WO2010128633A1 | 2010-11-11 | |||
WO2012043435A1 | 2012-04-05 | |||
WO2008102023A1 | 2008-08-28 |
US20130038030A1 | 2013-02-14 | |||
US3485507A | 1969-12-23 |
Claims 1. A vehicle operable between a stroller mode for carrying an occupant and a tricycle mode for permitting the occupant to steer the vehicle comprising: a frame capable of supporting the weight of an occupant; a pair of rear wheels rotatable connected to the frame; a reclinable chair capable of reclining to an angle greater than 120 degrees between the base of chair and the back support of the chair; at least one front wheel; a pair of pedals, each pedal configured to rotate at least one front wheel; a parental handle for pushing the vehicle from behind; and a detachable handlebar, configured to steer the at least one front wheel when in the tricycle mode, being configured to be rotationally coupled with the front wheel in a manner permitting a tricycle rider to exert forces on the rider handle and thereby steer the front wheel when in the tricycle mode. 2. The tricycle of claim 1, wherein the detachable handlebar is configured to be reattached as a restrainer for the occupant in the stroller mode. 3. The tricycle of claim 1, wherein the foot rest region in the stroller mode serves as the seat region in the tricycle mode. 4. The tricycle of claim 1, wherein the chair of the occupant in the stroller mode reclines to an angle greater than 140 degrees. 5. The tricycle of claim 1, wherein the front wheel includes at least 2 reels. 6. The tricycle of claim 1, wherein the frame is foldable. |
Technical Field
The present invention relates to carriages and strollers that convert into a tricycle.
Background
A stroller that converts into a child's tricycle can be handy.
WO2008102023 discloses a stroller convertible into a child's tricycle by use of a common chassis base, where the stroller has a chair with a high back for the shoulders and head and a handle for pushing, while the tricycle has a chair with a low back, where both are assembled on the base of a generally T- shaped common chassis. The crossbar of the "T" bearing the axle for the back wheels and the stem associated with the handlebar, is held in such a way that the child's tricycle includes in the stem of the T-shaped chassis means for positioning and securing a chair, means for positioning and securing an element for pushing from behind, a first chair with a high back, defining a stroller when erected, and a second chair with a low back, and defining a child's tricycle when in the use position.
It would therefore be desired to propose a system void of these deficiencies. Summary
It is an object of the present invention to provide a stroller which can be converted into a tricycle. It is another object of the present invention to provide a vehicle that can accommodate an occupant from birth to childhood.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide a vehicle that can be changed from one mode as a stroller to another mode as a tricycle easily and effectively, without requiring special tools.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide a vehicle that can be folded like a stroller on one hand and can accommodate a rider as a tricycle on the other hand.
Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent as the description proceeds.
The present invention relates to a vehicle operable between a stroller mode for carrying an occupant and a tricycle mode for permitting the occupant to steer the vehicle comprising: (a) a frame capable of supporting the weight of an occupant; (b) a pair of rear wheels rotatable connected to the frame; (c) a reclinable chair capable of reclining to an angle greater than 120 degrees between the base of chair and the back support of the chair; (d) at least one front wheel capable of being configured as a swivel wheel in the stroller mode and capable of being pedaled by the occupant in the tricycle mode; (e) a pair of pedals, each pedal configured to rotate at least one front wheel; (f) a parental handle for pushing the vehicle from behind; and (g) a detachable handlebar, configured to enable the vehicle occupant to steer the at least one front wheel when in the tricycle mode. Preferably, the detachable handlebar is configured to be reattached as a restrainer for the occupant in the stroller mode.
Preferably, the foot rest region in the stroller mode serves as the seat region in the tricycle mode.
Preferably, the chair of the occupant in the stroller mode reclines to an angle greater than 140 degrees.
Preferably, the front wheel includes at least 2 reels.
The present invention also relates to a foldable vehicle operable between a stroller mode for carrying an occupant and a tricycle mode for permitting the occupant to steer the tricycle, the vehicle comprising: (a) a foldable frame; (b) a pair of rear wheels for rotatable connection to the frame; (c) at least one front wheel capable of being configured as a swivel wheel in the stroller mode and capable of being turned by the occupant in the tricycle mode; (d) a pair of pedals, each pedal configured to rotate the at least one front wheel; (e) a parental handle for permitting an individual to push the tricycle from behind; and (f) a detachable handlebar, configured to enable a vehicle occupant to turn the at least one front wheel in the tricycle mode.
Preferably, the detachable handlebar is configured to be reattached as a restrainer for the occupant in the stroller mode.
