Fold latch assembly for a stroller

territorially invention

The present invention relates to collapsible stroller. The in particular, present invention relates to a foldable locking device, the adjusted is, that you a collapsible stroller in an operative position removably notes and releasably is, thus the folding stroller in the situation displaced, under the action of mechanical preloading in a folded to be held position.

State of technology

stroller are generally known in the prior art. Typically conclude such devices a a frame of a construction a plurality of tubular elements represents. The tubular elements often have a pair of front legs, a pair of rear legs, a pair of arms and one arranged between the arms of the handle. Most frames a child seat mounted element. As regards the increase of the Versatility of such devices has been found, that the Providing collapsible stroller is desirable. Consequently, include those Frames often a plurality of joints between the various tubular elements a, so that the Pram between a collapsed position and an Operational position is pivotable. Also often be more latch used, with the aid of the apparatus, depending on the desire of the user, certainly locked in the operating position or in the folded Position is movable.

in the For the development of the art, various latch mechanisms been proposed for use in baby carriage. one of these Devices, for example, in US Pat. No. 5,454,584 to skin among others disclosed. The collapsible pushchair according to the patent connects skin and Others a first locking device, which has a sliding lock, arranged around a respective lower portion of the arms around is. The sliding barrier is oriented such that it releasably to an end of the foreleg receives and abuts a first pivot on foreleg. Although Devices according to the teaching of skin, among other things a considerable representing advancement of technology, is still a number desirable improvements. So it is with such devices, for example, required that the User grasps the sliding lock on both arms with your fingers. Consequently, should the Users with such operating procedure both hands Insert. also are latch according to patent on skin, among other things very material and space consuming. Also could be a Child accidentally objects, for example, a finger or the like, in the Area between the sliding lock and the first pivot stuck, causing the child pinched or otherwise injured could be. Such regions are not desirable and commonly referred to as pinch points in the industry.

to is another improvement of the device according to the patent at, inter alia, skin it came also to other developments of the technology. So for example, suggests US Patent no. 6,068,284 to Kakuda a latch mechanism with a one-handed operated before triggering mechanism. Specifically excludes the device according to the patent Kakuda to a handle arranged on the tripping mechanism and one at each the arms arranged a sliding lock. A wire is within arranged the arms and connects the trigger mechanism with the sliding Lock on each arm of the stroller, so that by actuating the trigger mechanism simultaneous actuation both sliding lock possible is. Although the device according to the patent at a considerable Kakuda represents development of the art, such devices are still needs some improvement. Kakuda uses a similar sliding Barrier such as skin. Consequently, the device according to the patent Kakuda to many of the disadvantages to which also the apparatus according to the patent Skin among others inherent. The sliding lock in accordance with the patent is Kakuda especially very material and space consuming. Also could be a Child accidentally objects in the area between the sliding Barrier and the first hinge stuck, causing the child squeezed could be or otherwise injured.

It are also other devices for providing a collapsible Stroller proposed reduced material and space requirements been. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,181,735 to Onishi a collapsible stroller, in which a folding mechanism is used. The folding mechanism includes a locking block, on one external surface of a arranged Arms and by passing through the arm wire with a release button the lock is connected. A spring between the locking blocks and pushes the handle the parking blocks telescopically away from the arm. To determine the stroller in an operating position is the parking block in the opposite direction acting a elements between the arms and the back legs are pivotally connected together.

devices according to the patent can at Onishi offer certain advantages, but also have <?page 3?>a number of disadvantages on. Thus, using the device according to the patent to Onishi For a parking block at least a portion the outer surface of Arms disposed around, making this device very material- is and bulky. Another disadvantage of the device according to the patent to Onishi is that even here several pinch points are still present. A pinch point may, in particular between the locking block and in the opposite direction acting element and acting in the opposite direction between the Element and the rear leg occur.

consequently the expert can see clearly that even substantial improvements to collapsible strollers are possible. Specifically, the provision would a hinged locking device with reduced material consumption desirable. also would be the Providing an effectively functioning device at the same time Reduce the space requirement of such a foldable locking device desirable. would furthermore providing a device desired by the Reduce the occurrence of pinch points, the risk of injury decreases.

