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US20070114825A1 - Child carrier - Google Patents

Child carrier Download PDF

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Publication number
US20070114825A1
US20070114825A1 US11/286,032 US28603205A US2007114825A1 US 20070114825 A1 US20070114825 A1 US 20070114825A1 US 28603205 A US28603205 A US 28603205A US 2007114825 A1 US2007114825 A1 US 2007114825A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
handle
child
disposed
protrusion
controlling mechanisms
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US11/286,032
Inventor
Red Lan
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to US11/286,032 priority Critical patent/US20070114825A1/en
Priority to DE202005018935U priority patent/DE202005018935U1/en
Publication of US20070114825A1 publication Critical patent/US20070114825A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62BHAND-PROPELLED VEHICLES, e.g. HAND CARTS OR PERAMBULATORS; SLEDGES
    • B62B7/00Carriages for children; Perambulators, e.g. dolls' perambulators
    • B62B7/04Carriages for children; Perambulators, e.g. dolls' perambulators having more than one wheel axis; Steering devices therefor
    • B62B7/14Carriages for children; Perambulators, e.g. dolls' perambulators having more than one wheel axis; Steering devices therefor with detachable or rotatably-mounted body
    • B62B7/145Carriages for children; Perambulators, e.g. dolls' perambulators having more than one wheel axis; Steering devices therefor with detachable or rotatably-mounted body the body being a rigid seat, e.g. a shell
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60NSEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60N2/00Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
    • B60N2/24Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles for particular purposes or particular vehicles
    • B60N2/26Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles for particular purposes or particular vehicles for children
    • B60N2/28Seats readily mountable on, and dismountable from, existing seats or other parts of the vehicle
    • B60N2/2842Seats readily mountable on, and dismountable from, existing seats or other parts of the vehicle adapted to carry the child, when dismounted from the vehicle
    • B60N2/2845Seats readily mountable on, and dismountable from, existing seats or other parts of the vehicle adapted to carry the child, when dismounted from the vehicle having handles
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60NSEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60N2/00Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
    • B60N2/24Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles for particular purposes or particular vehicles
    • B60N2/26Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles for particular purposes or particular vehicles for children
    • B60N2/28Seats readily mountable on, and dismountable from, existing seats or other parts of the vehicle
    • B60N2/2857Seats readily mountable on, and dismountable from, existing seats or other parts of the vehicle characterised by the peculiar orientation of the child
    • B60N2/2863Seats readily mountable on, and dismountable from, existing seats or other parts of the vehicle characterised by the peculiar orientation of the child backward facing

