 5725 is located at 5725A. In another embodiment, the bottom edge of the adjustable mosquito net is 5730B, and the winch reel 5725 is located at 5720B. When the adjustable mosquito net is fully closed, the bottom edge of the adjustable mosquito net 5720 is 5730C-D, and the winch reel 5725 is located at 5720C-D.

[0203] Figures 58A and 58B are perspective views of a child's rocker equipped with a winch reel system for adjusting the tension of a mobile rocker seat, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Any one or more of the winch reel systems and features shown in Figures 1A to 7 may be used as the winch reel described herein. Furthermore, the features described in Figures 58A and 58B may be provided separately from or in addition to any of the features described in Figures 50A to 57B. The rocker 5800 may include a rocker frame 5810 that supports the crib 5805. The crib 5805 may include an outer shell 5815 that surrounds or substantially surrounds the sleeping surface. In one example, the outer shell 5815 may be made of plastic. In certain examples, although not shown in Figures 58A–58B, the rocker 5800 may include a pedestal support that extends vertically or substantially vertically upward from the rocker frame 5810 to the crib 5805. The rocker 5800 may also include soft goods that cover all or part of the sleeping surface. The rocker 5800 may also include a mobile 5820 coupled to a crib 5805. The mobile 5820 may be configured to produce any one or more of light, movement, and sound to entertain a child in the crib 5805. The mobile 5820 may include a retraction motor. The rocker 5800 may also include a winch reel 5825 coupled to or detachably coupled to the retraction motor of the mobile 5820 to allow a user to operate the mobile 5820 by using the winch reel 5825 to retract the retraction motor.

[0204] Figures 59A and 59B are perspective views of a playpen equipped with a winch reel system for adjusting the tension of the upper rail member of the playpen, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Any one or more of the winch reel systems and features shown in Figures 1A to 7 may be used as the winch reel described herein. The playard 5900 may include one or more vertical posts 5905. In one example, four vertical posts 5905 may be placed at each corner of the playard 5900. However, in other embodiments, more or fewer vertical posts may be provided. Each vertical post 5905 may include a foot member 5970 including a bottom end 5975 configured to rest on the floor surface. The playard 5900 may also include upper support rails. The number of upper support rails may depend on the number of sides of the playard and the number of support rails that are divided into multiple rail sections for folding and storage of the playard 5900. In one example, the playard may include a first upper side rail 5910, a second upper side rail 5915, a first upper end rail 5920, and a second upper end rail 5925. Each end rail (or the joint of the end rails) may extend from a first vertical post 5905 to a second vertical post 5905. One or more side panels 5930 may extend downward from each of the first upper side rail 5910, the second upper side rail 5915, the first upper end rail 5920, and the second upper end rail 5925. Although four side panels 5930 are shown, in other examples the number of side panels 5930 may be more or less than four. The side panels 5930 may be made of soft goods such as see-through mesh material. One or more side panels 5930, together with the floor panel, can define the accommodation area in which a child is placed.

[0205] In one example, the first upper side rail 5910 can be divided into a first upper side rail section 5910A and a second upper side rail section 5910B, and the second upper side rail 5915 can be divided into a third upper side rail section 5915A and a fourth upper side rail section 5915B, so that the first upper side rail 5910 and the second upper side rail 5915 can "break" near their respective midpoints in order to fold the playard 5900. The playerard 5900 may also include a first winch reel 5935 positioned along the first upper side rail 5910 between substantially the first upper side rail section 5910A and the second upper side rail section 5910B, and a second winch reel 5950 positioned along the second upper side rail 5915 between substantially the third upper side rail section 5915A and the fourth upper side rail section 5915B. The first winch reel 5935 and the second winch reel 5950 can be configured to assist in assembling the playard 5900 from a folded configuration to a use configuration by tightening and straightening the first upper side rail 5915 and the second upper side rail 5920, respectively. For example, the playerard 5900 may also include a first wire 5940 that is coupled at a first end to a first winch reel 5935 and at a distal second end, directly or indirectly coupled to a first upper side rail portion 5910A or a vertical support 5905. The playerard 5900 may also include a second wire 5945 that is coupled at a first end to a first winch reel 5935 and at a distal second end directly or indirectly to a second upper side rail section 5910B or another vertical support 5905. The playerard 5900 may also include a third wire 5955 that is coupled at a first end to a second winch reel 5950 and at a distal second end, directly or indirectly coupled to a third upper side rail section 5915A or another vertical support 5905. The playerard 5900 may also include a fourth wire 5960 that is coupled at a first end to a second winch reel 5950 and at a distal second end, directly or indirectly coupled to a fourth upper side rail section 5915B or another vertical support 5905.

[0206] In one example, the first winch reel 5935 and the second winch reel 5950 are each unidirectional winch reels. When the first winch reel 5935 is rotated in the first direction, the first wire 5940 and the second wire 5945 are wound onto the winding of the first winch reel 5935, thereby lifting and straightening the first upper side rail section 5910A and the second upper side rail section 5910B until they form a horizontal or substantially horizontal first upper side rail 5910 as shown in Figure 59B, and the playered 5900 is adjusted from a folded configuration to a usable configuration. Similarly, when the second winch reel 5950 is rotated in the first direction, the third wire 5955 and the fourth wire 5960 are wound onto the winding of the second winch reel 5950, thereby lifting and straightening each of the third upper side rail section 5915A and the fourth upper side rail section 5915B until they form a horizontal or substantially horizontal second upper side rail 5915 as shown in Figure 59B, and the playard 5900 is adjusted from a folded configuration to a use configuration. When the first winch reel 5935 and the second winch reel 5950 are each rotated in the second direction or pop out and the winding of the first winch reel 5935 and the second winch reel 5950 is released, the user can push one or both of the first upper side rail section 5910 and the second upper side rail section 5910B, or one or both of the third upper side rail section 5915A and the fourth upper side rail section 5915B to unwind the first wire 5940, the second wire 5945, the third wire 5955, and the fourth wire 5960, respectively. Alternatively, the weights of the first upper side rail section 5910A, the second upper side rail section 5910B, the third upper side rail section 5915A, and the fourth upper side rail section 5915B respectively automatically unwind the first wire 5940, the second wire 5945, the third wire 5955, and the fourth wire 5960 from the winding of the first winch reel 5935 and the second winch reel 5960, respectively. The rewinding process loosens the first upper side rail 5910 and the second upper side rail 5915, allowing them to begin moving from the operational configuration to the folded configuration, as shown in Figure 59A. In certain embodiments, one or more of the upper side rail sections 5910A, 5910B, 5915A, 5915B may include a tension indicator 5965, as shown in Figure 59B. The tension indicator 5965 can operate as described in Figure 7 above and can provide a visual indication to the caregiver when sufficient tension is generated in the first upper side rail 5910 and the second upper side rail 5915, respectively, through the rotation of the first winch reel 5935 and the second winch reel 5950 in their respective first directions.

