GB2482064A

GB2482064A - Support device for a foldable stroller frame

Info

Publication number: GB2482064A
Application number: GB1112114.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Xiao-Hong Xiao
Original assignee: Wonderland Nurserygoods Co Ltd Hong Kong
Current assignee: Wonderland Nurserygoods Co Ltd Hong Kong
Priority date: 2010-07-15
Filing date: 2011-07-14
Publication date: 2012-01-18
Anticipated expiration: 2031-07-14
Also published as: GB201112114D0; CN102336208B; CN102336208A; GB2482064B

Abstract

A support device includes a first rod body 11 defining a first receiving space 115, a second rod body 12 coupled to the first rod body 11 and defining a second receiving space 123, an engaging member 14 and an actuating unit 15. The engaging member 14 has a limit portion 142 engaging separably first and second retaining portions 113, 125 that are disposed in the first and second receiving spaced 115, 123 for arresting pivoting action of the first rod body 11 relative to the second rod body 12. The actuating unit 15 is coupled to the second rod body 12 and includes an actuating member 151 extending into the second receiving space 123 through the second rod body 12 and movable to push the engaging member 14 to move entirely into the first receiving space 115, thereby disengaging the second retaining portion 125 from the limit portion 142, so as to permit the pivoting action of the first rod body 11 relative to the second rod body 12.

Description

SUPPORT DEVICE MW A FOLDABLE STROLLER FRA}E RAVING THE

SA

The present invention relates to a support device, more particularly to a support device applied to a foldable stroller.

Conventional foldable strollers are disclosed in, for example, U.S. Patent No.5,845,925, U.S. Patent No.6,422,586, arid U.S. Patent No.7,267,358. The frames of these conventional foldable strollers are provided with safety locks (for example, a safety device of U.S. Patent No.5,845,925, a latch apparatus of U.S. Patent No.6,422,586, and a locking device of U.S. Patent No.7,267,358). The safety locks can prevent accidental folding of the strollers when the strollers are in use.

and can facilitate folding of the strollers when the strollers are not in use.

The object of the present invention is to provide a support device that can lock safely a stroller frame in an unfolded position and prevent accidental folding of the stroller frame.

Another object of the present invention is to provicie a foldable stroller frame to which the abovementioned * *, support device is applied.

AccQrdingly, a support device of the present inventiOn comprises a first rod body, a second rod body, a resilient member, an engaging member and an actuating unit. The firstrodbodyhasafirstring segmentdefinirig a first receiving space therein and having a first retaining portion in the first receiving space. The second rod body has a second ring segment coupled pivotally to the first ring segment, defining a second receiving space therein, and having a second retaining portion in the second receiving space. The resilient member is disposed in the first receiving space. The engaging member is disposed movably between the resilient member and the second ring segment of the second rod body and has a limit portion engaging separably the first and second retaining portions for arresting pivoting action of the first rod body relative to the second rod body. The actuating unit is coupled to a side of the second ring segment that is opposite IS to the first ring segment, and includes at least one actuating member that extends into the second receiving space through the second ring segment and that abuts against the engaging member. The actuating member is movable to push the engaging member against a resilient force of the resilient member to move entirely into the first receiving space, thereby disengaging the second retaining portion of the second ring segment from the limit portion of the engaging member so as to permit the pivoting action of th first rod body relative to the second rod body.

Other features and advantages of the present inventionwillbecomeapparentinthefollowingdetailed description of the preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which: Figure 1 is an assembled perspective view of a first preferred embodiment of a support device according to S the present invention; Figure 2 is sri exploded perspective view of the first preferred embodiment; Figure 3 is another exploded perspective view of the first preferred embodiment; Figure 4 is a perspective view of a resilient member arid a first rod body of the preferred embodiment; Figure 5 is a sectional view of the first preferied embodiment, illustrating n engaging member engaging first and second rod bodies; Figure 6 is a view similar to Figure 5, but illustrating the engaging member disengaged from the second rod body; Figure 7 is a perspective view of a foldable stroller frame in an unfolded position mounted with the support device of the first preferred embodiment; Figure 8 is a fragmentary enlarged perspective view of the foldable stroller frame; * ** Figure 9 is another perspective view of the foldable stroller frame jn folded position; Figure 10 is an assembledperspective view ofa second preferred embodiment of the support device according to the present invention; Figure 11 is an exploded perspective view of the second preferred embodiment; Figure 12 is another ekploded perspective view of the second preferred embodiment; Figure 13 is a side view of an actuating unit and the engaging member of the second preferred embodiment before movement of the engaging member driven by the actuating unit; Figure 14 is another side view of the actuating unit and the engaging member of the second preferred embodiment after the movement of the engaging member driven by the actuating unit; Figure 15 is a sectional view of the actuating unit and the engaging member before the movement of the engaging member driven by the actuating unit; Figure 16 is another sectional view of the actuating unit and the engaging member after the movement of the engaging member driven by the actuating unit; Figure 17 is a fragmentary perspective view of the foldable stroller frame mounted with the second preferred embodiment before the actuating unit is operated to actuate a pivoting action of the first rod * body relative to the second rod body; and Figure l is another fragmentary perspective view of the foldable stroller frame mounted with the second preferred embodiment when the actuating unit starts to actuate the pivoting action of the first rod body relative to the second rod body.