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a child carrier, more particularly to a child carrier that is adapted to be coupled to a stroller frame, and that includes a handle adapted to be held by a user.
  • a first conventional child carrier 1 is adapted to be disposed on a backseat of an automobile to carry a child (not shown) therein, so as to ensure safety of the child in the automobile.
  • the first conventional child carrier 1 is commonly referred to as a child car seat, and includes a child-carrying member 11 , a handle 12 , and a pair of position-controlling mechanisms 13 .
  • the child-carrying member 11 is adapted to carry the child therein.
  • the handle 12 includes a holding portion 121 , and two opposite end portions 122 that are pivoted to the child-carrying member 11 .
  • the handle 12 is operable so as to rotate relative to the child-carrying member 11 between a holding position, where the holding portion 121 is disposed above the child-carrying member 11 so as to enable carrying of the child-carrying member 11 by a user, and a rest position, where the holding portion 121 is disposed adjacent to side walls of the child-carrying member 11 so as to provide easy access of the child into and out of the child-carrying member 11 .
  • the position-controlling mechanisms 13 are pivoted to the child-carrying member 11 at positions corresponding to the end portions 122 of the handle 12 , and are rotatable relative to the end portions 122 of the handle 12 and the child-carrying member 11 between a locked position and an unlocked position.
  • the conventional first child carrier 1 is disadvantageous in that it is only suitable for carrying by the user and for disposed on the backseat of the automobile.
  • a second conventional child carrier differs from the first conventional child carrier 1 in that the second conventional child carrier further includes a pair of second interlocking members (not shown) that are disposed respectively on two opposite sides of the child-carrying member 11 , and that are adapted to be coupled respectively to a pair of first interlocking members (not shown) of a stroller frame (not shown).
  • the second conventional child carrier since the operation of engaging the second interlocking members with the respective one of the first interlocking members is not related to other operations or components of the second conventional child carrier, the second conventional child carrier is not adequately convenient and user-friendly.
  • the object of the present invention is to provide a child carrier including a handle that is operable to pivot relative to a child-carrying member, such that pivotal movement of the handle enables a second interlocking member to engage a first interlocking member of a stroller frame.
  • a child carrier that is adapted to be coupled to a stroller frame having a pair of first interlocking members.
  • the child carrier comprises: a child-carrying member adapted to carry a child therein; a handle including two opposite end portions that are pivoted to the child-carrying member, and operable so as to rotate relative to the child-carrying member between a holding position and a rest position; a pair of second interlocking members connected to the child-carrying member at positions corresponding to the end portions of the handle, respectively, each of the second interlocking members being movable between a locking position, where the second interlocking member is adapted to engage a respective one of the first interlocking members of the stroller frame when the child carrier is mounted on the stroller frame and the handle is disposed at the rest position, thereby securing the child carrier to the stroller frame, and an unlocking position, where the second interlocking member is adapted to disengage the respective one of the first interlocking members when the child carrier
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first conventional child carrier
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of a child carrier according to the present invention, illustrating a handle disposed at a holding position;
  • FIG. 3 is a fragmentary partly-exploded perspective view of the preferred embodiment
  • FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the preferred embodiment, illustrating a driving member disposed at a first angular position, and the driving member and an engaging member disposed respectively at first and second retained positions;
  • FIG. 5 is a fragmentary partly cut-away view of a second interlocking member and a fulcrum-mounting seat of the preferred embodiment
  • FIG. 6 is a fragmentary sectional view of the preferred embodiment, illustrating the second interlocking member in an unlocking position
  • FIG. 7 is a fragmentary sectional view of the preferred embodiment, illustrating rotation of the driving member from the first angular position to a second angular position;
  • FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment, illustrating the handle disposed at a rest position
  • FIG. 9 is a schematic view of the preferred embodiment, illustrating the driving member disposed at a second angular position, and the driving member and the engaging protrusion disposed respectively at the first and second retained positions;
  • FIG. 10 is a fragmentary sectional view of the preferred embodiment, illustrating the second interlocking member in a locking position
  • FIG. 11 is a schematic view of the preferred embodiment, illustrating the driving member disposed at the first angular position, and the driving member and an engaging member disposed respectively at first and second unretained positions;
  • FIG. 12 is a schematic view of the preferred embodiment, illustrating the driving member disposed at the second angular position, and the driving member and the engaging protrusion disposed respectively at the first and second unretained positions.
  • the preferred embodiment of a child carrier 20 is adapted to be coupled to a stroller frame 21 (partially shown in FIG. 2 ).
  • the stroller frame 21 includes a pair of opposite frame parts 211 , each of which is provided with a T-shaped first interlocking member 212 .
  • the child carrier 20 includes a child-carrying member 3 , a handle 4 , a pair of second interlocking members 6 , and a pair of position-controlling mechanisms 5 .