[0207] Figures 60A and 60B are perspective and side views of a playard equipped with a winch reel system for adjusting the tension of the upper and lower rail members of the playard, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Any one or more of the winch reel systems and features shown in Figures 1A to 7 may be used as the winch reel described herein. Furthermore, the features described in Figures 60A and 60B may be provided separately from or in addition to any of the features described in Figures 59A and 59B. The playard 6000 may include a playard frame 6005. The playard frame 6005 may include one or more vertical posts 6010A-D. In one example, four vertical posts 6010A-D may be placed at each corner of the playard 6000. However, in other embodiments, more or fewer than four vertical posts may be provided. Each vertical post 6010A-D may include a foot member with a bottom end configured to rest on the floor surface. The playard frame 6005 may also include upper support rails. The number of upper support rails may depend on the number of sides of the playard and the number of support rails that are divided into multiple rail sections for folding and storage of the playard 6000. In one example, the playard frame 6005 may include a first upper end rail 6015A, a second upper end rail 6015B, a first upper side rail 6015C, and a second upper side rail 6015D. Each upper rail (or joint of upper rails) may extend from one of the vertical supports 6010A-D to another of the vertical supports 6010A-D (for example, as shown in Figure 60A, the first upper end rail 6015A extends from the first vertical support 6010A to the second vertical support 6010B). The playard frame 6005 may also include a first bottom end rail, a second bottom end rail, a first bottom side rail 6020, and a second bottom side rail 6025. Each bottom rail (or joint of bottom rails) may extend from one of the vertical supports 6010A-D to another of the vertical supports 6010A-D (for example, the first bottom side rail 6020 extends from the first vertical support 6010A to the third vertical support 6010C). In certain embodiments, each bottom rail includes a plastic or metal support member. In other embodiments, each bottom rail includes a soft goods end and, optionally, a tunnel along the soft goods end for receiving a wire into it. One or more side panels may extend between the top and bottom rails. While four side panels are shown, this is for illustrative purposes only, and the number of side panels may alternatively be more or less than four. The side panels may be made of soft materials such as see-through mesh. One or more side panels, along with the floor panel, may define the containment area in which a child will be placed.

[0208] The playard 6000 may also include a winch reel 6035 positioned along the end side panel of the playard. Alternatively, the winch reel 6035 may be positioned along any other part of the playard 6000. The winch reel 6035 can be configured to help disassemble and compress the player 6000 from the usage configuration shown in Figure 60A to the folded configuration shown in Figure 60B. For example, the player 6000 may also include a first wire 6030A that is coupled at a first end to a winch reel 6035, extends through all or part of the first upper side rail 6015C, and is directly or indirectly coupled at a second end to the first upper side rail 6015C or a third vertical support 6010C. The playard 6000 may also include a second wire 6030B that is coupled at a first end to a winch reel 6035, extends through all or part of the second upper side rail 6015D, and is directly or indirectly coupled at the second end to the second upper side rail 6015D or the fourth vertical support 6010D. The playerard 6000 may also include a third wire 6030C that is coupled at a first end to a winch reel 6035, extends through all or part of a first bottom side rail or end 6020, and is directly or indirectly coupled at a second end to the first bottom side rail 6020 or a third vertical support 6010C. The playard 6000 may also include a fourth wire 6030D that is coupled at a first end to a winch reel 6035, extends through all or part of a second bottom side rail 6025, and is directly or indirectly coupled at a second end to the second bottom side rail 6025 or a fourth vertical support 6010D.

[0209] In one example, the winch reel 6035 is a unidirectional winch reel. When the winch reel 6035 is rotated in the first direction, each of the wires 6030A to D is wound onto the winch reel 6035, thereby generating tension in each of the wires 6030A to D, so that the third vertical support 6010C is pulled in direction A toward the first vertical support 6010A, and the fourth vertical support 6010D is pulled in direction A toward the second vertical support 6010B, and the playard 6000 is adjusted from the operational configuration to the folded configuration. When the winch reel 6035 is rotated in the second direction or popped out and the winding of the winch reel 6035 is released, the user can push one of the upper rails 6015A-D in direction B to unwind each of the wires 6030A-D from the winding of the winch reel 6035, and thus adjust the player 6000 from the folded configuration to the usage configuration.

[0210] Figure 61 is a perspective view of a player with a winch reel system for adjusting the opacity of one or more side panels of the player, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Any one or more of the winch reel systems and features shown in Figures 1A to 7 may be used as the winch reel described herein. Furthermore, the features described in Figure 61 may be provided separately from or in addition to any of the features described in Figures 59A to 60B. The playard 6100 may include a playard frame. The playard frame may include one or more vertical posts 6105. In one example, six vertical posts 6105 may be arranged around the perimeter of the playard 6100. However, in other embodiments, more or fewer vertical posts may be provided. Each vertical post 6105 may include a foot member including a bottom end configured to rest on the floor surface. The playard frame may also include upper support rails 6110. The number of upper support rails 6110 can depend on the number of sides of the playard 6100 and the number of support rails 6110 divided into multiple rail sections for folding and storing the playard 6100. In one example, the playard frame may include six upper support rails 6110. Each upper support rail 6110 (or joint section of upper rails) may extend from one vertical post 6105 to a second vertical post 6105. The playard frame may also include one or more bottom rails 6115. Each bottom rail or end 6115 (or joint portion of a bottom rail) may extend from one vertical post 6105 to a second vertical post 6105. In certain embodiments, each bottom rail 6115 includes a plastic or metal support member. In other examples, each bottom rail 6115 includes only a soft goods end. One or more side panels 6120 may extend between each upper support rail 6110 and bottom rail or end 6115. Although six side panels are shown, this is for illustrative purposes only, and the number of side panels 6120 may alternatively be more or less than six. One or more side panels 6120, together with the floor panel, can define the accommodation area in which a child is placed.

