Stroller with Removable Storage

Abstract

A stroller includes a frame assembly, an occupant seat supported by the frame assembly, and a storage container removably suspended from the frame assembly under the occupant seat. In some cases, the frame assembly includes a spine. The spine has an underside surface with a one or more brackets or hooks. The brackets are arranged along a main axis of the spine. As a result, each bracket is equidistant from each of a pair of wheels to center the suspended item between the pair of wheels.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION DATA

This patent is related to and claims priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/789,240, which was filed on Apr. 3, 2006 and entitled “Stroller,” and which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Disclosure

The present disclosure is generally directed to strollers, and more particularly to strollers having storage containers.

2. Description of Related Art

Strollers have conventionally been equipped with a basket for storage of accessories and personal items. Typically, the storage basket is attached to, or includes, a frame located beneath or behind an occupant seat, where the storage basket hangs. To secure the storage basket, to the frame, soft goods of the storage basket are often sewn into position around sections of the frame. The frame of the storage basket of some strollers is then connected to a main, structural frame of the stroller. With these connections, storage baskets are typically fixed in place or are not removable without dissembling the stroller. Accessing the contents of the basket can accordingly be inconvenient.

Burdened by the foregoing limitations, storage baskets are often supplanted by handbags and other bags, especially in connection with the storage of personal and other items that are frequently required. Such bags are then casually hung from portions of the stroller not designed to carry or support a bag or other item. For example, bags are often draped over a handle or other laterally extending component. Unfortunately, hanging a container and its contents on one handle (or one side of a handlebar) can result in an unbalanced stroller, which can be a source of inconvenience or, in some cases, instability.

Some strollers are equipped with components directed to carrying individual accessories or personal items. For example, trays, cupholders and pouches have also been clipped onto or attached to strollers for the convenience of the seat occupant and the caregiver. These components can typically only accommodate smaller sized items. Thus, such components can be unsuitable for carrying larger items or large numbers of items, much less bags and other containers in which such items are stored.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of one example of a stroller assembly having a removable storage container attached in accordance with one aspect of the disclosure;

FIG. 2 shows an elevational, side view of the exemplary stroller of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows an elevational, rear view of the exemplary stroller of FIG. 1 with soft goods removed for ease in illustration;

FIG. 4 shows a bottom view of the exemplary stroller of FIG. 1 with soft goods removed for ease in illustration;

FIG. 5 is a perspective, partial view of the exemplary stroller of FIG. 1 showing the attachment of a storage container via a pair of attachment hooks in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a partial view of the attachment of the storage container taken along the lines 6-6 of FIG. 2, showing a lower attachment hook of the pair of attachment hooks in greater detail;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the attachment of the storage container taken along the lines 7-7 of FIG. 2, showing an upper attachment hook of the pair of attachment hooks in greater detail;

FIGS. 8A-8C show front side and rear elevational views of an exemplary storage container suitable for attachment to the exemplary stroller of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a representation of the exemplary storage container of FIGS. 8A-8C in use as a shoulder bag;

FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of the exemplary stroller of FIG. 1 with an optional storage container attached at one of the pair of attachment hooks shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 11 is an elevational, side view of an exemplary stroller with a storage container attached via a pair of attachment hooks in accordance with an alternative embodiment; and,

FIG. 12 is a partial view of the attachment of the storage container taken along lines 12-12 of FIG. 1 1, showing a lower attachment hook in greater detail.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

This disclosure is generally related to strollers having a removable storage container. In accordance with one aspect of the disclosure, the storage container is conveniently removable despite being located beneath an occupant seat and stroller frame sections supporting the seat. In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, the storage container is suspended from a spine of the stroller frame at a number of attachment, or connection, points located along, or aligned with, a longitudinal or main axis of the spine. As a result, the storage container may be suspended from one or more of the attachment points without unbalancing the stroller. In some cases, one of the attachment points includes a hook or bracket suitable for attaching a variety of bags or containers. The hook or bracket is placed along the main axis of the spine such that the center of gravity of the bag does not extend beyond the wheelbase of the stroller. In some cases, the storage container engages upper and lower hooks so that lifting the storage container along the main axis of the spine disengages the storage container from the stroller.

