CHILD CARRIAGE AND CHILD CARRIER WITH COUPLERS FOR REMOVABLY COUPLING TO ONE ANOTHER
In one example, a wheeled carriage has a frame with couplers that releasably couple to a child carrier so as to prevent upwards removal of the child carrier from the carriage. The couplers can include a pair of couplers that removably couple to opposing sides of the child carrier. The couplers can include at least one other coupler that removably couples to the child carrier. The carriage is devoid of any push handle that extends above the child carrier and is configured to be pushed by a push handle of the child carrier when the child carrier is coupled to the carriage. The at least one other coupler can limit torque applied to the pair of couplers when the carriage is pushed by the child carrier push handle, and/or couple to a coupler of an infant car seat that also couples the infant car seat to a car seat base.
This application is a National Stage Application of PCT/US2021/064464, filed Dec. 20, 2021, which claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application No. 63/128,441, filed Dec. 21, 2020, U.S. provisional patent application No. 63/174,843, filed Apr. 14, 2021, and U.S. provisional patent application No. 63/237,443, filed Aug. 26, 2021, the disclosures of all of which are hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth in their entireties herein.
TECHNICAL FIELDThe present disclosure relates generally to wheeled carriages for transporting children.
BACKGROUNDStrollers are commonly used to transport young children, such as to push infants in infant car seats when the infant car seats are removed from a vehicle. Most strollers comprise a frame that can be folded so that they can be stored in a car trunk or other storage location. Reducing the size to which strollers fold has been a goal of the juvenile product industry for some time. Although improvements have been made in this area, there is still a desire in the industry to reduce the size to which strollers fold.
SUMMARYIn one example, a carriage for pushing a child carrier comprises a plurality of wheels and a frame. The frame comprises a front end and a rear end, offset from one another along a longitudinal direction. The frame comprises a lower frame end having the plurality of wheels attached thereto, and an upper frame end configured to support the child carrier. The upper frame end has a plurality of seat couplers that are configured to releasably couple to the child carrier so as to prevent upwards removal of the child carrier from the carriage. The plurality of seat couplers includes a pair of seat couplers configured to removably couple to opposing sides of the child carrier, and at least one other seat coupler, offset from the pair of seat couplers with respect to the longitudinal direction. The at least one other seat coupler is configured to removably couple to the child carrier. The carriage is devoid of any push handle that extends above the child carrier, and the carriage is configured to be pushed by a push handle of the child carrier when the child carrier is coupled to the carriage.
In another example, a travel system comprises an infant car seat, a car seat base, and a carriage for pushing the infant car seat. The infant car seat comprises a seat shell, a handle, and a coupler. The seat shell has a rear end, and a front end that is offset from the rear end along a forward direction so as to be disposed closer to a child's head when the child is seated in the seat shell. The handle is rotatably coupled to the seat shell by at least one hub. The coupler is disposed on an underside of the infant car seat and is offset from the at least one hub along the forward direction. The car seat base is configured to attach the infant car seat to a vehicle seat. The car seat base has a lower end configured to rest on a vehicle seat, an upper end configured to support the infant car seat, and a seat coupler. The carriage comprises a plurality of wheels and a frame. The frame comprises a lower frame end having the plurality of wheels attached thereto, an upper frame end configured to support the infant car seat, and a seat coupler. The seat coupler of the car seat base and the seat coupler of the carriage are each configured to removably couple to the coupler of the infant car seat so as to restrict removal of the infant car seat from the car seat base and the carriage, respectively, along an upwards direction.
In yet another example, a travel system comprises an infant car seat, a toddler seat, and a carriage for pushing the infant car seat and the toddler seat. The infant car seat comprises a seat shell, a handle that is rotatably coupled to the seat shell, and a coupler. The toddler seat comprises a frame defining an opening therein, soft goods seating supported by the frame within the opening to define a seating surface, a handle attached to the frame, and a coupler. The carriage comprises a plurality of wheels and a frame. The frame comprises a lower frame end having the plurality of wheels attached thereto, an upper frame end configured to selectively support the infant car seat and the toddler seat, and at least one seat coupler. The at least one seat coupler is configured to removably couple to the coupler of the infant car seat and to the coupler of the toddler seat. The carriage is devoid of any push handle that extends above the infant car seat or the toddler seat when attached to the carriage. The carriage is configured to be pushed by the handle of the infant car seat when the infant car seat is coupled to the carriage and by the handle of the toddler seat when the toddler seat is coupled to the carriage.
In yet still another example, a travel system comprises an infant car seat and a carriage. The infant car seat comprises a car seat shell, a handle, at least one movable latch, and at least one actuator. The car seat shell has a rear end, and a front end that is offset from the rear end along a forward direction so as to be disposed closer to a child's head when the child is seated in the seat shell. The handle is pivotably coupled to the car seat shell. The at least one movable latch is disposed at the front end and is configured to affix the infant car seat to a car seat base for installation in a vehicle. The at least one actuator is configured to move the at least one movable latch between a latched position and an unlatched position. The carriage comprises a plurality of wheels and a frame. The frame has an upper frame end and a lower frame end spaced from one another along the vertical direction. The wheels are attached to the lower frame end, and the upper frame end comprises a seat coupler that is configured to couple to the at least one movable latch of the infant car seat when the at least one movable latch is in the latched position so as to prevent movement of the infant car seat relative to the carriage along an upwards direction.
The following description of the illustrative embodiments may be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. It is understood that potential embodiments of the disclosed systems and methods are not limited to those depicted.
