Abstract:
An illuminable baby stroller having embedded light sources and means for controlling the lights, the light sources preferably comprising light emitting diodes (LEDs) embedded in the frame of the stroller in translucent sections of the frames making the stroller visible in dim lighting and in the dark wherein the stroller includes a forward light source that illuminates the path in front of the stroller and a rear light source for providing illumination behind the stroller and includes at least one red light source, the light sources being powered by a rechargeable battery that is permanently concealed in a tray to prevent access by the child and powered by an electric circuit and switch that are secured in the frame or a tray of the stroller to provide convenient access for the caretaker while keeping it out of reach from the child.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/424,744 filed Dec. 20, 2010. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    N/A 
       COPYRIGHT NOTICE 
       [0003]    A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrights rights whatsoever. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0005]    This invention relates generally to an illuminable baby stroller, and more particularly, to a baby stroller having lighting sources strategically placed and imbedded in the stroller body for illuminating the stroller in dim light, such as at dusk, night and early in the morning. 
         [0006]    2. Description of the Background Art 
         [0007]    Baby strollers are well known in the background art. They come in a variety of colors, styles, such as three-wheeled and four-wheeled models, and accessories. The use of baby strollers is enjoyable for the child and its parents or caretaker. However, the use of strollers in dim lighting or in the dark, such as early in the morning, at dusk or at night, can be unsafe and dangerous. A stroller is difficult to see in these conditions placing it at risk of being hit by a vehicle or bicycle. In addition, when using a stroller in dim light or dark conditions it is difficult to see in front of the stroller to spot any upcoming dangerous conditions, such as objects, animals, ditches and bodies of water. 
         [0008]    While there are a few strollers known that have lights attached to the stroller, they are ineffective, unsafe or too complicated for practical use. For instance, these lighted strollers use lights attached to the stroller which could interfere with the strollers use, and even safe use, as the infant could easily get pinched or bruised when touching or bumping into the light source. These lights are also prone to breakage. In addition, they use light bulbs that generate heat which would place the infant at risk of being burned when touching the light. Some of these strollers also have switches within reach of the infant exposing them to another source of potential harm. Moreover, there are disclosures of lighted strollers that do not have a forward facing light source for illuminated a path being traveled or tail lights for alerting traffic approaching from behind the stroller. The lighted strollers known are also not adapted for permanently concealing a battery while still being able to recharge it or the use of a 12 volt battery source. Furthermore, the lighted strollers known tend to use battery sources that are accessible by the child. Because of these shortcomings, the marketplace lacks a safe, reliable and acceptable baby stroller that emits light. 
         [0009]    As noted, the lighted strollers known fail to adequately and effectively the problems identified herein. For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 6,394,633, issued to Perez, discloses an illumination system having a headlamp, side lamps, a rear lamp and an interior lamp, a battery and multiple switches connected to the exterior of a baby stroller. U.S. Pat. No. 5,938,216, issued to Weng, discloses an illumination sound system consisting of an illuminating device, a speaker, a signal transmitting device, a control circuit and magnetic switch that are mounted on the outside of the stroller. U.S. Pat. No. 5,499,835, issued to Skirchak, Jr. et al., discloses a motorcycle stroller having an exterior head lamp. U.S. Pat. No. 4,896,894, issued to Singletary, discloses a stroller carseat apparatus having a scissor-like frame, electric circuit and light source on the top of the seat that illuminates when the frame is extended and locked to indicate that the seat is ready for use as a stroller. U.S. Patent Publication Nos. 2003/0185018 and 2010/0027285, filed by Comrada, discloses a stroller light that attaches to a stroller and consists of a hollow housing that holds a battery pack, electric circuit and plurality of LEDs mounted through apertures on the front and sides of the housing. U.S. Patent Publication No. 2009/0244916, filed by Conwell et al., disclose baby stroller safety light assemblies that consists of two light assemblies that connect to the front legs of a baby stroller. U.S. Patent Publication No. 2009/0080207, filed by Hurwitz, discloses a safety lighting system integrated within a vehicle, namely a bicycle or jogging stroller. Hurwitz discloses a lighting segment in the vehicle frame that necessitates the use of apertures for holding individual LED&#39;s and a microprocessor for controlling the lights, while lacking important lighting sources. For instance, Hurwitz fails to disclose a lighting system having a forward facing light source for illuminating a path being traveled or tail lights for alerting traffic approaching from the behind the stroller. Hurwitz also discloses a system having a battery power source that appears accessible to children. Moreover, Hurwitz fails to disclose how the wiring is designed or how the battery power source is recharged. Accordingly, the above noted patents and published patent applications disclose light assemblies for strollers that represent the above noted shortcomings that the instant invention is intended to overcome. 