Although certain aspects of the disclosure relate to details regarding the storage container and the removable nature of its connection to the stroller, the disclosed stroller is well suited for use with a number of different types of containers. Indeed, some aspects of the disclosure may be practiced with a storage container that is not configured for convenient removal. Moreover, other aspects of the disclosure are directed to the stroller itself, even though the aspects may involve components that provide potential storage options. Such aspects of the disclosure are provided without limitation to a particular type of bag, container or other item that may, but need not, eventually be attached to the stroller as described below.

Turning now to the drawings, a stroller is generally indicated at 100 in FIGS. 1-4 and is constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. In the disclosed example, the stroller 100 generally has a frame assembly 102, a seat assembly 104 (FIGS. 1-2) supported by the frame assembly 102, and a plurality of wheels supporting the frame assembly 102 on a ground surface. In general, the frame assembly 102 in the disclosed example includes a pair of rear wheels 106 and a single front wheel assembly 108 positioned forward of and at a midpoint between the rear wheels 106. In this example, the front wheel assembly 108 has two wheels 109 spaced apart side by side.

The frame assembly 102 in this example generally has a seat mounting frame 110 that is a U-shaped component. In the disclosed example, the seat assembly 104 can be removed from the seat frame 110 and the stroller 100. In general, the removable seat assembly 104 includes a pair of seat attachment tubes 112 positioned on opposite sides of an occupant seat 114 (FIGS. 1-2). The seat tubes 112 are connected to and can be removed from upper ends 116 of the seat frame 110. The seat 114 of the seat assembly 104 is supported on the stroller 100 at least in part by the seat tubes 112 and has a canopy 118 (FIGS. 1-2) connected to an upper part of the seat 114. The seat 114 also has a seat back 120 (FIGS. 1-2), a seat bottom 122 (FIGS. 1-2), and seat side wings 124 (FIGS. 1-2) positioned on opposite sides of the seat back 120 and the seat bottom 122.

A footrest 126 (FIGS. 1-2) is positioned at the bottom of the seat assembly 104 and is suspended from the front edge of the seat bottom 122 by a mesh fabric panel 128 (FIGS. 1-2) in this example. The footrest 126 is also connected to the lower part of the seat frame 1 10. In the disclosed example, the-seat 104 can be made entirely of fabric or like materials and be suspended from the seat tubes 112 and the seat frame 110, when attached. Alternatively, portions of the seat assembly 104 can have a removable cover placed over a generally rigid supporting structure that defines and shapes at least part of the seat 114, such as the seat bottom 122 and parts of the seat side wings 124. Thus, once attached to the seat frame 110, the seat assembly 104 can be sufficiently supported on the stroller 100 and substantial enough to support the weight of a child occupant. As will be evident to those having ordinary skill in the art, the configuration and construction of the seat assembly 104 and the seat 114 can vary considerably and yet fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

The stroller frame assembly 102 in the disclosed example generally has a central spine 140 with a lower end 142 positioned near the front wheel assembly 108. The spine 140 also has an upper end 144 positioned behind the seat back 120 of the seat assembly 114 and between the rear wheels 106. A pair of curved rear legs 146 extend downwardly in opposite directions from an underside of the spine 140. Each leg 146 is bowed outwardly and extends in a rearward and downward direction. A proximal or top end 148 of each leg is coupled to a rear leg connector 150 (FIGS. 2-4) positioned on the underside of the spine 140. The connector 150 is positioned in this example about mid-point between the upper end 144 and the lower end 142 of the spine 140. A distal or lower end 152 of each rear leg 146 in this example carries one of the rear wheels 106.

A rear leg link 154 is positioned on each side of the frame assembly 102 and links each rear leg 146 to the spine 40. Each link 154 has one end 156 (FIGS. 2-4) coupled to a connector 158 (FIGS. 2-4) on the underside of the spine 140 positioned below the rear leg connector 150 along the spine. Each link 154 also has another end 160 coupled to a corresponding one of the rear legs 146. The links 154 provide stability for the stroller frame assembly 102, and particularly for the rear legs 146, during use.