Turning to
Unlike conventional strollers, the child carriage 100 is devoid of a push handle that is used to push a child. In other words, the child carriage 100 is devoid of a handle that extends above the child carrier that would be accessible to an adult to push the child carriage 100 while the adult is standing upright. Rather, the child carrier (e.g., 200, 400) comprises a handle (e.g., 226 in
Child Carriage
Turning now more specifically to
The child carriage 100 comprises a plurality of wheels 104 disposed at the lower end 102b of the frame 102. The upper end 102a of the frame 102 is configured to removably couple to the child carrier (e.g., 200, 400) so as to space the child carrier (e.g., 200, 400) above the riding surface. As will be described in further detail below, the upper end 102a of the frame 102 comprises at least one seat coupler that is configured to removably couple the child carrier (e.g., 200, 400) to the child carriage 100 such that movement of the child carrier (e.g., 200, 400) relative to the child carriage 100 is limited along at least one of the vertical direction V, the longitudinal direction L, and the lateral direction A. In some examples, the at least one seat coupler is configured to removably couple the child carrier (e.g., 200, 400) to the child carriage 100 such that movement of the child carrier (e.g., 200, 400) relative to the child carriage 100 is limited along at least two of the vertical direction V, the longitudinal direction L, and the lateral direction A, such as along all three of the vertical direction V, the longitudinal direction L, and the lateral direction A. For instance, the at least one seat coupler can be configured to removably couple the child carrier (e.g., 200, 400) to the carriage 100 so as to prevent removal of the child carrier (e.g., 200, 400) along an upwards direction. The at least one seat coupler can be configured to removably couple to a rigid portion of the child carrier (e.g., 200, 400), such as to a rigid body (e.g., 202 of
The frame 102 can comprise a first leg assembly 106(1), and a second leg assembly 106(2) that are offset from one another along the lateral direction A. The first leg assembly 106(1) can be adjacent the first side 102e and the second leg assembly 106(2) can adjacent the second side 102f. The first leg assembly 106(1) can comprise a first front leg 108(1) and a first rear leg 110(1) that are offset from one another along a longitudinal direction L, perpendicular to the lateral direction A. The first leg assembly 106(1) can comprise a first hinge 112(1) that pivotably connects the first front leg 108(1) and the first rear leg 110(1) to one another. For example, the first hinge 112(1) can pivotably couple an upper end of the first front leg 108(1) to an upper end of the first rear leg 110(1). The first hinge 112(1) can define a pivot axis AP1 that extends along the lateral direction A. The first front leg 108(1) and first rear leg 110(1) can be configured to pivot about the pivot axis AP1 such that a lower end of the first front leg 108(1) and a lower end of the first rear leg 110(1) move towards one another along the longitudinal direction L to the first folded configuration and away from one another along the longitudinal direction L to an expanded configuration.
The second leg assembly 106(2) can comprise a second front leg 108(2) and a second rear leg 110(2) that are offset from one another along the longitudinal direction L. The second leg assembly 106(2) can comprise a second hinge 112(2) that pivotably connects the second front leg 108(2) and the second rear leg 110(2) to one another. For example, the second hinge 112(2) can pivotably couple an upper end of the second front leg 108(2) to an upper end of the second rear leg 110(2). The second hinge 112(2) can define a pivot axis AP1 that extends along the lateral direction A. The second front leg 108(2) and second rear leg 110(2) can be configured to pivot about the pivot axis AP1 such that a lower end of the second front leg 108(2) and a lower end of the second rear leg 110(2) move towards one another along the longitudinal direction L to the first folded configuration and away from one another along the longitudinal direction L to an expanded configuration.
The frame 102 can comprise at least one crosspiece 114(1), 114(2) that extends between the first and second leg assemblies 106(1) and 106(2) so as to space the first and second leg assemblies 106(1) and 106(2) from one another along the lateral direction A. Each crosspiece can be shaped as a bar, a tube, or can have any other suitable shape. The at least one crosspiece 114(1), 114(2) can comprise a first crosspiece 114(1) that extends from the front leg 108(1) to the front leg 108(2). The first crosspiece 114(1) can have a first end that is attached to the first front leg 108(1) and a second end that is attached to the second front leg 108(2). The at least one crosspiece 114(1), 114(2) can comprise a second crosspiece 114(2) that extends from the first rear leg 110(1) to the second rear leg 110(2). The second crosspiece 114(2) can have a first end that is attached to the first rear leg 110(2) and a second end that is attached to the second rear leg 110(2). In some examples, the frame 102 can comprise a third crosspiece 114(3) that extends between the first and second leg assemblies 106(1) and 106(2). The third crosspiece 114(2) can be disposed at a position that is higher than the first and second crosspieces 114(1) and 114(2) with respect to the vertical direction V. The third crosspiece 114(2) can be disposed at a position that is between the first and second crosspieces 114(1) and 114(2) with respect to the longitudinal direction L when the child carriage 100 is in the expanded configuration. The third crosspiece 114(3) can define a carry handle 122. The carry handle 122 can be configured for carrying the child carriage 100 by hand when the child carrier (e.g., 200, 400) is detached from the child carriage 100.
The plurality of wheels 104 can comprise at least three wheels 104, and in some examples, can comprise four wheels 104. For example, the plurality of wheels 104 can comprise a first pair of wheels 104 disposed at the rear end 102d of the frame 102. A first wheel 104 of the first pair can be coupled to a lower end of the first rear leg 110(1) of the first leg assembly 106(1), and a second wheel 104 of the first pair can be coupled to a lower end of the second rear leg 110(2) of the second leg assembly 106(2). The plurality of wheels 104 can comprise at least one wheel 104 disposed at the front end 102e of the frame 102. For example, the plurality of wheels 104 can comprise a second pair of wheels 104 disposed at the front end 102e of the frame 102. A first wheel 104 of the second pair can be coupled to a lower end of the first front leg 108(1) of the first leg assembly 106(1), and a second wheel 104 of the second pair can be coupled to a lower end of the second front leg 108(2) of the second leg assembly 106(2). Alternatively, the plurality of wheels can comprise a single wheel 104 (not shown) disposed at the front end 102e of the frame. The single wheel 104 can be coupled to the lower end of the frame 102 at a location that is between the front legs 108(1) and 108(2) or the frame 102 can comprise a single front leg with a wheel 104 attached thereto.
As discussed above, the child carriage 100 can comprise at least one coupler that is configured to couple the child carrier (e.g., 200, 400) to the child carriage 100.
Each bayonet 117 can be a protrusion that extends upwards. Each bayonet 117 can be elongate generally along the vertical direction V. Each bayonet 117 can have a thickness along the lateral direction A, a height along the vertical direction V, and a width along the longitudinal direction L. The height can be greater than the thickness and/or width. In some examples, the width can be greater than the thickness.
Each of the first and second couplers 116(1), 116(2) can define a protrusion or an opening 118 that is configured to engage another of a protrusion and an opening (e.g., 216 of
The at least one coupler can comprise at least one other coupler, such as a pair of infant car seat couplers 120(1), 120(2), that is configured to removably couple to an infant car seat 200. The at least one infant car seat coupler 120(1), 120(2) can be configured to engage a movable latch 220 (see
Each of the at least one infant car seat coupler 120(1), 120(2) can be offset from the first pair of couplers 116(1), 116(2) along the longitudinal direction L. For example, each of the at least one infant car seat coupler 120(1), 120(2) can be disposed in front of, or behind, the first pair of couplers 116(1), 116 (2) with respect to the longitudinal direction L. The at least one infant car seat coupler 120(1), 120(2) couples the infant car seat 200 to the carriage 100 so as to limit torque applied to the pair of seat couplers 116(1), 116(2) when a force is applied to the handle 226 (see
The at least one coupler can comprise at least one toddler seat coupler 132(1), 132(2) that is configured to removably couple to a toddler seat 400. The at least one toddler seat coupler 132(1), 132(2) can be the same as the at least one infant car seat coupler 120(1), 120(2), or can another coupler that is separate from the at least one infant car seat coupler 120(1), 120(2). In some examples, the at least one coupler can comprise a pair of toddler seat couplers 132(1), 132(2), each being configured to removably couple to a toddler seat 400. The at least one toddler seat coupler 132(1), 132(2) can be configured to engage a movable latch 456 (see
The child carriage 100 can comprise at least one fold latch (e.g., 125 of
In some examples, the handle 122 can comprise a movable actuator body (e.g., 129 in
The child carriage 100 can comprise at least one linkage 124(1), 124(2).