Preferably, the foot rest region in the stroller mode serves as the seat region in the tricycle mode. Preferably, the chair of the occupant in the stroller mode reclines to an angle greater than 140 degrees.
Preferably, the front wheel includes at least 2 reels. Brief Description of the Drawings
The accompanying drawings, and specific references to their details, are herein used, by way of example only, to illustratively describe some of the embodiments of the invention.
In the drawings:
Fig. 1 depicts the vehicle in its stroller mode of operation, according to an embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 2 depicts the vehicle in its tricycle mode of operation, according to an embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 3 depicts the axel and the front wheel, according to an embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 4a depicts a front wheel, according to an embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 4b depicts the front wheel without the left reel, according to an embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 4c depicts the front wheel without the right reel, according to an embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 4d depicts the front wheel axle and the 2 bolts, according to an embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 5 depicts the front wheel, in the tricycle mode, according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 6a depicts the front wheel, comprising the 2 reels, in the tricycle mode, according to an embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 6b depicts the front wheel axle and the bolts, according to an embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 7a depicts the detachable handlebar, according to an embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 7b depicts the front wheel and the stem, according to an embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 8 depicts the footrest, in the stroller mode, according to an embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 9 depicts the footrest, in the tricycle mode, according to an embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 10 depicts the footrest and the front wheel assembly, in the tricycle mode, according to an embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 11 depicts the vehicle in its folded state, according to an embodiment of the invention.
Detailed Description
The terms of "front", "rear", "down", "up", "bottom", "upper", "horizontal", "vertical", "right", "left" or any reference to sides or directions are used throughout the description for the sake of brevity alone and are relative terms only and not intended to require a particular component orientation.
Embodiments of the invention may include a vehicle operable between a stroller mode of operation and a tricycle mode of operation. A vehicle, as used herein, includes any wheeled carrier which may be used for transporting an occupant such as a baby, infant, toddler, child, etc. Fig. 1, for example, illustrates an isometric view of the vehicle, which can be used in a stroller mode of operation where a parent or any other individual may use the vehicle to transport a baby, a toddler, a child, or any other occupant or load. A tricycle mode of operation may be accomplished, for example, when the vehicle is set for an occupant to sit, pedal and/or steer the vehicle, as illustrated in Fig. 2.
Fig. 1, which illustrates the vehicle in its stroller mode of operation, according to an embodiment of the invention, depicts a frame which may be foldable, collapsible, extendable, adjustable, un-foldable, non-extendable, or any other type of frame. The frame 100 may be comprised of one or more rigid parts made of metal, metal alloy, plastic or any other rigid material capable of carrying an occupant and/or a load. In one embodiment the frame 100 comprises a number of straight and bent metal tubes which are held together by plastic interconnectors, welding, screws, bolts, and/or by any other connecting methods. In some embodiments the vehicle's frame 100 is also connected, e.g. welded, to a head tube 800.
Embodiments of the invention may include a vehicle having a frame and a pair of rear wheels for rotatable connection to the frame. As illustrated in Fig. 1, the exemplary vehicle may include a frame 100. Two rear wheels 200 may be supported toward the rear of the frame 100. The frame 100 may be made of any material or have any structure, shape, or configuration capable of supporting an occupant or a load. The two rear wheels 200 may be made of any combination of a rigid and soft material capable of rotating and supporting the frame 100 and an occupant or a load.
