초록 ▼

A fold flat walking or jogging stroller is disclosed, which includes at least three wheels which all include pivoting wheel support units. The wheel support units include, in various embodiments, simple manually manipulable methods to latch each wheel in the operative or stowed flat positions, which

A fold flat walking or jogging stroller is disclosed, which includes at least three wheels which all include pivoting wheel support units. The wheel support units include, in various embodiments, simple manually manipulable methods to latch each wheel in the operative or stowed flat positions, which effectively allows the device to fold to a flat profile without any wheel being detached. Associated innovations include a pivoting or floating transverse axle replicating unit, which pivots and latches to replicate a typical fixed wheel axle, but conveniently pivots to a fold flat stowed position. The innovations may also be applied to miscellaneous other types of wheeled carrier devices besides strollers, such as gurneys, golf bag carriers, and hunting game carriers as several examples.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A wheeled carrier device, said device comprising:a support frame defining a side elevational profile and an outer perimeter; and a retention element affixed to said support frame; and a rigid handle structure at least partly melded with said support frame, and at least one forwardmost wheel suppo

1. A wheeled carrier device, said device comprising:a support frame defining a side elevational profile and an outer perimeter; and a retention element affixed to said support frame; and a rigid handle structure at least partly melded with said support frame, and at least one forwardmost wheel support unit and at least two rear wheel support units affixed to said support frame, each providing rolling support to said carrier device in their operative position, and each of said wheel support units including a wheel having an outer periphery, and having a central axis of rotation and an arm structure, defining a plane; and said forwardmost wheel being movable between the first, operative position wherein said forwardmost wheel is erected to provide rolling support for said support frame and wherein the plane defined by said forwardmost wheel and said rear wheels extends substantially orthogonally to the side elevational profile of the support frame, and a second, stowed position of said forwardmost wheel, the plane defined by said wheel of said forwardmost wheel support unit being swept through an angle during movement of said wheel support unit between said first and second positions such that the plane defined by said wheel and its central axis of rotation in the second position of said forwardmost wheel support unit is substantially parallel with and substantially within the side elevational profile and outer perimeter of said support frame; and releaseable latching means, for positively latching said forwardmost wheel support unit in both of said first and second positions thereof; the wheel of the at least one forwardmost wheel support unit, in the first, operative position thereof, being disposed in a plane parallel with the wheels of said rear wheel support units in their operative positions thereof, and being, in use, directed downwardly in said first, operative position thereof, and the wheel of the at least one forwardmost wheel support unit, in the second, stowed position thereof, being directed substantially toward the center of said support frame, and the at least one forwardmost wheel support unit further includes at least one supporting brace at least partly mounted to said forwardmost wheel support unit; and in a first operative position said supporting brace at least partly abuts said support frame, and in a second, stowed position at least a part of said supporting brace is detached from said abutment with to said to support frame. 2. A device in accordance with claim 1 wherein the at least one arm structure of said at least one forward wheel support unit is fixated against axial rotation in said first, operative, latched position and when unlatched from said position, said wheel and said one arm structure of the wheel support unit are rotated at least 90 degrees and moved into the second, stowed position parallel with the support frame, substantially within the side elevational profile of said support frame.3. A device in accordance with claim 1 wherein at least one part of said brace is at least partly mounted along the underside of the support frame in said first position, causing gravitational force from downwardly applied weight to the retention element affixed to the support frame to maintain said first, operative position of at least one forward most wheel support unit.4. A wheeled carrier device in accordance with claim 1 wherein the at least one arm structure mounted to said forwardmost wheel is further mounted to a pivot joint; andsaid joint is further mounted to said support frame; and said joint and said releaseable latching means in said first, operative position, retain said forwardmost wheel of said forwardmost wheel support unit in said operative, in use position substantially parallel with said rear wheels in their operative position; and in an intermediate position, said forward wheel support unit and said arm structure is released from said latch means and both movable on said joint along a substantially vertical plane, and rotatable along an axis of rotation of said joint at least 90 degrees; and in the second, stowed position, said forwardmost wheel is directed inward toward the center of said support frame. 