[0211] The side panels 6120 may consist of one or more layers of soft materials, such as mesh material, that can move relative to each other in order to adjust the opacity (or transparency) of each side panel 6120A to C. In the first position (as shown in side panel 6120B), each opening in the mesh layer is offset from one another to prevent light from passing through side panel 6120B. This would be useful when a child is sleeping. In the second position (as shown in side panels 6120A and 6120C), the openings in the mesh layers are aligned with each other, allowing light to pass through. This allows caregivers to see through side panels 6120A and 6120C, and allows children to see outside the playard 6100 through side panels 6120A and 6120C. This would be useful when the child is awake or when caregivers want to check on the child's condition. The winch reels 6125 can be coupled to each side panel 6120. One or more wires 6130A to D may be provided, each of which is coupled at one end to the respective winch reel 6125 on its panel 6120 and at its distal second end to one or more slide mesh layers of each panel 6120. In one example, each winch reel 6125 is a bidirectional winch reel. As each winch reel 6125 is rotated in the first direction, the wires 6130A-D are wound onto the respective winch reel 6125, and each mesh layer is moved relative to another mesh layer from an aligned configuration to an offset configuration (as shown in side panel 6120B), thus preventing anyone from seeing through side panel 6120B. As each winch reel 6125 is rotated in the second direction, the wires 6130A-D are unwound from their respective winch reels 6125, and each mesh layer is moved relative to the other mesh layer from an offset configuration to a aligned configuration (as shown in the side panels 6120A, 6120C), thereby reducing the opacity of the side panels 6120A, 6120C, allowing children and / or caregivers to see through the side panels 6120A, 6120C. While the opacity of each side panel 6120 is shown to be controlled by its own winch reel 6125, in other exemplary embodiments, a single winch reel 6125 can adjust the opacity of all side panels 6120 of the player 6100 simultaneously.

[0212] Figures 62A and 62B are perspective views of a playard equipped with a winch reel system for adjusting the playard's volume, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Any one or more of the winch reel systems and features shown in Figures 1A to 7 may be used as the winch reel described herein. Furthermore, the features described in Figures 62A and 62B may be provided separately from or in addition to any of the features described in Figures 59A to 61. The playard 6200 may include a playard frame. The playard frame may include one or more vertical supports 6205 arranged around the perimeter of the playard 6200. The playard frame may also include upper support rails 6215. The number of upper support rails 6215 may depend on the size and / or shape of the playard 6200. In one example, the playard frame may include three extendable upper support rails 6215. Each upper support rail 6215 may include a hollow member having a channel configured to slidably receive extension upper rail members 6230A-C. The playard frame may also include one or more extendable bottom rails 6210. Each bottom rail 6210 may include a hollow member having a channel configured to slidably receive extension bottom rail members 6235A-C. One or more extendable side panels 6220D-F can extend between their respective upper support rails 6215, 6230A-C and bottom rails 6210, 6235A-C. Three side panels 6220A-C are shown in a retracted configuration (shown in Figure 62A), and six side panels 6220A-F are shown in an extended configuration (shown in Figure 62B), but this is for illustrative purposes only, and the number of side panels 6220 may alternatively be more or less than three in the retracted configuration and more or less than six in the extended configuration. As shown in Figures 62A-62B, one or more side panels 6220A-C or one or more side panels 6220A-F, together with the floor panel, can define the accommodation area in which a child is placed.

[0213] The winch reel 6225 can be coupled to one of the side panels 6220A-F. Although not shown in Figures 62A-62B, a toothed claw may be part of or coupled to one of the extended upper rail members 6230A-C, and can engage with the winch reel 6225. In one example, the winch reel 6225 is a bidirectional winch reel. When the winch reel 6225 is rotated in the first direction, the toothed pawls engage with the winch reel 6225, so that each of the extension upper rail members 6230A-C is pushed out of the channel of their respective upper rail member 6215. This also moves each of the extension bottom rail members 6235A-C out of the channel of their respective bottom rail 6210, so that the extension side panels 6220D-F slide out from beside their respective side panels 6220A-C, thereby expanding the area of ​​the player 6200 as shown in Figure 62B. When the winch reel 6225 is rotated in the second direction, the toothed pawl engages with the winch reel 6225, so that each extension upper rail member 6230A-C is retracted into the channel of their respective upper rail member 6215. This also causes each of the extension bottom rail members 6235A-C to return to the channel of their respective bottom rail 6210, so that the extension side panels 6220D-F slide next to their respective side panels 6220A-C, thereby contracting the area of ​​the player 6200 as shown in Figure 62A. While the exemplary pliers 6200 is shown as a circular pliers, the same expandable and contractible capabilities may apply to pliers of other shapes, including, but not limited to, rectangles, triangles, pentagons, hexagons, or any other geometric shapes.

[0214] Figure 63 is a perspective view of a playpen with a winch reel system for adjusting the vertical position of the playpen's floor panel, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Any one or more of the winch reel systems and features shown in Figures 1A to 7 may be used as the winch reel described herein. Furthermore, the features described in Figure 63 may be provided separately from or in addition to any of the features described in Figures 59A to 62B. The playard 6300 may include a playard frame. The playard frame may include one or more vertical posts 6305 arranged around the perimeter of the playard 6300. In one example, four vertical posts 6305 may be arranged around the perimeter of the playard 6300. However, in other embodiments, more or fewer than four vertical posts may be provided. Each vertical post 6305 may include a foot member including a bottom end configured to rest on the floor surface. The playard frame may also include upper support rails 6310A-D. The number of upper support rails 6310A-D can depend on the number of sides of the playard 6300 and the number of support rails 6310A-D that are divided into multiple rail sections for folding and storage of the playard 6300. In one example, the playard frame may include four upper support rails 6310A-D. Each upper support rail 6310A-D (or a joint of upper rails) may extend from a first vertical post 6305 to a second vertical post 6305. The playard frame may also include one or more bottom rails. Each bottom rail (or joint of bottom rails) may extend from the first vertical post 6305 to the second vertical post 6305. In certain embodiments, each bottom rail includes a plastic or metal support member. In other examples, each bottom rail includes only the soft goods end. One or more side panels may extend between their respective upper support rails 6310A-D and bottom rail. Although four side panels are shown, this is for illustrative purposes only, and the number of side panels may alternatively be more or less than four. One or more side panels, together with the floor panel 6315, can define the accommodation area in which a child will be placed.