In one embodiment, each of the rear wheels 200 may be rotatably connected to and supported by one of the back legs of the frame 100, effectively allowing the rear wheels 200 to rotate frontwards or backwards. A brake may be added to one or more of the rear wheels 200 for locking one or more of the wheels, and preventing the vehicle from rolling down. In an embodiment, a brake controller is added near one of the rear wheels and connected to the brake. In another embodiment, the brake controller controls the locking of both rear wheels, such as by connecting the break controller to its far rear wheel brake as well by a rod or a cable, in addition to the connection with its near wheel brake. A chair 300 may be connected, directly or indirectly, to the frame 100, by any known method such as by snap in buttons. The chair 300 may have any configuration capable of supporting an occupant or a load. The chair 300 may be made of elastic materials such as fabric, or it may be made of rigid materials such as plastic, or it may be made of both elastic and rigid materials such as a plastic chair covered with fabric. In some embodiments, the chair 300 may be sewed to the frame 100 permanently or attached to the frame 100 in a nonpermanent form, for example, the chair 300 may include Velcro straps, or buttons, or screws, for fastening and unfastening the chair 300 to the frame 100. In one embodiment, the chair 300 is made from an elastic fabric which is held to the frame 100 by snap in buttons which allow the removal of the chair from the frame for washing. The chair may have a permanent sitting form, or the chair may be reclinable. In one embodiment, the chair can be reclined from a sitting position which permits an occupant to sit straight to a reclining position which permits an occupant to sleep comfortably. In one embodiment the chair may be reclined to an angle greater than 120 degrees between the base of chair and the back support of the chair. In another embodiment the chair may be reclined to an angle greater than 140 degrees between base and back support. In one embodiment the chair may be reclined to an angle varying between 90 and 180 degrees between base and back support. The varying reclining positions may be held by a cord with a fastener which supports the back support or by any mechanical means such as a positions selector handle. The frame 100 and the rear wheels 200 may be designed to support the weight of the chair 300 and an occupant sitting in the chair 300 who may be an infant, child, etc. in any posture such as sitting, sleeping, etc. The handlebar 600 may be used in the stroller mode as a restrainer or as a child protector. In one embodiment a lock/unlock mechanism 500 may be added for unlocking and folding the vehicle as will be described in relations to Fig. 11. In one embodiment, the foot rest 900 may be designed to hold and protect the legs and feet of the occupant when he is sitting in the chair 300.
Embodiments of the invention may include a parental handle 400, as described in relations to Fig. 1, which may be used for pushing the vehicle from behind by an individual, e.g. a parent. The parental handle 400 may also be used by the individual for steering the vehicle from behind when in the stroller mode. Since the front wheel 700 of the vehicle may act as a swivel wheel, pushing the vehicle left or right can align the front wheel 700 in that direction and further pushing of the vehicle by the parental handle 400 can steer the vehicle in that selected direction.
Fig. 2, which illustrates the vehicle in its tricycle mode of operation, according to an embodiment of the invention, depicts some of the same components as described in relation to Fig. 1, such as the frame 100 rear wheels 200, the parental handle 400, and head tube 800. However in the tricycle mode, the handlebar 600 may be repositioned from the restrainer position into the head tube 800 and used as a steering means for the occupant riding the vehicle. In the tricycle mode the pedals 715-716 may be unfolded from the front wheel 700, and the seat 900 may be unfolded from within the foot rest for accommodating the riding occupant.
Embodiments of the invention may include at least one front wheel 700, having a center axis, which is configured to swivel when the vehicle is in the stroller mode and to be controlled, turned, or steered by the occupant when the vehicle is in the tricycle mode. For example, in Fig. 3, the axis of the front wheel 700 may be located at the center of the axel 710 of the front wheel 700. The axis of the front wheel 700 is positioned at a distance D from the axis 720 of the stem 730 of the shaft 740. Thus the axis of the front wheel 700 can trail the stem axis 720 as a swivel wheel. In an embodiment, the minimal distance D between the stem axis 720 and the front wheel axis is between 15-40mm. In another embodiment the minimal distance D between the stem axis 720 and the front wheel axis is between 5-40mm. In yet another embodiment the minimal distance D between the stem axis 720 and the front wheel axis is between 10-80mm. In yet another embodiment the minimal distance D between the stem axis 720 and the front wheel axis is greater than 5mm. Since the stem 720 may be rotatably held by the frame (not shown) of the vehicle, when the vehicle is in the stroller mode, the pushing from behind the vehicle, of right or left, will align the front wheel 700 with the pushing direction and allow an individual, who is pushing the vehicle, to steer the vehicle in these directions.
Embodiments of the invention may include a front wheel 700, as described in relations to Fig. 3, which may comprise 2 or more reels, such as reel 706, having a center axel 710. In one embodiment, the axel 710 rotatably connects the reels in order to allow the reels to perform as a swivel wheel(s), when in the stroller mode. In one embodiment, the axel 710 also may connect the reels in order to allow the leading of the vehicle by the reels, when in the tricycle mode. Fig. 4a-4d depict a front wheel 700 comprising 2 reels, 705-706, when in the stroller mode, according to an embodiment of the invention. In Fig. 4a the front wheel 700 comprises 2 reels 705-706 which are located about both sides of the shaft 740, according to an embodiment of the invention. In Fig. 4b the front wheel 700, as described in relations to Fig. 4a, is illustrated without the left reel 705. In the diagram, the axle 701 of front wheel 700 may be rotatably held by shaft 740 which allows the axle 701 to rotate around its center axis, which may be similar to the axis of the reel 706. In one embodiment, the reels 705-706 may also be rotatably connected to the axle 701, effectively allowing the reels 705-706 to rotate freely. In other embodiments, one or more of the reels 705-706 may be fully connected to the axle 701, and may be rotated with axle 701. Fig. 4c depicts the front wheel 700, as described in relations to Fig. 4b, without the right reel 706. Fig. 4d depicts the front wheel axle 701 and the 2 bolts 702. In this mode, the stroller mode, the 2 bolts 702 are positioned out of the axle 701, for allowing the reels 705-706 and the axle 701 of the front wheel to rotate freely as a swivel wheel. As shown in Fig. 4c, the bolts may be positioned out of axle 701 by the special geometry of the folded pedals' axles 718.