5. A device in accordance with claim 1 wherein the forwardmost wheel, in said operative position, rotates 360 degrees on its axis.6. A wheeled carrier device in accordance with claim 1 comprising:a transverse axle replicating unit mounted to said support frame, movable between a first, operative, position, replicating the securement of a transverse axle mounted at least near the central axis of rotation between at least two rear wheel support units providing rolling support, and a second, stowed, position wherein the components comprising said axle replicating unit are parallel with and latched substantially within the side elevational profile of said support frame; and said transverse axle replicating unit includes latching means at least near each of two ends, which latching means are latched and released by at least one operative means located on the transverse axle replicating unit; and in use, when at least two said wheels are in their operative position, and said transverse axle replicating unit is also in the first, operative position, said operative latching means latch said transverse axle replicating unit between said operative wheel support units replicating a transverse axle; and whereby the transverse axle replicating unit operative means are manipulated by the user to effect release of said transverse axle replicating unit from between said wheels and said transverse axle replicating unit is movable to said second, stowed and latched position. 7. A device in accordance with claim 6 wherein movement of the transverse axle replicating unit between said first and second positions causes said wheels of at least two wheel support units to be automatically moved from their said first operative position into said second position parallel with and substantially within the side elevational profile of said support frame of said device, and wherein reverse movement of the transverse axle replicating unit causes reverse movement of said wheels.8. A wheeled carrier device in accordance with claim 6 wherein the transverse axle replicating unit includes at least one spring-biased latch component, and in the first, operative position of the transverse axle replicating unit, the spring-biasing causes latching of said replicating unit between said operative rear wheel support units.9. A wheeled carrier device in accordance with claim 6 wherein user movement of the operative means located on the transverse axle replicating unit in said first, operative position causes resilient retention between the latching means on each end of said transverse axle replicating unit and said operative rear wheel support units.10. A wheeled carrier device in accordance with claim 6 wherein user manipulation of at least one sliding member located along the transverse axle replicating unit latches said unit between at least two operative rear wheel support units.11. A wheeled carrier device in accordance with claim 6 wherein user rotational movement of said operative latching means located along the transverse axle replicating unit, causes retention between the ends of said unit and said operative rear wheel support units.12. A wheeled carrier device in accordance with claim 1 wherein in the said second, stowed position of the wheels, all said wheels are affixed to said support frame along a substantially common horizontal plane.13. A device in accordance with claim 1 wherein the latch means which latches and releases the at least one forward most wheel support unit in both said first and second positions is one and the same means.14. A device in accordance with claim 1 wherein the forward most wheel support unit latch means is recessed within the side elevational profile of the support frame.15. A device in accordance with claim 1 wherein the forward most wheel support unit latch means is mounted to the forward most wheel support unit.16. A device in accordance with claim 1 wherein said forward most wheel support unit latching means include at least one spring-biased latch mounted to the wheel support unit.17. A device in accordance with claim 1 wherein said forward most wheel support unit latching means include at least one spring-biased latch mounted to the support frame.18. A device in accordance with claim 1 wherein said forward most wheel support unit latching means include at least one sliding member mounted to the wheel support unit.19. A device in accordance with claim 1 where said forward most wheel support unit latching means include at least one sliding member mounted to the support frame.20. A device in accordance with claim 1 wherein said forward most wheel support unit latching means include at least one resiliently movable member mounted to the wheel support unit.21. A device in accordance with claim 1 where said forward most wheel support unit latching means include at least one resiliently movable member mounted to the support frame.22. A device in accordance with claim 6 wherein the transverse axle replicating unit automatically latches between at least two wheel support units when said wheel support units are in their first, operative position and the transverse axle replicating unit is also moved to the first, operative position.23. A device in accordance with claim 1 wherein the at least two rear wheel support units further each include at least one first movable wheel support arm movably mounted to said support frame and at least one second extremity is movably mounted between both said first wheel support arm and the central axis of rotation of at least one wheel.24. A device in accordance with claim 1 wherein the retention element in the first, operative position forms at least one children's stroller seat that accommodates at least one child, and at least part of the support frame serves as the stroller handle.25. A device in accordance with claim 1 wherein at least two rear wheel support units are mounted on opposite sides of said support frame, the wheels of said two wheel support units, in the second, stowed, position of said two units, being positioned in at least partially overlapping relation and being disposed at least close to being in a plane parallel with the side elevational profile of the support frame, and at least close to being within the perimeter defined by said support frame.26. A device in accordance with claim 1 wherein said retention element in the first, operative position retains cargo.27. A device in accordance with claim 1 wherein said retention element in the first, operative