Convertible Patents (Class 280/30)
  • Patent number: 5149113
    Abstract: A convertible stroller and car seat including a housing positioned below a seat portion for receiving a pair of front wheels and a pair of rear wheels in retracted condition. An operating handle extends outwardly through the rear wall of the housing and is connected to a rotatable actuator disk from which connecting rods extend to respective wheel assemblies supporting the wheels. Movement of the handle from side to side causes the actuating disk to rotate, thereby either extending the wheels from the wheel housing or retracting the wheels into the wheel housing. One pair of diagonally opposed wheel carriers is adapted to pivot directly into and out of the wheel housing, and the remaining pair of diagonally opposed wheel carriers pivots into and out of the wheel housing and also rotate by 90.degree. so that the four wheels when fully extended each lie in parallel planes for ease of use of the stroller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1992
    Inventor: Rodney H. Alldredge
  • Patent number: 5133567
    Abstract: A convertible apparatus that can be used as an infant carrier, a car seat and a stroller. The apparatus includes a carrier body selectively attachable to a carrier body base attachable to car seat belts, a stroller handle assembly attached to the carrier body, and a stroller wheel assembly attached to the carrier body base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1992
    Inventor: Valerie Owens
  • Patent number: 5125674
    Abstract: A unitary infant care apparatus has a compartment bounded by a floor, a railing supported above the floor, and a wall extending between the floor and the railing. A seat assembly is supported in a first, generally horizontal position within the compartment and over the floor for use as a baby seat and in a second, generally vertical position folded out of the way adjacent a portion of the wall so that substantially the entire area of the compartment is unobstructed by the seat assembly in its second position for use of the apparatus as a play yard. Ground-engaging wheels and a handle are provided for use of the apparatus as a stroller. The entire apparatus is readily collapsed for easy transportation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1992
    Inventor: Timothy P. Manuszak
  • Patent number: 5121940
    Abstract: A collapsible stroller frame adapted to carry variously sized and shaped infant type seats. The frame includes a pair of longitudinal elements having handles at one end and wheels at the other. A strap connects between the longitudinal elements in a rearward portion of the erect frame. A sling element is positioned in a forward portion of the erect frame and is possibly supported by an additional support member connecting between the longitudinal elements. The sling accommodates the front portion of an infant seat and the strap supports the rear portion of the seat. The frame may also include additional strap elements to secure the seat to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1992
    Inventor: Janet L. March
  • Patent number: 5112068
    Abstract: A lightweight and durable golf bag that is conventionally-shaped and is compact in its design for carrying golf clubs and accessories. The golf bag is open at the top end for insertion of golf clubs and has a shoulder strap which is used for carrying the gold bag over one's shoulder. The golf bag also has a pulling ring with a flexible strap which, when the golf bag is converted into a golf cart, is used to pull the golf bag. At the base of the bag is a rigidly constructed, T-shaped element oriented in a horizontal plane. The upper portion of the T-shaped element runs diagonally across the width of the bag, and the lower portion runs radially outward from the bag's center to its exterior. The upper portion of the T-shaped element has attached to it a metal tube into which the axles of the removable wheels can be inserted and attached. The lower portion of the T-shaped element has attached to it another metal tube into which a support stand is inserted and attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1992
    Inventors: Henry H. Liao, Meishin A. Liao
  • Patent number: 5104134
    Abstract: A convertible carseat/stroller is of the type having a molded plastic shell with lower door panels in the shell and a wheel assembly includes front and rear legs pivotally connected to a common support member within the shell and extensible between a downwardly divergent stroller position beneath the shell and upper retracted position within the shell under the control of a manual release member which is slidable along the support member for the wheel assembly. A handle unit is telescopically mounted with respect to the support member and is retractable into the shell when converted into a carseat. The door panels on the bottom of the shell follow movement of the wheel assembly so as to open in extending the wheel assembly between the shell for use as a stroller and will return to a closed position when the wheel assembly is retracted into the shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1992