[0215] In certain examples, the floor panel 6315 may be vertically adjustable to raise or lower its position relative to the upper support rails 6310A-D. A winch reel 6320 may be coupled to one of the side panels. Although not shown in Figure 63, one or more wires may be provided, each having a first end coupled to the winch reel 6320 and a distal second end directly or indirectly coupled to the floor panel 6315. In one example, the winch reel 6320 is a one-way winch reel. When the winch reel 6320 is rotated in the first direction, the wire is wound onto the winch reel 6320, thus generating tension in each of the wires and pulling the floor panel 6315 vertically upward in direction A toward the support rails 6310A-D. When the winch reel 6320 is rotated in the second direction or popped out and the winding of the winch reel 6320 is released, the user can move the floor panel 6315 vertically downward in direction B away from the upper support rails 6310A-D by pushing the floor panel 6315 down in direction B, or by the weight of the floor panel 6315 alone, thereby unwinding the wire from the winding of the winch reel 6320.

[0216] Figures 64A and 64B are perspective views of a playpen equipped with a winch reel system for adjusting the tension of the playpen's floor panels, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Any one or more of the winch reel systems and features shown in Figures 1A to 7 may be used as the winch reel described herein. Furthermore, the features described in Figures 64A and 64B may be provided separately from or in addition to any of the features described in Figures 59A to 63. The playard 6400 may include a playard frame. The playard frame may include one or more vertical posts 6405 arranged around the perimeter of the playard 6400. In one example, four vertical posts 6405 may be arranged around the perimeter of the playard 6400. However, in other embodiments, more or fewer vertical posts may be provided. Each vertical post 6405 may include a foot member including a bottom end configured to rest on the floor surface. The playard frame may also include upper support rails 6410A-D. The number of upper support rails 6410A-D can depend on the number of sides of the playard 6400 and the number of support rails 6410A-D that are divided into multiple rail sections for folding and storage of the playard 6400. In one example, the playard frame may include four upper support rails 6410A-D. Each upper support rail 6410A-D (or a joint of upper rails) may extend from the first vertical post 6405 to the second vertical post 6405. The playard frame may also include one or more bottom rails. Each bottom rail (or joint of bottom rails) may extend from the first vertical post 6405 to the second vertical post 6405. In certain embodiments, each bottom rail includes a plastic or metal support member. In other examples, each bottom rail includes a soft goods end. One or more side panels may extend between their respective upper support rails 6410A-D and bottom rail. Although four side panels are shown, this is for illustrative purposes only, and the number of side panels may alternatively be more or less than four. One or more side panels, together with the floor panel 6415, can define the accommodation area in which a child will be placed.

[0217] In certain examples, the tension of the floor panel 6415 is adjustable, and therefore the cushion level of the floor panel 6415 is adjustable. The floor panel 6415 may include a cushion 6420 placed beneath it. If the floor panel 6415 is loose, there is low tension within the floor panel 6415, allowing it to compress the cushion 6420 significantly. If the floor panel 6415 is tight, there is high tension within the floor panel 6415, preventing it from being pushed downward into the cushion 6420, resulting in reduced surface cushioning. The winch reel 6425 can be coupled to one of the side panels and / or floor panels 6415. Although not shown in Figures 64A and 64B, one or more wires may each have a first end coupled to the winch reel 6425 and a distal second end directly or indirectly coupled to the floor panel 6415. In one example, the winch reel 6425 is a one-way winch reel. When the winch reel 6425 is rotated in the first direction, the wire is wound onto the winch reel 6425, generating tension in each of the wires, which increases the tension in the floor panel 6415, thereby reducing the cushioning level provided along the floor panel 6415. When the winch reel 6425 is rotated in the second direction or popped out and the winding of the winch reel 6425 is released, the user can pull along the floor panel 6415 to unwind the wire from the winding of the winch reel 6425, thereby reducing the tension on the floor panel 6415 and thus increasing the cushioning level along the floor panel 6415.

[0218] Figures 65A and 65B are perspective views of a playard equipped with a winch reel system for closing the playard, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Any one or more of the winch reel systems and features shown in Figures 1A to 7 may be used as the winch reel described herein. Furthermore, the features described in Figures 65A and 65B may be provided separately from or in addition to any of the features described in Figures 59A to 64. The playard 6500 may include a playard frame. The playard frame may include one or more vertical posts 6505. In one example, four vertical posts 6505 may be placed at each corner of the playard 6500. However, in other embodiments, more or fewer vertical posts may be provided. Each vertical post 6505 may include a foot member including a bottom end configured to rest on the floor surface. The playard frame may also include upper support rails 6510A-D. The number of upper support rails 6510A-D may depend on the number of sides of the playard 6500 and the number of support rails that are divided into multiple rail sections for folding and storage of the playard 6500. In one example, the playard frame may include a first upper end rail 6510A, a second upper end rail 6510C, a first upper side rail 6510B, and a second upper side rail 6510D. Each upper rail (or joint of upper rails) 6510A-D may extend from a first vertical support 6505 to a second vertical support 6505. The playard frame may also include a first bottom end rail, a second bottom end rail, a first bottom side rail, and a second bottom side rail. Each bottom rail (or joint of bottom rails) may extend from the first vertical post 6505 to the second vertical post 6505. In certain embodiments, each bottom rail includes a support member made of plastic or metal. In other examples, each bottom rail includes a soft goods end. One or more side panels 6515 can extend between the upper rails 6510A-D and the bottom rail, respectively. Although four side panels 6515 are shown, this is for illustrative purposes only, and the number of side panels 6515 may alternatively be more or less than four. The side panels 6515 may be made of soft goods such as see-through mesh material. One or more side panels 6515, together with the floor panel, can define the containment area in which a child is placed.