Referring to Figures 1 to 3, the first preferred embodiment of a support device 100 of the present invention comprises a first rod body 11, a second rod body 12, a resilient member 13, an engaging member 14, and an actuating unit15.

The first rod body 11 is elongated, arid has a first end 116 and a second end 119 opposite to the first end 116 and formed with a first ring segment 110. The first ring segment 110 has a base wall 111 and an annular side wall 117 extending from a periphery of the base wall 111 and cooperating with the base wall 111 to define a first receiving space 115. The base wall 111. has a through hole 112 formed in a center thereof, and the annular side wall 117 has a first ratainirig portion.

In this embodiment, the first retaining portion is configured as a pair of first engaging blocks 113 protruding radially and inwardly from the annular side wall 117 into the first receiving space 115 and diametrically spaced apart from each other.

The second rod body 12 is elongated, and has a first end 127 and a second end 129 opposite to the first end 127 andformedwitha second ring segment 120. The second ring segment 120 has an annular side wall 128 and an annular divider plate 122 xteridiriq radially and : inwardly from an internal surface of the annular side wall 128. The annular divider plate 122 defines a central through hole 121. The annular side wall 128 and the annular divider plate 122 divide the internal space of the second ring segment 120 into a second receiving space 123 and a third receiving space 124, and the annular side wall 128 has a second retaining portion located in the second receiving space 123. In this embodiment, the second retaining portion is configured a a pair of second engaging blocks 125 protruding radially and inwardly from the annular sidewall 128 anddiarnetrically spaced apart from each ether. The second receiving space 123 of the second ring segment 120 is in spatial communication with the first receiving space 115 of the first ring segment 110. The annular side wall 128 of the second ring segment 120 has an outer surrounding periphery 126 confronting the first ring segment 110 and fitted with an inner surrounding periphery 114 of the annular side wall 117 of the first ring segment 110.

Referring to Figure 4, in this embodiment, the resilient member 13 is a spring which is disposed in the first receiving space 115 of the first ring segrrent between the first engaging blocks 113. Referring to Figure 5, the engaging member 14 is disposed movably * ** inthefirat receiving space ll5of the firstringsegrnent and the second receiving space 123 of the second ring segment 120 between the resilient member 13 and S...

the second ring segment 120. In this embodiment, the *:*. engaging member 14 is configured as an annular plate which has a limit portion, and a through ho).e 141 formed in a center thereof. In this embodiment, the limit portion is configured as a pair of engaging recesses 142 (see Figure 2) formed in a periphery of the engaging memberl4anddiametricallyspacedapartfromeachother.

Each of the engaging recesses 142 is configured to receive fittingly and detachably a respective one of the first engaging blocks 113 and a respective one of the second engaging blocks 125.

In addition, the depth of the first receiving space is configured to be equivalent to the sum of the length of the resilient member 13 being compressed and the thickness of the main body of the engaging nternber 14. When the resilient member 13 is not compressed, the engaging member 14 is biased by the rsilient member 13 to an engaging position (see FigureS) where a portion of the engaging member 14 is in the first receiving space and the other portion of the engaging member 14 is in the second receiving space 123, and where each of the engaging recesses 142 engages the respective one of the first engaging blocks 113 and the respective one of the second engaging blocks 125 for arresting the * * pivoting action of the first rod body 11 relative to the second rod body 12.

The actuating unit 15 is coupled to a side of the *** second ring segment 120 corresponding to the third *:*. receiving space 124 and opposite to the first ring segment 11.0, and includes an actuating member 151 extending partially into the second receiving space 123 through the second ring segment 120 and abutting against the engaging member 14. The actuating member 15). is movable to push the engaging member 14 against a resilient force of the resilient member 13 to move entirely into the first receiving space 115 of the first ring segment 110, thereby disengaging the second engaging blocks 125 on the second z.tng segment 120 respectively from the engaging recesses 142 of the engaging member 14 so as to permit the pivoting action of the first rod body 11. relative to the second rod body 12.

In this embodiment, the actuating unit 15 further includes a stationary seat 152, and the actuatingmember 151 is in a form of a push button and has an access portion 153 arid a plurality of abutment portions 154 extending from the access portion 153. As illustrated in Figures 2, 3and5, thestationaryseat l52includesacyliridrical housing having a recessed end wall 155 formed in an end *:** thereof and an opening 150 formed in an opposite end *: thereof. A stationary post 156 extends from a center * ,* of the recessed end wall 155 toward the opening 150.