Summary the invention

A Object of the present invention is to provide a the foldable stroller with a foldable locking device.

A Another object of the present invention is to provide a hinged locking device with a small footprint.

A Another object of the present invention is to provide a hinged locking device with minimal material consumption.

A Another object of the present invention is to provide a hinged locking device with reduced occurrence of pinch points.

More Features and advantages of the invention will in the following description explained and partly from the description or in the performance of Invention will become apparent. The objectives and other advantages of the Invention are represented by the arrangement, in particular in the written Description and related claims as well as in the appended Drawings explains dissolved and scored.

According to the invention a hinged locking device provided that is suitable to at least a first tubular element and at least a second tubular element a frame removably together. The device includes a latch, within said first tubular member slides. The apparatus includes a bracket that in the latch interaction is tight on the second tubular member is attached. After all is in the device, a housing contain, slidably connected to the second tubular member and rotatable with the first tubular member connected is.

During the Operation, it is possible the latch under the action of mechanical preload telescopically between an extended position in which of the latches the first tubular member extending out, and a retracted position in which the latch drafted in the first tubular member is to hold. The latch is pivotally connected to the housing and between an operating position and a folded Position rotatable. While the first tubular member with respect to the second tubular element is rotated, the housing along the second tubular member pushed. The operating position is reached as soon as a connection is made between latch and bracket. The foldable Locking device can from the operating position to the collapsed Change position by the mechanical latch under the action Preload in the retracted position and thus away from the holder is maintained, thereby making it possible is, the first tubular member with respect to the second tubular element to turn.

Of the Expert can clearly be seen that the above described invention provides a number of advantages. The present invention includes a latch a, the incorporated into the first tubular member and of relatively compact size, whereby the material consumption and the footprint that the latch are due, reduced will. Another advantage of the present invention is the fact that the Latch telescopically under the action of mechanical preload in the tubular member is maintained, which allows installation of the spring-latch in the tubular member the risk of injury caused by the latch will diminish, since the first tubular member acts as a sleeve, which substantially prevents the child or another Person comes with the latch in touch.

Both the above, general as well as the following detailed Description should be exemplary and explanatory nature and be<?page 4?>further illustrate anspruchte invention.

description tHE dRAWINGS

The appended Drawings, which are intended to illustrate the invention and an integral part make this specification, illustrate embodiments the invention and together with the description of the explanation the invention principles.

In the drawings:

<figref idrefs="S21">1</figref> on side elevation of the Stroller invention;

<figref idrefs="S22">2</figref> a perspective view of a hinged locking device according to the invention exploded Items;

<figref idrefs="S23">3</figref> on side elevation of the foldable locking device in exploded;

<figref idrefs="S24">4</figref> a fragmentary perspective view of a trigger mechanism according to the invention exploded Items;

<figref idrefs="S25">5</figref> a fragmentary bottom view of a trigger mechanism of the invention;

<figref idrefs="S26">6</figref> on elevation of Inventive housing; and

<figref idrefs="S27">7</figref> on Side cross-section of the housing according to the invention taken along line 7-7 in <figref idrefs="S26">6</figref>;

<figref idrefs="S28">8</figref> on side elevation of the Slam latch according to the invention;

<figref idrefs="S28">9</figref> a Top view of the spring-latch according to the invention;

<figref idrefs="S29">10</figref> a rear view the holder of the invention;

<figref idrefs="S30">11</figref> on Side cross section of the holder according to the invention; and

<figref idrefs="S31">12</figref> a fragmentary plan view of a wire and a pin according to the present invention.

description the preferred embodiment

in the Hereinafter, the preferred embodiments of the present invention in detail Reference is made, of which the accompanying drawings Examples illustrate. If possible In all drawings, the same reference numerals to designate the same or similar Parts used.

The Invention is based on the following example, which merely exemplary for the should be in the invention, further explained.