[0219] The playard 6500 may also include a winch reel 6520 positioned along one of the vertical supports 6505. Alternatively, the winch reel 6520 may be positioned along any other part of the playard 6500. The winch reel 6520 may be configured to help fold and compress the playard 6500 from the use configuration shown in Figure 65A to the folded configuration shown in Figure 65B. In one example, the winch reel 6520 is a pull-cord winch reel. For example, the playard 6000 may also include a wire 6525 having a first end that extends through a winch reel 6520. The wire 6525 may extend through all of the upper support rails 6510A-D, and the distal second end of the wire 6525 may also extend through the winch reel 6520. Alternatively, two separate wires may be used, each passing through the winch reel 6520, with the distal second end of each wire being connected to another vertical support 6505 and / or one of the upper support rails 6510A-D. When the playard is in the configuration shown in Figure 65A, the winch reel 6520 can be rotated from the locked position to the unlocked position, thereby allowing the wire 6525 to be pulled through the reel 6520. Next, the user grasps the end of the wire 6525 and pulls the wire 6525 through the winch reel 6520, thereby creating tension in the wire 6525 and pulling each of the vertical supports 6505 and each of the side rails 6510A-D toward the winch reel 6520, allowing the playard 6500 to be adjusted from the operational configuration to the folded configuration. While the winch reel 6520 remains in the unlocked position, the user can pull each of the vertical supports 6505 and / or each of the upper support rails 6510A-D to unfold the playard 6500 from the folded configuration to the usage configuration.

[0220] Figures 66A and 66B are perspective views of a playard equipped with a winch reel system for adjusting the tension of a perimeter band positioned around the side panel of the playard, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Any one or more of the winch reel systems and features shown in Figures 1A to 7 may be used as the winch reel described herein. Furthermore, the features described in Figures 66A and 66B may be provided separately from or in addition to any of the features described in Figures 59A to 65B. The playard 6600 may include multiple side panels 6610. The number of side panels 6610 that make up the frame 6605 of the playard 6600 may be adjustable according to the size and space desired by the caregiver. For example, in the embodiment of Figure 66A, there are three side panels 6610A to C, while in the embodiment of Figure 66B, there are five side panels. Each side panel 6610 may be configured to be positioned adjacent to another side panel 6610. The playard 6600 may also include a structural band 6620 having a first end and a distal second end. Each of the first and second ends of the structural band 6620 may include Velcro®, buttons, snaps, zippers, or other fastening means for connecting the first end to the second end. The structural band 6620 may also include a winch reel 6615 and a wire having a first end coupled to the winch reel 6615 and a distal second end extending along all or part of the structural band 6620. In one exemplary embodiment, the winch reel 6615 may be a unidirectional winch reel.

[0221] During use, the side panels 6610 can be positioned adjacent to each other, creating a space enclosed by the floor. Structural bands 6620 can be positioned around the perimeter of the side panels 6610, and the first end of the structural band 6620 can be detachably coupled to the second end of the structural band 6620 to hold the side panels 6610 in place. When the winch reel 6615 is rotated in the first direction, tension is generated in the wire, allowing the structural band 6620 to be further tightened around the side panel 6610. When the winch reel 6615 is rotated in the second direction or popped out and the winding of the winch reel 6615 is released, the user can pull the structural band 6620, unwinding the wire from the winch reel 6615 and reducing the tension of the structural band 6620. The first end of the structural band 6620 can then be separated from the second end of the structural band 6620, and the user can further adjust the number of side panels 6610 and / or the shape of the player 6600.

[0222] Figure 67 is a perspective view of a booster seat, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, which includes a winch reel system for adjusting the tension of a coupling element that connects the booster seat to a chair. Any one or more of the winch reel systems and features shown in Figures 1A to 7 may be used as the winch reel described herein. An exemplary booster seat 6700 may be configured to be detachably attached to a conventional chair. The booster seat 6700 may include a seat shell 6705. The seat shell 6705 may include a seat base 6710 and a seat back 6715 extending upward from the seat base 6710. The seat base 6710 and seat back 6715 may be sized and shaped to accommodate a child on top of them. The booster seat 6700 may also include a first chair front sleeve 6725 and a second chair front sleeve 6730. Each of the first chair front sleeve 6725 and the second chair front sleeve 6730 may be sized and shaped to slide into each of the front corners of the seat base of a chair of normal size and shape. The booster seat 6700 may also include a first rear seat sleeve 6735 and a second rear seat sleeve (the second rear seat sleeve is not shown in Figure 67). Each of the first rear seat sleeve 6735 and the second rear seat sleeve may be sized and shaped to be slidably attached to a portion of the seat back of a normal chair (e.g., the spindle of the backrest). Furthermore, the first chair front sleeve 6725 and the second chair front sleeve 6730 may have different sizes and / or shapes from the first chair rear sleeve 6735 and the second chair rear sleeve.

[0223] The booster sheet 6700 may also include a winch reel 6720. In one example, the winch reel 6720 is a one-way winch reel. The booster sheet 6700 may also include one or more wires 6740A-C, each coupled at a first end to the winch reel 6720 and at a distal second end to one of the first chair front sleeves 6725, the second chair front sleeve 6730, the first chair rear sleeve 6735, and the second chair rear sleeve, respectively (wire 6740C is not shown in Figure 67). The winch reel 6720 is rotated in the first direction, thereby creating tension in the wires 6740A-C, which tightens the first chair front sleeve 6725, the second chair front sleeve 6730, the first chair rear sleeve 6735, and the second chair rear sleeve, respectively, to the regular chair, allowing the booster seat 6700 to be held more securely in place on the regular chair. When the winch reel 6720 is rotated in the second direction or popped out and the winding of the winch reel 6720 is released, the user can push one or more of the first chair front sleeve 6725, the second chair front sleeve 6730, the first chair rear sleeve 6735, and the second chair rear sleeve, respectively, to unwind the wires 6740A-C from the winch reel 6720, and remove each of the first chair front sleeve 6725, the second chair front sleeve 6730, the first chair rear sleeve 6735, and the second chair rear sleeve from the regular chair, respectively. Thus, the booster seat 6700 can be easily removed from the regular chair.