The housing has a p).urality of rectangular through holes 157 formed in the recessed end wall 155 around the : stationary post 156 and corresponding in number and position to the abutment portions 154. The stationary seat 152 is fitted on an outer periphery of the part of the annular side wall 128 defining the third receiving space 124 with the opening 150 facing the second ring segment 120, so that the stationary post 156 extends through the central through hole 121 of the second ring segment 120, the through hole 14]. of the engagingmember 14 and the through hole 112 of the base wall 111 of the first ring segment 110, and is locked by a fastening member 160 extending therethrough (i.e., extending through the central through hole 121 of the second ring segment 120, the through hole 141 in the engaging member 14, and the through hole 112 of the first ring segment 110) to secure the stationary seat 152 to the first rod body 11 and the second rod body 12. The access portion 153 of the actuating member 151 is disposed on the recessed end wall 155 of stationary seat 152. The abutment portions 154 extend into the third receiving space 124 of the second ring segment 120 through the through holes 157, respectively, and further extend throughthecentralthroughholel2loftheannularplate 122 into the second receiving space 123 of the second ring segment 120.

* ,* To retain the actuating member 151 on the stationary seat 152, as illustrated in Figure 5, each of the distal ends of theabutmentportions 154 oftheactuetingmember 151 is formed with a barb 159, and an inclined guiding face 1221 is formed along an internal periphery of the annular plate 122 of the second ring segment 120. Thus, during the assembling of the actuating unit 15, the abutment portions 154 pass through the central through hole 121 of the second ring segment 120 through guidance S of the inclined guiding face 1221 into the second receiving space 123 and abut against the engaging member 14. At this time, the engaging member 14 also urges the abutment portions 154 in an opposite direction due to the resilient force of the resilient member 13. However, the barbs 159 would be stopped by the annular plate 122 to prevent the abutment portions 154 from escaping from the second receiving space 123, thereby retaining the actuating member 151 on the stationary seat 152, while maintaining the access portion 153 to be exposed and accessible.

Therefore, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, after the support device 100 is assembled, the engaging member 14 is disposed at the engaging position. When the access portion 153 is depressed, the abutment portions 154 push the engaging member 14 to move entirely into the first receiving space 115 of the first ring segment 110 to a releasing position (see Figure 6) and compress the * resilient member 13. At this time, the second engaging blocks 125 of the second ring segment 120 disengage respectively from the engaging recesses 142 of the engaging member 14, thereby permitting the pivoting *:*. action of the first rod body 11 relative to the second rod body 12. Referring back to Figure 1, if the engaging member 14 is moved from the engaging position to the releasing position where the first rod body 11 and the second rod body 12 are in an unfolded state, the first rod body 11 and the second rod body 12 can then pivot relative to each other to a folded. In addition, when the depressing force is removed from the access portion 153 of the actuating member 151 to permit the engaging member 14 to move from the releasing position back t the engaging position due to the restoring force of the resilient member 13, since the second engaging blocks of the second ring segment 120 are disengaged from the engaging recesses 142, the first rod body 11 and the second rod body 12 can be further pivoted to fold until the relative pivoting angle reaches approximately iSOdegrees. Whenthefirstrodbodyllisfurtherpivoted relative to the second rod body 12, the second engaging blocks 125 of the second ring segment 120 once again engage the engaging recesses 142 of the engaging member 14, thereby locking the first rod body 11 and the second rod body 12 in the folded state.

Of course, the numbers and positions of the first *:*::* engaging blocks 113, the second engaging blocks 125 and the engaging recesses 142 may vary. That is, the first ring segment 110 may be formed with only one first : engaging block 113, the second ring segment 120 may be formedwithonlyonesecondengagingblockl25, the first and second engaging blocks 113, 115 may be formed respectively on selected posjtjorks of the first and second ring segments 110, 120, and the engaging member 14 may by formed with two engaging recesses 142 to engage respectively the first e agingblock 113 and the second engaging block 125 so as to lock the first rod body 11 at a selected angle relative to the second rod body 12.

Of course, the engaging member 14 may also be formed with four spaced-apart engaging recesses which correspond respectively to two first engaging blocks 113 and two second engaging blocks 125 in other embodiments of this invention.

Referring to Figures 7 and 8, the support device of this embodiment can be applied to a foldable stroller frame 200. The foldable stroller frame 200 includes a pair of spaced-apart lateral frame units 21, 22, a seat frame unit 230 that is connected pivotally to the lateral frame units 21, 22, and a pair of linking rods 24, 25 that intersect pivotally each other.