    Assignee: Rainbow Roller Venture
    Inventor: Richard E. Cone
  • Patent number: 5092615
    Abstract: A combined collapsible beach table, dolly and sled structure having a flat smooth table-top surface slidable over a sandy beach when the table is inverted and having recessed wheels with rolling surfaces projecting only slightly from the sliding surface to rollably support the inverted structure on a hard smooth surface. A pair of folding dual-leg members are extended to support the structure as a table and to retain loads thereon when the structure is inverted and used as a sled or dolly. The dual-leg members are folded against the table top to form a compact storable structure. A detachable pulling handle is storable in the compact folded structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1992
    Inventor: Donald C. Gregalis
  • Patent number: 5092616
    Abstract: A convertible wagon/scooter is in the form of a body and step assembly mounted on a set of front wheels and a set of rear wheels. The front wheels are connected to a pivotal mount so that the assembly is steerable. A detachable steering mechanism may be secured directly to the set of front wheels when the assembly is to be used as a wagon. Alternatively the detachable steering mechanism may be mounted to the assembly near the rear thereof and connected to the front set of wheels by a link mechanism when the assembly is to be used as a scooter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1992
    Assignee: WhatNot Inc.
    Inventor: James C. McKinney
  • Patent number: 5087061
    Abstract: A wheelbarrow which may be readily converted to a garden trailer is presented. The wheelbarrow comprises an upper pan for carrying materials. The upper pan is connected to lower non-parallel base rails which serve as the base and handles for the upper pan. Attached beneath the base rails are a pair of wheels. The wheels are seperated from the base rails by seperating plates and the pan is separated from the base rails by a wedge. The converging ends of the base rail have a dumping base plate attached. A mainframe tow bar is attached to the housing of the axle between the two wheels. When it is desired to convert the wheelbarrow to a trailer, a tow bar extender is easily fastened to the mainframe tow bar and the handles are folded back underneath the pan. In dumping material from the pan, the wheelbarrow may be easily turned on its base plate and the entire contents of the pan dumped. This dumping is facilitated by the separation of the pan and wheels from the base rail by the separating plates and wedge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1992
    Inventor: Astor J. Wallace
  • Patent number: 5085447
    Abstract: The folding furniture structure, which is capable of having a folded configuration and an unfolded configuration, comprises a tray (2, 3) supported by a pair of opposite underframes (14) each having an upper end and a lower end, the tray being divided into two parts (2, 3) along a first hinge line (Z, Z').Each of the underframes is hinged:at its upper end, along a second hinge line (Y, Y'), with respect to the edge of the tray portion (2, 3) which it supports, opposite the first hinge line (Z, Z'), andat its lower end, along a third hinge line (X, X'), with respect to an end of a generally flat frame (15),so that in the folded configuration of the structure, each of the underframes (14) rests on a part of the frame (15), defining a flat support on each side of the tray portions (2, 3) which are applied against each other and project upwards with respect to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1992
    Inventor: Jacques J. Audibert
  • Patent number: 5071146
    Abstract: A child or infant stroller is provided which is convertible from an operative stroller position to a folded position adapted to be received by and secured on a conventional bicycle infant carrier. The stroller generally comprises a child or infant seat and a frame member supporting the infant seat. The frame member includes two pair of legs, one of which, preferably a front pair, is adapted to rotate and releasably engage with an upper portion of the frame member. The stroller can then be placed on the bicycle infant carrier and be secured by a belt included with the conventional bicycle infant carrier. A removable attachment may also be included which attaches the two pairs of legs together when the stroller is in its operative stroller position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1991
    Inventors: Joe Lewis, Audrey Lewis
  • Patent number: 5064020