[0224] Figures 68A and 68B are perspective and front views of a booster seat equipped with a winch reel system for adjusting the height of the booster seat according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Any one or more of the winch reel systems and features shown in Figures 1A to 7 may be used as the winch reel described herein. Furthermore, the features described in Figures 68A and 68B may be provided separately from or in addition to any of the features described in Figure 67. An exemplary booster seat 6800 may be configured to be vertically adjustable while positioned on a regular chair. The booster seat 6800 may include a seat shell 6805. The seat shell 6805 may include a seat base 6810 and a seat back 6815 extending upward from the seat base 6810. The seat base 6810 and seat back 6815 may be sized and shaped to accommodate a child on them. The booster seat 6800 may also include a base 6840 configured adjacent to the seat base 6810 of a regular chair, and a baffle 6820 extending from the base 6840 to the seat shell 6805 and defining a cavity between the seat shell 6805 and the base 6840. The booster seat 6800 may also include a compressible foam 6825 or other resilient material placed in a cavity between the seat shell 6805 and the base 6840. The compressible foam 6825 may be configured to provide a vertically upward force to the seat shell 6805, lifting it away from the bottom of a normal chair seat, thereby providing a height-adjustable booster seat 6800.

[0225] The booster sheet 6800 may also include a winch reel 6830. In certain exemplary embodiments, the winch reel 6830 may be positioned along the outer portion of the sheet shell 6805. In one example, the winch reel 6830 is a bidirectional winch reel. The booster sheet 6800 may also include one or more wires 6835, each coupled to the winch reel 6830 at a first end and to the base 6840 at a distal second end. When the winch reel 6830 is rotated in the first direction, one or more wires 6835 are wound onto the winch reel 6830, thus creating tension in the wires 6835, which compresses the sheet shell 6805 downward on the compressible form 6825, causing the sheet shell 6805 to move vertically downward, and lowering the height of the sheet shell 6805 relative to the base 6840. When the winch reel 6830 is rotated in the second direction, one or more wires 6835 are unwound from the winch reel 6835, reducing the tension on the wires 6835, allowing the compressible foam 6825 to push the sheet shell 6805 vertically upward, increasing the height of the sheet shell 6805 relative to the base 6840.

[0226] Figure 69 is a perspective view of a baby gate according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, which includes a winch reel system for adjusting the tension of a coupling element that connects the baby gate to a wall or other element. Any one or more of the winch reel systems and features shown in Figures 1A to 7 may be used as the winch reel described herein. The baby gate 6905 may include a soft goods panel 6910 that is the same width as or slightly narrower than a standard staircase 6940 or doorway. For example, the soft goods panel 6910 may include a mesh material that allows the user to see through at least a portion of the soft goods panel 6910. The baby gate 6905 may also include one or more wire loops or hooks 6915, 6920, 6925, 6930 positioned at each corner of the soft goods panel 6910. The wire loops or hooks 6915, 6920, 6925, 6930 may be positioned around or coupled to stair posts and / or hook mounts positioned along the staircase 6940 or a wall adjacent to the doorway.

[0227] The baby gate 6905 may also include a winch reel 6945. In one example, the winch reel 6945 is a one-way winch reel. The baby gate 6905 may also include one or more wires 6935A-D, each connected to the winch reel 6945 at its first end and connected to one of the wire loops or hooks 6915, 6920, 6925, or 6930 at its distal second end. The winch reel 6945 can be rotated in a first direction, thereby generating tension in each of the wires 6935A-D and fastening each of the wire loops or hooks 6915, 6920, 6925, and 6930 to the stair column or wall mount, respectively. This fastens the soft goods panel 6910 and more securely holds the baby gate 6905 in place. When the winch reel 6945 is rotated in the second direction or popped out to release the winding of the winch reel 6945, the user can pull one or more parts of the soft goods panel 6910 to unwind each of the wires 6935A-D from the winch reel 6945 and remove each of the wire loops or hooks 6915, 6920, 6925, 6930 from their respective stair post or wall mount. Thus, the baby gate 6905 can be removed from blocking the staircase 6940 or doorway.

[0228] Figure 70 is a perspective view of a bouncer with a winch reel system for adjusting the length of the bouncer strap, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Any one or more of the winch reel systems and features shown in Figures 1A to 7 may be used as the winch reel described herein. In one example, the bouncer is a baby door jumper configured to be detachably attached to a door frame. The bouncer 7005 may include a seating compartment 7010 having a pair of leg holes and a seat base for supporting a child within it. The bouncer 7005 may also include a support bar 7025, which has a first harness strap 7015 extending from the support bar 7025 to the seating compartment 7010 along a first end of the support bar 7025, and a second harness strap 7020 extending from the support bar 7025 to the seating compartment 7010 along a distal second end of the support bar 7025. For example, the first harness strap 7015 may include a first part and a second part, and a first winch reel 7035 coupled to the first part and the second part of the first harness strap 7015. The second harness strap 7020 may also include a first part and a second part, and a second winch reel 7040 coupled to the first part and the second part of the second harness strap 7020. The bouncer 7005 may also include an elastic band 7030, which may extend from the support bar 7025 to a distal second end 7050, the distal second end 7050 may include any type of door frame coupler known to those skilled in the art (not shown in Figure 70). In one example, the elastic band 7030 may include a first and second portion and a third winch reel 7045 coupled to the first and second portions of the elastic band 7030.

[0229] In one example, each of the first winch reel 7035, the second winch reel 7040, and the third winch reel 7045 may be a one-way winch reel configured to adjust the length and / or tension of the first harness strap 7015, the second harness strap 7020, or the elastic band 7030, respectively. For example, each of the first winch reel 7035, the second winch reel 7040, and the third winch reel 7045 can be rotated in a first direction, and thus the first harness strap 7015, the second harness strap 7020, or the elastic band 7030 can be wound onto the respective winch reels 7035, 7040, and 7045. This movement is useful for adjusting the length of each of the first harness straps 7015, the second harness strap 7020, or the elastic band 7030 and changing their respective tensions. When each of the first winch reel 7035, the second winch reel 7040, and the third winch reel 7045 is rotated in the second direction or popped out to release the winding of each winch reel 7035, 7040, and 7045, the user can pull one or more portions of the first harness strap 7015, the second harness strap 7020, or the elastic band 7030, respectively, to unwind the strap or band from each winch reel 7035, 7040, and 7045, thereby increasing the length and / or tension of each of the first harness strap 7015, the second harness strap 7020, or the elastic band 7030.