Each of the lateral frame units 21, 22 includes a *:: front legrod2ll, 22landarearlegrod2l2, 222 connected pivotally to the front leg rod 211, 221. The seat frame *:*::* unit 230 includes a seat frame 239 disposed between the front leg rod 211, 221 and the rear leg rod 212, 222, and a backrest frame 23 connected pivotally to the seat frame 239. The backrest frame 23 includes two side rods 231, 232 and a connecting rod unit 233 interconnecting pivotally the side rods 231, 232. each of the side rods 231, 232 has an end connected pivotally to the seat frame 239. The connecting rod unit 233 includes two long connecting rods 234, 235 intersecting pivotally each other and two short connecting rods 236, 237. The long connecting rod 234 has an end connected pivotally to the side rod 231 and an opposite end connected pivotally to one end of the short connecting rod 237. The short connecting rod 237 has an opposite end connected pivotaj.ly to the side rod 232. The long connecting rod 235 has an end connected pivotally to the side rod 232 and an opposite end connected pivotally to one end of the short connecting rod 236. The short connecting rod 236 has an opposite end connected pivotally to the side rod 231.

The linking rod 24 has opposite ends connected pivotally, respectively and obliquely to the rear leg rods 212, 222. The linking rod 25 has opposite ends connected pivotally, respectively and obliquely to the rear leg rods 212, 222. The foldable stroller frame 200 * further includes two pivotally-connected linking rods S,a.l * 26, 27 interconnecting pivotally lower ends of the rear e* * leg rods 212, 222.

In addition, the support device 100 of this invention is disposed between the linking rods 24, 25.

The first end 116 of the first rod body 11 of the support i. .* * device 100 iS connected pivotally to the linking rod * 44 * *4 24, and the first end 127 of the second rod body 12 is corinectedpivotallyto the linking rod 25. The stationary seat 152 of the actuating unit 15 i.s mounted with a handle 158, which will be described in greater detail S hereinafter. tn this embodiment, a safety lock unit 28 is disposed between the inking rods 24, 25 above the intersection of the linking rods 24, 25. The safety lock unit 28 includes a left rod 281 that has an end connected pivotally to the linking rod 24, a right rod 282 that has an end torueted pivotlly to the linking rod 25, a pivot member 283 fixed to the left rod 281 and connected pivotaily to an opposite end of the right rod 282, and a pull rod 284. The left rod 281, the right rod 282 and the pivot member 283 are located below the support device iS 100. The pull rod 284 is configured as an elongated plate and is formed with an accessible grip portion 285 at an upper end thereof. As illustrated in Figure 8, the pull rod 284 is formed with an elongated slot 286 in a longitudinal direction. A fixing member 287 extends through the elongated slot 286, the pivot member 283 and the right rod 282 so as to secure slidably the pull rod 284 to the pivot member 283. The fixing member 287 has an enlarged head 288 larger than a width of the * 1, * elongated slot 286 for preventing separation of the pull rod 284 from the right rod 282. The fastening member of the support device 100 extends through the 4* *I elongated slot 286 for guiding the pull rod 284 to move in the longitudinal direction. The grip portion 285 can be pulled upwardly until the fixing member 287 is disposed in a lower end of the elongated slot 286, and can be further pulled upwardly to move the pivot member 283 upwardly so as to drive the left rod 281 and the right rod 282 to pivot relative to and move toward each other. In other embodiments, the pivot member 283 may be omitted while the left rod 281 is connected directly and pivotally to the right rod 282, and the fixinginember 287 extends through the pivot point of the left rod 281 arid the right rod 282.

When the stroller frame 200 is at an unfolded state, referring to Figure 7, the first rod body 11 and the second rod body 12 are locked to be unfolded in a substantially horizontal configuration. At this time, the first rod body 11 and the second rod body 12 can not pivot relative to each other, so that the linking rods 24, 25 aremainitained unfolded.bythe support device 100, and the left rod 281 and the right rod 282 re maintained unfolded in a generally horizontal configuration.

When folding the stroller frame 200, further referring once again to Figures 5 and 6, the actuating S S. member 151 of the support device 100 is pushed to move the engaging member 14 from the engaging position to the releasingposition, therebypermittingthepivoting action of the first rod body 11 relative to the second rod body 12. At this time, the handle 158 is pulled upwardly to result in the pivoting action of the first rod body 11 relative to the second rod body 12.

Simultaneously, the grip portion 285 of the safety lock unit 28 is pulled upwardly until the left rod 281 is pivotedtowarcithe right rod 282. As aresult, the linking rods24, 25andtheconnecting rodunit 233 of the backrest frame 23 are driven to be folded. The abovementioned operation causes the lateral frame units 21, 22 to move toward each other and the stroller frame 200 is thereby folded as illustrated in Figure 9. In other embodiments, the safety lock unit 28 may be omitted and the function for preventing accidental folding can be achieved simply by the support device 100. Alternatively, the support device 100 may be disposed between the spaced-apart lateral frame units 21, 22, for example, at the position where the linkage rods 26, 27 are located. In this case, the first rod body 11 and the second rod body 12 are connected pivotally and respectively to the lateral * 20 frame units 21, 22, rather than connected pivotally ***.*.

* between the linking rods 24, 25.