    Abstract: A hunting device that is selectively convertible between a tree stand position and a reclined sitting position, thus providing a single apparatus for hunting both large and small game. The apparatus includes a support member, which is capable of pivoting relative to a base member, such that when the apparatus is in the reclined sitting position, the support member pivots to allow the hunter to assume the reclined position. The support member is spring biased in the upright position to allow the hunter to quickly shift from a reclined position to an upright sitting position. In the tree stand position, the base member elevates the support member against the trunk of a tree to allow the support member to serve as an elevated platform for the hunter. The base member includes a first section and a second section pivotally connected to the first section so that the apparatus may be folded into a hand-operated cart with detachable wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1991
    Inventor: Bruce A. Eagleson
  • Patent number: 5062650
    Abstract: A multi-function chair comprising a fore and a hind leg pivotally combined together and adapted to be altered to become a chair or a light duty truck or to be folded up to become a small dimension for storing away.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1991
    Inventor: C. I. Chang
  • Patent number: 5056804
    Abstract: A device that folds flat and compact for storage opens to a folding lounge chair with an adjustable angle backrest. The device includes a backrest frame and a seat frame across which is stretched a fabric web to support an occupant. The two frames are joined at one end by an adjustable angle hinge. At a second end of the backrest frame is a handle. At a second end of the seat frame is a pair of wheels on an axle suspended below the seat. Folding U-shape support members can be extended transverse to the frame to hold the chair above a supporting surface. The frames can be opened to lie in a common plane and the chair turned over to form a rolling cart with one or more support members extended to hold items for transporting with the wheels down, the handle up and what had been the under surface of the fabric web now serving as the upper surface to support items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1991
    Inventors: Beverly C. Wilson, Kenneth L. Wilson
  • Patent number: 5040807
    Abstract: A combined wheelbarrow and beach chair apparatus (10) comprising pivotally attached framework units (11) and (12) having a flexible cargo unit (14) suspended between them and a pivoted wheel assembly unit (13) attached to one of the framework units (11) and provided with members to vary the angular orientation of the wheel assembly unit (13) relative to the framework units (11) (12) and, a removeable support unit (15) which will change the apparatus (10) from a chaise lounge/wheelbarrow configuration to a chair configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1991
    Inventor: David E. Snover
  • Patent number: 5028066
    Abstract: This is a baby toy which matures with the baby from infancy through childhood, accelerating and enhancing baby's mental and physical development, encouraging fitness, and helping baby develop coordination skills at an earlier age. The toy is an enhanced tricycle with stepwise removable parts, which comprise one or more of the following: push and guide handle, foot rest, back support, seat belt, left and right restrainers with or without spacers which allow adjustment of a snap-in front restrainer, the side restrainers also preventing the handlebars from being rotated by the occupant, child proof parking brake to allow the tricycle to be safely stored or parked, and a sun shade. The push and guide handle allows pushing while walking behind the toy vehicle, guiding and controlling the direction of toy's travel, while allowing the occupant child to participate in the propulsion and guidance processes as soon as the child is ready.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1991
    Inventor: George V. Garth
  • Patent number: 5028060
    Abstract: A cart having a load receiving box supported by a rectangular frame inset within the box lower perimeter. End members of the frame swingably carry front and rear axle frames while side members of the frame swingably carry struts which engage the axle ends to retain some in a deployed position. The axle frame and struts are upwardly repositionable adjacent the box ends and sides, subsequent to wheel removal, to collapse the cart for storage or for carrying in a vehicle. A U-shaped handle has lower ends detachably mounted to a box end wall by a pair of sleeve structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1991
    Inventor: David A. Martin
  • Patent number: 5028062
