Standing board for attachment to a stroller

An arrangement for supporting a child behind a stroller, includes an axle attachment member adapted to be secured to an axle of the stroller; and a standing board adapted to be secured to the axle attachment member or the axle of the stroller, and including an elongated planar board, at least one wheel secured to a rear section of the planar board, first and second spaced apart attachment openings in an upper surface of the planar board, a seat assembly, handle or plug releasably securable in either attachment opening, transversely aligned wing openings in opposite side surfaces of the planar board, and wings selectively and releasably securable in the wing openings so as to extend transversely out from the planar board, and a stroller attachment member at a front end of the planar board for removable securement to either the stroller or axle attachment member.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to infant strollers, and more particularly, is directed to an infant stroller with a rear standing board on which an older child can stand.

Parents often travel with young children of differing ages. During this travel, one child may be in a stroller while another child walks alongside the stroller. However, over time, the child that is walking may become tired, wishing to be carried by a parent or placed in the stroller.

For this reason, standing boards and scooters have been developed that releasably attach to the rear of the stroller, and upon which the child may stand or sit. However, these standing boards and scooters have certain deficiencies as to adjustability and as to quick and secure attachment to the stroller.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a standing board for attachment to a stroller, that overcomes the aforementioned problems.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a standing board for attachment to a stroller which provides a simple and easy attachment to a stroller.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a standing board for attachment to a stroller which provides a secure and stable attachment to the stroller.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a standing board for attachment to a stroller which provides adjustment of the position of the handle and seat assembly on the standing board.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a standing board for attachment to a stroller that provides transverse extending wings that extend outwardly from the sides of the standing board to increase the widthwise surface on which the child can stand.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a standing board for attachment to a stroller in which the position of the wings can be changed on the standing board.

It is a yet further object of the present invention to provide a standing board for attachment to a stroller in which the attachment to the stroller can be extended rearwardly of the rear axle of the stroller.

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a standing board adapted to be secured to a stroller, includes an elongated planar board; at least one wheel secured to a rear section of the planar board; a releasable stroller attachment at a front end of the planar board for releasable securement to a stroller; first and second spaced apart attachment openings in an upper surface of the planar board; and at least one of the following attachments selectively and releasably secured in each of the first and second attachment openings: a seat assembly, a handle or a plug.

At least one of the seat assembly and handle includes a stem having a lower end adapted to fit in either the first or second attachment opening, in the case of the seat assembly, a seat secured to an upper end of the stem of the seat assembly, in the case of the handle, a handle bar secured to an upper end of the stem, and a releasable locking mechanism at a lower end of the stem for releasably locking the stem in a respective one of the first and second attachment openings.

The planar board includes at least one vertical recess in open communication with each of the first and second attachment openings and a restraining lip at an upper end of each vertical recess. The stem includes a first locking opening at a lower end thereof and a second locking opening at the lower end at a position above the first locking opening. The first locking opening is positioned below the upper surface of the planar board when the lower end of the stem is inserted within one of the first and second attachment openings and the second locking opening is positioned above the upper surface of the planar board when the lower end of the stem is inserted within one of the first and second attachment openings. A button release is positioned in the stem, the button release including a locking tab adapted to extend through the first locking opening into the at least one vertical recess when the lower end of the stem is inserted within one of the first and second attachment openings to lock the stem the planar board, and a button connected with the locking tab and adapted to extend through the second locking opening; and a spring mounted in the stem for normally biasing the button out through the second locking opening. In this regard, pushing in the button against the force of the spring results in the locking tab being removed from the at least one vertical recess to enable removal of the respective attachment.

Preferably, the planar board includes two vertical recesses in diametrically opposite relation to each other for each of the first and second attachment openings in order to limit orientation of the respective attachment therein to only a forward and reverse direction.

Each stem includes a flared out member spaced slightly from a lower edge of the stem to limit the insertion depth of the lower end of the stem in the respective first and second attachment opening.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a standing board adapted to be secured to a stroller, includes an elongated planar board; at least one wheel secured to a rear section of the planar board; a releasable stroller attachment at a front end of the planar board for releasable securement to a stroller; a first set of first and second transversely aligned wing openings in opposite side surfaces of the planar board; and first and second wings selectively and releasably securable in the first and second wing openings so as to extend transversely out from the planar board.

The standing board further includes a second set of third and fourth spaced apart and transversely aligned wing openings in the side surfaces of the planar board in spaced relation to the first and second wing openings; and the first and second wings are selectively and releasably securable in either the first set of wing openings or the second set of wing openings.

Each wing has an upper surface which is substantially coplanar with the upper surface of the planar board when the wing is secured in a respective wing opening. Each wing includes a main body having a supporting surface on which a person is adapted to stand, and a securing stem connected with the main body for releasable securement within a respective wing opening. There is also a releasable locking arrangement for releasably securing each wing in a respective wing opening.

The standing board includes a recess in open communication with each wing opening. The releasable locking arrangement includes a vertical opening in an end portion of the securing stem, a catch slidably arranged in a vertical direction in the vertical opening, the catch including a transverse through opening, a spring for biasing the catch into the recess of the respective wing opening to lock the securing stem and prevent removal thereof from the wing opening.