position retains at least one person.28. A device in accordance with claim 1 further comprising a separable retention element mounted on a forward portion of said device which may be further mounted to a separate wheeled device to thereby couple the devices together for rolling movement.29. A device in accordance with claim 28 wherein the separable retention element is mounted at least to a portion of the forward most wheel support unit.30. A device in accordance with claim 1 wherein the wheel and its central axis of rotation, of at least one forward most said wheel support unit, in the second, stowed position of the at least one wheel support unit, is retained in a plane substantially parallel with the side elevational profile of the support frame, and a separable retention element is affixed to both said device and a portion of a separate wheeled device to thereby couple the devices together for rolling movement.31. A device in accordance with claim 1 wherein the retention element in the first, operative position forms at least one children's stroller seat that accommodates at least one child, and at least part of the support frame serves as the stroller handle.32. A device in accordance with claim 1 wherein said retention element in the first, operative position retains golfing equipment.33. A device in accordance with claim 1 wherein said retention element in the first, operative position retains hunting game.34. A device in accordance with claim 1 wherein said wheel support unit latching means include at least one spring-biased latch mounted to the wheel support unit.35. A device in accordance with claim 1 wherein said wheel support unit latching means include at least one spring-biased latch mounted to the support frame.36. A device in accordance with claim 1 wherein said wheel support unit latching means include at least one sliding member mounted to the wheel support unit.37. A device in accordance with claim 1 where said wheel support unit latching means include at least one sliding member mounted to the support frame.38. A device in accordance with claim 1 wherein said wheel support unit latching means include at least one resiliently movable member mounted to the wheel support unit.39. A device in accordance with claim 1 where said wheel support unit latching means include at least one resiliently movable member mounted to the support frame.40. A wheeled carrier device, said device comprising:a support frame defining a side elevational profile and an outer perimeter; a retention element affixed to said support frame which forms a retention surface; and a rigid handle structure at least partly melded with said support frame, and at least one forwardmost wheel support unit and at least two rear wheel support units affixed to said support frame; each of said wheel support units including a wheel having an outer periphery, defining a plane, and having a central axis of rotation, and said wheel support units each being movable between a first, operative position wherein said wheels are erected to provide rolling support for said support frame and wherein the plane defined by each of said wheels extends substantially orthogonally to the side elevational profile of the support frame, and a second, stowed position, the plane defined by said wheels and said wheel units being swept through an angle during movement of said wheel support unit between said first and second positions such that the plane defined by each of said wheels and their central axis of rotation in the second position of said wheel support units extends parallel with and substantially within the outer perimeter and side elevational profile of said support frame; and the at least two rear wheel support units further each include: at least one first, movable wheel support arm mounted to said support frame movable in a substantially vertical plane; and at least one second extremity unit is movably mounted at least partially between said first wheel support arm and the central axis of rotation of at least one wheel, said second extremity unit defining a plane; and said second extremity unit is movable between a first, latched, operative position, in which the wheel of said second extremity unit provides rolling support substantially orthogonal to said support frame and a second, stowed, latched position in which the wheel of said second extremity unit is moved at least ninety degrees in the direction toward the center of said support frame; and latching means which positively latch each said second extremity unit and said wheel in said first and second positions; and a transverse axle replicating unit mounted to said support frame including at least one interconnecting arm mounted to at least one said first movable wheel support arm; and said transverse axle replicating unit is movable between the first, operative position replicating the securement of a transverse axle mounted at least near the central axis of rotation between at least two wheels providing rolling support, and a second, stowed position wherein the components comprising said axle replicating unit are parallel with and substantially within the side elevational profile of said support frame; and said transverse axle replicating unit includes latching means at least near each end which latch said transverse axle replicating unit between at least two wheel support units when said wheel support units are in their first, operative position and when the transverse axle replicating unit is also in the first, operative position; and operative means on said transverse axle replicating unit which both latch and release said axle replicating unit between said first, operative wheel operative support units; and latching means which latch and release said transverse axle replicating unit when said unit is in the second, stowed position. 