  • the child-carrying member 3 includes a pair of opposite side wall units 31 , and an interconnecting wall 32 interconnecting the side wall units 31 and cooperating with the side wall units 31 to define a child-disposing space 33 that is adapted to carry a child (not shown) therein.
  • Each of the side wall units 31 has a U-shaped wall part 311 with opposing inner and outer wall portions 312 , 313 defining a gap 314 therebetween.
  • the outer wall portion 313 of each of the side wall units 31 is formed with an annular groove 315 , a through-hole 316 that is in spatial communication with the annular groove 315 , and a hollow shaft 317 .
  • the outer wall portion 313 of the U-shaped wall part 311 of each of the side wall units 31 has outer and inner surrounding wall components 361 , 362 .
  • the outer surrounding wall component 361 surrounds the annular groove 315 of the outer wall portion 313 of the U-shaped wall part 311 of the respective one of the side wall units 31 , and is formed with first and second protrusion-receiving recesses 366 , 367 that are disposed outwardly of and that are in spatial communication with the annular groove 315 .
  • the inner surrounding wall component 362 surrounds the hollow shaft 317 , is surrounded by the outer surrounding wall component 361 , and is formed with first and second projection-receiving recesses 368 , 369 that are disposed inwardly of and that are in spatial communication with the annular groove 315 .
  • the inner surrounding wall component 362 cooperates with the outer surrounding wall component 361 to define the annular groove 315 therebetween.
  • the handle 4 includes two opposite end portions 42 that are pivoted to the outer wall portion 313 of the U-shaped wall part 311 of a respective one of the side wall units 31 of the child-carrying member 3 and that are each formed with an opening 426 , and a holding portion 43 that interconnects the end portions 42 .
  • the handle 4 is operable so as to rotate relative to the child-carrying member 3 between a holding position (as shown in FIG. 2 ) and a rest position (as shown in FIG. 8 ).
  • each of the end portions 42 includes a cover wall 421 for covering the annular groove 315 in the outer wall portion 313 of the U-shaped wall part 311 of the respective one of the side wall units 31 , a pivot protrusion 425 extending from the cover wall 421 toward the annular groove 315 , and a surrounding wall 424 that extends transversely from a periphery of the cover wall 421 and that is formed with a notch to configure the end portion 42 with the opening 426 .
  • the cover wall 421 is formed with a spring-disposing groove 423 .
  • the position-controlling mechanisms 5 are pivoted to the child-carrying member 3 at positions corresponding to the end portions 42 of the handle 4 .
  • Each of the position-controlling mechanisms 5 includes a driving member 51 that is rotatable together with the handle 4 from a first angular position (as shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 11 ) to a second angular position (as shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 12 ) when the handle 4 is rotated from the holding position (as shown in FIG. 2 ) to the rest position (as shown in FIG. 8 ).
  • Each of the position-controlling mechanisms 5 further includes a control plate 52 pivoted to the child-carrying member 3 , connected to a respective one of the end portions 42 of the handle 4 , and formed with a driving protrusion that protrudes therefrom and that defines the driving member 51 .
  • the driving member 51 when the driving member 51 is disposed at the first angular position, the same is angularly spaced apart from a respective one of the second interlocking members 6 .
  • the driving member 51 when the driving member 51 is disposed at the second angular position, the same is in contact with the respective one of the second interlocking members 6 and drives movement of the respective one of the second interlocking members 6 from an unlocking position (as shown in FIG. 6 ) to a locking position (as shown in FIG. 10 ).
  • the driving member 51 is received in the annular groove 315 in a respective one of the side wall units 31 of the child-carrying member 3 during movement between the first and second annular positions.
  • the control plate 52 of each of the position-controlling mechanisms 5 includes a generally-rectangular operating portion 522 disposed between the respective one of the end portions 42 of the handle 4 and the outer surrounding wall component 361 of the outer wall portion 313 of the U-shaped wall part 311 of a respective one of the side wall units 31 of the child-carrying member 3 , and having the driving protrusion formed thereon.
  • the control plate 52 further includes a pressing portion 523 extending from the operating portion 522 through the opening 426 .
  • the operating portion 522 of the control plate 52 of each of the position-controlling mechanisms 5 is further formed with an engaging projection 521 spaced apart from the driving member 51 , a pivot post defining a pivot hole 524 and disposed distal from the pressing portion 523 , an elongated aperture 525 , and a spring-sleeving stud 526 corresponding to the spring-disposing groove 423 .
  • the pivot hole 524 receives the pivot protrusion 425 of the respective one of the end portions 42 of the handle 4 therein so as to permit pivotal movement of the control plate 52 relative to the respective one of the end portions 42 and the child-carrying member 3 . As shown in FIG.
  • the distance (M) between the center of the elongated aperture 525 and the engaging projection 521 is shorter than the distance (N) between the center of the elongated aperture 52 and the driving protrusion 51 , but the present invention is not limited to this particular aspect.
  • the driving member 51 when the driving member 51 is disposed at a selected one of the first and second angular positions, the driving member 51 is movable between a first unretained position (as shown in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 ), where the driving member 51 is received in the annular groove 315 in the vicinity of a respective one of the first and second protrusion-receiving recesses 366 , 367 , and a first retained position (as shown in FIG. 4 and FIG.
  • Each of the position-controlling mechanisms 5 further includes an urging member 53 that is disposed in the spring-disposing groove 423 in the cover wall 421 of the respective one of the end portions 42 of the handle 4 .