Embodiments of the invention may include at least one front wheel 700, having a center axis, which is configured to lead the vehicle when in the tricycle mode and to be rotated, controlled, turned, or steered by the occupant in the tricycle mode, as described in relations o Fig. 2. For example, in Fig. 5 the front wheel is shown after turning the front wheel 700 around the stem axis 720 in approximately 180 degrees. In consequence the axis of the front wheel 700 is positioned to lead the axis 720 of the stem 730 of the shaft 740. Thus if a rider pedals or steers the front wheel 700, the front wheel can lead the vehicle forward.
Fig. 6a-6b depict the front wheel 700, comprising 2 reels, as described in relations to Figs 4a-4d, in the tricycle mode, according to an embodiment of the invention. In Fig. 6a, in the tricycle mode, where the front wheel axis is intended to lead the stem axis, the reels 705-706 may each have a pedal, 715- 716 accordingly, attached to it. The pedals 715-716 may be unfolded from inside the reels 705-706 in the tricycle mode, or folded back inside the reels 705-706 when in the stroller mode. When unfolded, the pedal 715, which may be rotatably connected to the reel 705, is configured to allow the rotating of reel 705, where the pedal 716, which may be ratatably connected to the reel 706, is configured to allow the rotating of reel 706. Furthermore, as depicted in Fig. 6b, once the right pedal 716 is unfolded, the right bolt 702 snaps into the axle 701, by a spring or any other method, due to the special geometry of the pedal's unfolding axle 718, where the same can be said for the left pedal 715. Thus, once the pedals 715-716 are unfolded, both bolts 702 may lock into axle 701, effectively locking the 2 centers of reels 705-706 together, which allows the pedaling of the front wheel by pedaling the right reel 705 and the connected left reel 706. In both modes, the stroller mode and the tricycle mode, the axle 701 may be rotatably held by shaft 740. In both modes, the stroller mode and the tricycle mode, the shaft 740 may be rotatably held by head tube 800, for allowing the front wheel to turn left or right.
In an embodiment, a button such as button 761 may be added in the head tube 800, as described in relations to Fig. 6a. The button 761 may be used for changing the selectively restriction of the front wheel's movement left and right between the vehicle's different modes. For example, when the vehicle is in the stroller mode and the front wheel is intended to swivel according to the pushing direction of the individual pushing the vehicle from behind, the front wheel's movement left and right may be restricted to less than 180 degrees where the shaft 740 axis always leads the front wheel 700 axis. Nevertheless, when converting the vehicle to the tricycle mode, the button 761 may be pressed and the front wheel 700 may be turned while exceeding the restriction in order to place the front wheel in a new restriction where the front wheel 700 axis always leads the shaft 740 axis. Thus the button 761 may be used for turning the front wheel from one restriction mode to another restriction mode. Embodiments of the invention may also include one or more rotation restrictors which may restrict the front wheel to a certain angle. For example, in the tricycle mode, where the front wheel axis may lead the shaft 740 axis, the front wheel may be restricted to an angle of between 70°-100° in order to prevent the front wheel, or the handlebar, from hurting the occupant riding the vehicle. In another embodiment, the front wheel may be restricted to an angle of between 50°- 150°. In another example, in the stroller mode, where the front wheel axis may trail the fork axis, the front wheel may be unrestricted and may swivel all the 360°. In one embodiment the front wheel may also be restricted, when desired, to one position, such as a front position, where the front wheel can lead the vehicle in a straight line only. In another embodiment, the front wheel may be restricted to an angle of between 70°- 100° in order to prevent the front wheel from turning to a position where the front wheel axis leads the fork axis during travel or from turning to a position which burdens the swivel wheel's easy alignment. In another embodiment the front wheel may be restricted to an angle of between 50°- 179°. As used herein, "a rotation restrictor for preventing" includes any structure capable of restricting the rotational movement of the front wheel, regardless of whether the restrictor completely prevents rotation past a certain point, or whether the restrictor only prevents rotation past a certain point when forces exerted are below a threshold (e.g., the restrictor may exert a bias force that may be overcome by an opposing force greater than the bias force.) In either instance, rotation restrictors consistent with embodiments of the invention may be used to maintain the front wheel in a certain temporal orientation whether the front wheel axis leads the fork axis or whether the front wheel axis trails the fork axis.