    Abstract: An all purpose dolly which includes a dolly frame characterized by parallel horizontal frame members which extend downwardly and inwardly to define drop frame segments for supporting firewood, and vertical frame members upward-standing from the horizontal frame members and connected at the top to facilitate stacking the firewood upwardly on the dolly frame. A removable frame cover is seated on the vertical frame members and the dolly frame is fitted with a pivoting front axle and a fixed rear axle, with front and rear wheels mounted on the front and rear axles, respectively. A tongue extends from vertically pivotal attachment to the front axle for removably attaching the all purpose dolly to a tractor or other vehicle. A conversion panel is fitted with spaced guide rails for selectively and removably engaging the horizontal frame members and converting the all purpose dolly to a gardening and lawn dolly or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1991
    Inventors: David M. Pinnell, Clinton D. Weaver
  • Patent number: 5022669
    Abstract: A child travel seat comprising a child receiving and restraining seat and back mounted between opposed side walls. The side walls define a base portion below the seat which mounts a series of spaced parallel wheel assemblies positioned with exposed lower peripheries along a low level arc. A pivoted handle moves between a first stored position with the handle bar nested within the wheel assemblies and a rearwardly extending upwardly angled position for manipulation of the travel seat as a stroller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1991
    Inventor: Preston Johnson
  • Patent number: 5005846
    Abstract: A transporter carriage upon which a jet ski is securely placed and related methods. The transporter carriage comprises rails forming part of a framework, the rails being shaped to compatibly receive the jet ski, and releasibly interchangeable support systems which provide carriage support and mobility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1991
    Inventor: Keven Taylor
  • Patent number: 4989888
    Abstract: A combination child restraint-stroller is disclosed which can be converted from a passive restraint car seat to a stroller, while the apparatus is held by an user with a child seated therein. The apparatus includes a body having a child support surface and an internal cavity therebelow with a downwardly facing opening. A front and rear strut are pivotably attached to the body having a pair of front and rear wheels rotatably attached thereto. A locking mechanism is provided to alternatively lock the front and rear struts in either the retracted passive restraint position within the body internal cavity, or in the extended stroller position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Inventors: Khurshid A. Qureshi, Gregory E. Peterson
  • Patent number: 4984813
    Abstract: A shopping pushcart includes an article-holding container mounted inwardly of a frame and having an open top. A lid plate is mounted through a link above the open top of the article-holding container in such a manner that the lid plate can be moved to a generally upstanding position and can also be reversed. Opposite faces of the lid plate serve as a lid surface and a seat surface, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 15, 1991
    Assignee: Combi Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takehiko Takahashi, Hideo Saito, Takashi Watanabe, Tomihioro Kaneko
  • Patent number: 4982971
    Abstract: A recreation vehicle enclosure includes a base to which a cover is pivotally secured at one end. The base is, preferably, rectangular in plan form and triangular in section to provide stiffness and to elevate a cover hinge to allow the cover to be fully opened in irregular terrain and to be gravity stabilized when open. Optional features include wheels and wheel mounts to convert the enclosure to an open road trailer and to convert the cover, when inverted, into an off-road trailer. The cover is shaped to accept nesting of covers for shipment and to reduce profile. An optional hitch provides means to attach to a towing vehicle. An optional solar panel, on the cover, charges the battery of a protected vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 8, 1991
    Inventor: Randy L. Marin
  • Patent number: 4963115
    Abstract: A construction toy set whose main component is a cubical open-top box, the bottom and side walls of which are divided into quadrants, each having a keyhole therein and a coupling collar encircling the keyhole and projecting from the quadrant. Also included in the set are cylindrical spacers that fit over the collars and extend therefrom, wheels having cylindrical hubs that can slip over the spacers which then function as axles, and hub caps that rest against the outer end of the spacers or the wheel hubs, each cap having a center keyhole matching the quadrant keyhole. The components can be assembled and interconnected to create different structures by means of connector bolts each having a key at one end capable of passing through the keyholes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 16, 1990
    Assignee: Smart Design, Inc.