Each wing includes a bore extending through the main body and the securing stem and opening at an outer surface of the main body. The releasable locking arrangement further includes a release rod slidably mounted in the bore and extending partially through the transverse through opening of the catch, the release rod including a wedging surface for engaging the catch at the through opening in order to move the catch in a direction against the force of the spring and out of the recess, a button slidably mounted in the bore and engageable at the outer surface of the main body, and a spring mounted between the release rod and the button, whereby depression of the button into the wing forces the release rod in a direction further into the bore such that the wedging surface moves the catch in a direction against the force of the spring and out of the recess, which enables removal of the wing from the respective wing opening.

In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, a standing board adapted to be secured to a stroller, includes an elongated planar board; at least one wheel secured to a rear section of the planar board; a stroller attachment member at a front end of the planar board and adapted to be removably secured to a stroller. The stroller attachment member includes a main body connected at a front end of the planar board, a hook member extending forwardly from the main body for engaging over a rear axle of the stroller, a first slide member slidably mounted in the main body for movement toward and away from the hook member, the slide member including at least one finger movable with the slide member into and out of the hook member, a spring for normally biasing the at least one finger into the hook member, and at least one first angled engagement wall, whereby engagement of the hook member over the axle of the stroller results in the at least one finger being forced out of the hook member and upon movement of the axle past the at least one finger, the spring biases the at least one finger back into the hook member to lock the stroller attachment member to the axle; and a stroller release mechanism at the front end of the planar board for permitting release of the axle from the hook member, the stroller release mechanism including a second slide member slidably mounted in the main body for movement in a transverse direction, the second slide member including at least one second angled engagement wall for engagement with the first angled engagement wall when the second slide member is transversely moved by an external force in the main body, to cause the first slide member to move in a direction away from the hook member so as to move the at least one finger out of the hook member.

The at least one first angled engagement wall includes a first angled engagement wall section oriented in a first angled direction and a second angled engagement wall section oriented in a second opposite angled direction; and the at least one second angled engagement wall includes a third angled engagement wall section oriented in the first angled direction for engagement with the first angled engagement wall section when the second slide member is moved in a first transverse direction and a fourth angled engagement wall section oriented in the second angled direction for engagement with the second angled engagement wall section when the second slide member is moved in a second opposite transverse direction.

Specifically, the at least one first angled engagement wall includes two spaced apart first angled engagement wall sections oriented in a first angled direction and two second angled engagement wall sections oriented in a second opposite angled direction; and the at least one second angled engagement wall includes two third angled engagement wall sections oriented in the first angled direction for engagement with the first angled engagement wall sections when the second slide member is moved in a first transverse direction and two fourth angled engagement wall sections oriented in the second angled direction for engagement with the second angled engagement wall sections when the second slide member is moved in a second opposite transverse direction.

Upon release of the external force, the spring forces the first slide member back toward the hook member.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, an arrangement for supporting a child behind a stroller, includes an axle attachment device adapted to be secured to an axle of the stroller. The axle attachment device includes a first axle housing member having a first semi-cylindrical surface, a second axle housing member pivotally mounted to the first axle housing member and having a second semi-cylindrical surface, the second axle housing member pivotally movable relative to the first axle housing member between an open position in which the first and second semi-cylindrical surfaces are positioned away from each other and a closed position in which the first and second semi-cylindrical surfaces form a cylindrical opening, a releasable securement assembly for releasably locking the first and second axle housing members in the closed position for engagement about an axle of the stroller, a release mechanism for releasably unlocking the first and second axle housing members to the open position for release of the axle of the stroller therefrom, and a main body connected to one of the first and second axle housing members. A standing board is adapted to be secured to the axle attachment device, the standing board including an elongated planar board, at least one wheel secured to a rear section of the planar board, a stroller attachment member at a front end of the planar board and adapted to be removably secured to the axle attachment device. The stroller attachment member includes a main body connected at a front end of the planar board, a hook member extending forwardly from the main body for engaging the main body of the axle attachment device, and a securement arrangement for releasably holding the main body of the axle attachment device within the hook member.

One end of the first axle housing member is fixed to the main body, and an opposite end of the first axle housing member is pivotally connected to the second axle housing member.

The releasable securement assembly includes at least one recess in one of the main body and the first axle housing member, a slide member slidably mounted in the second axle housing member, the slide member having at least one locking finger at a distal end thereof, and a spring for biasing the slide member in a direction out of the second axle housing member such that the at least one locking finger engages within the at least one recess to secure the axle attachment device to the axle of the stroller in the closed position.

The release mechanism includes an actuating member slidably mounted to the second axle housing member, an elongated slot in the second axle housing member, a connecting wall connecting the actuating member to the slide member and extending through the elongated slot, whereby an external force on the actuating member causes the slide member to move into the second axle housing member against the force of the spring to release the second axle housing member in the closed position and thereby permit removal of the axle of the stroller therefrom.

The main body includes an opening for receiving the hook member.