With specific reference to
The third crosspiece 114(3) can be coupled to the at least one linkage. For example, the third crosspiece 114(3) can be coupled to the first linkage 124(1), such as to one of the first and second links 124a and 124b of the first linkage 124(1). The third crosspiece 114(3) can also be coupled to the second linkage 124(2), such as to one of the first and second links 124a and 124b of the second linkage. The third crosspiece 114(3) is configured such that, when the third crosspiece 114(3) is moved upwards relative to the first and second leg assemblies 106(1) and 106(2), the inner ends of the first and second links 124a and 124b of each linkage 124(1), 124(2) pivot relative to one another and move upwards. This in turn causes the outer ends of the first and second links 124a and 124b of each linkage 124(1), 124(2) to move towards one another, thereby drawing the front legs 108(1), 108(2) and rear legs 110(1), 110(2) towards one another towards the first folded configuration. Further, each of the connectors 120(1) and 120(2) retract as the front and rear legs move towards one another. Thus, it can be said that the child carriage 100 comprises at least one linkage that causes at least one connector to retract when the child carriage 100 is transitioned to the first folded configuration.
Conversely, when the third crosspiece 114(3) is moved downwards relative to the first and second leg assemblies 106(1) and 106(2), the inner ends of the first and second links 124a and 124b of each linkage 124(1), 124(2) pivot relative to one another and move downwards. This in turn causes the outer ends of the first and second links 124a and 124b of each linkage 124(1), 124(2) to move away from one another, thereby moving the front legs 108(1), 108(2) and rear legs 110(1), 110(2) away from one another towards the expanded configuration. Further, each of the connectors 120(1) and 120(2) extend as the front and rear legs move away from one another. Thus, it can be said that the child carriage 100 comprises at least one linkage that causes at least one connector to extend when the child carriage 100 is transitioned to the expanded configuration. It will be understood that, in alternative examples, the third crosspiece 114(3) need not be coupled to the at least one linkage. For example, the third crosspiece 114(3) could alternatively be coupled to one of the carriage legs 108(1), 108(2), 110(1), 110(2), or to the hinges 112(1), 112(2).
With continued reference to
Each coupler 116(1), 116(2) can comprise at least one rotatable stop, such as a pair of rotatable stops 116a and 116b. Each rotatable stop 116a, 116b can engage a different side of a leg tube 108a of one of the front legs 108(1), 108(2). Each coupler 116(1), 116(2) can comprise a rotatable hub 116c, attached to the bayonet 117 of the coupler 116(1), 116(2), that comprises the at least one rotatable stop 116a, 116b. The rotatable hub 116 can be rotationally fixed relative to the bayonet 117 such that rotation of the rotatable hub 116 causes rotation of the bayonet 117. When the carriage 100 is in the expanded configuration (
When the carriage 100 is transitioned to the first folded configuration (
Turning to
Each fold latch 125 can comprise a latch housing 125b that is configured to house the protrusion 125a. Note that, in
Turning briefly to
It will be understood that, in alternative examples, the at least one linkage can be configured in a manner other than that shown. For instance, in some examples, the at least one linkage might not define a support surface. In some examples, the at least one linkage might not support any of the connectors 120(1) or 120(2). In some examples, the at least one linkage might have more than two links and/or the links may be configured in a manner other than that shown. In some examples, the at least one linkage might not engage the at least one fold latch 125, and the at least one fold latch 125 can be located elsewhere. For instance, the at least one fold latch 125 can be located in at least one of the hinges 112(1), 112(2) (
Turning to
Each crosspiece 114(1), 114(2), 114(3) can comprise at least one hinge, such as a first hinge 114d and a second hinge 114e that are offset from one another along a length of the crosspiece (e.g., along the lateral direction A). The child carriage 100 is configured such that, when the frame 102 is transitioned to the first folded configuration, the first hinges 114b of the crosspieces 114(1), 114(2), 114(3) align with one another along a second pivot axes AP2, and the second hinges 114b of the crosspieces 114(1), 114(2), 114(3) align with one another along a third AP3. This alignment permits the first leg assembly 106(1) to be rotated towards the second leg assembly 106(2) about the second pivot axis AP2, and the second leg assembly 106(2) to be rotated towards the first leg assembly 106(1) about the third pivot axis AP3.
As can be seen in
Child Carriage Basket
Referring to
The basket 126 can comprise an upper end 126e and a lower end 126f that are offset from one another along the vertical direction V. The upper end 126e and the lower end 126f can extend from the front end 126a to the rear end 126b and from the first side 126e to the second side 126d. At least a portion, up to all, of the upper end 126e can be open. The lower end 126e can be closed so as to prevent items stowed therein from falling out of the basket 126. The basket 126 can define a recess therein between the front end 126a and the rear end 126b, between the first side 126c and the second side 126d, and between the upper end 126e and the lower end 126f.
The basket 126 can be attached to the first and second front legs 108(1) and 108(2) and to the first and second rear legs 110(1) and 110(2). The rear end 126b of the basket 126 can extend beyond at least a portion of each of the first and second rear legs 110(1) and 110(2) along the longitudinal direction L. The rear end 126b can extend beyond the second (i.e., rearward) crosspiece 114(2) along the longitudinal direction L. The second crosspiece 114(2) can be disposed within the basket 126. The first side 126c, the second side 126d, the front end 126a, and the rear end 126b can extend above the second crosspiece 114(2) such that the second crosspiece 114(2) is between the front end 126 and the rear end 126b and between the first side 126c and the second side 126d. In some examples, the second crosspiece 124(2) can be disposed closer to the lower end 126f than to the upper end 126e.
The rear end 126b can comprise a stiffener 128 therein. In one example, the stiffener 128 can have a “U” shape having first and second ends 128a and 128b that are attached to the first and second leg assemblies 106(1) and 106(2), respectively. The stiffener 128 can be a piece of plastic or other flexible material. In some examples, the stiffener 128 can be a bent rod that is received in a tunnel (e.g., a fabric tunnel) of the basket 126. The stiffener 128 can be disposed along the upper end 126e. The stiffener 128 can be configured such that, when the child carriage 100 is transitioned from the expanded configuration (
Referring to
Infant Car Seat with Push Handle
Turning to
The lower end 202b has a bottom surface 208 configured to rest on a vehicle seat pan when the infant car seat 200 is installed in the vehicle. The infant car seat body 202 comprises a first or front end 202c and a second or back end 202d, opposite one another along the longitudinal direction L. The front end 202c is spaced from the back end 202d along a forward direction. The front end 202c is configured to face a seat back of the vehicle seat on which the infant car seat 200 is installed. Conversely, the back end 202d is configured to face away from the seat back of the vehicle seat on which the infant car seat 200 is installed. The child's head is disposed closer to the back end 202d and the child's feet are disposed closer to the front end 202c when the child is seated in the infant car seat body 202. The infant car seat body 202 comprises a first side 202e and a second side 202f, opposite one another along the lateral direction A.