  • the urging member 53 of each of the position-controlling mechanisms 5 is a compression spring, and is sleeved on the spring-sleeving stud 526 of the operating portion 522 of the control plate 52 of the respective one of the position-controlling mechanisms 5 .
  • the urging member 53 abuts against the control plate 52 and the surrounding wall 424 of the respective one of the end portions 42 of the handle 4 in such a manner that pressing of the pressing portion 523 of the control plate 52 against urging action of the urging member 53 results in movement of the driving member 51 from the first retained position to the first unretained position and movement of the engaging projection 521 from the second retained position to the second unretained position.
  • the handle 4 further includes two pins 41 , each of which extends through the hollow shaft 317 of the outer wall portion 313 of the U-shaped wall part 311 of a respective one of the side wall units 31 of the child-carrying member 3 , through the elongated aperture 525 in the operating portion 522 of the control plate 52 of a respective one of the position-controlling mechanisms 5 , and into the cover wall 421 of a respective one of the end portions 42 to support pivotal movement of the handle 4 relative to the child-carrying member 3 .
  • the second interlocking members 6 are connected to the child-carrying member 3 at positions corresponding to the end portions 42 of the handle 4 , respectively.
  • Each of the second interlocking members 6 is movable between the locking position (as shown in FIG. 10 ), where the second interlocking member 6 is adapted to engage a respective one of the first interlocking members 212 of the stroller frame 21 when the child carrier 20 is mounted on the stroller frame 21 and when the handle 4 is disposed at the rest position (as shown in FIG. 8 ), thereby securing the child carrier 20 to the stroller frame 21 , and the unlocking position (as shown in FIG.
  • the second interlocking member 6 is adapted to disengage the respective one of the first interlocking members 212 when the child carrier 20 is mounted on the stroller frame 21 and when the handle 4 is disposed at the holding position (as shown in FIG. 2 ), thereby permitting removal of the child carrier 20 from the stroller frame 21 .
  • each of the side wall units 31 of the child-carrying member 3 further includes a pivot spring 363 , and a fulcrum-mounting seat 318 mounted securely in the gap 314 at a position corresponding to the respective one of the end portions 42 of the handle 4 and formed with a T-shaped extension opening 319 .
  • Each of the second interlocking members 6 includes a fulcrum plate 61 that is connected to the pivot spring 363 of a respective one of the side wall units 31 , and altogether pivoted to the fulcrum-mounting seat 318 of the respective one of the side wall units 31 .
  • the fulcrum plate 61 of each of the second interlocking members 6 has a driven end 611 and an engaging end 612 opposite to the driven end 611 .
  • the driven end 611 is formed with a driven protrusion 613 .
  • the engaging end 612 is disposed outwardly of the gap 314 in the respective one of the side wall units 31 .
  • the pivot spring 363 provides an urging force such that the respective one of the second interlocking members 6 is disposed at the unlocking position.
  • the driving member 51 drives the driven protrusion 613 against urging action of the pivot spring 363 , the respective one of the second interlocking members 6 is moved to the locking position.
  • the holding portion 43 of the handle 4 is disposed above the child-carrying member 3 when the handle 4 is disposed at the holding position, where the driving member 51 of the respective one of the position-controlling mechanisms 5 is disposed at the first angular position.
  • the respective one of the second interlocking members 6 is disposed at the unlocking position, where the pivot spring 363 provides an urging force such that the driven protrusion 613 of the fulcrum plate 61 of the respective one of the second interlocking members 6 extends through the through-hole 316 and into the annular groove 315 in the respective one of the side wall units 31 , and that the engaging end 612 of the fulcrum plate 61 of the respective one of the second interlocking members 6 is disposed outside the extension opening 319 in the fulcrum-mounting seat 318 of the respective one of the side wall units 31 . If the child carrier 20 is mounted on the stroller frame 21 at this time, removal of the child carrier 20 from the stroller frame 21 is permitted.
  • the handle 4 is secured at the holding position as the driving member 51 and the engaging projection 521 are respectively received in the first protrusion-receiving recess 366 and the first projection-receiving recess 368 by virtue of urging action of the urging member 53 .
  • the driving member 51 and the engaging projection 521 are respectively disposed at the first and second retained positions.
  • the driving member 51 and the engaging projection 521 are moved from the respective one of the first and second retained positions to the respective one of the first and second unretained positions, thereby permitting movement of the driving member 51 and the engaging projection 521 in the annular groove 315 in the respective one of the side wall units 31 .
  • the engaging end 612 of the fulcrum plate 61 of the respective one of the second interlocking members 6 extends into the extension opening 319 in the fulcrum-mounting seat 318 of the respective one of the side wall units 31 , and engages the respective one of the first interlocking members 212 of the stroller frame 21 .
  • the driving member 51 and the engaging projection 521 are disposed in the annular groove 315 in the respective one of the side wall units 31 in the vicinity of the respective one of the second protrusion-receiving recess 367 and the second projection-receiving recess 369 .
  • the driving member 51 and the engaging projection 521 move in directions (D), (D′), respectively, and are respectively received in the second protrusion-receiving recess 367 and the second projection-receiving recess 369 .
  • the driving member 51 and the engaging projection 521 are moved from the respective one of the first and second unretained positions to the respective one of the first and second retained positions, thereby securing the handle 4 at the rest position, and securing the child carrier 20 on the stroller frame 21 .