According to the invention a hinged locking device <figref>10</figref> for use in a collapsible stroller <figref>12</figref> provided. As in <figref idrefs="S21">1</figref> can be seen, includes the collapsible stroller <figref>12</figref> a frame <figref>14</figref> a, by a plurality of tubular elements is determined. The frame<figref>14</figref> includes in particular at least a front leg <figref>16</figref> and at least one behind the foreleg <figref>16</figref> arranged hind leg <figref>18</figref> on. The frame<figref>14</figref> also includes at least one arm <figref>20</figref> a rotatably the hind leg <figref>18</figref> appropriate is. <figref idrefs="S21">1</figref> is a side elevational view of the foldable stroller <figref>12</figref>. However, the skilled person can clearly see that the other side of the collapsible stroller <figref>12</figref> essentially a mirror image of the in <figref idrefs="S21">1</figref> shown Side. Consequently comprises collapsible stroller <figref>12</figref> a pair of front legs (One foreleg as foreleg <figref>16</figref> shown), a Pair of rear legs (one hind leg as hind leg <figref>18</figref> shown), a pair of arms (one arm as arm <figref>20</figref> shown) and a handle <figref>22</figref>That the two arms (one arm as arm <figref>20</figref> shown) together. As in<figref idrefs="S21">1</figref> to is seen, includes the collapsible stroller <figref>12</figref> preferably one at poor <figref>20</figref> mounted canopy support <figref>24</figref>, One on the frame <figref>14</figref> suspended basket carrier <figref>26</figref>. one on the frame <figref>14</figref> mounted child safety element <figref>28</figref>. a Front Leg <figref>16</figref> Inappropriate footrest <figref>30</figref>, A hind leg <figref>18</figref> mounted rear wheel <figref>32</figref>A Front Leg <figref>16</figref> mounted front wheel <figref>34</figref> and the frame <figref>14</figref> mounted Child seat element which is not shown here.

Of the collapsible stroller <figref>12</figref> further includes at least one hinged locking device <figref>10</figref> one that the collapsible stroller <figref>12</figref> solvable Notes so that a change between an operating position and a collapsed position of the foldable stroller <figref>12</figref> is possible. As in <figref idrefs="S22">2</figref> can be seen, comprising the hinged locking device <figref>10</figref> a latch <figref>36</figref>, The inside of the arm <figref>20</figref> slides, a holder <figref>38</figref>Which laid on the hind leg <figref>18</figref> appropriate , and a housing <figref>40</figref>, the slide with the rear leg <figref>18</figref> connected is. The above disclosed orientation refers to a preferred embodiment. The expert can, however, clearly shows that the novel aspects of the present Invention not only to the specifically described above, but to various other tubular elements are applicable without ERS from the teachings of the present invention&lt;?page 5?&gt;soft.

As <figref idrefs="S28">8</figref> and <figref idrefs="S28">9</figref> especially clearly show closes the latch <figref>36</figref> a piston <figref>42</figref> and one rod <figref>44</figref> a, the rod <figref>44</figref> coaxially to the piston <figref>42</figref> is aligned and the pistons <figref>42</figref> out extends. The piston<figref>42</figref> includes a curved outer surface <figref>46</figref> on, which the rod <figref>44</figref> opposes. <figref idrefs="S28">8</figref> shows particularly clearly that the curved outer surface <figref>46</figref> on having a generally curved profile. The piston<figref>42</figref> also includes a plane passing through him slot <figref>48</figref> on. The rod<figref>44</figref> includes a spring retainer <figref>50</figref> on. The spring holding member <figref>50</figref> is preferably of a pair angled ribs <figref>52a</figref>. <figref>52b</figref> educated. Each angular rib <figref>52a</figref>. <figref>52b</figref> is through an angled surface <figref>54a</figref>. <figref>54b</figref> and a perpendicular to the rod <figref>44</figref> arranged perpendicular surface <figref>56a</figref>. <figref>56b</figref> certainly.