In some examples, the bottom surface 208 can be curved at it extends along the longitudinal direction L such that the infant car seat 200 can be rocked back and forth along the longitudinal direction L when the infant car seat 200 is supported on a floor. For example, the bottom surface 208 can be curved such that, when the infant car seat 200 is disposed on a planar surface, a portion of the bottom surface 208 between the front end 202c and the back end 202d contacts the planar surface, and the bottom surface 208 is spaced from the planar surface at one or both of the front end 202c and the back end 202d. However, it will be understood that the bottom surface 208 need not be curved.
In some examples, the lower end 202b can comprise a first rail 210(1) and a second rail 210(2) that are spaced from one another along the lateral direction A. The first rail 210(1) can be defined at the first side 202e and the second rail 210(2) can be defined at the second side 202f. Each of the first and second rails 210(1) and 210(2) can have an inner surface and an outer surface that are opposite from one another along the lateral direction A. Each of the first and second rails 210(1) and 210(2) can have a length along the longitudinal direction L that is greater than a width of the rail 210(1), 210(2) along the lateral direction A. Thus, each rail 210(1) and 210(2) can be elongate along the longitudinal direction L. The lower end 202b can define a space 212 between the first rail 210(1) and the second rail 210(2). For example, the inner surface of the first rail 210(1) can oppose the inner surface of the second rail 210(2) so as to define the space 212 therebetween. Each rail 210(1), 210(2) can comprise a portion of the bottom surface 208. It will be understood that, in alternative examples, the lower end 208 need not have first and second rails.
The infant car seat 200 can comprise at least one coupler that is configured to couple the infant car seat 200 to the child carriage 100 such that movement of the infant car seat 200 relative to the child carriage 100 is limited along at least one of the vertical direction V, the longitudinal direction L, and the lateral direction A.
The second coupler 214(2) of the first pair can be disposed at the second side 202f of the infant car seat 200. The second coupler 214(2) can comprise a protrusion 216 that extends out from the second side 202f of the infant car seat 200. The protrusion 216 can be movably attached to the car seat body 202 such that the protrusion 216 is configured to retract into the second side 202f of the car seat body 202 and extend out from the second side 202f of the car seat body 202. The protrusion 216 of the second coupler 214(2) can be spring loaded such that it is biased towards the extended position. The second coupler 214(2) can be configured to couple to the second coupler 116(2) of the child carriage 100. For example, the protrusion 216 of the second coupler 214(2) can be configured to be received in the opening 118 of the second coupler 116(2) of the child carriage 100.
The at least one coupler can comprise at least one other coupler, such as a second pair of couplers 218(1), 218(2). Each of the at least one other coupler 218(1), 218(2) can comprise a movable latch 220 that is configured to engage an engagement surface (e.g., 120(1), 120(2)) of the child carriage 100 so as to limit movement of the infant car seat 200 relative to the child carriage 100 along at least one of the vertical direction V and the longitudinal direction L. Each of the at least one other coupler 218(1), 218(2) can be offset from the first pair of couplers 214(1), 214(2) along the longitudinal direction L. For example, each of the at least one other coupler 218(1), 218(2) can be disposed closer to the front end 202c than the first pair of couplers 214(1), 214(2). Each of the at least one other coupler 218(1), 218(2) can be disposed forward of a handle hub 228(1), 228(2) (discussed below). Each of the at least one other coupler 218(1), 218(2) can be disposed at the lower end 202b of the infant car seat 200, such as at an underside of the infant car seat 200.
Referring briefly to
Referring back to
With reference to
The infant car seat 200 can comprise a first handle hub 228(1), and a second handle hub 228(2). The first handle hub 228(1) can be configured to couple the first handle side bar 227a of the infant car seat handle 226 to the first side 202e of the car seat body 202 such that the handle 226 is selectively rotatable relative to the car seat body 202. Similarly, the second handle hub 228(2) can be configured to couple the second handle side bar 227b of the infant car seat handle 226 to the second side 202f of the car seat body 100 such that the handle 226 is selectively rotatable relative to the car seat body 202. The infant car seat handle 226 can have a first handle portion 226a, a second handle portion 226b, and a third handle portion 226c that is attached to the first and second handle portions 226a and 226b such that the third handle portion 226c telescopes relative to each of the first and second handle portions 226a and 226b. The first handle portion 226a extends from the first hub 228(1) and defines a portion of the first handle side bar 227a. The second handle portion 226b extends from the second hub 228(2) and defines a portion of the second handle side bar 227b. Each handle portion 226a and 226b can have a tubular shape. The third handle portion 226c can be tubular and have a “U” shape, where the ends of the “U” shape are attached to the first and second handle portions 226a and 226b. For instance, the ends of the “U” shape can be received in the first and second handle portions 226a and 226b to translate within the first and second handle portions 226a and 226b. The bottom of the “U” shape can define the grab bar 227c. In some examples, the infant car seat handle 226 can have a grip 226d disposed on the third handle portion 226c for grasping by a caregiver. The grip 226d can be a soft, such as a rubberized, surface.
Turning to
Now, the operation of the handle 226 will be described. In general, the infant car seat 200 can be configured such that the handle 226 can transition from the retracted position to the extended position when the handle 226 is in the first rotational position (also referred to as the push position or position A), but not when the handle 226 is in one or more other positions. In some examples, the infant car seat 200 can be configured such that the handle 226 can only transition from the retracted position to the extended position when the handle 226 is in the first rotational position (position A). The infant car seat 200 can comprise at least one handle extension stop (e.g., 244 of
The infant car seat 200 can be configured such that the handle 226 is prevented from rotating while the handle 226 is in the extended position. The infant car seat 200 can comprise at least one handle rotation stop (e.g., 242 of
Turning now more specifically to
In an alternative example (not shown), the rotation latch 238 can define at least one recess, and the locking plate 234 can define a plurality of projections spaced circumferentially from one another. The at least one recess of the rotation latch 238 can be configured to selectively receive the projections so as to selectively lock the handle 226 in the plurality of rotational positions. Thus, it can be said that the locking plate can define a plurality of grooves or projections, and the rotation latch can define at least one projection or groove that is configured to selectively engage the grooves or projections to selectively lock the handle in the different rotational positions.