In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, and arrangement for supporting a child behind a stroller, includes a stroller mounting member adapted to be secured to the rear legs of the stroller, the stroller mounting member including: a first rear leg attachment member adapted to be releasably secured to a first rear leg of the stroller, a second rear leg attachment member adapted to be releasably secured to a second rear leg of the stroller, a yoke having a stroller securement member, a first arm having one end pivotally mounted to the first rear leg attachment member and a second end pivotally mounted to the yoke, a second arm having one end pivotally mounted to the second rear leg attachment member and a second end pivotally mounted to the yoke. A standing board is adapted to be secured to the stroller attachment member, the standing board including an elongated planar board, at least one wheel secured to a rear section of the planar board, a stroller attachment member at a front end of the planar board and adapted to be removably secured to the stroller mounting member. The stroller attachment member includes a main body connected at a front end of the planar board, a hook member extending forwardly from the main body for engaging the stroller securement member of the yoke, and a securement arrangement for releasably holding the stroller securement member of the yoke within the hook member.

A first pivot securement body is provided for pivotally connecting the first arm to the first rear leg attachment member along two different pivot axes, and a second pivot securement body is provided for pivotally connecting the second arm to the second rear leg attachment member along two different pivot axes.

Preferably, the two different pivot axes are generally orthogonal to each other.

Further, each of the first and second arms are telescoping arms comprising an outer telescoping arm and an inner telescoping arm telescopically received within the outer telescoping arm.

A releasable securement arrangement is provided for releasably securing the inner telescoping arm relative to the outer telescoping arm in any of a plurality of different extended positions.

In accordance with a still further aspect of the present invention, an arrangement for supporting a child behind a stroller, includes an axle attachment device adapted to be secured to an axle of the stroller. The axle attachment device includes a first axle housing member having a first semi-cylindrical surface, a second axle housing member pivotally mounted to the first axle housing member and having a second semi-cylindrical surface, the second axle housing member pivotally movable relative to the first axle housing member between an open position in which the first and second semi-cylindrical surfaces are positioned away from each other and a closed position in which the first and second semi-cylindrical surfaces form a cylindrical opening, a releasable securement assembly for releasably locking the first and second axle housing members in the closed position for engagement about an axle of the stroller, a release mechanism for releasably unlocking the first and second axle housing members to the open position for release of the axle of the stroller therefrom, and a main body connected to one of the first and second axle housing members.

A standing board adapted to be secured to the axle attachment device or the axle of the stroller, includes an elongated planar board, at least one wheel secured to a rear section of the planar board, first and second spaced apart attachment openings in an upper surface of the planar board, at least one of the following attachments selectively and releasably secured in each of the first and second attachment openings: a seat assembly, a handle or a plug. A first set of first and second transversely aligned wing openings are provided in opposite side surfaces of the planar board, and first and second wings are selectively and releasably securable in the first and second wing openings so as to extend transversely out from the planar board.

A stroller attachment member is provided at a front end of the planar board and adapted to be removably secured to either a stroller or the axle attachment device. The stroller attachment member includes a main body connected at a front end of the planar board, a hook member extending forwardly from the main body for engaging over a rear axle of the stroller or the main body of the axle attachment device, a first slide member slidably mounted in the main body for movement toward and away from the hook member, the slide member including at least one finger movable with the slide member into and out of the hook member, a spring for normally biasing the at least one finger into the hook member, and at least one first angled engagement wall, whereby engagement of the hook member over the axle of the stroller or the main body of the axle attachment device results in the at least one finger being forced out of the hook member and upon movement of the axle or main body of the axle attachment device past the at least one finger, the spring biases the at least one finger back into the hook member to lock the stroller attachment member to the axle or main body of the axle attachment device.

A stroller release mechanism is provided at the front end of the planar board for permitting release of the axle or main body of the axle attachment device from the hook member. The stroller release mechanism includes a second slide member slidably mounted in the main body for movement in a transverse direction, the second slide member including at least one second angled engagement wall for engagement with the first angled engagement wall when the second slide member is transversely moved by an external force in the main body, to cause the first slide member to move in a direction away from the hook member so as to move the at least one finger out of the hook member.

The above and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed description thereof which is to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to the drawings in detail, and initially toFIGS.1-14thereof, a standing board10for attachment to a stroller according to a first embodiment of the present invention is provided. Standing board10is similar to a child's scooter, except that it does not have any front wheels, so that it cannot function as a scooter when detached from the stroller. However, it will be appreciated that standing board10can also include front wheels, if desired.

Standing board10includes an elongated planar board12having rounded ends, on which a child can sit or stand. To this end, the upper surface of planar board12has a plurality of transversely extending ribs13extending upwardly therefrom to provide an anti-slip surface.

There are two spaced apart attachment openings14and16at the front and rear of the upper surface of the planar board12. As shown inFIGS.1-14, a seat assembly18can be fixed in either opening14or16, and a handle20can be fixed in either opening14or16. It is not necessary that both seat assembly18and handle20be positioned in openings14and16. For example, seat assembly18can be positioned in one opening and a plug22(FIGS.5,8and10-14) in the other opening; handle20can be positioned in one opening and plug22in the other opening; two plugs22can be positioned in both openings, or any other combination.