The frame assembly 102 in the disclosed example also has a stroller handle 170 for pushing and maneuvering the stroller 100. The disclosed handle 170 generally has an upward facing, open C-shape that forms two handle sections 172. The two sections 172 extend in opposite directions from a handle bracket 174. The handle bracket 174-is coupled to a stanchion 176 that extends from the upper end 144 of the frame spine 140. In the disclosed example, the stanchion 176 is essentially a linear structure and extends parallel to and is aligned with the spine 140, which is also a generally linear structure.

The stroller 100 disclosed herein also has a pair of curved seat frame support arms 180. The support arms ₁ g₀ extend upward in opposite directions from the top side of the spine 140. Each support arm 180 is bowed outwardly and extends in a forward and upward direction relative to the spine 140. A proximal or bottom end 182 (FIGS. 2-4) of each support arm 180 is coupled to a support arm connector 184 (FIGS. 2-4) positioned on the top side of the spine 140. The support arm connector 184 in this example is positioned at the same location along the spine as the rear leg connector 150, which is on the underside of the spine. A distal end portion 186 of each support arm 180 is bent downwardly, extends generally horizontally forward, and terminates at an exposed end or face 188 (FIGS. 2 and 4).

In this example, a seat frame link 190 is positioned on each side of the seat frame 110 and extends in a rearward direction. Each seat link 190 has a free end 192 that is coupled to one of the support arms 180. The connection point between each seat link 190 and the respective support arm 180 in this example is spaced rearward from the exposed end 188 along the distal end portion 186.

Also in the disclosed example, a frame bracket 194 (FIGS. 1-2) is located at the lower front portion of the frame assembly 102. The frame bracket 194 is connected to the lower most portion 196 of the seat frame 1 10 and to the lower end 142 of the spine 140. The front wheel assembly 108 is mounted to and extends downward from the frame bracket 194. The frame bracket 1 94 links the spine 140 to the seat frame 110 and provides the front wheel mounting location in the disclosed example.

The spine 140 is oriented centrally between the rear wheels 106 and has a main or longitudinal axis running between the lower end 142 of the spine 140 and the upper end 144 of the spine 140. The main axis of the spine 140, in turn, defines a central or longitudinal axis of the stroller 100. In the disclosed example as shown in FIG. 2, the spine 140 is oriented at an angle with a low point at its lower end 142 and a high point at its upper end 144. The spine 140 is oriented to position the handle 170 so that a caregiver can stand behind the stroller and push the stroller in a conventional manner by the handle 170. The seat assembly 104 is positioned above and forward of the spine 140 and faces forward relative to the stroller 100 away from the handle 170. However, the arrangement of the seat and frame components disclosed herein can vary and yet fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Additionally, the shape, size, configuration, orientation, and location of the various frame assembly and seat assembly components can also vary from the example shown without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

As shown in FIGS. 2-4 and in greater detail in FIGS. 5-8, a lower bracket 200 and an upper bracket 202 extend from an underside surface 204 of the central spine 140. Generally speaking, the lower and upper brackets 200 and 202 are provided for the removable attachment of a storage container 206 (or other item) suspended beneath and behind the frame assembly 102 and the seat 114. As described in connection with one aspect of the disclosure below, the placement of the brackets 200 and 202 on the spine 140 centers the suspended item between the rear wheels 106 so that the stroller 100 remains in balance during use.