**:: Figures 10 to 12 illustrate the second preferred embodiment of a support device 300 according to the present invention. Structurally similar to the first *.* *:*. 25 embodiment, the support device 300 in this embodiment comprises a first rod body 31, a second rod body 32, a resilient member 33, an engaging member 34, and an actuating unit 35. The first rod body 31 has a first ring segment 310 and a pair of first engaging blocks 312 disposed in a first receiving space 311 of the first ring segment 310, and the second rod body 32 has a second ring segment 320 defining a second receiving space 321 and a third receiving space 322, and a pair of second engaging blocks 323 disposed in the second receiving space 321.

The engaging member 34 is disposed in the first receiving space 311 and the second receiving space 321, and located between the second ring segment 320 and the resilient member 33. The depth of the first receiving space 311 is equivalent to the sum of the length of the compressed resilient member 33 and the thickness of a main body of the engaging member 34. When the resilient member 33 is not compressed, the engaging member 34 is biased by the resilient member 33 to the engaging position (see Figure 15) where a portion of the engaging member 34 is in the first receiving space 311 and the * 20 other portion of the engaging member 34 in the second * 1 receiving space 321.

The engaging member 34 is configured as an annular plate, which has a limit portion, and a through hole 341 formed in a center thereof. In this embodiment, the * : : 25 limit portion is configured as a pair of engaging * recesses 342 forrnedinaperipheryoftheengagingmember 34 and diametrically spaced apart from each other. Each of the engaging recesses 342 is configured to receive fittingly and detachably a respective one of the first engaging blocks 312 and a respective one of the second engaging blocks 323. Therefore, wheritheengagingmcrnber 34 is at the engaging position, each of the engaging recesses 342 of the engaging member 34 engages the respective one of the first engaging blocks 312 and the respective one of the second engaging blocks 323 for arresting the pivoting action Qf the first rod body 31 relative to th second rod body 32.

In this embodiment, the engaging member 34 has a pair of spiraJ. surfaces 343, 344 formed on a side thereof, surrounding the through hole 341 and facing the second receivingspace32lofthesecondringsegment 320 (i.e., the side opposite to the resilient member 33) . Each of the spiral surfaces 343, 344 has a distal end and a proximate end that are respectively distal from and proximate to the side of the engaging member 34. The distal and proximate ends of one of the spiral surfaces **S.** 343, 344 are adjacent respectively to the proximate and *..SS.

* distal ends of the other one of the spiral surfaces 343, 344. The distal andproxirnate ends of thespiral surfaces 343, 344 correspond respectively in position to the two engaging recesses 342.

: 25 The actuating unit 35 is coupled to a side of the * . second ring segment 320 corresponding to the third receiving space 322, and includes a stationary seat 351 and a pair of actuating members 355' . The stationary seat 351 includes cylindrical housing having an end wall 352 formed in an end thereof and an opening 353 formed in art Opposite end thereof. A stationary post 354 extends from a center of the end wall 352 toward the opening 353. The stationary post 354 extends through a central through hole of the second ring segment 320, the through hole 341 of the engaging member 34 and a through hole of the first ri.ng segment 310, and is locked by a fastening device (riot shown) extending therethrough to secu..e the stationary seat 351 to the first rod body 31 and the second rod body 32.

Referring to Figure 12, the actuating members 355' extend from the stationary seat 351 into the second receiving space 321. Each of the actuating members 355' has a distal end that is formed with an oblique surface 355 abutting slidably against a respective one of the spiral surfaces 343, 344. The actuating unit 35 further has a handle 356 connected pivotally to the stationary * . 20 seat 351. As illustrated in Figures 13 and 14, when the ****.S * * handle 356 is rotated to drive the actuating unit 35 *:*::* to rotate relative to the engaging member 34, the two oblique surfaces 355 are moved along the spiral surfaces 343, 344 from the proximate ends thereof to the distal *I..

ends thereof, thereby moving the engaging member 34 compress the resilient member 33.

As shown in Figure 15, after the support device 300 is assembled, the engaging member 34 is disposed at the engaging position, and each of the engaging recessG 342 engages a respective one of the first engaging blocks 312 and a respective one of the second engaging blocks 323 for arresting the pivoting action of the first rod body 31 relative to the second rod body 32. When the handle 356 is driven to rotate, as illustrated in Eigure 16, the stationary seat 351 of the actuating unit 35 is driven to rotate relative to the engaging member 34, thereby resulting in the abovementioned movement of the engaging member 34 to the releasing position, wheze the engaging member 34 is entirely moved into the first receiving space 311 of the first ring segment 310 and compresses the resilient tnember 33. At this time, the [5 second engaging blocks 323 of the second ring segment 320 are disengaged from the engaging recesses 342 of the engaging member 34, thereby permitting the first rod body 31 and the second rod body 32 to pivot relative to each other.

* 20 To prevent an over-rotation of the handle 356, as * **.** * shown in Figures ii arid 12, the actuating unit 35 further *:** includes a pair of engaging ribs 357 connected respectively to outer sides of the actuating members 355'. The annularsidewall 324 of thesecondring segment : 25 320 of the second rod body 32 has a side surface opposite * to the first ring segment 310 of the first rod body 3].

and formed with a pair of limit parts 325 that stop respectively the engaging ribs 357 when the handle 356 is rotated to drive the actuating unit 35 to rotate relative to the engaging member 34 until the two oblique surfaces 355 are moved to the distal ends of the two spiral surfaces 343, 344 for preventing over-rotation of the actuating unit 35.