The rotation latch 238 is configured to be transitioned between a locked position (
The infant car seat 200 can comprise a rotation actuator 232 that is configured to be actuated by a caregiver to move the at least one rotational lock 230 from a locked position (
With reference to
The rotation stop 242 can have a first engagement surface 242a that is configured to engage the rotation latch 238 when in the blocking position to interfere with the rotation latch 238. The rotation stop 242 can have a second engagement surface 242b that is configured to be engaged by the third handle portion 226c so as to move the rotation stop 242 into the released position. In particular, the third handle portion 226c can telescope relative to the first and second handle portions 226a and 226b between an extended position and a retracted position as discussed above. As shown in
Turning to
The handle extension stop 244 can have a first side that defines the protrusion 244a, and a second side 244b opposite the first side 244a. The handle extension stop 244 can be configured such that, as the handle 226 is rotated, the second side 244b of the handle extension stop 244 rides along an inner surface of a corresponding one of the handle hubs 228(1), 228(2). The inner surface obstructs outward rotation of the handle extension stop 244, thereby keeping the handle extension stop 244 in the blocking position. When the handle 226 is rotated to a select position (e.g., the push position shown in
Turning to
The handle extension lock 246 can comprise a handle extension latch 248 configured to move between a locked position (
The handle extension latch 248 can comprise a protrusion 248a that is configured to move between the locked position and the unlocked position. The protrusion 248a can move along a direction that is angularly offset from, such as perpendicular to, the axis AH of the handle 226. In the locked position, the protrusion 248a extends into an opening in one of the first and second handle portions 226a, 226b and into an opening in the third handle portion 226c such that the protrusion 248a blocks the third handle portion 226c from extending. Note that, in some examples, the handle portions 226a, 226b can comprise a plurality of openings that are offset from one another along their respective axes, and each opening can correspond to a different extended position. In the unlocked position, the protrusion 248a is removed from the opening in the third handle portion 226c, thereby allowing the third handle portion 226c to extend or retract.
The handle extension lock 246 can comprise a latch guide 250 that is configured to guide movement of the latch 248 between the locked and unlocked positions. The latch guide 250 can be configured to translate along a select direction DS along an axis AH of the handle 226 towards and away from a respective one of the hubs 228(1), 228(2). The latch guide 250 can include a guide surface that guides a corresponding surface of the latch 248. For example, the latch guide 250 can include a slot 250a that is angularly offset from the select direction DS, and the latch 248 can include a pin 248b that is received in the slot 250a. When the latch guide 250 is moved along the select direction away from the respective one of the hubs 228(1), 228(2), the pin 248b translates along the slot 250a, thereby causing the protrusion 248a to move out of the opening in the one of the first and second handle portions 226a, 226b and out of the third handle portion 226c (i.e., causing the latch 248 to move to the unlocked position). When the latch guide 250 is moved along the select direction towards the respective one of the hubs 228(1), 228(2), the pin 248b translates along the slot 250a, thereby causing the protrusion 248a to move into the opening in the one of the first and second handle portions 226a, 226b and into the third handle portion 226c (i.e., causing the latch 248 to move to the locked position).
The infant car seat 200 can comprise a handle extension actuator 252 (labeled in
The handle extension actuator 252 can comprise a link 258, such as a wire or cable, that extends from the movable body 254 to the handle extension lock 246. The handle extension actuator 252 can be configured such that movement of the movable body 254 by the caregiver causes the link 258 to correspondingly move, which causes the handle actuation lock 246 to transition between the locked and unlocked positions. The handle extension actuator 252 can be configured to convert the translational movement of the movable body 254 into the handle 226 along the action direction DA to translational movement of the link 258 along the handle 226. For example, an inner side of the movable body 254 can define at least one ramped surface 254b, and the handle extension actuator 252 can comprise at least one wedge 256 having at least one ramped surface 256a that engages the at least one ramped surface 254b of the movable body 254. The handle extension actuator 252 can be configured such that, when the movable body 254 is depressed by a caregiver, the at least one ramped surface 254b of the movable body 254 translates along the at least one ramped surface of the at least one wedge 256, thereby causing the at least one wedge 256 to move along a direction that is perpendicular to the action direction DA. This, in turn, causes the link 258 to move along the handle 226 to move the handle actuation lock 246. It will be understood that, in other examples, the handle extension actuator 252 can be implemented in another suitable manner. For example, the handle extension actuator 252 can be implemented as a handle instead of a button, and/or can be implemented in another location such as along one of the first and second handle portions 226a, 226b.
Bassinet or Carrycot with Push Handle
Although not shown, according to some examples, the child carrier can be a bassinet or carrycot. The bassinet or carrycot can have a body and/or frame as is known in the art. The bassinet or carrycot can have a handle that is configured as discussed above in relation to the infant car seat 200, such that the handle operates in the manner described above in relation to the handle 226 of the infant car seat 200. Further, the bassinet or carrycot can comprise couplers similar to couplers 214(1) and 214(2), and optionally, couplers that are similar to couplers 218(1) and 218(2). It will be understood that the descriptions of couplers 214(1), 214(2), 218(1), and 218(2) above can apply equally to the bassinet or carrycot.
Travel Organizer
Turning now to
The organizer 300 can have a first organizer side 300a and a second organizer side 300b that are offset from one another along the lateral direction A. In some examples, the organizer 300 can have a length along the lateral direction A that is greater than a width of the organizer 300 along the longitudinal direction L and/or a height of the organizer 300 along the vertical direction V.
The organizer 300 can comprise a tray 302 and a storage container 304 that is coupled to and disposed below the tray 302. The tray 302 can be formed from a suitably rigid material such as a polymer or other suitable material. The tray 302 can have a tray upper end 302a that defines an upper surface, and a tray lower end 302b spaced from the tray upper end 302a along the vertical direction V. The tray 302 can define at least one tray opening, such as a plurality of tray openings, that extends into the tray upper end 302a towards the tray lower end 302b. For example, the tray 302 can define a circular tray opening 302c that extends into the tray upper end 302a. The circular tray opening 302c can be sized and shaped to receive a beverage container, such as a can, bottle, or cup, therein. As another example, the tray 302 can additionally, or alternatively, define a tray opening 302d that defines a recess that extends into the tray upper end 302a and is closed at a bottom of the tray opening 302d. As yet another example, the tray 302 can additionally, or alternatively, define a tray opening 302e that defines a through hole that extends entirely through the tray 302 (i.e., through the tray upper end 302a and the tray lower end 302b) such that the tray opening 302e is open to the storage container 304 below the tray 302. In some examples, the tray 302 can comprise a lid 306 that closes to cover at least one of the tray openings and opens to give a caregiver access to the contents of the at least one of the tray openings.