As best shown in FIGS. 5-7, the lower and upper brackets 200 and 202 may be connected to the central spine 140 in a variety of ways. Generally speaking, any type of connection mechanism may be utilized to mount or otherwise dispose the brackets 200 and 202 on the spine 140. For example, the connections may include or involve the use of fasteners, adhesives, etc. In the exemplary embodiment shown in the drawing figures, and as best shown in FIG. 7, the lower bracket 200 includes a ring 208 that encircles the spine 140. The ring 208 may be fixed in place along the spine 140 in a variety of ways, including for instance a pressure or compression fit engagement. The upper bracket 202 includes a clip 210, which may be a C-shaped component shaped to engage the spine 140, and may also be configured for a pressure or compression fit to fixedly secure the bracket 202 in position along the spine 140. In each case, the spine 140 may include any number of projections or detents (not shown) toward securing the engagement of the brackets 200 and 202.

Each bracket 200 and 202 generally includes a hook or other projection for engagement by connectors of (or disposed on) the storage container 206 at a pair of attachment points along the spine 140. In the exemplary embodiment shown, a hook 212 extends from the ring 208 to define a lower attachment point, while a hook 214 extends from the clip 210 to define an upper attachment point. The projection of the hook 212 is oriented such that the hook 212 extends upwardly along the main axis of the spine 140. In contrast, the projection of the hook 214 is oriented such that the hook 212 extends laterally across the spine 140, or transverse to the main axis of the spine 140. Other orientations for the upper and lower attachments may also be utilized. Moreover, the length of the projections of the hooks 212 and 214 may vary in alternative embodiments, as desired, and particularly in connection with longitudinally extending hooks, such as the hook 212. In these cases, the hook may have an elongated projection, which be useful in storage situations in which the hook is primarily, if not entirely, responsible for supporting the suspended item.

In some cases, the suspended item includes one or more strap-based connectors. For example, one or both of the brackets 200 and 202 may be engaged by a strap 216 of the storage container 206. In the examples shown in the drawing figures, the strap 216 has a loop 218 near an end 220, where the strap 216 engages the bracket 202 at the upper attachment point. The loop 218 may be sewn onto a length-adjustable main section 220 of the strap 216 running the length of the storage container 206. The loop 218 allows the storage container 206 to be suspended from the spine 140 at a predetermined position, regardless of whether the length of the main section 220 of the strap 206 has been adjusted. In alternative embodiments, the strap 216 does not include the loop 218, and instead the main section 220 engages the bracket 202. To this end, the main section 220 of the strap 216 may be doubled over on itself or otherwise configured to engage the bracket 202 at the upper attachment point.

The exemplary embodiment shown in the drawing figures also includes a notch- or slot-based connector at the lower attachment point. With initial reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the storage container 206 may engage the bracket 200 at the lower attachment point via an insertion of the hook 212 through an opening or slot on the exterior of the storage container 206. The opening need not reach the interior of the storage container 206 (such that the hook 212 enters the interior of the storage container 206), as shown in phantom in FIGS. 5 and 6. As shown in FIG. 8A, the hook 212 may instead engage a notch or void 222 formed below a flap 223 on the exterior of the storage container 206. In this exemplary case, the flap 223 extends laterally across a front face 224 of the storage container 224 where the strap 216 is attached, as shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 8A. More specifically, an end 226 of the strap 216 may slidably pass through the front face 224 at, for instance, a seam 228 leading to the void 222, and an indent 230 in the front face 224. The end 226 of the strap 216 may also pass through a buckle 231 disposed in the indent 230 and provided to adjust the length of the main section 220 of the strap 216, as desired.

The storage container 206 may be made from a semi-rigid or other material to retain the shape of the indent 230, the flap 223, and other components thereof that form the connector at the lower attachment point. Such materials may be utilized in alternative embodiments to form differently shaped notches, slots, or voids. For example, one alternative embodiment includes a notch that does not provide space for the buckle 231 and attachment of the end 226 of the strap 216. In that case, the end 226 of the strap 216 may be located elsewhere, such as on a top surface of the storage container 206.

As shown in FIGS. 2, 5 and 8B, the storage container 206 may be shaped to fit under the frame assembly 102 and the seat assembly 104. To that end, the exemplary embodiment of the storage container 206 is shaped to accommodate the inclined or ascending axis of the central spine 140. The storage container accordingly has an angled profile with one end shorter than the other end. More specifically, the front face 224 is lower in height than a rear face 232 (FIGS. 8B and 8C). Consequently, the storage container 206 may remain generally upright while hooked to the spine 140 at the upper and lower attachment points.