In addition, the handle of this embodiment may be omitted. That is, a rotational force may be applied directly to the stationary seat 351, thereby moving the end surfaces 355 relative to the spiral surfaces 43, 344 of the engaging member 34 so as to push the engaging member 34.

Of course, the numbers and positions of the first engaging blocks 312, the second engaging blocks 323 and the engaging recesses 342 may vary. That is, the first ring segment 310 may be formed with only one first engaging block 312, the second ring segment 320 may be formed with only one second engaging block 323, the first *: arid second engaging blocks 312, 323 may be formed *: 20 respectively on selected positions of the first arid second ring segments 310, 320, arid the engaging members *...: 34 maybe formedwith two engaging recesses 342 to engage respectively the first engaging block 312 and the second engaging block 323 so as to lock the first rod body 31 *. *.

**.: 25 at a selected angle relative to the second rod body 32.

Moreover, the engaging member 34 may also be formed with four spaced-apart engaging recesses which correspond respectively to two first engaging blocks 312 and two second engaging blocks 323 in other embodiments of this invention.

Similarly, referring to Figure 17, the linking rods 24, 25 of the oldab1e stroller frame 200 as illustrated in Figure 7 can be maintained in an unfolded state by using the support device 300 of this embodiment. At this time, the first rod body 31 and the second rod body 32 are locked in a horizontal configuration. The stroller frame 200 of this embodiment may also comprise a safety lock unit 28 as illustrated in the first embodiment.

When folding the stroller frame 200, as illustrated in Figure 18, the handle 356 is rotated to push the engaging member 34 to the releasing position, thereby permitting the pivoting action of the first rod body 31 relative to the second rod body 32. The handle 356 is then pulled upwardly to actuate the pivoting action of the first rod body 31 relative to the second rod body 32. Afterward, the pull rod 284 is pulled upwardly to fold the linking rods 24, 25 so as to move the lateral frame units 21, 22 toward each other, thereby completing the folding of the stroller frame 200. In other embodiments, the safety lock unit 28 may be omitted and the function for preventing accidental folding can be S...

25 achieved simply by the support device 300.

To unfold t-te stroller frame 200, the first rod body 31 and the second rod body 32 are pivoted away from each other so as to move the first engaging blocks 312 in the first ring segment 310 to approach the second engaging blocks 323 in the second ring segment 320. When the second ring segment.320 is pivoted to a position that permits the second engaging blocks 323 to align respectively with the engaging recesses 342 of the engaging member 34, the engaging member 34 is biased resiliently back to the engaging position by the restoring force of the resiLient member 33 and the second engaging blocks 323 engage respectively the engaging recesses 342 so as to lock the first rod body 31 and the second rod body 32 in the unfolded state.

th summary, the support devices 100, 300 of the above mentioned embQdiment can be applied to the foldable stroller frame 200 which is illustrated in Figure 7.

When the support device 100, 300 of this invention is locked in the unfolded state, the stroller frame 200 can be maintained stably in a unfolded state. When being operated to a folded state, the stroller frame 200 can **....

* * 20 befoldedasillustratedinFigure9. Thesupportdevices **..I* * 100, 300 of the above mentioned embodiments are not limited for application to a foldable stroller frame, and may also be applied between any two intersected bars or between any two objects that need to be spaced apart by a fixed distance in other embodiments of this invention.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. A support device comprising: a first rod body having a first ring segment that defines a first receiving space therein and that has a first retaining portion in said first receiving space; a second rod body having a second ring segment that is coupled pivotally to said first ring segment, that defines a second receiving space therein, and that has a second retaining portion in said second receiving space? a resilient merriber disposed in said first receiving space; an engaging member disposed movably between said resilient member and said second ring segment of said second rod body and having a limit portion that engages separably said first and second retaining portions for arrestingpivotingactionofsaidfirstrodbodyrelative to said second rod body; and an actuating unit coupled to a side of said second e:*.. 20 ring segment that is opposite to saidfirst ring segment, and including at least one actuating member that extends into said second receiving space through said second ring segment artdthat abuts against saidengagingrrtenther, saidactuatingrnernberbeingmovable topush saidengaging *:*. 25 mernberagainstaresilientforceofsaidresilientrnember tomoveentirely into saidfirst receiving space, thereby disengaging said second retaining portion of said second ring segment from said limit portion of said engaging member so as to permit the pivoting action of said first rod body relative to said second rod body.
2. The support device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first ring segment is formed at an end of said first rod body, and said second ring segment is formed at an end of said second rod body.
3. The support device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein: said first ring segment of said first rod body includes a base wall and an annular side wall extending from a periphery of said base wall and cooperating with said base wall to define said first receiving space; said second ring segment of said second rod body includes an annular side wall defining said second receiving space; said first retaining portion is configured as a pair of first engaging blocks protruding radially and inwardly from said annular side wall of said first ring *. 20 segment and diametrically spaced apart from each other; said second retaining portion is configured as a pair of second engaging blocks protruding radially and inwardly from said annular side wall of said second ring *: segment and diametrically spaced apart from each other; and I ** * said limit portion of said engaging member is configured as a plurality of engaging recesses formed inaperipheryot said engaging member, andcorresponding in position to and engaging detachably and fittingly said first and second engaging blocks.
4. The support device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein: said engaging member further has a through hole formed in a center thereof; said support device further comprises a fastening member extending from said actuating unit through said second ring segment of said second. rodbody, said through hole insaidengagingmernber, andsaidfirst ringsegment of said first rod body to secure said actuating unit to said first and second rod bodies.
5. The support device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein: said actuating unit further includes a stationary seat coupled to the s.de of said second ring segment opposite to said first ring segment; saidactuatingmemberhas anaccessportiondispo5ed * : 20 at a side of said stationary seat opposite to said first * ring segment, and an abutment portion extending from said access portion into said second receiving space through said stationary seat arid said second ring segment, *: and abutting against said engaging member. **