Of the Latch closes also a wire fixing mechanism <figref>58</figref> on. The wire attachment mechanism<figref>58</figref> includes a Plurality of elements a, in which a U-shaped groove is. Each of the U-shaped extending grooves transversely to the bar <figref>44</figref>, In the most preferred embodiment includes the plurality of elements a first element <figref>60</figref> with a first U-shaped groove <figref>62</figref>Transversely to the bar <figref>44</figref> runs, a second element <figref>64</figref> with a second (not shown) U-shaped Groove transverse to the rod <figref>44</figref> extends and opens in a direction with respect to the first U-shaped groove <figref>62</figref> of the first element <figref>60</figref> rotated by about 180 degrees , and a third member <figref>66</figref> with a third U-shaped groove <figref>68</figref>. transverse to the rod <figref>44</figref> extends and opens in a direction in relation to the second (not shown) groove of the second element <figref>64</figref> around about 180 degrees rotated. The expert can, however, clearly recognize that various other orientations of the first U-shaped groove <figref>62</figref>, The second (not shown), U-shaped groove and the third U-shaped groove <figref>68</figref> possible are, without departing from the novel aspects of the present invention.

In the most preferred embodiment includes the piston <figref>42</figref>. as <figref idrefs="S28">9</figref> particularly clearly shows a plurality of openings <figref>70</figref> on. Also, the bar <figref>44</figref> preferably generally in the form of a Double-T-carrier, through a slot <figref>72</figref> runs. As<figref idrefs="S23">3</figref> shows, closes the hinged locking device <figref>10</figref> also a wire <figref>74</figref> with a diameter a. A stop member<figref>76</figref> is on the wire <figref>74</figref> arranged. The wire<figref>74</figref> preferably from a metallic material and the stop element <figref>76</figref> is one on the wire <figref>74</figref> attached bead of a metallic Material, as greater the diameter of the wire <figref>74</figref> is. Preferably, the first U-shaped groove <figref>62</figref>, The second (not shown) U-shaped groove and the third U-shaped groove <figref>68</figref> about little as the size of the bead and about greater than the diameter of the wire <figref>74</figref> dimensioned.

As <figref idrefs="S23">3</figref> shows, closes the hinged locking device <figref>10</figref> also a feather <figref>80</figref> on. The spring<figref>80</figref> is preferably sized to the rod <figref>44</figref> receives in itself. Similarly, the spring<figref>80</figref> so dimensioned such that the poor <figref>20</figref> this can take in. The wire<figref>74</figref> runs through the first U-shaped groove <figref>62</figref>, The second (not shown) U-shaped groove and the third U-shaped groove <figref>68</figref> and is secured by the bead.

As <figref idrefs="S29">10</figref> and <figref idrefs="S30">11</figref> especially clearly show closes the holder of the invention <figref>38</figref> a Section in the form of an inclined plane <figref>82</figref> on. the section in the form of an inclined plane <figref>82</figref> adjacent is a channel section <figref>84</figref> arranged. The channel section <figref>84</figref> adjacent is a collar portion <figref>86</figref> arranged. The section in the form of an inclined plane <figref>82</figref> includes in particular an inclined upper side <figref>88</figref> on. The section in the form of a inclined plane <figref>82</figref> also includes at least one rib on. As<figref idrefs="S29">10</figref> shows is at least a rib preferably in the form of two ribs <figref>90a</figref>. <figref>90b</figref> available. also closes the portion in the form of an inclined plane <figref>82</figref> at least a side opening <figref>92</figref> on. The section in the form of an inclined plane <figref>82</figref> further includes a rounded wall <figref>94</figref> on. The channel section<figref>84</figref> includes a U-shaped surface <figref>96</figref> on and has a rear opening <figref>98</figref>. the opposite is the portion in the form of an inclined plane <figref>82</figref> is. The collar portion <figref>86</figref> includes a generally cylindrical palm <figref>100</figref> and a U-shaped outer surface <figref>102</figref> on. Two openings <figref>104</figref>. one of which is in <figref idrefs="S30">11</figref> is shown, extend across the channel section <figref>84</figref>, (Not shown) extending rod or rivets through the openings <figref>104</figref>. to the support <figref>38</figref> fixed to the rear leg <figref>18</figref> to connect. After all includes the collar portion <figref>86</figref> an outer edge <figref>106</figref>a inner abutment edge <figref>108</figref>That the outer edge <figref>106</figref> opposite, and an upper abutment edge <figref>109</figref>That between the inner Abutment edge <figref>108</figref> and the outer edge <figref>106</figref> arranged is.