As shown best inFIGS.15-19, seat assembly18includes an elongated stem assembly24and a seat26secured to an upper end of the stem assembly24. Stem assembly24includes a base28, an elongated cylindrical support tube30and a releasable locking mechanism32.

Base28includes a short hollow, cylindrical tube34that fits within either opening14or16, and which is closed at its lower end by a bottom wall35. A frustoconical member36is secured to the upper end of tube34and flares out toward the bottom thereof, with the bottom thereof being approximately halfway of the length of cylindrical tube34. When cylindrical tube34is positioned within an opening14or16, the lower edge of frustoconical member36seats on the upper surface of planar board12to limit the downward extent of cylindrical tube34within the respective opening14or16.

Base28further includes a first lower circular locking opening38extending transversely through cylindrical tube34at a position below the lower edge of frustoconical member36, a second lower circular opening39extending transversely through cylindrical tube34at a position below first lower opening38, and an upper circular locking opening40extending transversely through frustoconical member36.

The lower end of support tube30fits within base28, through the upper open end thereof, with the lower end of support tube30seating on bottom wall35. Support tube30includes a lower circular opening42which aligns with second lower opening39of base28and an elongated opening44above lower circular opening42and which aligns with both first lower circular opening38and upper circular opening40of base28.

Release locking mechanism32includes a housing insert46that fits within support tube30. As shown, housing insert46includes an elongated member48having a rear wall50with a lower boss52extending from the rear wall50and having a threaded opening54centrally thereof which aligns with second lower circular opening39. A screw56extends through second lower circular opening39and lower circular opening42, and is threadedly received within threaded opening54to secure housing insert46in a set position within support tube30.

Housing insert46further includes a continuous side wall58extending from rear wall50and defining an elongated opening60which is open at the front end thereof. In the position set by screw56, elongated openings60is in open communication with upper elongated opening44of support tube30and first lower circular opening38and upper circular opening40of base28.

Release locking mechanism32further includes a button release62inserted within elongated opening60which includes an upper release button64, a lower locking tab66and a connecting wall68which connects together upper release button64and lower locking tab66. A coil spring70is positioned between the rear surface of upper release button64and rear wall50where it is positioned over a locating pin72extending from rear wall50.

Seat26includes a seat surface74and a short, hollow, cylindrical tube76that extends downwardly from the underside of seat surface74. The upper end of elongated cylindrical support tube30fits within cylindrical tube76and is secured thereto by any suitable means. For example, diametrically opposite circular openings78can be provided in the upper end of elongated cylindrical support tube30and corresponding diametrically opposite circular openings80can be provided in cylindrical tube76in alignment with circular openings78, whereby screws82can be threadably inserted through the openings to secure seat26to the upper end of support tube30.

Each opening14and16of standing board12includes a front vertical slot84and a diametrically opposite rear vertical slot86, with an inwardly extending restraining lip85above the each respective slot84and86(FIG.19).

In order to assemble seat assembly18with planar board12, upper release button64is pushed in against the force of coil spring70, which also pushes in lower locking tab66. Cylindrical tube34of releasable locking mechanism32is then positioned within a respective opening14or16, such that lower locking tab66is aligned with either vertical slot84or86. Button64is then released, whereby coil spring70biases upper release button64and lower locking tab66outwardly, such that lower locking tab66engages in the respective vertical slot84or86to releasably lock seat assembly18with planar board12. Because of the inwardly extending lip85, lower locking tab66is prevented from escaping from the respective slot84or86, whereby seat assembly18is held in a fixed position. Depending upon which slot84or86is used will determine the facing direction of seat assembly18. The structure is dimensioned such that, when the lower edge of frustoconical member36seats on the upper surface of planar board12, lower locking tab66is positioned immediately below inwardly extending lip65to prevent any free play.

To release and remove seat assembly18, it is only necessary to again push in upper release button64against the force of coil spring70, and pull seat assembly18upwardly out of the respective opening14or16.

It will be appreciated that the reason that slots84and86are diametrically opposite to each other is to provide that the seat assembly18can only be oriented in a forwardly facing direction or a rearwardly facing direction.

In addition, as discussed above, a handle20can be releasably secured in either opening14or16of planar board12.

As shown inFIG.2, and similar to seat assembly18, handle20includes an elongated stem assembly88and a transverse handle bar90secured to an upper end of the stem assembly88. Stem assembly88includes a base92, an elongated cylindrical support tube94and a releasable locking mechanism which is not shown, but which is identical to releasable locking mechanism32. Stem assembly88is identical to stem assembly24, with the exception that elongated cylindrical support tube30is replaced by a longer elongated cylindrical support tube94which has an arcuate bend98at an approximate mid-point thereof, and seat surface74is replaced by transverse handle bar90. In all other respects, elongated stem assembly88is identical to elongated stem assembly24, and accordingly, a detailed description thereof is not necessary.

Thus, handle20is releasably positioned within either opening14or16of planar board12in either a forward facing direction or a rearward facing direction in the same manner as previously discussed in regard to seat assembly18.