Turning to FIG. 9, the main section 220 of the strap 216 can be used as a shoulder strap 234 for carrying the storage container 206 upon removal from the stroller 100. The length of the main section 220 of the strap 216 may be adjusted via the buckle 231 (FIG. 8A), as desired.

As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8C as well as FIG. 9, the storage container 206 has a tall, narrow shape. The narrow shape of the storage container 206 generally allows it to be suspended from the attachment points in a position beneath the seat assembly 104, as well as between the rear legs 146 of the frame assembly 102 and, thus, between the rear wheels 106. Generally speaking, the storage container 206 may include a variety of materials and material types. To maintain the narrow (or other) shape, portions(s) of the material(s) of the storage container 206 may have any desired degree of rigidity (or flexibility), and include localized areas having one or more materials of decreased flexibility for shape maintenance. However, the storage container 206 need not include a supportive frame of rigid material, as the container 206 may, for instance, be suspended via the soft goods connectors described above. Notwithstanding the foregoing, alternative embodiments may utilize a rigid frame to maintain shape or for other purposes, as desired. For example, one or more of the connectors may include a rigid, or semi-rigid, material to define the shape of the notch (or the defining flap) engaged by a hook.

FIG. 9 depicts one of several suitable connection points for the loop 218 of the strap 216. In that exemplary case, the loop 218 is connected to the strap 216 near an end 234 thereof. The strap 216, in turn, is sewn to the rear face 234 of the storage container 206 at a point 236. Alternatively, the loop 218 may be connected to a surface of the storage container 206 (as opposed to the strap 216). For example, the loop 218 may also be connected to the storage container 206 at the point 236. In still other embodiments, the loop 218 may be connected at any other desired position along the main section 220 of the strap 216.

While the removable storage aspect of the present disclosure is not limited to any one particular context or purpose, or any type of bag, one type of bag that may be advantageously stored as described herein is a diaper bag. Diaper bags and other storage containers are designed to carry a number of personal items for the child occupant or caregiver, the volume of which is not easily handled by pouches and other small stroller accessories. Moreover, diaper bags and the like are often frequently accessed and used away from the stroller. To these ends, a storage container 206 removably suspended as described herein may be conveniently pulled off the brackets 200 and 202, and then re-suspended, by generally moving the storage container 206 along the main axis of the central spine 140. A lateral movement of the storage container 206 may also be involved to disengage (or hang) the loop 218 from the upper bracket 202, as described in the exemplary case shown in the drawing figures. With that slight lateral movement, the storage container 206 may be easily lifted off the bracket 200, for complete removal and disengagement from the stroller 100, with a generally upward pull near the end 220 of the strap 216.

With reference now to FIG. 10, another aspect of the disclosure is directed to supporting the storage of different types of items at one or both of the attachment points. Generally speaking, the arrangement of brackets described above is compatible with a variety of bags, containers and other items to be suspended in place of the storage container 206. For instance, an alternative storage container 250 may be suspended from the upper bracket 202 as shown. The container 250 shown is another bag, such as a shopping bag, having a strap 252, as shown, that engages the hook 214 in a manner similar to that described above in connection with the storage container 206. Other suitable containers may have alternative connectors, such as notch-based connectors or other loop-based to engage the hook 214.

In some cases, a container or other item may alternatively or additionally be suspended from the lower attachment point, i.e., the bracket 200.

The positioning of the lower and upper brackets 200 and 202 flexibly accommodates this wide variety of containers and items due to the positioning of the hooks 212 and 214 on the central spine 140. For instance, the alignment of the hooks 212 and 214 along the main axis of the spine 140 centers the suspended item between the rear wheels 106. As a result, suspending the container or item on one of the hooks does not unbalance the stroller. Moreover, both of the attachment points are within the wheelbase of the stroller (i.e., within the front wheel assembly and the rear wheels). As a result, the center of gravity of the suspended item is also positioned within the wheelbase. As a result, suspending an item at either the upper or lower connection point will not cause the stroller to tip forward or lean backward.