As <figref idrefs="S26">6</figref> and <figref idrefs="S27">7</figref> show, closes housing <figref>40</figref> a sleeve portion <figref>110</figref> and a pair of upstanding elements <figref>112a</figref>. <figref>112b</figref> on, the latter from the sleeve portion <figref>110</figref> out extend. The upstanding members include a pair axially aligned holes <figref>114a</figref>. <figref>114b</figref> on, which extend through the uprights. Finally, the sleeve portion <figref>110</figref> on Pair of L-shaped edge <figref>116</figref>, One of which in <figref idrefs="S27">7</figref> illustrated is. Each of the L-shaped edge <figref>116</figref> is sized and shaped to mate with the respective upper abutment edge <figref>109</figref> and internal Abutment edge <figref>108</figref> the holder <figref>38</figref> engaged arrives.

&lt;?page 6?&gt;

In the most preferred embodiment is described herein foldable locking device <figref>10</figref> unique for the Use with a one-handed operated trigger mechanism <figref>117</figref> designed (please refer <figref idrefs="S24">4</figref>). The one-handed operated trigger mechanism 6068284 is described in more detail in US Pat. No.. The hand adjustment trigger mechanism<figref>117</figref> is the handle <figref>22</figref> arranged and includes a pair of half-shells <figref>118a</figref>. <figref>118b</figref> on. Each half-shell <figref>118a</figref>. <figref>118b</figref> includes an outer member <figref>120a</figref>. <figref>120b</figref> and a corresponding inner member <figref>122a</figref>. <figref>122b</figref> on. Each inner member <figref>122a</figref>. <figref>122b</figref> is a corresponding outer element <figref>120a</figref>. <figref>120b</figref> by Keys and keyways <figref>124</figref> operatively connected. The half-shells<figref>118a</figref>. <figref>118b</figref> enclose the handle <figref>22</figref>, endcaps<figref>126a</figref>. <figref>126b</figref> are opposed to the Ends of the two half-shells <figref>118a</figref>. <figref>118b</figref>, Each half-shell<figref>118a</figref>. <figref>118b</figref> includes a pair of groove <figref>128a</figref>. <figref>128b</figref> , which with respect to the handle <figref>22</figref> are beveled. The handle <figref>22</figref> includes two pairs of slots <figref>130a</figref>. <figref>130b</figref> on. Preferably closes collapsible stroller <figref>12</figref> two hinged locking devices <figref>10</figref> on. Each hinged locking device <figref>10</figref> has a wire <figref>74</figref>, of the through the handle <figref>22</figref> runs and with the trigger mechanism <figref>117</figref> operatively connected is. As<figref idrefs="S31">12</figref> particularly clearly, closes the trigger mechanism <figref>117</figref> especially a pen <figref>132</figref> a, of the wire <figref>74</figref> appropriate is. The pencil<figref>132</figref> is dimensioned such that a corresponding groove <figref>128a</figref>. <figref>128b</figref> and a corresponding slot <figref>130a</figref>. <figref>130b</figref> the pencil <figref>132</figref> in can accommodate. Each pin <figref>132</figref> is by means of a stop element <figref>134</figref> attached. In the most preferred embodiment is the stop element <figref>134</figref> a bead or ball <figref>136</figref>,