Alternatively, if only the assembly18or handle20are secured within one opening14or16of planar board12, a plug22can be removably positioned in the other opening14or16of planar board12. In this regard, each opening14or16has an upper annular recess102at the upper end thereof, as shown best inFIGS.13and19. As shown best inFIG.13, plug22includes a circular upper plate104and a short cylindrical stem106extending downwardly from the lower surface of upper plate104.

In this manner, short cylindrical stem106is fit within the respective opening14or16with a slight friction fit, and with circular upper plate104seating within annular recess102, so that the upper surface of circular upper plate104is substantially flush with the upper surface of planar board12. Plug100can be removed by merely pushing plug100up from the open lower end of the respective opening14or16.

As shown best inFIGS.20-22, a trapezoidal shaped wing110is adapted to snap fit within transverse openings112and114on opposite sides of planar board12to provide a wider standing area for the child, as will now be discussed. Each opening112and114is in open communication with a recess116(FIG.22) at an upper end of each opening112and114in planar board12.

Wing110has a solid main body118of a generally trapezoidal shape with a trapezoidal shaped upper standing surface120with ribs121for a non-slip surface, a trapezoidal shaped lower surface122and a sidewall124connected between upper surface120and lower surface122. Sidewall124includes an inner surface124a, an outer surface124band two side surfaces124cand124dwhich connect together inner surface124aand outer surface124b.

A securing stem126is formed as a unitary body with main body118and extends rearwardly from the inner surface124a. Securing stem126is centrally positioned on inner surface124aand has a widthwise dimension much less than that of inner surface124a.

An elongated bore128extends through main body118and stem126, and is open at an opening130in outer surface124b. Elongated bore128includes a first bore portion128awhich extends rearwardly from opening130to a position about two-thirds of the way toward inner surface124a, and a second bore portion128bin communication with first bore portion128aand continuing rearwardly through a portion of securing stem126. As a result, an annular shoulder128cis defined between first bore portion128aand second bore portion128b. The upper surface of securing stem126further includes a catch opening132which extends down into communication with second bore portion128b. Catch opening132is in alignment with recess116when stem126is fully positioned within a respective opening112or114.

A catch134extends through catch opening132and is vertically slidable therein. Catch134includes a forward catch surface134aand an upper ramp surface134bwhich extends downwardly and rearwardly from the upper end of forward catch surface134a. A transverse through bore136extends through the center of catch134, thereby defining a lower biasing surface138of through bore136, the purpose for which will be apparent from the discussion hereafter. A coil spring140normally biases catch134upwardly in a direction out of catch opening132. As such, catch surface134ais normally biased out of catch opening132, as shown best inFIGS.20and22.

Thus, when securing stem126is inserted in a side opening112or114of standing board10, upper ramp surface134babuts against the upper wall defining the respective opening112or114, and rides therealong, whereby catch134is biased downwardly into securing stem126against the force of coil spring140. Once securing stem126is fully inserted into the respective side opening112or114, whereby catch134is in alignment with upper recess116, coil spring140biases catch134upwardly into upper recess116, whereby forward catch surface134aengages with a side surface of upper recess116, thereby preventing escape of securing stem126from the respective side opening112or114. In this position, the trapezoidal shaped upper standing surface120is coplanar with the upper surface of planar board12.

In order to remove trapezoidal shaped wing110from the respective side opening112or114, a release rod142is slidably positioned within second bore portion128b. Release rod142has dimensions similar to that of second bore portion128b, so as to be slidable within second bore portion128bwithout any wobble or play. Release rod142tapers down to a reduced dimension end144via a tapered wedging surface146. Reduced dimension end144extends through transverse through bore136of catch134along with a portion of wedging surface146. Wedging surface146is in contact with lower biasing surface138defining transverse through bore136.

The opposite end of release rod142is provided with a larger diameter flange148that abuts against annular shoulder128cwhen release rod142is moved to the left inFIG.22, to limit the movement of release rod142.

In this regard, when release rod142is moved to the left inFIG.22, wedging surface146hits against lower biasing surface138in order to move catch134downwardly against the force of coil spring140such that the upper end of catch134is positioned at or below the upper surface of securing stem126, whereby trapezoidal shaped wing110can be removed from the respective opening112or114.

In order to move release rod142to the left inFIG.22, a biasing disk150is connected with larger diameter flange148, in parallel, spaced relation therefrom, by a connecting wall152.

An actuator154is slidably provided within first bore portion128aat opening130, and includes a pushbutton156. A retaining disk158having outer dimensions similar to that of first bore portion128ais connected with the rear surface of pushbutton156by a connecting wall160. First bore portion128ais provided with an annular retaining wall162spaced slightly in from opening130, behind which retaining disk158is positioned to prevent the escape of actuator154, while still allowing actuator154to be pushed inwardly of first bore portion128a. The opposite surface of retaining disk158is provided with a positioning projection164centrally and axially thereof.

A coil spring166has one end abutting against the opposite surface of retaining disk158in surrounding relation to a positioning projection164thereof, and the opposite end in contact with biasing disk150. It will be appreciated that the spring force of coil spring140is greater than that of coil spring166, such that, in the absence of a biasing force, catch134is biased upwardly out of opening130. Release rod142is thereby biased to the right, as shown in the position inFIG.22, against the force of coil spring166, which thereby also biases actuator154to the right inFIG.22. In this position, retaining disk158abuts against annular retaining wall162.