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Child & Adolescent Psychology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
  • Carriages For Children, Sleds, And Other Hand-Operated Vehicles (AREA)

Abstract

A child carrier is adapted to be coupled to a stroller frame having a pair of first interlocking members, and includes a child-carrying member; a handle operable to rotate relative to the child-carrying member between a holding position and a rest position; a pair of second interlocking members, each of which is movable between a locking position, where the second interlocking member is adapted to engage a respective one of the first interlocking members of the stroller frame when the handle is disposed at the rest position, and an unlocking position, where the second interlocking member is adapted to disengage the respective one of the first interlocking members when the handle is disposed at the holding position; and a pair of position-controlling mechanisms pivoted to the child-carrying member for controlling operation of the second interlocking members.

Description

    BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  • 1. Field of the Invention
  • The invention relates to a child carrier, more particularly to a child carrier that is adapted to be coupled to a stroller frame, and that includes a handle adapted to be held by a user.
  • 2. Description of the Related Art
  • As shown in FIG. 1, a first conventional child carrier 1 is adapted to be disposed on a backseat of an automobile to carry a child (not shown) therein, so as to ensure safety of the child in the automobile. The first conventional child carrier 1 is commonly referred to as a child car seat, and includes a child-carrying member 11, a handle 12, and a pair of position-controlling mechanisms 13. The child-carrying member 11 is adapted to carry the child therein. The handle 12 includes a holding portion 121, and two opposite end portions 122 that are pivoted to the child-carrying member 11. The handle 12 is operable so as to rotate relative to the child-carrying member 11 between a holding position, where the holding portion 121 is disposed above the child-carrying member 11 so as to enable carrying of the child-carrying member 11 by a user, and a rest position, where the holding portion 121 is disposed adjacent to side walls of the child-carrying member 11 so as to provide easy access of the child into and out of the child-carrying member 11. The position-controlling mechanisms 13 are pivoted to the child-carrying member 11 at positions corresponding to the end portions 122 of the handle 12, and are rotatable relative to the end portions 122 of the handle 12 and the child-carrying member 11 between a locked position and an unlocked position. When the position-controlling mechanisms 13 are disposed at the locked position, the handle 12 is securely disposed at one of the holding and the rest positions, depending on the particular position of the holding portion 121 of the handle 12. When the position-controlling mechanisms 13 are disposed at the unlocked position, the handle 12 is operable to move between the holding and the rest positions. The conventional first child carrier 1 is disadvantageous in that it is only suitable for carrying by the user and for disposed on the backseat of the automobile.
  • A second conventional child carrier (not shown) differs from the first conventional child carrier 1 in that the second conventional child carrier further includes a pair of second interlocking members (not shown) that are disposed respectively on two opposite sides of the child-carrying member 11, and that are adapted to be coupled respectively to a pair of first interlocking members (not shown) of a stroller frame (not shown). However, since the operation of engaging the second interlocking members with the respective one of the first interlocking members is not related to other operations or components of the second conventional child carrier, the second conventional child carrier is not adequately convenient and user-friendly.
  • SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
  • Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a child carrier including a handle that is operable to pivot relative to a child-carrying member, such that pivotal movement of the handle enables a second interlocking member to engage a first interlocking member of a stroller frame.
  • According to the present invention, there is provided a child carrier that is adapted to be coupled to a stroller frame having a pair of first interlocking members. The child carrier comprises: a child-carrying member adapted to carry a child therein; a handle including two opposite end portions that are pivoted to the child-carrying member, and operable so as to rotate relative to the child-carrying member between a holding position and a rest position; a pair of second interlocking members connected to the child-carrying member at positions corresponding to the end portions of the handle, respectively, each of the second interlocking members being movable between a locking position, where the second interlocking member is adapted to engage a respective one of the first interlocking members of the stroller frame when the child carrier is mounted on the stroller frame and the handle is disposed at the rest position, thereby securing the child carrier to the stroller frame, and an unlocking position, where the second interlocking member is adapted to disengage the respective one of the first interlocking members when the child carrier is mounted on the stroller frame and the handle is disposed at the holding position, thereby permitting removal of the child carrier from the stroller frame; and a pair of position-controlling mechanisms pivoted to the child-carrying member at positions corresponding to the end portions of the handle, each of the position-controlling mechanisms including a driving member that is rotatable together with the handle from a first angular position, where the driving member is angularly spaced apart from a respective one of the second interlocking members, to a second angular position, where the driving member is in contact with the respective one of the second interlocking members and drives movement of the respective one of the second interlocking members from the unlocking position to the locking position, when the handle is rotated from the holding position to the rest position.
  • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent in the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first conventional child carrier;
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of a child carrier according to the present invention, illustrating a handle disposed at a holding position;
  • FIG. 3 is a fragmentary partly-exploded perspective view of the preferred embodiment;
  • FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the preferred embodiment, illustrating a driving member disposed at a first angular position, and the driving member and an engaging member disposed respectively at first and second retained positions;
  • FIG. 5 is a fragmentary partly cut-away view of a second interlocking member and a fulcrum-mounting seat of the preferred embodiment;
  • FIG. 6 is a fragmentary sectional view of the preferred embodiment, illustrating the second interlocking member in an unlocking position;
  • FIG. 7 is a fragmentary sectional view of the preferred embodiment, illustrating rotation of the driving member from the first angular position to a second angular position;
  • FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment, illustrating the handle disposed at a rest position;
  • FIG. 9 is a schematic view of the preferred embodiment, illustrating the driving member disposed at a second angular position, and the driving member and the engaging protrusion disposed respectively at the first and second retained positions;
  • FIG. 10 is a fragmentary sectional view of the preferred embodiment, illustrating the second interlocking member in a locking position;
  • FIG. 11 is a schematic view of the preferred embodiment, illustrating the driving member disposed at the first angular position, and the driving member and an engaging member disposed respectively at first and second unretained positions; and
  • FIG. 12 is a schematic view of the preferred embodiment, illustrating the driving member disposed at the second angular position, and the driving member and the engaging protrusion disposed respectively at the first and second unretained positions.
  • DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
  • As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the preferred embodiment of a child carrier 20 according to this invention is adapted to be coupled to a stroller frame 21 (partially shown in FIG. 2). The stroller frame 21 includes a pair of opposite frame parts 211, each of which is provided with a T-shaped first interlocking member 212. The child carrier 20 includes a child-carrying member 3, a handle 4, a pair of second interlocking members 6, and a pair of position-controlling mechanisms 5.
  • The child-carrying member 3 includes a pair of opposite side wall units 31, and an interconnecting wall 32 interconnecting the side wall units 31 and cooperating with the side wall units 31 to define a child-disposing space 33 that is adapted to carry a child (not shown) therein. Each of the side wall units 31 has a U-shaped wall part 311 with opposing inner and outer wall portions 312, 313 defining a gap 314 therebetween. The outer wall portion 313 of each of the side wall units 31 is formed with an annular groove 315, a through-hole 316 that is in spatial communication with the annular groove 315, and a hollow shaft 317.
  • The outer wall portion 313 of the U-shaped wall part 311 of each of the side wall units 31 has outer and inner surrounding wall components 361, 362. The outer surrounding wall component 361 surrounds the annular groove 315 of the outer wall portion 313 of the U-shaped wall part 311 of the respective one of the side wall units 31, and is formed with first and second protrusion-receiving recesses 366, 367 that are disposed outwardly of and that are in spatial communication with the annular groove 315. The inner surrounding wall component 362 surrounds the hollow shaft 317, is surrounded by the outer surrounding wall component 361, and is formed with first and second projection-receiving recesses 368, 369 that are disposed inwardly of and that are in spatial communication with the annular groove 315. The inner surrounding wall component 362 cooperates with the outer surrounding wall component 361 to define the annular groove 315 therebetween.
  • The handle 4 includes two opposite end portions 42 that are pivoted to the outer wall portion 313 of the U-shaped wall part 311 of a respective one of the side wall units 31 of the child-carrying member 3 and that are each formed with an opening 426, and a holding portion 43 that interconnects the end portions 42. The handle 4 is operable so as to rotate relative to the child-carrying member 3 between a holding position (as shown in FIG. 2) and a rest position (as shown in FIG. 8). In this embodiment, each of the end portions 42 includes a cover wall 421 for covering the annular groove 315 in the outer wall portion 313 of the U-shaped wall part 311 of the respective one of the side wall units 31, a pivot protrusion 425 extending from the cover wall 421 toward the annular groove 315, and a surrounding wall 424 that extends transversely from a periphery of the cover wall 421 and that is formed with a notch to configure the end portion 42 with the opening 426. The cover wall 421 is formed with a spring-disposing groove 423.
  • The position-controlling mechanisms 5 are pivoted to the child-carrying member 3 at positions corresponding to the end portions 42 of the handle 4. Each of the position-controlling mechanisms 5 includes a driving member 51 that is rotatable together with the handle 4 from a first angular position (as shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 11) to a second angular position (as shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 12) when the handle 4 is rotated from the holding position (as shown in FIG. 2) to the rest position (as shown in FIG. 8). Each of the position-controlling mechanisms 5 further includes a control plate 52 pivoted to the child-carrying member 3, connected to a respective one of the end portions 42 of the handle 4, and formed with a driving protrusion that protrudes therefrom and that defines the driving member 51.
  • As shown in FIG. 4, when the driving member 51 is disposed at the first angular position, the same is angularly spaced apart from a respective one of the second interlocking members 6. As shown in FIG. 9, when the driving member 51 is disposed at the second angular position, the same is in contact with the respective one of the second interlocking members 6 and drives movement of the respective one of the second interlocking members 6 from an unlocking position (as shown in FIG. 6) to a locking position (as shown in FIG. 10). As shown in FIGS. 7, 11, and 12, the driving member 51 is received in the annular groove 315 in a respective one of the side wall units 31 of the child-carrying member 3 during movement between the first and second annular positions.
  • As shown in FIG. 3, in this embodiment, the control plate 52 of each of the position-controlling mechanisms 5 includes a generally-rectangular operating portion 522 disposed between the respective one of the end portions 42 of the handle 4 and the outer surrounding wall component 361 of the outer wall portion 313 of the U-shaped wall part 311 of a respective one of the side wall units 31 of the child-carrying member 3, and having the driving protrusion formed thereon. The control plate 52 further includes a pressing portion 523 extending from the operating portion 522 through the opening 426. The operating portion 522 of the control plate 52 of each of the position-controlling mechanisms 5 is further formed with an engaging projection 521 spaced apart from the driving member 51, a pivot post defining a pivot hole 524 and disposed distal from the pressing portion 523, an elongated aperture 525, and a spring-sleeving stud 526 corresponding to the spring-disposing groove 423. The pivot hole 524 receives the pivot protrusion 425 of the respective one of the end portions 42 of the handle 4 therein so as to permit pivotal movement of the control plate 52 relative to the respective one of the end portions 42 and the child-carrying member 3. As shown in FIG. 7, the distance (M) between the center of the elongated aperture 525 and the engaging projection 521 is shorter than the distance (N) between the center of the elongated aperture 52 and the driving protrusion 51, but the present invention is not limited to this particular aspect.
  • As shown in FIGS. 4, 9, 11, and 12, when the driving member 51 is disposed at a selected one of the first and second angular positions, the driving member 51 is movable between a first unretained position (as shown in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12), where the driving member 51 is received in the annular groove 315 in the vicinity of a respective one of the first and second protrusion-receiving recesses 366, 367, and a first retained position (as shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 9), where the driving member 51 is received in the respective one of the first and second protrusion-receiving recesses 366, 367, thereby securing the handle 4 at a respective one of the holding and rest positions (as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 8).
  • As shown in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, when the driving member 51 of each of the position-controlling mechanisms 5 is disposed at the first unretained position, the engaging projection 521 of the respective one of the position-controlling mechanisms 5 is disposed at a second unretained position, where the engaging projection 521 is received in the annular groove 315.
  • As shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 7, when the driving member 51 of each of the position-controlling mechanisms 5 is disposed at the first retained position and at a selected one of the first and second angular positions, the engaging projection 521 of the respective one of the position-controlling mechanisms 5 is disposed at a second retained position, where the engaging projection 521 is received in a respective one of the first and second projection-receiving recesses 368, 369, thereby securing the handle 4 at a respective one of the holding and rest positions.