During the Operation, the operator of the apparatus according to the invention the collapsible stroller <figref>12</figref> under the action of mechanical preloading between an operating position and a collapsed position move. To the collapsible stroller<figref>12</figref> among the effect of mechanical preload in the operating position to move, the operator simply rotates the arm <figref>20</figref> (contrary clockwise in <figref idrefs="S21">1</figref>). Here, the curved outer surface<figref>46</figref> in Contact with the angled surface <figref>88</figref> the holder <figref>38</figref> pressed while simultaneously housing <figref>40</figref> along the rear leg <figref>18</figref> towards the holder <figref>38</figref> after is drawn up. When the operator's arm<figref>20</figref> continues to rotate, the angular exerts surface <figref>88</figref> pressure to the latch <figref>36</figref> , so that this in the arm <figref>20</figref> moved in is. As soon as the contact between the latch<figref>36</figref> and the angled surface <figref>88</figref> canceled is, the latch is <figref>36</figref> by the spring <figref>80</figref> in relative to the arm <figref>20</figref> telescopically pushed outwards and thereby the channel section <figref>84</figref> the holder <figref>38</figref> detected, while simultaneously, the L-shaped edge <figref>116</figref> the housing <figref>40</figref> With the inner abutment edge <figref>108</figref> and the upper abutment edge <figref>109</figref> in Engagement arrives. Thus, the collapsible stroller<figref>12</figref> now found in the operating position.

If collapsible stroller <figref>12</figref> be folded is, the operator clamps the wire <figref>74</figref>, As in the preferred embodiment described which can be obtained by operating the one-handed operated trigger mechanism <figref>117</figref> done. Concretely, the operator rotates the two half-shells <figref>118</figref>, Thereupon, the grooves turn <figref>128a</figref>. <figref>128b</figref> relative to the slots <figref>130a</figref>. <figref>130b</figref>, So that the pins <figref>132</figref> after are pulled in toward each other. Consequently, the respective wire <figref>74</figref> thereby tensioned and pulls the latch <figref>36</figref> telescopically inwardly in the arm <figref>20</figref> in until the curved outer surface <figref>46</figref> of piston <figref>42</figref> may separate from the channel and the contact of L-shaped Elements <figref>116</figref> with the holder <figref>38</figref> is achieved. Of the Operator can then the arm <figref>20</figref> (clockwise in <figref idrefs="S21">1</figref>), Whereby the housing <figref>40</figref> to continue sliding along the rear leg <figref>18</figref> is forced to the collapsible stroller <figref>12</figref> in the folded Position.

Of the Expert can clearly be seen that the above disclosed invention provides a number of advantages. Specifically, reduced the present invention the material consumption and space requirements the foldable locking device <figref>10</figref> through the use a spring-latch <figref>36</figref>Which in the arm <figref>20</figref> built-in is. also the material consumption is reduced, characterized in that the latch <figref>36</figref> With a plurality of openings <figref>70</figref> provided is. The use of a plurality of openings<figref>70</figref> imparts the piston <figref>42</figref> a sufficient degree of rigidity and at the same time reduces the amount of material used. furthermore is the amount of material used and by providing a substantially hollow support <figref>38</figref> reduced. Around However, to ensure a sufficient degree of rigidity, closes the holder <figref>38</figref> ribs <figref>90a</figref>. <figref>90b</figref> on, to the inclined surface <figref>88</figref> to support.

On Another advantage of the present invention is that the Number of pinch reduced and thereby reduces the risk of injury, because within the foldable locking device <figref>10</figref> fewer Pinch points occur. Concretely, by providing a in the arm <figref>20</figref> built slam latch <figref>36</figref> in the substantially prevents an Child or another person with the latch <figref>36</figref> in contact comes. Secondly closes the channel section <figref>84</figref> the rear opening <figref>98</figref> on. consequently Is it possible, one in the channel section <figref>84</figref> contained object through the rear opening <figref>98</figref> out the channel section <figref>84</figref> hinauszubefördern when the piston <figref>42</figref> in the Kanalab&lt;?page 7?&gt;cut <figref>84</figref> is screwed.

The above description relates to the preferred embodiment of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to these preferred embodiment limit. Other embodiments based on the teachings herein described, the for the skilled worker is obvious to the scope of the present Invention defined by the claims is intended to be included.