Fig. 7a depicts the detachable handlebar 600, as described in relations to Fig. 1 and 2, according to an embodiment of the invention. The depicted detachable handlebar 600 may be configured to enable a vehicle occupant to steer and turn the front wheel of the vehicle when the vehicle is in the tricycle mode. When converting the vehicle from the stroller mode to the tricycle mode the handlebar 600 may be repositioned from its restrainer position, as depicted in Fig. 1, to its position as the steering handle of the vehicle, as depicted in Fig. 2. In an embodiment, the handlebar 600 may have a non- circle shaped cavity 646, such as a half circle, which corresponds to the top shape 746 of the stem 730 as depicted in Fig. 7b. When the handlebar 600 is moved, in the tricycle mode, into the head tube of the vehicle over the top 746 of the stem 730 of the front wheel, i.e. to its position as the steering handle of the vehicle, the stem's top 746 is inserted into the cavity 646 of the handlebar 600 in a close pairing fit. Thus, the pairing allows the rider to control the movement right and left of the front wheel by moving the handlebar 600 right and left. Other pairing methods may be used as well such as a shaped protrusion on the handlebar 600 and a corresponding cavity on top of the stem 730.
Fig. 8 depicts the footrest 900, in the stroller mode, as described in relations to Fig. 1, according to an embodiment of the invention. In the stroller mode the footrest 900 is designed to hold and protect the occupant's legs and feet. Thus if the occupant sits on the chair (not shown) of the vehicle he can place his feet on the bottom parts 920 of the foot rest 900, and rest the back of his legs on the leg support 910. Fig. 9, on the other hand, depicts the footrest 900, in the tricycle mode, as described in relations to Fig. 2, according to an embodiment of the invention. In the tricycle mode a seat 930 may be unfolded from behind the leg support 910, and placed above the foot rest 920, for allowing the occupant to sit lower and closer to the handlebar (not shown) and the front wheel's pedals (not shown). The seat 930 may be designed to be located at a certain distance from the handlebar (not shown) and at a certain distance the front wheel's pedals (not shown) in order to allow a child or any occupant to pedal and steer the vehicle easily when in the tricycle mode. In some embodiments the seat 930 may be used by any unfolding technique or added as a separate part. The seat 930 may be constructed using any rigid material such as plastic or metal.
Fig. 10 depicts the footrest and the front wheel assembly, in the tricycle mode, as described in relations to Fig. 2 and 9, according to an embodiment of the invention. In an embodiment, a telescopic extendable arm 960 may be added to the frame of the vehicle for extending the distance between the seat 930 and the front wheel's pedals 715 and 716. The extendable arm 960 may be constructed of any rigid material such metal or metal alloy and may be movably connected to the frame of the vehicle using a bearing or any other extending technique. Thus by using an extendible arm 960 the vehicle may be used, in the tricycle mode, where the distance between the seat 930 and the pedals 715 and 716 is designed to accommodate the distance between the pelvis of the occupant and his feet, on one hand, and on the other hand, the same vehicle may be used in its stroller mode by inserting the arm 960 into the frame and thus reducing the overall wheel base size of the vehicle. Other embodiments may be used for extending the distance between the seat 930 and the pedals 715 and 716. In one embodiment, the arm 960 is non- extendible and stationary keeping the same distance between the seat 930 and the pedals 715 and 716.
In one embodiment the vehicle of the invention may be used for adding a berth instead of the chair for accompanying an infant occupant. In one embodiment, the berth may be added to the vehicle by attaching the berth on connectors constructed on the frame of the vehicle for this purpose. Fig. 11 depicts the vehicle in its folded state, according to an embodiment of the invention. The vehicle may be folded for easy carrying or storing. The folding may be done using the lock/unlock mechanism 500 described in relations to Fig. 1. The lock/unlock mechanism 500 may be any known lock/unlock mechanism used in strollers such as used in the Graco Ultima and the folding technique may be any stroller folding technique such as used in the Graco Ultima or the Britax B-agile.
While the above description discloses many embodiments and specifications of the invention, these were described by way of illustration and should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention. The described invention may be carried into practice with many modifications which are within the scope of the appended claims.