         [0010]    An illuminable baby stroller having an imbedded light source, such as LED&#39;s or fiber optic lines, placed within the frame or body of the stroller with the controls out of reach from the infant would eliminate the above noted risks and be well received by parents. It is, therefore, to the effective resolution of the aforementioned problems and shortcomings of the prior art that the present invention is directed. The instant invention addresses this unfulfilled need in the prior art by providing an illuminable baby stroller with imbedded light sources, as contemplated by the instant invention disclosed herein. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0011]    In light of the foregoing, it is an object of the present invention to provide an illuminable baby stroller. 
         [0012]    It is also an object of the instant invention to provide an illuminable baby stroller having embedded light sources. 
         [0013]    It is another object of the instant invention to provide an illuminable baby stroller that is safe for the infant. 
         [0014]    It is an additional object of the instant invention to provide an illuminable baby stroller that is cost effective for mass production. 
         [0015]    It is a further object of the instant invention to provide an illuminable baby stroller that is reliable and convenient. 
         [0016]    In light of these and other objects, the instant invention comprises an illuminable baby stroller having embedded light sources and means for controlling the lights. By illuminating the stroller, the parent or caretaker and infant are easier to see decreasing the chances of being hit by a vehicle or bicycle thereby enhancing their safety. The light sources preferably comprise light emitting diodes (LEDs) embedded in the frame of the stroller along with the wiring and power source that is permanently concealed yet rechargeable. Those portions of the frame are transparent or translucent to emit light from the stroller when activated, making the stroller visible in dim lighting and in the dark. When the lighting source in the stroller is activated it also illuminates the path in front of the stroller so the person pushing the stroller can see any objects or obstructions it may be approaching and provides tail lights for alerting traffic approaching from behind the stroller, once again improving safety. The light sources preferably emit white light, especially in the front of the illuminable stroller. At least one red light beam is emitted outward from each side the stroller. The light sources, however, may comprise more than one red light. The light sources are controlled by a battery powered electric circuit and switch that are preferably secured in a permanently concealed compartment on the stroller, such as in a tray, to provide convenient access for the caretaker while keeping it out of reach from the child. The wires are also concealed to further insure safety. 
         [0017]    In accordance with these and other objects, which will become apparent hereinafter, the instant invention will now be described with particular reference to the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0018]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the illuminable stroller in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the instant invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 2  is a circuit diagram of the illuminable stroller of  FIG. 1  in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the instant invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the illuminable stroller with three wheels in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the instant invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the illuminable stroller with four sets of wheels in accordance with a second alternative embodiment of the instant invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 5  is a plan view of the illuminable stroller showing the power source, storage compartment and cup holder in accordance with the second alternative embodiment of the instant invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 6  is a circuit diagram for activating and deactivating the light sources in accordance with an embodiment of the instant invention. 
           [0024]      FIG. 7  is a circuit diagram for activating and deactivating the light sources in accordance with another alternative embodiment of the instant invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0025]    With reference to the drawings,  FIGS. 1 to 7  depict the preferred and alternative embodiments of the instant invention which is generally referenced as an illuminable stroller and, or by numeric characters  10  or  100 . In accordance with the preferred embodiment, the illuminable stroller  10  comprises a baby stroller  12  having embedded light sources and means for controlling the lights. The illuminable stroller  10  emits light when activated to make the stroller  12  visible in dim lighting and in the dark. By illuminating the stroller  12 , the parent or caretaker and infant are easier to see decreasing the chances of being hit by a vehicle or bicycle thereby enhancing their safety. When the lighting source in the stroller  12  is activated it also illuminates the path in front of the stroller  12  so the person pushing the stroller can see any objects or obstructions it may be approaching, once again improving their safety. The light sources preferably emit white light, especially in the front of the illuminable stroller  10 . At least one red light beam is emitted outward from each side the stroller  12 . The light sources, however, may comprise more than one red light. 