    Inventors: Stowell Davin, Jean M. Gerth
  • Patent number: 4958843
    Abstract: A toy vehicle for use by one, two, three or four children in various physical configurations that result in essentially different toys. The invention achieves multipurpose functionality with only one basic vehicle structure. The result is obtained by providing a basic cart structure with interchangeable accessories that can be mounted on the cart to obtain different and mutually exclusive toys. The invention can be used and enjoyed by a different number of children at the same time, without limiting its usefulness to any predetermined and fixed number of players.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 25, 1990
    Inventor: Millard S. Cole
  • Patent number: 4958842
    Abstract: A toy kit convertible to form a scooter, a rocking horse, or a tricycle. The scooter is generally a toy vehicle with a pair of extendable rear wheel assemblies. One or more sets of female retainers are provided on the rear end of the scooter. The rocking horse has a pair of parallel and foldable bases with one holf fixed by several lateral bars and a seat portion supported on the central position of the rocking horse. One or more sets of male retainers are provided on the lateral bars of the base of the rocking horse. The rocking horse can be disposed on and engaged with the scooter by the connection between the female retainers of the scooter and the male retainers of the rocking horse so as to form a tricycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 25, 1990
    Inventor: Morgan Chang
  • Patent number: 4953878
    Abstract: A portable collapsible cart for use in self-service stores for carrying groceries, hardware and the like is disclosed. The cart has an upper compartment area and a lower planar area. The end walls of the upper compartment area and the lower planar area may be folded to permit the cart to be collapsed for easy transportability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1990
    Inventor: Frank J. Sbragia
  • Patent number: 4934719
    Abstract: A lawn chair which has a wheeled attachment removably mounted thereon at the rear thereof so that the lawn chair can be rendered more mobile and can be especially used as a cart for hauling articles, such as beach equipment, ice chests, athletic gear and the like. The attachment has shaft structure with opposed ends provided with wheels for engaging the ground. The shaft structure is coupled to a lower bracket for attachment to the rear crosspiece of the lawn chair. A strap secured the lower bracket firmly to the upper crosspiece of the lawn chair by an upper bracket which fits over an upper crosspiece of the lawn chair. By cinching the strap, the strap is made taut or placed in tension, thereby removably attaching the lower bracket and the wheels to the lower crosspiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 19, 1990
    Inventor: Emile M. duPont
  • Patent number: 4934718
    Abstract: A multi-purpose hand truck having an elongated frame (1) possessing at one end two wheels (9) as well as toe plate (7) projecting at approximately 90.degree. from the frame, and at the other end possessing a handle arrangement (3); in a further refinement the truck can be converted into a utility table by means of a table top (10) and a support stand (5) which are attached to the frame (1). The table top (10) is on the one hand preferentially pivotably attached to the support stand (5) and on the other hand it pivots and is guided longitudinally in the side members (2) of the frame (1). For this purpose trunnions (14) projecting transversely from the table top (10) engage in grooves (15) on the inner surfaces of the side members (2). When the table top (10) is folded out, the toe plate (7) can be pivoted through the frame (1) into a horizontal position (7") so that its underside faces upwards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 19, 1990
    Inventor: Wolfgang Voegele
  • Patent number: 4934485
    Abstract: A combination foldable ladder and hand truck is disclosed comprising a plurality of ladder sections joined at respective ends by hinges and having retractable transport wheels and a retractable support means. The device is functional as a step ladder as well as an extension ladder in an open position with the support means and transport wheels each in their retracted positions. The device is functional as a hand truck in a closed position with the support means in an extended forward position for supporting goods and the transport wheels in an extended downward position, for rolling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 19, 1990
    Assignees: Robert Pease, Kenneth Feeser
    Inventor: Emerson J. Purkapile
  • Patent number: 4921261
    Abstract: An infant conversion stroller is set forth wherein the same includes a portable wheeled stroller extensively arranged, including an overlying sun canopy, pivotally mounted relative to an extensible rear framework portion that is itself extensible and retractable relative to an associated lower framework having secured thereto a plurality of wheels for mobility of the apparatus. The infant container and associated infant framework is removably secured to the lower framework by a plurality of friction pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 1, 1990
    Inventors: Edward L. Sadler, Jr., Edward L. Sadler, Sr.