The storage container 304 can have a container upper end 304a, and a container lower end 304b that is spaced from the container upper end 304a along the vertical direction V. The container upper end 304a can define at least one container opening 304c that extends therein and terminates before the container lower end 304b such that a bottom of the at least one container opening 304c is closed. The at least one container opening 304c can be aligned along the vertical direction with at least one of the openings of the tray 302. For example, the at least one container opening 304c can be aligned with the tray opening 302e such that items can be placed through the tray opening 302e into the at least one container opening 304c. In some examples, the at least one tray opening 302e can be aligned with all of the tray openings along the vertical direction.
In some examples, the tray 302 and the storage container 304 can each have a cross-sectional shape in a plane that is perpendicular to the vertical direction, wherein the cross-sectionals shapes of the tray 302 and storage container 304 conform to one another and/or match one another. In alternative examples, the tray 302 can have a cross-sectional shape that is larger than that of the storage container 304 is disposed below only a portion of the tray 302. When the tray 302 is coupled to the storage container 304, the tray 302 can act as a top for the storage container 304.
Turning briefly to
The organizer 300 can comprise a flexible material 308 that is coupled to the tray 302 and the storage container 304. The flexible material 308 can be a fabric, such as a mesh fabric, or any other suitable material. In one example, the storage container 304 can be formed of a semi-rigid material, such as an Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate (EVA), that is less rigid than the tray 302 but more rigid than the flexible material 308, and the flexible material 308 can be a fabric that is thermoformed to storage container 304. The flexible material 308 can have a tubular shape that defines an upper end 308a and a lower end 308b that are offset from one another along the vertical direction V. The flexible material 308 can define a receiving space that extends from the upper end 308a to the lower end 308b. The upper end 308a can be coupled to the tray 302, such as the lower end 302b of the tray 302. The lower end 308b can be coupled to the storage container 304, such as to the upper end 304a of the storage container 304. Alternatively, the lower end 308b can wrap around the lower end 304b of the storage container 304.
When the organizer 300 is in the expanded configuration, the flexible material 308 can define sides of the organizer 300 to container items within receiving space. When the organizer 300 is in the compact configuration, the flexible material 308 can be folded inside of the organizer 300. Although not shown, in some examples, the flexible material 308 can define an access opening in a side thereof, between the open upper and lower ends 308a and 308b to provide access to a caregiver to the receiving space in the flexible material 308. Additionally, or alternatively, the caregiver can access the receiving space through the opening 203e that defines the through hole that extends through the tray 302.
The organizer 300 can comprise a fastener 310 that is configured to selectively fix the organizer 300 in the compact configuration. For example, the fastener 310 can comprise a zipper having a first tape portion 310a having a first plurality of teeth, and a second tape portion 310b having a second plurality of teeth, configured to mate with the first plurality of teeth. The tray 302 can include the first tape portion 310a, which can be attached to a body of the tray 302, such as the lower end 302b of the tray 302. The storage container 304 can include the second tape portion 310b, which can be attached to a body of the storage container 304, such as the upper end 304a of the storage container 304. It will be understood that, in alternative examples, the organizer 300 can be implemented with a fastener 310 other than a zipper, such as snaps, buttons, toggle latch, or any other suitable fastener that capable of fixing the organizer 300 in the compact configuration.
Referring back to
Turning now to
Each organizer latch 260 can be implemented in one of the handle side bars 227a, 227b. In some examples, each handle side bar 227a, 227b can comprise an organizer latch 260.
The infant car seat handle 226 can be configured such that, when the infant car seat handle 226 is in the retracted position, each organizer coupler 229 of the handle 226 is covered by one of the first and second handle portions 226a, 226b. In other words, in the retracted position, each organizer coupler 229 can retract into one of the first and second handle portions 226a, 226b such that the organizer 300 cannot be coupled to the organizer coupler 229.
Although
Toddler Seat with Push Handle
Turning to
The first side rail 406 has a first rail end 406a and a second rail end 406b that are spaced from one another along a first direction D1. The first side rail 406 can be elongate along the first direction D1. Similarly, the second side rail 408 has a first rail end 408a and a second rail end 408b that are spaced from one another along the first direction D1. The second side rail 406 can be elongate along the first direction D1. The seat frame 402 can comprise a foot rail 412 that extends between the first and second side rails 406 and 408. For example, the foot rail 412 can extend from the second rail end 406b of the first side rail 406 to the second rail end 408b of the second side rail 408. The foot rail 412 can extend along a second direction D2, perpendicular to the first direction D1. In some examples, the second direction D2 can be aligned with the lateral direction A. The foot rail 412 can be elongate along the second direction D2. Thus, the first side rail 406, the second side rail 408, and the foot rail 412 can together define a “U” shape. The first side rail 406, the second side rail 408, and the foot rail 412 can be separate parts that are coupled to one another or can be portions of a continuous tube that is bent to define the shape of the seat frame 402.
The push handle 404 is configured to be grasped by a caregiver to push the travel system 10 when the toddler seat 400 is attached to the child carriage 100. For example, the push handle 404 can extend above the seat frame 402 so as to be accessible to the caregiver. The toddler seat 400 is configured such that removal of the toddler seat 400 from the child carriage 100 causes the handle 400 to be removed with the toddler seat 400 from the child carriage 100.
The push handle 404 can be configured to transition between an extended position and a retracted position. In some examples, the push handle 404 can be configured to transition to one or more intermediate positions between the extended position and the retracted position. The push handle 404 can extend further above the seat frame 402 when in the extended position than in the retracted position. In one example, the push handle 404 can be attached to the seat frame 402 such that the handle 404 telescopes relative to the seat frame 402. For example, the handle 404 can comprise a first handle portion 404a and a second handle portion 404b. The first handle portion 404a can telescope relative to the first side rail 406, and the second handle portion 404b can telescope relative to the second side rail 408. The first and second handle portions 404a and 404b can be offset from one another along the lateral direction A. The handle 404 can optionally comprise a third handle portion 404c that extends between the first and second handle portions 404a and 404b. In an alternative example (not shown), the push handle can be pivotably attached to the seat frame at a pivot point such that the handle rotates towards and away from the seat frame along a pivot axis, where the pivot axis can extend along, for example, the second direction D2.
Referring to
The handle extension lock 420 can comprise a latch guide 424 that is configured to guide movement of the latch 420 between the locked and unlocked positions. The latch guide 424 can be configured to translate along a select direction DS along an axis AH of the handle 404. The latch guide 424 can include a guide surface that guides a corresponding surface of the latch 422. For example, the latch guide 424 can include a slot 424a that is angularly offset from the select direction DS, and the latch 422 can include a pin 422b that is received in the slot 424a. When the latch guide 424 is moved upwards along the select direction DS, the pin 422b translates along the slot 424a, thereby causing the protrusion 422a to move out of the opening 409 in the one of the first and second siderails 406 and 408. When the latch guide 424 is moved downwards along the select direction DS, the pin 422b translates along the slot 424a, thereby causing the protrusion 422a to move into one of the openings 409 in the one of the first and second siderails 406 and 408.