To release the respective trapezoidal shaped wing110, a person pushes in pushbutton156, whereby coil spring166is compressed, resulting in a biasing movement of release rod142to the left inFIG.22. As a result, wedging surface146biases catch134downwardly against the force of coil spring140, whereby trapezoidal shaped wing110can be removed.

As an alternative, rather than manufacturing trapezoidal shaped wing110as a unitary, one-piece body, it can be formed with trapezoidal shaped upper standing surface120and trapezoidal shaped lower surface122as separate pieces, connected together by respective screws168, as shown in dashed lines inFIG.22.

Standing board10includes two spaced apart caster wheels170secured in spaced transverse relation to the underside of elongated planar board12at the rear end thereof.

Referring now toFIGS.23-31, standing board10further includes a releasable stroller attachment180extending from the front end of elongated planar board12. Releasable stroller attachment180includes a main body182having a generally rectangular cuboid shape with a downwardly opening hook member184extending forwardly therefrom.

Main body182includes a cavity186that is open at the underside of main body182, and which is in open communication with hook member184. As shown best inFIG.28, cavity186is defined by parallel, spaced apart rear walls188extending in the lengthwise direction of planar board12, parallel, spaced apart front walls190extending in the lengthwise direction of planar board12and spaced apart tapered walls192that interconnect the front end of rear walls188and the rear end of front walls190. The spacing between rear walls188is less than the spacing between front walls190so that tapered walls190taper outwardly from rear walls188to front walls190. Cavity186is further defined by a rear transverse wall194that interconnects the rear ends of rear walls188and a front transverse wall196that interconnects the front ends of front walls190. Front wall196further includes two spaced apart openings200that provide communication between cavity186and hook member184.

In addition, main body182includes recessed side openings201that extend through front walls190and tapered walls192.

A catch slide member202is slidably received in cavity186for sliding movement in directions rearwardly and forwardly of planar board12. Catch slide member202includes a rear section204of a first width, a front section206of a second greater width and a tapered intermediate section208which interconnects rear section204with front section206. In this regard, rear section204is slidably guided between parallel, spaced apart rear walls188, while front section206is slidably guided between parallel, spaced apart front walls190, for movement in directions rearwardly and forwardly of planar board12.

Catch slide member202further includes two spaced apart fingers or catches210extending forwardly from the front edge of front section206, in alignment with spaced apart openings200. Each finger210includes a lower beveled or inclined surface212at the lower distal end, with the corresponding upper distal surface214being concave in order to receive the axle thereon.

In addition, the rear edge of rear section204includes two spaced apart recesses216. Two coil springs218are provided, each having one end extending within a respective recess216and the other end in engagement with rear transverse wall194in order to normally bias catch slide member202forwardly such that fingers210extend through openings200into hook member184.

Therefore, when standing board10approaches the rear axle or cross rod242of a stroller244from the position shown inFIG.32to the position shown inFIGS.33and34, hook member184is positioned over axle or cross rod242of stroller244, and during such positioning, the lower beveled surfaces212of fingers210engage the axle242, which forces fingers210to be moved rearwardly back through openings200against the force of coil springs218to allow the axle to enter hook member184. Once the axle242passes upwardly above the position of fingers210, coil springs218again bias fingers210forwardly to a position beneath the axle, in order to lock the axle242within hook member184, and prevent disengagement therefrom. In this position, the axle242rests on the concave upper distal surfaces214, as shown inFIG.34. In this manner, releasable stroller attachment180cannot accidentally disengage from the stroller.

In order to release releasable stroller attachment180from the axle, the lower surface of catch slide member202includes an engagement wall220in the general shape of the letter “W”, extending downwardly therefrom. Specifically, as best shown inFIG.30, engagement wall220includes a left side inclined wall220aextending inwardly and rearwardly from a left side of main body182, a right side inclined wall220bextending inwardly and rearwardly from a right side of main body182and a trapezoidal shaped wall220cinterconnecting inclined walls220aand220b. Trapezoidal shaped wall220cincludes a short front transverse wall220d, a long rear transverse wall220ein parallel, spaced apart relation from short front transverse wall220d, and two side inclined walls220fand220gconnecting together opposite ends of transverse walls220dand220e. The free inward ends of inclined walls220aand220bare connected to the ends of long rear transverse wall220e. As will be understood from the description hereafter, inclined walls220a,220b,220fand220gare biased walls that result in catch slide member202being moved in a rearward direction against the force of coil springs218.

In order to move catch slide member202rearwardly against the force of coil springs218so as to retract fingers210, a transverse biasing member222is positioned beneath catch slide member202.

As shown best inFIGS.30and31, transverse biasing member222includes a generally rectangular plate224with its lengthwise direction extending in the transverse direction of releasable stroller attachment180, that is, perpendicular to catch slide member202. Two raised triangular walls226and228extend upwardly from the upper surface of rectangular plate224in spaced relation, such that raised triangular wall226extends between left side inclined wall220aand side inclined wall220fand raised triangular wall228extends between right side inclined wall220band side inclined wall220g. The angle of inclination of the sides of raised triangular walls226and228are the same as those of inclined walls220a,220b,220fand220gso as to be in sliding contact with these walls.