         [0026]    With reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the preferred embodiment of the illuminable stroller  10  comprises a baby stroller frame  12 , having a seat portion  14 , a foot rest  15 , a canopy  16 , a plurality of wheels  18 , a pushing handle  19 , side frame legs  20  having one or more sections that are translucent for passing light, a light source  22  disposed in the side frame legs  20  proximal the translucent sections, a rear frame axle  30  having one or more translucent sections, a light source  32  disposed in said rear frame axle proximal the translucent sections, a front tray  33  having a battery compartment  34  for concealing a DC battery power source  38  and at least one translucent section, a light source disposed in the tray  34  proximal the tray&#39;s translucent section for lighting a path in front of the stroller with a more intense light source, translucent section in the foot rest  15  with a more instense light source disposed in the foot rest  15  proximal its translucent section to illuminate the path in front of the stroller  10 , and a switch  52  in electrical communication with the light sources and battery  38 . The tray  33  may include a cover  35  for providing initial access to the battery compartment  34  for placing the battery  38 , which would preferably be permanently sealed once the battery  38  is installed. The instant invention  10  also comprises a charger  40  having an AC power plug  43  at one end for plugging into an AC power source and battery recharging plug  42  at the opposite end. The recharging plug  42  plugs into a recharging receptacle  44  formed in the tray  33  in a manner that electrically communicates with the battery power source  38  for recharging the battery  38  without having to remove it from the battery compartment  34 . The light sources  22 ,  32 ,  37  and  39  are electrically connected to the battery  38  and switch  52  by wiring that is embedded in the frames  20  and  30 , the foot rest  15  and tray  33 . The switch  52  is connected in series with the battery  38  for applying or removing power from the light sources  22 ,  32 ,  37  and  39 . The light sources  22 ,  32 ,  37  and  39  preferably comprise a plurality of light emitting diodes (LED&#39;s) that are secured to an electrical strip or harness, which is secured inside the side frame legs  20 , rear frame leg  30 , foot rest  15  or tray  33 , respectively. 
         [0027]    With reference to  FIG. 3 , in accordance with the first embodiment of the instant invention, the illuminable stroller  100  comprises a baby stroller  112  having a seat portion  114 , foot rest  115 , canopy  116 , light source embedded in the foot rest  115 , plurality of wheels  118 , plurality of hollow translucent frame tubes  120 - 127 , light sources  130 - 137  secured inside respective frame tubes  120 - 127 , infant tray  138 , light source  139  embedded in the infant tray  138  and upper storage assembly  140  having a cup holder  142 , storage compartment  143 , storage compartment door  144 , storage compartment hinge  145 , storage compartment latch  146 , battery compartment  147 , battery compartment door  148 , battery compartment hinge  149 , battery compartment door screw  150  and switch  152  for activating and deactivating the light sources  130 - 137 . The seat portion  114 , canopy  116  and wheels  118  are as known in the art. The light sources  117 ,  130 - 137  and  139  preferably comprise LED&#39;s but may also comprise fiber optic lighting, and are completely enclosed in select translucent or transparent portions of the stroller  112 , as described further herein, so as to be concealed from touching while being able to emit light. The light sources  117 ,  130 - 137  and  139  are powered by a DC power source comprising batteries  56  that are securely disposed in the battery compartment  147 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . Power from the batteries  156  is supplied to and removed from the light sources  117 - 130 - 137  and  139  by actuating the switch  152 . The instant invention  100  may also include a dimmer  154  for controlling the level of light emitted. The alternative embodiments of the electrical circuits are shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , respectively. 