  • Patent number: 4915401
    Abstract: A child carrier usable as a backpack and as a stroller. The carrier includes a frame having upper and lower ends in a lengthwise axis extending between the ends. Front wheels are supported by the lower end of the frame, and a child seat and backpack straps are connectable to the frame. Rear wheels are connected to the frame via a rear support assembly that includes sliders movable along the longitudinal axis of the frame, first members pivotally connected to the sliders, and second members pivotally connected to the first members and to the frame. The rear support assembly is movable to a first position in which the rear wheels are adjacent to the frame, for permitting use of the carrier as a backpack, and to a second position in which the rear wheels are positioned away from the frame, for use of the carrier as a stroller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 10, 1990
    Assignee: William C. Severson
    Inventors: William C. Severson, William H. Hamilton
  • Patent number: 4909525
    Abstract: A personal mobility vehicle comprises front and rear frame sections which can be disassembled and assembled. The frame sections are secured together by a pivotable detachable connection such that the rear frame section is lockingly received in the rear portion of the front frame section and the length of the assembled frame is substantially the same as the length of the front frame section itself. An auxiliary frame section is also provided which can be readily attached to the powered rear frame section to provide improved mobility in those situations in which space for turning is limited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 20, 1990
    Inventor: Michael Flowers
  • Patent number: 4907674
    Abstract: A deep water rescue platform incorporating a support frame with a pair of hanger arms for engagement with the side of a pool which are telescopingly adjustable with the frame, a pair of wheels attached to the bottom of the support frame for transportation and stabilizing engagement with the wall of the pool, and a platform hingedly attached to the lower end of the frame which folds into the plane of the frame during storage and a locking means for retaining the platform in its extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 13, 1990
    Inventor: Myron F. Miller
  • Patent number: 4906041
    Abstract: For use in combination along the transversely extending horizontal rear-end of a pickup truck or other overland vehicle, there is described an upright end-gate that is also alternatively employable as a ramp or as a trailer whenever panels of the end-gate are freed from their upright gating condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1990
    Inventor: Michael R. McKenzie
  • Patent number: 4902026
    Abstract: A convertible car seat apparatus is set forth wherein an "L" shaped car seat is provided with a pivotally mounted "U" shaped frame mounted to the sides of the car seat wherein the frame, when positioned in a first downward position, retracts the associated wheels of the car seat underlying the seat wherein pivoting of the "U" shaped frame to a position overlying the seat in a second position extends the wheels of the car seat and further enables extension of a sunshade positioned within the "U" shaped frame, as well as the removal of a padded abutment member positioned between the shade and the seat. Further, storage pouches are secured to the sides and rear surface of the seat for storage of articles associated with the care of an associated infant within the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1990
    Inventor: Robert L. Maldonado
  • Patent number: 4896894
    Abstract: A stroller carseat apparatus is set forth wherein a carseat includes a scissor-like underlying framework including a pivotally mounted wheel proximate each corner of the framework securable in a first locked upper position to a second lowered extended position. An electrical circuit is included within the framework wherein an illumination source proximate the uppermost portion of the seat is illuminated upon completion of a circuit effected by the locking of the wheels in the second lowered position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1990
    Inventor: David L. Singletary
  • Patent number: 4889352
    Abstract: A foldable mechanic's creeper that it particularly compact and easy to store includes hinge-connected panel members, each having a panel portion and a peripheral flange portion, the panel members being movable between an open position and a closed position in which the flange portions are in edge-contact for forming a closed container. In the open position, the panel members are rollingly supported on casters for carrying a user in a supine position, the user's head being supported on a padded support that is removably mounted in horizontally spaced relation to one of the panel members. With the panel members in the closed psition, the head support and the casters can be safely enclosed within the container that is formed by the panel members. An extensible mount for the head support serves as a carrying handle for the folded creeper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1989