[0230] Figures 71A and 71B are perspective views of a waste bin equipped with a winch reel system for closing a waste bag within the waste bin, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Any one or more of the winch reel systems and features shown in Figures 1A to 7 may be used as the winch reel described herein. The waste bin 7100 may include a container 7105 having an outer wall that defines a cavity for receiving waste. The waste bin 7100 may also include a lid 7110. In one example, the lid 7110 is coupled to the container 7105 and is configured to rotate relative to the container 7105 from a closed position that prevents access to the cavity from outside the container 7105 to an open position that allows access to the cavity from outside the container 7105. A bag 7120 may be placed inside the cavity of the container 7105 to receive waste. The waste bin 7100 may also include a winch reel 7115 positioned along the outside of the container 7105. In one example, the winch reel 7115 is a one-way winch reel. The waste bin 7100 may also include a wire 7125 configured to be positioned around a portion of the outside of the bag 7120 near the upper open end of the bag 7120. The wire 7125 may be configured to close the upper open end of the bag 7120. When the winch reel is rotated in the first direction, the wire 7125 is wound onto the winch reel 7125, thereby adjusting the length of the wire 7125 and closing the upper open end of the bag 7120. Closing the upper open end of the bag 7120 can reduce the amount of odor leaking from the bag 7120 and / or help to remove the bag 7120 from the container 7105. When the winch reel 7120 is rotated in the second direction or popped out and the winding of the winch reel 7120 is released, the user can pull the wire 7125 and unwind the wire 7125 from the winch reel 7120, increasing the diameter of the wire loop, which further helps to insert the bag 7120 into the container 7105.

[0231] Figures 72A and 72B are perspective views of a mat equipped with a winch reel system for closing the mat, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Any one or more of the winch reel systems and features shown in Figures 1A to 7 may be used as the winch reel described herein. The mat 7205 may include an upper play surface 7207 and an opposite bottom surface configured to be adjacent to the floor. The play surface 7207 may include carpet, pad, or other soft goods material. The mat 7205 may also include a winch reel 7210 positioned along the bottom surface of the mat 7205. Alternatively, the winch reel 7210 may be positioned along any other part of the mat 7205. The winch reel 7210 may be configured to help fold the outer perimeter of the mat 7205 as shown in Figure 72B. In one example, the winch reel 7210 is a pull-cord winch reel. For example, the mat 7205 may also include a wire 7215 having a first end extending through the winch reel 7210. The wire 7215 may extend along the perimeter of the mat 7205, and the distal second end of the wire 7215 may also extend through the winch reel 7210. When the mat 7205 is open along the floor, the winch reel 7210 can be rotated from the unlocked position to the locked position, thereby allowing the wire 7215 to be pulled through the reel 7210. Next, the user can grasp the end of the wire 7215 and pull the wire 7215 through the winch reel 7210, thereby creating tension in the wire 7215, which together pulls the outer circumference of the mat 7205 toward the winch reel 7210, allowing the mat 7205 to be closed as shown in Figure 72B. This can be done even if there are toys left on the mat 7205, eliminating the need to put away the toys before folding the mat 7205. While the winch reel 7210 remains in the locked position, the user pulls the edges of the mat 7205, spreading it out and placing it on the floor, so that the toys remain on the top surface 7207 of the mat 7205 as shown in Figure 72A.

[0232] The disclosed examples include numerous parts, components, features, and specific arrangements of embodiments, but this disclosure is not limited to those examples or arrangements shown. Any one or more of the parts, components, features, and embodiments of this disclosure may be used alone or in any two or more other arrangements of the same.

[0233] While the features, functions, components, and parts of specific winch systems have been described herein in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure, the scope of this patent is not limited to them. Rather, this patent covers all embodiments of the teachings of the disclosure that fall entirely within the range of acceptable equivalents.

[0234] Conditional language, particularly "can," "could," "might," or "may," is generally intended to convey that a particular implementation may include certain features, elements, and / or behaviors that other implementations do not, unless otherwise explicitly stated or understood in a different way within the context in which they are used. Therefore, such conditional language is generally not intended to imply that features, elements, and / or behaviors are required in some way by one or more implementations, or that one or more implementations necessarily include logic, with or without user input or prompting, to determine whether these features, elements, and / or behaviors are included or implemented by any particular implementation.

[0235] It will be apparent that many modifications and other practices of the disclosures described herein are of interest to the teachings presented in the foregoing description and the associated drawings. Therefore, it should be understood that the disclosures should not be limited to the specific practices disclosed, and that modifications and other practices are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Certain terms are used herein, but they are used only in a general and descriptive sense and not for limitation.

Claims

1. Child containment devices, A winch reel coupled to the child containment device, comprising a bidirectional winch reel having at least two wires configured to adjust at least one feature of the child containment device, Engaging means and Equipped with, The engaging means engages with the winch reel to adjust the at least one feature of the child containment device, wherein the engaging means is one of a ratchet, teeth, sprocket, pinion, fang, tine, or gear.

2. Each of the at least two wires has a first end connected to the winch reel and a distal second end connected to the child containment device, and the winch reel adjusts at least one of the length and tension of each of the at least two wires. The apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned wire is one of the following: line, wire, cable, cord, rope, monofilament, elastic body, spring, braid, strand, string, hawser, tape, thread, ribbon, twisted yarn, weaving yarn, cord, filament, crease, or strap. The apparatus according to claim 2.

4. The child accommodation device is one of the following: stroller, infant locker, child car seat, playard, infant swing, baby carrier, bouncer, jumper, high chair, playmat, infant transport system, baby gate, or child booster seat. The apparatus according to claim 1.

5. The aforementioned child-carrying device is a baby carrier, and furthermore, First shoulder harness and, The second shoulder harness, Waist harness and, A carrier backrest operably connected to the first shoulder harness, the second shoulder harness, and the waist harness, Equipped with, The apparatus according to claim 1.