The toddler seat 400 can comprise a handle extension actuator 426 (labeled in
With continued reference to
Referring back to
Turning to
In general, each fold hub 418(1), 418(2) has a lower end plate 434 and an upper end plate 436 that are pivotably coupled to one another. The upper end plate 436 is positionally fixed to the upper frame end 402a of the seat frame 402 such that rotation of the upper frame end 402a causes a corresponding rotation of the upper end plate 436. The lower end plate 434 is positionally fixed to the lower frame end 402b of the seat frame 402 such that rotation of the lower frame end 402b causes a corresponding rotation of the lower end plate 434. The upper end plate 436 and the lower end plate 434 can be aligned with one another along a fold pivot axis AF. The fold latch 430 can be rotationally fixed relative to one of the upper end plate 436 and the lower end plate 434, and can be configured to releasably engage the other of upper end plate 436 and the lower end plate 434 so as to rotationally lock the upper frame end 402a and the lower frame end 402b relative to one another.
For instance,
The toddler seat 400 can optionally comprise an arm bar or child tray 438. The arm bar or child tray 438 can be configured to fold with the seat frame 402. In one example, the fold hub can be configured to guide the arm bar or child tray 438 to transition between the expanded and folded configurations. For example, the arm bar or child tray 438 can comprise a hub 440 that has a protrusion 440a. The lower end plate 434 can have a first groove 434d that receives the protrusion 440a of the hub 440. The first groove 434d can be curved so as to define an arc or circle. The first groove 434d can have an upper end 434e that limits movement of the protrusion 440a along the upwards direction, and hence upward movement of the arm bar or tray 438, when the toddler seat 400 is in the expanded configuration as shown in
Referring back to
Referring to
In some examples, each coupler 414(1), 414(2) can comprise a movable latch 446 that comprises the protrusion 446a. The movable latch 446 can be movable between a latched position (
Referring more specifically to
Referring back to
In some examples, each of the at least one other coupler 456 can comprise a movable latch 458 that is configured to move between a latched configuration (
It should be noted that the illustrations and descriptions of the examples and embodiments shown in the figures are for exemplary purposes only, and should not be construed limiting the disclosure. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the present disclosure contemplates various embodiments. Additionally, it should be understood that the concepts described above with the above-described examples and embodiments may be employed alone or in combination with any of the other examples and embodiments described above. It should further be appreciated that the various alternative examples and embodiments described above with respect to one illustrated embodiment can apply to all examples and embodiments as described herein, unless otherwise indicated.
Unless explicitly stated otherwise, each numerical value and range should be interpreted as being approximate as if the word “about,” “approximately,” or “substantially” preceded the value or range. The terms “about,” “approximately,” and “substantially” can be understood as describing a range that is within 15 percent of a specified value unless otherwise stated.
Conditional language used herein, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” “may,” “e.g.,” and the like, unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements, and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements, and/or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without author input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and the like are synonymous and are used inclusively, in an open-ended fashion, and do not exclude additional elements, features, acts, operations, and so forth. Also, the term “or” is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used, for example, to connect a list of elements, the term “or” means one, some, or all of the elements in the list.
While certain examples have been described, these examples are not intended to limit the scope of the inventions disclosed herein. Thus, nothing in the foregoing description is intended to imply that any particular feature, characteristic, step, module, or block is necessary or indispensable. Indeed, the novel methods and systems described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form of the methods and systems described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the inventions disclosed herein. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope and spirit of certain of the inventions disclosed herein.
It should be understood that the steps of the exemplary methods set forth herein are not necessarily required to be performed in the order described, and the order of the steps of such methods should be understood to be merely exemplary. Likewise, additional steps may be included in such methods, and certain steps may be omitted or combined, in methods consistent with various embodiments of the present invention.
Although the elements in the following method claims, if any, are recited in a particular sequence with corresponding labeling, unless the claim recitations otherwise imply a particular sequence for implementing some or all of those elements, those elements are not necessarily intended to be limited to being implemented in that particular sequence.
The words “inward,” “outward,” “upper,” and “lower” refer to directions toward or away from, respectively, the geometric center of the component. It will be understood that reference herein to “a” or “one” to describe a feature such as a component or step does not foreclose additional features or multiples of the feature. For instance, reference to a device having, comprising, including, or defining “one” of a feature does not preclude the device from having, comprising, including, or defining more than one of the feature, as long as the device has, comprises, includes, or defines at least one of the feature. Similarly, reference herein to “one of” a plurality of features does not foreclose the invention from including two or more of the features. For instance, reference to a device having, comprising, including, or defining “one of a protrusion and a recess” does not foreclose the device from having both the protrusion and the recess.
Claims
1. A carriage for pushing a child carrier, the carriage comprising:
- a plurality of wheels; and
- a frame comprising: a front end and a rear end, offset from one another along a longitudinal direction; a lower frame end having the plurality of wheels attached thereto; and an upper frame end configured to support the child carrier, the upper frame end having a plurality of seat couplers that are configured to releasably couple to the child carrier so as to prevent upwards removal of the child carrier from the carriage, the plurality of seat couplers including: a pair of seat couplers configured to removably couple to opposing sides of the child carrier; and at least one other seat coupler, offset from the pair of seat couplers with respect to the longitudinal direction, the at least one other seat coupler configured to removably couple to the child carrier,
- wherein the carriage is devoid of any push handle that extends above the child carrier, and the carriage is configured to be pushed by a push handle of the child carrier when the child carrier is coupled to the carriage.
2. The carriage of claim 1, wherein the at least one other seat coupler couples the child carrier to the carriage so as to limit torque applied to the pair of seat couplers when a force is applied to the push handle of the child carrier.
3. The carriage of claim 1, wherein the pair of couplers comprises a pair of bayonets that are configured to removably couple to opposing sides of the child carrier.
4. The carriage of claim 3, wherein the at least one other seat coupler is disposed in front of or behind the pair of bayonets.
5. The carriage of claim 3, wherein each bayonet defines a recess on an inner side thereof that is configured to receive a movable latch of the child carrier to affix the child carrier to the carriage.
6. The carriage of claim 1, wherein the frame comprises a first leg assembly and a second leg assembly, each comprising a front leg and a rear leg that are pivotably coupled to one another about a first pivot axis.
7. The carriage of claim 6, wherein the first and second leg assemblies comprise first and second linkages, respectively, that are configured to guide movement of the front and rear legs of the first and second leg assemblies as the frame is transitioned from an expanded configuration to a folded configuration.