    Inventors: Louis D. Chamberlin, Jr., Mark D. Chamberlin
  • Patent number: 4878680
    Abstract: A convertible car seat and stroller combination is set forth wherein the invention provides a car seat in a first position of a rearwardly oriented handle and a stroller when the handle is telescopingly extended from within supporting tubes to operate a cable arrangement to pivotally retract and extend associated wheel structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1989
    Inventor: Terrence O. Molnar
  • Patent number: 4874182
    Abstract: Stroller apparatus for converting a child's car seat having a supporting base into a mobile stroller unit in which the stroller apparatus includes a base frame, front and rear wheel sets mounted on the base frame for movement between an extended stroller position and a retracted car seat position within the base frame, an actuating lever for selectively operating the wheel sets between the extended and retracted positions, a latching mechanism for releasably interlocking the car seat supporting base to the stroller apparatus, and an extensible handle movable between an extended stroller position and a car seat position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1989
    Assignees: Wade Parker, Richard G. Heywood
    Inventor: Gary E. Clark
  • Patent number: 4872692
    Abstract: A convertible carriage having a wheel retraction mechanism to provide biased wheel retraction. The carriage has a superstructure including a seat for carrying a person to be transported, a plurality of wheels, and a plurality of leg members pivotably interconnected with the superstructure for rollably supporting the wheels to transport the superstructure when leg members are in an extended position below the superstructure. The carriage further includes a drive mechanism for relocating the leg members between a retracted position and an extended position, and a biasing mechanism, connected to the drive mechanism, for driving the leg members to the retracted position. The drive mechanism loads the biasing mechanism when the leg members are driven to the extended position. There is also a mechanism locking the leg members in the extended position to inhibit retraction by the biasing mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1989
    Assignee: Prodigy Corp.
    Inventor: Kip V. Steenburg
  • Patent number: 4872693
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a combination stroller-infant seat which can be easily and quickly converted from one form to the other. The invention comprises a shell suitably shaped to hold an infant, a frame assembly for supporting the shell and retractable wheel assemblies on both sides of the frame assembly which facilitates converting from one form to the other. Each wheel assembly includes a vertically moveable central element, and a pair of wheels extensions pivotally mounted to the central element. To convert the apparatus to an infant seat, the central element is moved vertically causing the wheeled extensions to fold inwardly and then moved upwardly out of the way. To convert the apparatus to a stroller, the central element is moved downwardly so the wheeled extensions then extend laterally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1989
    Inventor: Gordon Kennel
  • Patent number: 4871101
    Abstract: A back-pack frame (1) intended for moving loads has longitudinal beams (3, 4) and cross beams (10, 13), carrying straps, load-securing elements, and coupling elements (17, 18) that make it possible to arrange two such back-pack frames (1) end-to-end, so as to form a platform that can be either carried or pulled along the ground. Four longitudinal beams (3, 4) are arranged so as to correspond approximately to the edges of a prism having a trapezoidal base, the longitudinal beams (3) being arranged at a greater distance from each other on the carrier side. The two load-side longitudinal beams (4) define a sliding plane, and on the two narrow sides of the back-pack frame (1) there is at least one holding element (6) for a shackle (7) that protrudes beyond the load-side longitudinal beams (4). On each carrier-side longitudinal beam (3) above the lowest element (6), there is at least one side-wall element (9) that is of flexible material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1989
    Assignee: Maschinenvertrieb Kohlbrat & Bunz Gesellschaft mbH
    Inventors: Rosa Bunz, Christine Dzionara, Karl Tompe
  • Patent number: 4852894
    Abstract: Apparatus for converting a car seat to a stroller including a wheeled structure removably attached to the car seat for converting the same to a stroller. The wheels of the wheeled structure are movable to a stored, inoperative position or to an operative position for use as supporting wheels when the apparatus is used as a stroller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1989
    Inventor: Gloria Dyer
  • Patent number: 4842292