6. The at least one feature of the child carrier device that is adjustable by the winch reel is the length of at least one of the first and second shoulder harnesses, the length of the waist harness, the distance between the first shoulder harness and the carrier backrest, the distance between the second shoulder harness and the carrier backrest, the tightness of the carrier backrest, the vertical position of the carrier backrest, the position of the adjustable blinds attached to the carrier backrest, the shape of the pads attached to the carrier backrest, the rotation of the carrier backrest, the position of the shade panels attached to the carrier backrest, a plurality of vents arranged through the carrier backrest, the position of at least one leg pad, or at least one of another adjustable features of the child carrier device. The apparatus according to claim 5.

7. The aforementioned child-carrying device is a child car seat, and further, A seat shell comprising the seat base and seat back, A soft item that covers at least a portion of the seat bottom and seat back, Multiple harness straps, Equipped with, The apparatus according to claim 1.

8. The at least one feature of the child carrier device that is adjustable by the winch reel is the length of the plurality of harness straps, the length of the upper tether coupled to the rear side of the seat shell, the length of the stabilizer foot coupled to the front side of the child car seat, the position of the cushion of the soft goods, the recline of the seat back, the rotational position of the seat shell relative to the seat base coupled to the seat shell, the tension of the coupling of the soft goods to the seat shell, the plurality of vents in the soft goods, the vertical position of the pads within the soft goods, the shape of the soft goods, the tension in the ISOFIX coupling device positioned along the rear side of the child car seat, the length of the harness clasp detachably coupled to at least two of the plurality of harness straps, or at least one of another adjustable features of the child carrier device. The apparatus according to claim 7.

9. The aforementioned child-carrying device is a stroller, and furthermore, A stroller frame comprising a front stroller frame, a rear stroller frame, and a handle frame, The bottom of the seat and, The seatback and, At least one first wheel connected to the front stroller frame, At least one second wheel connected to the rear stroller frame, Multiple harness straps, Equipped with, The apparatus according to claim 1.

10. At least one feature of the child carrier device that can be adjusted by the winch reel is at least one of the following: the length of the plurality of harness straps, the rotation of the footrest movably coupled to the seat bottom, the position of the canopy, the height of the stroller frame, the width of the stroller frame, the reclining position of the seat back, the radius of at least one of the at least one first wheel and the at least one second wheel, the position of the seat bottom, the break resistance of at least one of the at least one first wheel and the at least one second wheel, the plurality of vents in the seat back, the tension of the soft goods coupling to the seat bottom and the seat back, the coupling of a mosquito net to the seat bottom, the coupling of a rain cover to the stroller frame, the opening of a shopping container positioned below the seat bottom, the position of a blanket on the seat bottom, the folding tension of the stroller, or at least one of another adjustable features of the child carrier device. The apparatus according to claim 9.

11. The aforementioned child accommodation device is a locker, and furthermore, A rocker frame with a base, A sleeping structure comprising an outer shell and a sleeping surface, which is movably coupled to the aforementioned rocker frame, Rocker mechanism, Multiple harness straps, Equipped with, The apparatus according to claim 1.

12. The at least one feature of the child containment device that is adjustable by the winch reel is the length of the plurality of harness straps, the width of the outer shell, the shape of the outer shell, the vertical position of the rocker, the tilted position of the rocker, the opacity of at least one panel of the canopy movably coupled to the rocker, the rocking motion generated by the rocker mechanism, the position of the pedestal relative to the base, the coupling of the mosquito net to the rocker, the retractable motor for the mobile coupled to the rocker, or at least one of other adjustable features of the child containment device. The apparatus according to claim 11.

13. The aforementioned child accommodation device is a playpen, and furthermore, Multiple vertical supports, A plurality of upper support members connected to at least one of the plurality of vertical support columns, A plurality of bottom rails connected to at least one of the plurality of vertical support columns, Floor panel and A plurality of soft goods side panels, each connected to at least one of the plurality of upper support members, Equipped with, The apparatus according to claim 1.

14. The at least one feature of the child containment device that is adjustable by the winch reel is at least one of the following: the tension between two of the plurality of upper support members, the opacity of at least one of the plurality of side panels, the size of the playard, the number of side panels of the playard, the shape of the playard, the vertical position of the floor panel relative to the plurality of upper support members, the tension level in the floor panel, the adjustment between the use configuration and the folded configuration of the playard, or another adjustable function of the child containment device. The apparatus according to claim 13.

15. The aforementioned child-carrying device is a booster seat, and further, Seat shell with seat base and seat back Equipped with, The apparatus according to claim 1.

16. At least one feature of the child-carrying device that is adjustable by the winch reel is the tension of a plurality of chair sleeves detachably attached to a normal chair, the vertical height of the seat shell, or at least one of another adjustable function of the child-carrying device. The apparatus according to claim 15.

17. The aforementioned child containment device is a baby gate, and furthermore, Soft goods panel and Multiple wire loops or hooks, at least one of which are arranged along each corner of the soft goods panel, Each of the multiple wires extends from the winch reel to one of the multiple wire loops or hooks, Equipped with, At least one feature of the child containment device that is adjusted by the winch reel comprises adjusting the tension of the plurality of wires, The apparatus according to claim 1.

18. The aforementioned winch reel is the first winch reel, The aforementioned child-carrying device is a bouncer, and furthermore, Seating compartment and, Support member and Multiple harness straps extending from the support member to the seating compartment, The first winch reel is connected to the first harness strap of the plurality of harness straps, A second winch reel is connected to the second harness strap of the aforementioned plurality of harness straps, An elastic band having a first end and a distal second end connected to the support member, A third winch reel coupled to the elastic band, Equipped with, Here, at least one feature adjustable by the first winch reel, the second winch reel, or the third winch reel comprises at least one of adjusting the length of at least one of the plurality of harness straps, adjusting the tension of at least one of the plurality of harness straps, or adjusting the tension of the elastic band. The apparatus according to claim 1.

19. The aforementioned child accommodation device is a playmat, and furthermore, The top surface is equipped with soft goods, The bottom on the opposite side, Periphery and, At least one wire extending along the periphery and coupled to the winch reel, Equipped with, At least one feature adjustable by the winch reel comprises the tension of at least one wire configured to adjust the playmat between an open configuration and a folded configuration. The apparatus according to claim 1.

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