  • Each of the position-controlling mechanisms 5 further includes an urging member 53 that is disposed in the spring-disposing groove 423 in the cover wall 421 of the respective one of the end portions 42 of the handle 4. In this embodiment, the urging member 53 of each of the position-controlling mechanisms 5 is a compression spring, and is sleeved on the spring-sleeving stud 526 of the operating portion 522 of the control plate 52 of the respective one of the position-controlling mechanisms 5. In addition, the urging member 53 abuts against the control plate 52 and the surrounding wall 424 of the respective one of the end portions 42 of the handle 4 in such a manner that pressing of the pressing portion 523 of the control plate 52 against urging action of the urging member 53 results in movement of the driving member 51 from the first retained position to the first unretained position and movement of the engaging projection 521 from the second retained position to the second unretained position.
  • In this embodiment, the handle 4 further includes two pins 41, each of which extends through the hollow shaft 317 of the outer wall portion 313 of the U-shaped wall part 311 of a respective one of the side wall units 31 of the child-carrying member 3, through the elongated aperture 525 in the operating portion 522 of the control plate 52 of a respective one of the position-controlling mechanisms 5, and into the cover wall 421 of a respective one of the end portions 42 to support pivotal movement of the handle 4 relative to the child-carrying member 3.
  • As shown in FIG. 2, the second interlocking members 6 are connected to the child-carrying member 3 at positions corresponding to the end portions 42 of the handle 4, respectively. Each of the second interlocking members 6 is movable between the locking position (as shown in FIG. 10), where the second interlocking member 6 is adapted to engage a respective one of the first interlocking members 212 of the stroller frame 21 when the child carrier 20 is mounted on the stroller frame 21 and when the handle 4 is disposed at the rest position (as shown in FIG. 8), thereby securing the child carrier 20 to the stroller frame 21, and the unlocking position (as shown in FIG. 6), where the second interlocking member 6 is adapted to disengage the respective one of the first interlocking members 212 when the child carrier 20 is mounted on the stroller frame 21 and when the handle 4 is disposed at the holding position (as shown in FIG. 2), thereby permitting removal of the child carrier 20 from the stroller frame 21.
  • As shown in FIGS. 3, 5, and 6, each of the side wall units 31 of the child-carrying member 3 further includes a pivot spring 363, and a fulcrum-mounting seat 318 mounted securely in the gap 314 at a position corresponding to the respective one of the end portions 42 of the handle 4 and formed with a T-shaped extension opening 319. Each of the second interlocking members 6 includes a fulcrum plate 61 that is connected to the pivot spring 363 of a respective one of the side wall units 31, and altogether pivoted to the fulcrum-mounting seat 318 of the respective one of the side wall units 31. The fulcrum plate 61 of each of the second interlocking members 6 has a driven end 611 and an engaging end 612 opposite to the driven end 611. The driven end 611 is formed with a driven protrusion 613. The engaging end 612 is disposed outwardly of the gap 314 in the respective one of the side wall units 31. The pivot spring 363 provides an urging force such that the respective one of the second interlocking members 6 is disposed at the unlocking position. When the driving member 51 drives the driven protrusion 613 against urging action of the pivot spring 363, the respective one of the second interlocking members 6 is moved to the locking position.
  • As shown in FIGS. 2, 4, and 6, the holding portion 43 of the handle 4 is disposed above the child-carrying member 3 when the handle 4 is disposed at the holding position, where the driving member 51 of the respective one of the position-controlling mechanisms 5 is disposed at the first angular position. Under this situation, the respective one of the second interlocking members 6 is disposed at the unlocking position, where the pivot spring 363 provides an urging force such that the driven protrusion 613 of the fulcrum plate 61 of the respective one of the second interlocking members 6 extends through the through-hole 316 and into the annular groove 315 in the respective one of the side wall units 31, and that the engaging end 612 of the fulcrum plate 61 of the respective one of the second interlocking members 6 is disposed outside the extension opening 319 in the fulcrum-mounting seat 318 of the respective one of the side wall units 31. If the child carrier 20 is mounted on the stroller frame 21 at this time, removal of the child carrier 20 from the stroller frame 21 is permitted. The handle 4 is secured at the holding position as the driving member 51 and the engaging projection 521 are respectively received in the first protrusion-receiving recess 366 and the first projection-receiving recess 368 by virtue of urging action of the urging member 53. In other words, the driving member 51 and the engaging projection 521 are respectively disposed at the first and second retained positions.
  • As shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 7, in order to move the handle 4 from the holding position to the rest position, the pressing portion 523 of the control plate 52 of each of the position-controlling mechanisms 5 is pressed against urging action of the corresponding urging member 53 in direction (A) to move the driving member 51 and the engaging projection 521 out of the respective one of the first protrusion-receiving recess 366 and the first projection-receiving recess 368, and into the annular groove 315 in the respective one of the side wall units 31 in directions (B), (B′). In other words, the driving member 51 and the engaging projection 521 are moved from the respective one of the first and second retained positions to the respective one of the first and second unretained positions, thereby permitting movement of the driving member 51 and the engaging projection 521 in the annular groove 315 in the respective one of the side wall units 31.
  • As shown in FIGS. 8, 10, and 12, when the driving member 51 of each of the position-controlling mechanisms 5 is disposed at the second angular position, the respective one of the second interlocking members 6 is disposed at the locking position. The driving member 51 is in contact with the driven protrusion 613 of the fulcrum plate 61 of the respective one of the second interlocking members 6, and drives the driven protrusion 613 out of the annular groove 315 in the respective one of the side wall units 31 in direction (C), resulting in pivotal movement of the fulcrum plate 61 relative to the corresponding fulcrum-mounting seat 318. The engaging end 612 of the fulcrum plate 61 of the respective one of the second interlocking members 6 extends into the extension opening 319 in the fulcrum-mounting seat 318 of the respective one of the side wall units 31, and engages the respective one of the first interlocking members 212 of the stroller frame 21. At this time, the driving member 51 and the engaging projection 521 are disposed in the annular groove 315 in the respective one of the side wall units 31 in the vicinity of the respective one of the second protrusion-receiving recess 367 and the second projection-receiving recess 369.
  • As shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 12, as the pressing portion 523 of the respective one of the control plates 52 is released in direction (E), the driving member 51 and the engaging projection 521 move in directions (D), (D′), respectively, and are respectively received in the second protrusion-receiving recess 367 and the second projection-receiving recess 369. In other words, the driving member 51 and the engaging projection 521 are moved from the respective one of the first and second unretained positions to the respective one of the first and second retained positions, thereby securing the handle 4 at the rest position, and securing the child carrier 20 on the stroller frame 21.
  • While the present invention has been described in connection with what is considered the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is understood that this invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiment but is intended to cover various arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the broadest interpretation and equivalent arrangements.