*:*. 25
6. The support device as claimed in claim 1, wherein: said engaging member further has a spiral surface formed on a side thereof opposite to said resilient member; and said actuating unit includes a stationary seat, and one of said actuating member having an oblique surface that abuts sliclably against said spiral surface, said actuatingunitbeingrotatablerelativetosaidengaging member to move said engaging member entirely into said first receiving space.
7. The support device as claimed in claim 6, wherein: said actuating unit further includes a pair of engaging ribs; and said annular side wall of said second ring segment of said second rod body has a side surface opposite to said first ring segment of said first rod body and formed with a pair of limit parts that stop respectively said engaging ribs for preventing over-rotation of said actuating unit.
8. A support device adapted for use in a foldable stroller frame, the foldable stroller frame including a pair of spaced-apart lateraL frame units and a pair of linking rods that are connected pivotally each other, each of the linking rods having opposite ends connected pivotally and respectively to the lateral frame units, said support device comprising: *: a first rod body having a first end that is adapted *. *.to be connected pivotally to one of the linking rods, and a second end that is opposite to said first end; a second rod body having a first end that is adapted to be connected pivotal).y to the other one of the linking rods, and a second end that is opposite to said first end and that is connected pivotally to said second end of said first rod body; an engaging member disposed between said first and second rod bodies and movable between an engaging position so as to engage said first and second rod bodies for arresting pivoting action of said first rod body relativetcsjdsecondodbody, andareleasingposition where said first rod body is allowed to pivot relative to said second rod body; and an actuating unit coupled to said second rod body, and including at least one actuating member abutting against said engaging member and movable to push said engaging member from the engaging position to the releasing position.
9. The support device as claimed in claim 8, wherein: said second end of said first rod body is formed with a first ring segment defining a first receiving space therein; * * said second end of said second rod body is formed * *� * S S * with a second ring segment coupled pivotally to said first ring segment of said first rod body and defining *: asecondreceivingspacethatisinspatialcOmmUnicatiOn S...*:*. 25 with said first receiving space; arid said engaging member is disposed movably in said first and second receiving spaces.
10. The support device as claimed in claim 9, wherein: saidfirst ring segment hasa first retainingportion; said second ring segment has a second retaining portion; and said engaging member has a limit portion engaqirig said first and second retaining portions when said engaging member is at the engaging position, and being disengaged from said second retaining portion when said engaging member is at the releasing position.
11. The support device as claimed in any one of claims and 11, wherein: said actuating unit further includes a stationary seat coupled to a side of said second ring segment opposite to said first ring segrnentF and said actuating member has an access portion disposed at a side of said stationary seat opposite to said first ring segment, and an abutment portion extending from said access portion into said second receiving space throughsaidstationarySeatandseidSecondriflgSe9mefl, IS....* 20 and abutting against said engaging member, said S.....* S actuating member being movable to push said engaging *. member to the releasing position, where said engaging * *5 member iS entirely in said first receiving space.
12. The support device as claimed in clairrt 8, wherein: *5S* : : 25 said engaging member further has a spiral surface * * formed on a side thereof facing said second receiving space; and said actuating unit further includes a stationary seat, said actuating member extending from said stationary seat into said second receiving space and having an oblique surface that abuts slidably against saidspiral surface, saidactuatingunitbeingrotatable relative to said engaging member to move said engaging rnerTtber to the releasing position, where said engaging member is entirely in said first receiving space.
13. A foldable stroller frame comprising a pair of spaced-apart lateral frame units and a support device, said support device including: a first rod body having a first end that is connected pivotallytooneof saidlateraiframe units, anda second end that is opposite to said first end; a second rod body having a first end that is connected pivotally to the other one of said lateral frame units, and a second end that is opposite to said first end and that is connected pivotally to said second end of said first rod body; *:... 20 an engaging member disposed between said first and second rod bodies and movable between an engaging * position so as to engage said first and second rod bodies for arresting pivoting action of said first rod body relativetosaidsecondrOdbodY, andareleasingposition I...