    Abstract: A foldable multipurpose bicycle includes a foldable main frame, a foldable handlebar assembly, a removable seat assembly, a pair of foldable pedal assemblies, a front brake assembly, and a foldable rear brake assembly. By using a pair of quick-release lock mechanisms, a pair of wheels can be connected quickly to the main frame to form a bicycle for riding on land. Alternatively, a front wheel and a tripod can be connected to the main frame to form an exercise bicycle. Or, a float assembly and a propeller assembly can be connected to the main frame to form an hydro-bicycle for riding on smooth surfaced water. The float assembly and the propeller assembly can be mounted removably on the rear portion of the main frame. The bicycle can be folded into a relatively small wheel-like unit which is capable of being conveniently pushed on the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1989
    Inventor: Fu-Chao Wang
  • Patent number: 4834403
    Abstract: A bi-directionally convertible infant car-seat/stroller in which the conversion is effected by operating a single pushbutton which is mechanically coupled to a pair of pawls on opposite sides of the car-seat/stroller, such pawls engaging respective detents in discs or drums rotatably supported from the frame of the apparatus on opposite sides of the apparatus until withdrawn against the force of respective return-spring by the operator's actuation of a single control button which is mechanically coupled by means of flexible cables or rods to such pawls and causes such withdrawal when desired, the result of such withdrawal being the enabling of the movement of the front and rear wheel assemblies of the car-seat/stroller from an extended to a folded position and vice versa as result of the coupling of pivot arms carrying the front and rear wheel assemblies being rotatable with the disc when the pawl associated with each disc is withdrawn from the detent in the disc, as a result of which the apparatus can be con
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1989
    Inventors: Theodore M. Yanus, Kevin M. Collins, Cynthia L. Collins, Robert J. Spicer
  • Patent number: 4832354
    Abstract: A convertible carrier for infants and small children is adjustable to alternative stroller and car seat configurations. The rear wheels of the carrier are mounted on levers which pivot relative to a frame supporting a contoured shell of the carrier. A telescoping handle, mounted pivotally to the levers at points spaced apart from the rear wheels, can be pushed or pulled to pivot the levers, to position the rear wheels in respective operative and storage (car seat) positions. The forward wheels of the carrier can be rotatably mounted directly to the frame. Alternatively, the front wheels can be mounted to the frame through forward levers which pivot on the frame, and are associated with the rearward levers through linking rods, whereby pivoting of the rearward levers causes a corresponding pivoting of the forward levers between operative and storage positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1989
    Inventor: Terry R. LaFreniere
  • Patent number: 4828281
    Abstract: A child's safety car seat is set forth selectively convertible into a stroller. In a first configuration, the child safety car seat is formed of two units wherein the first is nestable within the second to enable convenient positioning on a typical automotive car seat. By disengaging the first portion from the second, a rearwardly positioned handle is pivoted substantialy 180 degrees into an upright lock position simultaneously extending plural pairs of rollers positioned to extending linkage to enable the apparatus to perform the function of a child's stroller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1989
    Inventor: David K. Sanchas
  • Patent number: 4824167
    Abstract: A combination device disposable in an unfolded position for use wherein it may function as a conventional; or fishing chair, and in a folded position for use as a luggage carrier. The device is defined by a pair of U-shaped metal tubular members which are pivotally connected together, with one member having a pair of legs provided with wheels and angled end portions. The end portions engage the ground in the unfolded position and the wheels engage the ground in the folded position. The other member includes a U-shaped portion which functions as a chair back in the unfolded position and a handle in the folded position. A flexible seat with attached storage pocket, fishing pole support bracket and article support rack are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1989
    Inventor: Mynor King
  • Patent number: 4822064
    Abstract: A device that converts for use as both a child car seat and a stroller. A molded plastic seat is mounted on a tubular frame to receive a child. Front and rear wheel assemblies extend when the device is used as a stroller and retract when the device is used as a car seat. A handle extends for use as a stroller and retracts when in the car seat mode of use. The components can be locked in the extended position. The extension and retraction of the wheels and handle are effected pivotally and telescopically in different embodiments of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1989
    Inventor: Everett E. Hunter