Turning to FIGS. 11 and 12, a stroller indicated generally at 260 has an alternative bracket 262 at the lower connection point. A corresponding connector 264 of a storage container 266 is shown in greater detail in FIG. 12. In this case, the bracket 262 may be secured to the spine 140 via, for instance, an adhesive layer or other fastener 268, including, for instance, a hook-and-loop layer. Alternatively or additionally, the bracket 262 may be secured in the manner described above in connection with the foregoing exemplary embodiment.

The connector 264 includes a rod or other frame section 270 disposed within the storage container 266. When the storage container 266 is lowered onto the bracket 262, the rod 270 eventually comes to rest on a hook 272 of the bracket 262 as shown in FIG. 12. To this end, the hook 272 may be inserted through a slot or other opening in a surface 274 of the storage container 266.

The rod 270 may be made of a rigid, or semi-rigid, material, and may be sewn-in or otherwise secured in position near the surface 274 within the storage container 266.

The frame section 270 need not be shaped as a rod. Indeed, the frame section 270 and, more generally, any of the connectors of the storage containers may be shaped to engage the frame assembly or any component (e.g., bracket) thereof. For instance, the frame section 270 may be shaped as a hook or a loop having a portion that rests on the bracket 262 as shown in FIG. 12. Another exemplary shape may involve a frame section 270 that is generally straight, but with an indent to be engaged by the hook 272 of the bracket 262. In this way, the frame section 270 may assist in minimizing lateral movement of the storage container 266.

Although certain stroller assemblies have been described herein in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure, the scope of coverage of this patent is not limited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all embodiments of the teachings of the disclosure that fairly fall within the scope of permissible equivalents.

Claims

1. A stroller, comprising:

a frame assembly;

an occupant seat supported by the frame assembly; and,

a storage container removably suspended from the frame assembly under the occupant seat.

2. The stroller of claim 1, further comprising a bracket secured to the frame assembly and engaged by the storage container.

3. The stroller of claim 2, wherein the storage container comprises a strap, and wherein the bracket comprises a hook engaged by the strap.

4. The stroller of claim 2, wherein the frame assembly comprises a central spine to which the bracket is secured.

5. The stroller of claim 4, further comprising a further bracket secured to the central spine, such that the first-named bracket and the further bracket are aligned along a main axis of the central spine.

6. The stroller of claim 5, wherein the main axis of the central spine is inclined.

7. The stroller of claim 2, wherein the storage container comprises a surface having a notch, and wherein the bracket comprises a hook disposed in the notch.

8. The stroller of-claim 1, further comprising a pair of wheels coupled to the frame assembly, wherein the storage container is attached to the frame at an attachment position equidistant from each of the pair of wheels.

9. A stroller, comprising:

a frame assembly comprising a spine;

a pair of wheels coupled to the frame assembly, each wheel extending in a respective outward direction from the spine; and,

a bracket disposed on an underside of the spine to suspend an item under the frame assembly;

wherein the bracket is equidistant from each of the pair of wheels to center the suspended item between the pair of wheels.

10. The stroller of claim 9, wherein the bracket comprises a hook from which the item is suspended.

11. The stroller of claim 10, wherein the hook comprises a projection oriented in a direction transverse to a main axis of the spine.

12. The stroller of claim 10, wherein the hook comprises a projection oriented along a main axis of the spine.

13. A stroller, comprising:

a frame assembly comprising a spine, the spine having an underside surface with a first hook and a second hook, the hooks being arranged along a main axis of the spine;

an occupant seat supported by the frame assembly; and,

a storage container having first and second connectors to engage the first and second hooks, respectively, such that the storage item is suspended from the underside surface of the spine beneath the occupant seat.

14. The stroller of claim 13, wherein at least one of the first and second hooks comprises a projection oriented in a direction such that upward movement of the storage container along the main axis of the spine disengages the storage container from the frame assembly.