Push walls230and232extend downwardly from opposite ends of rectangular plate224. A rectangular guide member234(FIG.26) extends downwardly from rectangular plate224, centrally thereof between push walls230and232.

With this arrangement, transverse biasing member222is adapted for transverse movement in the left and right directions with opposite ends thereof extending through recessed side openings201.

Lastly, a bottom closure plate236(FIG.26) is provided in covering relation to the lower surface of transverse biasing member222so as to retain catch slide member202, coil springs218and transverse biasing member222within cavity186. Bottom closure plate236is secured to main body182by screws or the like (not shown).

Bottom closure plate236includes two side cut out sections238in alignment with recessed side openings201so as to permit side to side movement of push walls230and232therethrough. Bottom closure plate236further includes an elongated transverse slot240extending between cut out sections238in order to receive rectangular guide member234so as to guide transverse biasing member222for side to side transverse movement.

With this arrangement, when a user applies pressure on either push wall230or232, this results in transverse movement of transverse biasing member222. During this movement, if pressure is applied to push wall230, triangular walls226and228apply pressure against inclined walls220fand220b, respectively. This results in a sliding of inclined walls220fand220bon triangular walls226and228, causing catch slide member202to move rearwardly against the force of coil springs218, thereby retracting fingers210from openings200, in order to remove releasable stroller attachment180from the respective axle or cross rod of the stroller. On the other hand, if pressure is applied to push wall232, triangular walls226and228apply pressure against inclined walls220aand220g, respectively. This results in a sliding of inclined walls220aand220gon triangular walls226and228, causing catch slide member202to move rearwardly against the force of coil springs218, thereby retracting fingers210from openings200, in order to remove releasable stroller attachment180from the respective axle or cross rod of the stroller.

However, in many instances, the rear axle or cross rod of the stroller may be of a size that is not satisfactorily accommodated within releasable stroller attachment180. A further problem occurs if the rear axle or cross rod is too far forwardly positioned of the stroller so that a front portion of the standing board is positioned too far beneath the stroller.

Therefore, in accordance with another aspect of the present invention, as shown inFIGS.35-49, a separate axle attachment device250is provided which first attaches to the rear axle or cross rod of the stroller.

Specifically, axle attachment device250includes a main body252and an axle securement section254connected to the front of main body252.

Main body252includes a generally rectangular parallelepiped configuration having a front wall258with a front facing surface260, two rearwardly extending side walls262extending in parallel, spaced apart relation from the end edges of front wall258and a rear block264connecting together the free ends of side walls262. The front facing surface266of rear block264is spaced apart from front wall258so as to provide a vertical through channel268therebetween and extending in a transverse direction for receiving downwardly opening hook member184. In addition, rear block264is provided with two spaced apart through openings270extending therethrough in the lengthwise direction of standing board10from front facing surface266to the rear facing surface272thereof.

During engagement of hook member184into vertical through channel268, fingers210are biased inwardly, by engagement against the rear facing surface272of rear block264, and against the spring force of coil springs218, until fingers210reach spaced apart through openings270into which they are spring biased to retain releasable stroller attachment180to main body252of axle attachment device250.

In order to remove hook member184from main body252, it is only necessary to press in push wall230or232to retract fingers210in the manner as discussed above.

Front facing surface260of main body252includes two rectangular parallelepiped blocks274connected at the upper end thereof. Each block274includes a rectangular recess276accessible from the front facing side thereof.

Axle securement section254includes an upper axle housing278having one end fixedly secured to front facing surface260of main body252at the upper edge thereof immediately above blocks274. Upper axle housing278includes an arcuate wall280defining a downwardly oriented semi-cylindrical opening282.

Axle attachment section254further includes a lower axle housing284pivotally connected to the free end of upper axle housing278by a pivot pin285. Lower axle housing284includes a main body286having an inner arcuate wall288defining an upwardly oriented semi-cylindrical opening290, which when pivoted to the closed position, forms a closed cylindrical opening with semi-cylindrical opening282.

As shown inFIG.37, main body286includes a slide chamber292which is open at two spaced apart openings294at the distal free end surface296thereof. A slide member298is slidably positioned within chamber292and includes two fingers or catches300extending forwardly from the front edge thereof in alignment with spaced apart openings294. Each finger300includes an upper beveled or inclined surface302at the upper distal end. A coil spring304is positioned between the rear closed-end of chamber292and the rear face of slide member298to normally bias fingers300out of openings294.

An actuating slide member306is provided on the outer surface of main body286and includes a push wall308extending outwardly therefrom. Two elongated slots310are provided in main body286between slide member298and actuating slide member306, with two connecting members312connecting together slide member298and actuating slide member306and slidably positioned in respective elongated slots310. Connecting members312are adapted to slide within elongated slots310.