         [0028]    Still referring to  FIG. 3 , the frame tubes  120 - 127 , foot rest  115  and infant tray  138  are retrofitted with the light sources  130 - 137 ,  117  and  139 , respectively. The foot rest  115  is retrofitted with the light source  132  embedded in the sides  117  of the foot rest  115 . A channel is formed along a portion of or around the complete perimeter of the foot rest  115  for receiving the light source  117 . The foot rest light source  132  is encased in translucent or transparent tubing that is secured in the channel with an adhesive, hardware or other securing devices known in the art. The frame tubes  120 - 127  are translucent or transparent throughout their complete lengths or partial lengths or in select portions. The frame tubes comprise upper right and left tubes  120 - 121 , lower right and left tubes  122 - 123 , upper and lower right wheel tube extensions  124 - 125  and upper and lower left wheel tube extensions  126 - 127 . The upper right and left tubes  120 - 121  securely contains and enclose light sources  130  and  131 , respectively, inside their hollow interiors. The lower right and left tubes  122 - 123  securely contain and enclose light sources  132 - 133 , respectively, inside their hollow interiors. The light source  139  is securely disposed within the body of the infant tray  138  behind a translucent or transparent section at the front of the tray  138  to allow the emission of light when activated. It is important to note that the illuminable stroller  100  may comprise light sources in just the upper right and left tubes  120 - 121 , lower right and left frame  122 - 123 , upper right and left tube wheel extensions  124 - 126  or lower right and left frame tube wheel extensions  125 - 127 , or any combination thereof. The foot rest light source  132  and infant tray light source  139  are preferably used with all combinations of light sources  130 - 137  in selected frame tubes  120 - 127 . 
         [0029]    With reference to  FIGS. 4-5 , the second embodiment of the instant invention  100  comprises the illuminable stroller  100  with four sets of wheels  118 . The second embodiment of the illuminable stroller  100  comprises right and left front frame tubes  160 - 170 , right and left rear frame tubes, right and left light sources  162 - 172 , foot rest  115 , infant tray  138 , seating area  114 , upper storage assembly  140  and canopy. The upper storage assembly  140  has a cup holder  142 , storage compartment  143 , storage compartment door  144 , storage compartment hinge  145 , storage compartment latch  146 , battery compartment  147 , battery compartment door  148 , battery compartment hinge  149 , battery compartment door screw  150  and switch  152  for activating and deactivating the light sources  130 - 137 , as shown in  FIG. 4 . The second embodiment of the illuminable stroller  100  comprises light sources  162 - 172  securely disposed and secured in the front right and left frame tubes  160 - 170 , light source  139  in the infant tray  138  at the front side and light source  117  in the foot rest  115  at the front. The front right and left frame tubes are transparent or translucent throughout their lengths or in one or more sections for allowing the emission of light. The foot rest and infant tray have transparent or translucent sections in their front surfaces for emitting light. 
         [0030]    With reference to  FIG. 6 , a first circuit diagram is shown to indicate one type of electrical circuit that may be employed in the illuminable stroller  10  or  100  to provide power to the light sources and control the activation and deactivation of the light sources. The first circuit may be employed in the preferred embodiment  10  or first and second alternative embodiments  100  of the instant invention. Referring to  FIG. 5 , the first circuit comprises a DC battery power source  156 , switch  152  and dimmer  154  connected in series and the light sources  130 - 137 ,  117  and  139  connected in parallel. In this arrangement, when the switch  152  is closed all the light sources are energized. Likewise, when the switch  152  is opened the light sources  130 - 137 ,  117  and  139  are de-energized. The dimmer  154  comprises a rheostat or variable resistor which dictates the amount of current flowing to the light sources. The level of brightness of the light sources  30 - 137 ,  117  and  139  is controlled by manipulating the dimmer  154 . If any of the light sources should cease to work the other light sources would continue to work. 
         [0031]    With reference to  FIG. 7 , a second circuit diagram is shown to indicate a second type of electrical circuit that may be employed in the preferred illuminable stroller  10  or alternative illuminable strollers  100  to provide power to the light sources and control the activation and deactivation of the light sources. Referring to  FIG. 7 , the second circuit comprises a DC battery power source  156 , switches  152   a - c , dimmer  154  and controller for selecting one or more of switches  152   a - c . The second circuit also comprises light sources  130 - 137 ,  117  and  139 . In this arrangement, the controller  153  operates as a variable switch wherein manipulating it determines whether switches  152   a ,  152   b  and  152   c  are all opened or closed or any combination thereof. For instance, when turning the controller  153  in one direction the light sources may turn on in sequential order and when turning the controller  153  in the opposite direction they would turn off in reverse sequential order. When switch  152   a  is opened and closed light sources  130 - 137  are de-energized and energized, respectively. When switch  152   b  is opened and closed light source  117  is de-energized and energized, respectively. When switch  152   c  is opened and closed light source  39  is de-energized and energized, respectively. 
         [0032]    The instant invention has been shown and described herein in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made therefrom within the scope of the invention and that obvious structural and/or functional modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art.