41. A device in accordance with claim 40 wherein movement of the transverse axle replicating unit in the direction of the first, operative position transfers motion between the at least one interconnection arm mounted between said transverse axle replicating unit and the at least one first movable wheel support arm, which motion extends at least part of said first movable wheel support arm in a substantially vertical plane away from the support frame, and reverse movement of the transverse axle replicating unit from at least near the central axis of rotation of said operative rear wheel support units, in the direction toward the support frame, causes retraction of at least part of the said first movable wheel support arm in the direction terminating substantially within the side elevational profile of said support frame.42. A device in accordance with claim 40 wherein said forwardmost wheel is movable between the first, operative position wherein said forwardmost wheel is erected to provide rolling support for said support frame and wherein the plane defined by said forwardmost wheel and said rear wheels extends substantially orthogonally to the side elevational profile of the support frame, and a second, stowed position of said forwardmost wheel, the plane defined by said wheel of said forwardmost wheel support unit being swept through an angle during movement of said wheel support unit between said first and second positions such that the plane defined by said wheel and its central axis of rotation in the second position of said forwardmost wheel support unit is substantially parallel with and substantially within the side elevational profile and outer perimeter of said support frame; andthe at least one forwardmost wheel support unit further includes at least one supporting brace at least partly mounted to said forwardmost wheel support unit; and in a first operative position said supporting brace at least partly abuts said support frame, and in a second, stowed position at least a part of said supporting brace is detached from said abutment to said to support frame; and releaseable latching means, for positively latching said forwardmost wheel support unit in both of said first and second positions thereof. 43. A wheeled carrier device in accordance with claim 40 wherein in the said second, stowed position of the wheels, all said wheels are affixed to said support frame along a substantially common horizontal plane.44. A device in accordance with claim 40 wherein the forwardmost wheel, in said operative position, rotates 360 degrees on its axis.45. A device in accordance with claim 42 wherein the at least one forward wheel is fixated against axial rotation in said first, operative, latched position and when unlatched from said position, said wheel is rotated along its axis of rotation and moved into a second, stowed position parallel with the support frame, substantially within the side elevational profile of said support frame.46. A device in accordance with claim 42 wherein at least one part of said brace is at least partly mounted along the underside of the support frame in said first position, causing gravitational force from downwardly applied weight to the retention element affixed to the support frame to maintain said first, operative forward most wheel support unit position.47. A device in accordance with claim 40 wherein the retention element in the first, operative position forms at least one children's stroller seat that accommodates at least one child, and at least part of the support frame serves as the stroller handle.48. A device in accordance with claim 40 wherein at least two wheel support units are mounted on opposite sides of said support frame, the wheels of said two wheel support units, in the second, stowed, position of said two units, being positioned in at least partially overlapping relation and being disposed at least close to being in a plane parallel with the side elevational profile of the support frame, and at least close to being within the perimeter defined by said support frame.49. A device in accordance with claim 40 wherein said retention element in the first, operative position retains cargo.50. A device in accordance with claim 40 wherein said retention element in the first, operative position retains at least one person.51. A device in accordance with claim 40 wherein the transverse axle replicating unit latching means include at least one spring-biased latch means.52. A device in accordance with claim 40 wherein the transverse axle replicating unit latching means include a manually squeezable component.53. A device in accordance with claim 40 wherein movement of the transverse axle replicating unit between said first and second positions causes corresponding motion to each of at least two wheel support units, such that when the transverse axle replicating unit is in the first, operative position, each said wheel support unit wheel component is moved to the first, operative position, and when said transverse axle replicating unit is moved to a second, stowed position the wheel which forms a component part of each wheel support unit is at least partly moved closer to said support frame.54. A device in accordance with claim 40 wherein movement of the transverse axle replicating unit between said first and second positions causes said wheels of at least two wheel support units to be automatically moved from their said first operative position into said second position parallel with and substantially within the side elevational profile of said support frame of said device, and wherein reverse movement of the transverse axle replicating unit causes reverse movement of said wheels.55. A device in accordance with claim 40 wherein opposing wheels of at least two of said wheel support units, in the second, stowed, position of the at least two wheel support units, are disposed in a plane substantially parallel with the side elevational profile of the support frame.56. A wheeled carrier device, said device comprising:a support frame defining a side elevational profile, a horizontal plane, and an outer perimeter; a retention element affixed to said support frame which forms a retention surface; and a rigid handle structure at least partly melded with said support frame, and