8. The carriage of claim 7, wherein each of the at least one other seat coupler is defined by one of the first and second linkages.
9. A travel system, comprising:
- the carriage of claim 1; and
- the child carrier.
10. The travel system of claim 9, wherein the child carrier is an infant car seat comprising:
- a seat shell; and
- a handle pivotably coupled to the seat shell, wherein the handle is configured to be transitioned between an upright position to carry the infant car seat when the infant car seat is detached from carriage and an angled position to push the carriage when the infant car seat is coupled to the carriage, and the handle is configured such that removal of the infant car seat from the carriage causes the handle to be removed from the carriage.
11. The travel system of claim 10, wherein the handle is configured to transition between an extended position in which the handle is configured to be used to push the carriage, and a retracted position in which the handle is configured to be used to carry the infant car seat.
12. The travel system of claim 9, wherein the child carrier is a toddler seat comprising:
- a frame defining an opening therein;
- soft goods seating supported by the frame within the opening to define a seating surface; and
- a push handle attached to the frame, the push handle configured to be used to push the carriage when the toddler seat is coupled to the carriage and configured such that removal of the toddler seat from the carriage causes the push handle to be removed.
13. The travel system of claim 12, wherein the push handle of the toddler seat is configured to transition between an extended position and a retracted position.
14. The travel system of claim 13, wherein the push handle of the toddler seat is configured to telescope into and out of the frame of the toddler seat.
15. The travel system of claim 9, wherein:
- the pair of seat couplers comprises a pair of bayonets that are configured to removably couple to opposing sides of the child carrier; and
- the child carrier comprises a pair of movable latches, each configured to releasably engage one of the bayonets of the pair of bayonets, and an actuator configured to actuate the pair of movable latches.
16. The travel system of claim 9, wherein:
- the child carrier has a movable latch, and an actuator that is configured to actuate the movable latch; and
- the at least one other seat coupler of the carriage comprises a seat coupler that is configured to be engaged by the movable latch to affix the child carrier to the carriage so as to prevent the child carrier from being removed from the carriage along a vertical direction.
17. The travel system of claim 9, wherein:
- the child carrier comprises a movable latch that is configured to affix the child carrier to a car seat base for installation in a vehicle, and an actuator that is configured to actuate the movable latch; and
- the at least one other seat coupler of the carriage comprises a seat coupler that is configured to engage the movable latch that affixes the child carrier to the car seat base.
18. A travel system, comprising:
- an infant car seat comprising: a seat shell having a rear end, and a front end that is offset from the rear end along a forward direction so as to be disposed closer to a child's head when the child is seated in the seat shell; a handle that is rotatably coupled to the seat shell by at least one hub; and a coupler that is disposed on an underside of the infant car seat and is offset from the at least one hub along the forward direction;
- a car seat base configured to attach the infant car seat to a vehicle seat, the car seat base having a lower end configured to rest on a vehicle seat, an upper end configured to support the infant car seat, and a seat coupler; and
- a carriage for pushing the infant car seat, the carriage comprising: a plurality of wheels; and a frame comprising a lower frame end having the plurality of wheels attached thereto, an upper frame end configured to support the infant car seat, and a seat coupler,
- wherein the seat coupler of the car seat base and the seat coupler of the carriage are each configured to removably couple to the coupler of the infant car seat so as to restrict removal of the infant car seat from the car seat base and the carriage, respectively, along an upwards direction.
19. The travel system of claim 18, wherein the carriage is devoid of any push handle that extends above the infant car seat, and the carriage is configured to be pushed by the handle of the infant car seat when the infant car seat is coupled to the carriage.
20. The travel system of claim 19, wherein the handle is configured to transition between an extended position in which the handle is configured to be used to push the carriage, and a retracted position in which the handle is configured to be used to carry the infant car seat.
21. The travel system of claim 18, wherein:
- the coupler of the infant car seat comprises a movable latch;
- the infant car seat comprises an actuator that is configured to be engaged by a caregiver to actuate the movable latch;
- wherein the seat coupler of the car seat base and the seat coupler of the carriage are each configured to removably couple to the movable latch of the infant car seat so as to restrict removal of the infant car seat from the car seat base and the carriage, respectively, along an upwards direction.
22. The travel system of claim 21, wherein the movable latch comprises a hook.
23. The travel system of claim 18, wherein the carriage comprises a pair of seat couplers disposed in front of or behind the seat coupler of the carriage, and the pair of seat couplers are configured to removably couple to opposing sides of the infant car seat.
24. The travel system of claim 23, wherein the seat coupler of the carriage couples the infant car seat to the carriage so as to limit torque applied to the pair of seat couplers when a force is applied to the handle of the infant car seat.
25. The travel system of claim 23, wherein the pair of seat couplers comprises a pair of bayonets that are configured to removably couple to opposing sides of the child carrier.
26. The travel system of claim 25, wherein:
- the infant car seat comprises a pair of movable latches at opposing sides of the seat shell, and an actuator configured to actuate the movable latches; and
- each bayonet defines a recess on an inner side thereof that is configured to receive one of the latches of the pair of movable latches.
27. The travel system of claim 18, wherein the frame comprises a first leg assembly and a second leg assembly, each comprising a front leg and a rear leg that are pivotably coupled to one another about a first pivot axis.
28. The travel system of claim 27, wherein:
- the first and second leg assemblies comprise first and second linkages, respectively, that are configured to guide movement of the front and rear legs of the first and second leg assemblies as the frame is transitioned from an expanded configuration to a folded configuration.
29. The travel system of claim 28, wherein the seat coupler of the frame is defined by one of the first and second linkages.
30. The travel system of claim 28, wherein:
- the first linkage comprises a first link pivotably connected to the front leg of the first leg assembly, and a second link pivotably connected to the rear leg of the first leg assembly, the first and second links being pivotably coupled to one another; and
- the second linkage comprises a first link pivotably connected to the front leg of the second leg assembly, and a second link pivotably connected to the rear leg of the second leg assembly, the first and second links of the second linkage being pivotably coupled to one another.
31. The travel system of claim 18, wherein the handle of the infant car seat is configured to be transitioned to 1) an upright position to carry the infant car seat when the infant car seat is detached from carriage and 2) an angled position to push the carriage when the infant car seat is coupled to the carriage, and the handle is configured such that removal of the infant car seat from the carriage causes the handle to be removed from the carriage.
32-57. (canceled)
Type: Application
Filed: Dec 20, 2021
Publication Date: Feb 1, 2024
Inventors: DANIEL A. SACK (Mohnton, PA), Patrick J. G. Bowers (West Chester, PA), Curtis M. Hartenstine (Birdsboro, PA), Andrew J. Horst (Morgantown, PA), Colin F. Eggert-Crowe (King of Prussia, PA), Lance J. Clemmer (Mohnton, PA)
Application Number: 18/258,389