Claims (8)

1. A child carrier adapted to be coupled to a stroller frame that is provided with a pair of first interlocking members, said child carrier comprising:
a child-carrying member adapted to carry a child therein;
a handle including two opposite end portions that are pivoted to said child-carrying member, and operable so as to rotate relative to said child-carrying member between a holding position and a rest position;
a pair of second interlocking members connected to said child-carrying member at positions corresponding to said end portions of said handle, respectively, each of said second interlocking members being movable between a locking position, where said second interlocking member is adapted to engage a respective one of the first interlocking members of the stroller frame when said child carrier is mounted on the stroller frame and said handle is disposed at the rest position, thereby securing said child carrier to the stroller frame, and an unlocking position, where said second interlocking member is adapted to disengage the respective one of the first interlocking members when said child carrier is mounted on the stroller frame and said handle is disposed at the holding position, thereby permitting removal of said child carrier from the stroller frame; and
a pair of position-controlling mechanisms pivoted to said child-carrying member at positions corresponding to said end portions of said handle, each of said position-controlling mechanisms including a driving member that is rotatable together with said handle from a first angular position, where said driving member is angularly spaced apart from a respective one of said second interlocking members, to a second angular position, where said driving member is in contact with the respective one of said second interlocking members and drives movement of the respective one of said second interlocking members from the unlocking position to the locking position, when said handle is rotated from the holding position to the rest position.
2. The child carrier as claimed in claim 1, wherein:
said child-carrying member includes a pair of opposite side wall units, each of said side wall units having a U-shaped wall part with opposing inner and outer wall portions that define a gap therebetween, said outer wall portion being formed with an annular groove, and a through-hole that is in spatial communication with said annular groove, said child-carrying member further including two fulcrum-mounting seats that are mounted securely and respectively in said gaps in said side wall units at positions corresponding to said end portions of said handle;
each of said second interlocking members includes a fulcrum plate that is pivoted to a respective one of said fulcrum-mounting seats, and that has a driven end formed with a driven protrusion, and an engaging end opposite to said driven end and disposed outwardly of said gap in the respective one of said side wall units, said driven protrusion extending through said through-hole and into said annular groove in the respective one of said side wall units when said driving member of the respective one of said position-controlling mechanisms is disposed at the second angular position; and
said driving member of each of said position-controlling mechanisms is received in said annular groove during movement between the first and second annular positions,
said driving member of each of said position-controlling mechanisms being in contact with said driven protrusion of the respective one of said second interlocking members and driving said driven protrusion out of said annular groove in the respective one of said side wall units when said driving member is disposed at the second angular position, resulting in pivotal movement of said fulcrum plate of the respective one of said second interlocking members relative to the respective one of said fulcrum-mounting seats, such that said engaging end of said fulcrum plate engages the respective one of the first interlocking members of the stroller frame.
3. The child carrier as claimed in claim 2, wherein:
each of said position-controlling mechanisms further includes a control plate pivoted to said child-carrying member, connected to said handle, and formed with a driving protrusion that protrudes therefrom and that defines said driving member; and
said outer wall portion of said U-shaped wall part of each of said side wall units of said child-carrying member has an outer surrounding wall component that surrounds said annular groove and that is formed with first and second protrusion-receiving recesses around said annular groove,
when said driving protrusion is disposed at a selected one of the first and second angular positions, said driving protrusion is movable between a first unretained position, where said driving protrusion is received in said annular groove in the vicinity of a respective one of said first and second protrusion-receiving recesses, and a first retained position, where said driving protrusion is received in the respective one of said first and second protrusion-receiving recesses, thereby securing said handle at a respective one of the holding and rest positions.
4. The child carrier as claimed in claim 3, wherein each of said position-controlling mechanisms further includes an urging member abutting against said control plate and said handle in such a manner that pressing of said control plate against urging action of said urging member results in movement of said driving protrusion from the first retained position to the first unretained position.
5. The child carrier as claimed in claim 4, wherein:
said handle includes a holding portion that interconnects said end portions, each of said end portions of said handle being formed with an opening; and
said control plate of each of said position-controlling mechanisms includes an operating portion disposed between the respective one of said end portions of said handle and said outer surrounding wall component of said outer wall portion of said U-shaped wall part of a respective one of said side wall units, and having said driving protrusion formed thereon, and a pressing portion extending from said operating portion through said opening in the respective one of said end portions of said handle for pressing of said control plate against urging action of said urging member.
6. The child carrier as claimed in claim 5, wherein:
each of said end portions includes a cover wall for covering said annular groove in the respective one of said side wall units, a pivot protrusion extending from said cover wall toward said annular groove, and a surrounding wall that extends transversely from a periphery of said cover wall and that is formed with a notch to configure said end portion with said opening, said cover wall being formed with a spring-disposing groove for receiving said urging member of the respective one of said position-controlling mechanisms therein; and
said operating portion of said control plate of each of said position-controlling mechanisms is further formed with a pivot post defining a pivot hole disposed distal from said pressing portion of said control plate for receiving said pivot protrusion of the respective one of said end portions of said handle therein, so as to permit pivotal movement of said control plate relative to said handle and said child-carrying member.
7. The child carrier as claimed in claim 3, wherein:
said outer wall portion of said U-shaped wall part of each of said side wall units further has a hollow shaft; and
said handle further has two pins, each of which extends through said cover wall of a respective one of said end portions of said handle and said control plate of a respective one of said position-controlling mechanisms and into said hollow shaft of said outer wall portion of said U-shaped wall part of a respective one of said side wall units to permit pivotal movement of said handle relative to said child-carrying member.
8. The child carrier as claimed in claim 3, wherein:
said control plate of each of said position-controlling mechanisms is further formed with an engaging projection spaced apart from said driving protrusion; and
said outer wall portion of said U-shaped wall part of each of said side wall units of said child-carrying member further has an inner surrounding wall component that is surrounded by said outer surrounding wall component, that cooperates with said outer surrounding wall component to define said annular groove therebetween, and that is formed with first and second projection-receiving recesses surrounded by said annular groove,
when said driving protrusion of each of said position-controlling mechanisms is disposed at the first unretained position, said engaging projection of the respective one of said position-controlling mechanisms is disposed at a second unretained position, where said engaging projection is received in said annular groove in the respective one of said side wall units,
when said driving protrusion of each of said position-controlling mechanisms is disposed at the first retained position and at a selected one of the first and second angular positions, said engaging projection of the respective one of said position-controlling mechanisms is disposed at a second retained position, where said engaging projection is received in a respective one of said first and second projection-receiving recesses, thereby securing said handle at a respective one of the holding and rest positions.
US11/286,032 2005-11-23 2005-11-23 Child carrier Abandoned US20070114825A1 (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US11/286,032 US20070114825A1 (en) 2005-11-23 2005-11-23 Child carrier
DE202005018935U DE202005018935U1 (en) 2005-11-23 2005-12-03 Child stretcher, has grab handle with two opposite end areas that are tiltably mounted at child stretcher unit, where pair of locking units arrange handle in neutral position, such that stretcher is locked on baby carriage support frame

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US11/286,032 US20070114825A1 (en) 2005-11-23 2005-11-23 Child carrier
DE202005018935U DE202005018935U1 (en) 2005-11-23 2005-12-03 Child stretcher, has grab handle with two opposite end areas that are tiltably mounted at child stretcher unit, where pair of locking units arrange handle in neutral position, such that stretcher is locked on baby carriage support frame

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US20070114825A1 true US20070114825A1 (en) 2007-05-24

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US11/286,032 Abandoned US20070114825A1 (en) 2005-11-23 2005-11-23 Child carrier

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US (1) US20070114825A1 (en)
DE (1) DE202005018935U1 (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9371017B2 (en) 2012-07-03 2016-06-21 Kids Ii, Inc. Pivotal handle lock/release mechanism for child car seat

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9371017B2 (en) 2012-07-03 2016-06-21 Kids Ii, Inc. Pivotal handle lock/release mechanism for child car seat

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