at least one forwardmost wheel support unit and two rear wheel support units affixed to said support frame; each of said wheel support units comprising a wheel having an outer periphery, defining a plane and having a central axis of rotation, and said wheel support units each being movable between a first, operative position wherein said wheels are erected to provide rolling support for said support frame and wherein the plane defined by each of said wheels extends substantially orthogonally to the side elevational profile of the support frame, and a second, stowed position, the plane defined by said wheels of said wheel support units being swept through an angle during movement of said wheel support units between said first and second positions such that the plane defined by each of said wheels in the second position of said wheel support units extends substantially parallel, and substantially within the side elevational profile of said support frame, closely contiguous to said retention element, the outer periphery of each of said wheels being disposed substantially within the outer perimeter defined by the support frame in the second position of said wheel support units and the axis of rotation of each of said wheels being disposed wholly within the outer perimeter defined by the support frame in the second position of said wheel support units; and releasable latching means, for positively latching said wheel support units in both of said first and second positions thereof, the wheel of the at least one forwardmost wheel assembly, in the first, operative position thereof, being disposed in a plane parallel with the wheels of said rear wheel support units in the first, operative positions thereof and being, in use, directed downwardly in said first, operative position thereof, and the wheel of the at least one forwardmost wheel assembly, in the second, stowed position thereof, being directed in an inward direction substantially perpendicular to the inward directions in which the wheels of the rear wheel support units are directed in the second, stowed positions thereof; and the at least one forwardmost wheel support unit further includes at least one supporting brace at least partly mounted to said forwardmost wheel support unit; and in a first operative position said supporting brace at least partly abuts said support frame, and in a second, stowed position at least a part of said supporting brace is detached from said abutment to said to support frame. 57. A wheeled carrier device in accordance with claim 56 wherein in the said second, stowed position of the wheels, all said wheels are affixed to said support frame along a substantially common horizontal plane.58. A wheeled carrier device in accordance with claim 56 wherein the at least two rear wheel support units further each include:at least one first, movable wheel support arm mounted to said support frame movable in a substantially vertical plane; and at least one second extremity unit is movably mounted at least partially between said first wheel support arm and the central axis of rotation of at least one wheel, said second extremity unit defining a plane; and said second extremity unit is movable between a first, latched, operative position, in which the wheel of said second extremity unit provides rolling support substantially orthogonal to said support frame and a second, stowed, latched position in which the wheel of said second extremity unit is moved at least ninety degrees in the direction toward the center of said support frame; and latching means which positively latch each said second extremity unit and said wheel in said first and second positions. 59. A device in accordance with claim 56 further including a transverse axle replicating unit mounted to said support frame; andsaid transverse axle replicating unit is movable between the first, operative position replicating the securement of a transverse axle mounted at least near the central axis of rotation between at least two wheels providing rolling support, and a second, stowed position wherein the components comprising said axle replicating unit are parallel with and substantially within the side elevational profile of said support frame; and said transverse axle replicating unit includes latching means at least near each end which latch said transverse axle replicating unit between at least two wheel support units when said wheel support units are in their first, operative position and when the transverse axle replicating unit is also in the first, operative position; and operative means on said transverse axle replicating unit which both latch and release said axle replicating unit between said first, operative wheel operative support units; and latching means which latch and release said transverse axle replicating unit when said unit is in the second, stowed position. 60. A device in accordance with claim 56 wherein the forwardmost wheel, in said operative position, rotates 360 degrees on its axis.61. A device in accordance with claim 56 wherein at least one user controlled wheel braking means are mounted to the device.62. A device in accordance with claim 56 wherein at least one adjustable canopy is mounted to the device.63. A device in accordance with claim 56 wherein the retention element in the first, operative position forms at least one children's stroller seat that accommodates at least one child, and at least part of the support frame serves as the stroller handle.64. A device in accordance with claim 56 wherein at least one storage compartment is mounted to the support frame, separable from said retention element, and is selectively removable from the support frame.65. A device in accordance with claim 56 which includes at least one selectively adjustable safety restraint system designed to restrain a person to the retention element mounted to the support frame.66. A device in accordance with claim 56 which includes at least one selectively adjustable retention system designed to retain cargo to the retention element mounted to the support frame.