Actuating slide member306further includes two parallel, spaced apart oval shaped openings314extending on the outer surface thereof in spaced apart relation on one side of push wall308, each oval shaped opening314being surrounded by an oval shaped wall316on the outer surface of actuating slide member306. Two spaced apart guide pins318protrude outwardly from main body286into oval shaped openings314to serve as a guide for sliding movement of actuating slide member306.

In this manner, when upper axle housing278is positioned on the axle or cross rod of the stroller such that the axle or cross rod is positioned within arcuate wall280, lower axle housing284is pivoted about pivot pin285, whereupon the upper beveled or inclined surface302of each finger300hits upon the lower end of the respective block274, thereby forcing slide member298inwardly of chamber292against the force of coil spring304. Upon continued pivoting movement of lower axle housing284, fingers300reach rectangular recesses276into which they are biased by coil spring304, thereby locking axle securement section254to the axle or cross rod of the stroller.

In order to remove axle attachment device250, it is only necessary to apply a pushing force against push wall308, thereby retracting fingers300from recesses276against the force of coil spring304, and then pivot lower axle housing284in the opposite opening direction.

It will be appreciated that various modifications can be made to the present invention. For example, a cylindrical rod (not shown) can be substituted in place of rear block264and connected between the free ends of side walls262.

Referring now toFIGS.51-59, an axle attachment arrangement320which attaches to the rear legs246of stroller244is provided in place of axle attachment device250.

Axle attachment arrangement320includes two axle attachment devices322and324, which are modified slightly from axle attachment device250. Specifically, each axle attachment device322and324is the same as axle attachment device250with a main body326and an axle securement section328, with the exception that main body326is formed as a solid unitary body without any vertical through channel268or through openings270. Therefore, a detailed description of each axle attachment device322and324is omitted. Each axle attachment device322and324is adapted to clamp onto a rear leg246of stroller244, in the same manner as discussed above with respect to axle attachment device250, but with such clamping to be a tight friction clamp to prevent axle attachment devices322and324from sliding down the respective rear legs246of stroller244. Alternatively, a stop246acan be provided on each rear leg246to accurately position each axle attachment device322and324thereon at a fixed position.

A first arm330has a first end pivotally connected to axle attachment device322in two different pivoting directions, and a second arm332has a first end pivotally connected to axle attachment device324in two different pivoting directions.

To this end, a pivot securement body334is pivotally connected by a pivot336to the first end of first arm330along a first pivoting direction and is pivotally connected by a pivot338to main body326of axle attachment device322along a second pivoting direction generally perpendicular to the first pivoting direction.

In like manner, a pivot securement body340is pivotally connected by a pivot342to the first end of second arm332along the first pivoting direction and is pivotally connected by a pivot (not shown) to main body326of axle attachment devices324along a second pivoting direction generally perpendicular to the first pivoting direction.

The opposite ends of first arm330and second arm332are pivotally connected to a connecting plate346of a yoke348by pivot pins350and352, so that the first and second arms330and332form a V-shape.

Yoke348includes a U-shaped connector354having two side walls354aand354bconnected together by a connecting wall354cto which connecting plate346is secured. A connecting rod356connects together the free ends of side walls354aand354b, and is in parallel, spaced relation from connecting wall354cto provide a gap358therebetween.

In addition, as shown best inFIG.53, it is preferable that first arm330and second arm332are each formed as an adjustable telescoping rod with an outer rod360and a telescoping inner rod362, with an adjustment assembly364that allows inner rod362to be telescoped and fixed at different positions relative to outer rod360.

As shown, inner rod362includes a plurality of spaced apart openings366along the lengthwise direction thereof. Adjustment assembly364includes a housing368fixed to an outer surface of outer rod360. A lever370is mounted within housing368by a transverse pivot pin372at the center thereof.

One end of lever370includes an inwardly extending locking pin374that extends through an opening376of outer rod360and which is adapted to engage within one of the plurality of openings366of inner rod362to releasably lock outer rod360and inner rod362at a fixed position relative to each other. The opposite end of lever370includes a button378which is biased outwardly by a coil spring380positioned between outer rod360and the underside of button378. As a result, locking pin374is biased in an inward direction into engagement with one of the openings366of inner rod362.

When button378is depressed against the force of coil spring380, lever370pivots about pivot pin372, whereby locking pin374is removed from the respective opening366of inner rod362to permit telescoping adjustment of outer rod360relative to inner rod362. When a desired telescoping position is achieved, the force on button378is released, whereby coil spring380pivots lever370about pivot pin372, to cause locking pin374to enter a respective new opening366of inner rod362at the new telescoped position.

With this arrangement, axle attachment devices322and324are clamped onto opposite rear legs246of stroller244. First and second arms330and332hang down therefrom in a V-shape, connected at their opposite ends to yoke348. The length of arms330and332can be adjusted. Thereafter, releasable stroller attachment180of standing board10is clamped onto connecting rod356of yoke348, in the same manner as previously discussed.

This arrangement has the advantage that, because of the length adjustment of arms330and332, the front end of standing board10can be positioned further out from stroller344.

Having described specific preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, it will be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to those precise embodiments and that various changes and modifications can be effected therein by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention as defined by the appended claims.