*. : 25 where said first rod body is allowed to pivot relative * *a to said second rod body; and an actuating unit coupled to said second rod body, arid including at least one actuating member abutting against said engaging member and movable to push said engaging member from the engaging position to the releasing position1 S
14. The foldable stroller frame as claimed in claim 13, wherein: said second end of said first rod body has a first retaining portion; said second end of said second rod body has a second retaining portion; and said engaging member has a limit portion engaging said first and second retaining portions when said engaging member is at the engaging position, and being disengaged from 5aLd second retaining portion when said engaging member is at the releasing position.
15. The foldable stroller frame as claimed in claim 14, wherein: said second end of said first rod body is formed with a first ring segment defining a first receiving space therein; S 0 said second end of said second rod body is formed with a second ring segment coupled pivotally to said first ring segment of said first rod body and defining a second receiving space that is in spatial communication with said first receiving space; and said engaging member has a portion in said first receiving space and another portion in said second retiving space when said engaging member is at the engaging position, and is entirely in said first receiving space when said engaging member is at the releasing position.
16. The foldable stroller frame as claimed in claim 15, wherein said first retaining portion is disposed on said firstringsegmentofsaidfi.rstrodbody, andsaidsecond retaining portion is disposed on said second ring segment of said second rod body.
17. The foldable stroller frame as claimed in any one of claims 15 and 16, wherein: said actuating unit further includes a stationary seat coupled to a side of said second ring segment opposite to said first ring segment; and said actuatingmember has an access portion disposed at a side of said stationary seat opposite to said first ring segment, and an abutment portion extending from said access portion into said second receiving space through said stationary seat and said second ring segment, and abutting against said engaging member, said * ** actuating member being movable to push said engaging * I * member to the releasing position.
18. The foldable stroller frame as claimed in any one 1S04 of claims 15 and 16, wherein: said engaging member further has a spiral surface; and said actuating unit further includes a stationary seat, said actuating member extending from said stationary seat into said second receiving space and having an oblique surface that abuts slidably against said spiral surface, said actuating unit being rotatable relative to said engaging member to move said engaging member to the releasing position.
19. The foldable stroli.er frame as claimed ifl any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein said support device further includes a resilient member disposed in said first receiving space for biasing said engaging member toward the engaging position.
20. The foldable stroller frame as claimed in claim 13, wherein said actuating unit is rotatable relative to said second rod body for moving said engaging member from the engaging position to the releasing position through slidable abutment of said actuating member against said engaging member.
21. A method of folding a stroller frame, the stroller frame including a pair of spaced-apart lateral frame S.....* . 20 units and a support device that interconnects pivotally S..... * Sthe lateral frame units, the support device including * S. a first rod body, a second rod body that is coupled pivotally to the first rod body, an engaging member that is disposed between the first and second rod bodies and S...movable between an engaging position, where pivoting * a. * **action o the first rod body relative to the second rod body is arrested, and a releasing position, where the pivoting action of the first rod body relative to the second rod body is permitted, and an actuating unit that is connected to the second rod body, said method comprising the steps of: (A) operatingthe actuating unit tomove the engaging member to the releasing position; and (B) pulling theactuatingunit to actuate the pivoting action of the first rod body relative to the second rod body.
22. The method as claimed in claim 21, the actuating unit including an actuating member, wherein, in step (A), the actuating member is pressed so as to move the engaging member to the releasing position.
23. The method as claimed in claim 21, the actuating IS unit is coupled rotatably to the second rodbody, wherein, in step (A), the actuating unit is rotated to move the engaging member to the releasing position.
24. The method as claimed in claim 21, the actuating unitincludingahandi.e, wherein, instep (B), thehandle is pulled upwardly to actuating the pivoting action of the first rod body relative to the second rod body.*:":
25. The method as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 24, the stroller frame further including a safety lock unit that includes a left rod, a right rod connected pivotallytothe left rod, andapullrodmountedSlidablY to the support device and connected to the left and right rods, wherein the pull rod is movable to drive the left

S Se * S.rod to pivot relative to the right rod)so that the actuating unit is moved upwardly without obstruction to move the lateral frames toward each other before step (B).
26. The support device substantially as hereiribefore described with reference to arid as illustrated in Figures 1 to 18 of the accompanying drawings.
27. The foldable stroller frame substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated iri Figures 1 to 18 of the accompanying drawings.
28. The method of folding a stroller frame substantially as hereiribefore described with reference to and as illustrated in Figures 1 to 18 of the accompanying drawings. * *SI..... * * * *5 * S * * ** S...S *SS S * . . * ..