Strollers with removable seats and related methods

Strollers with removable seats and related methods are disclosed herein. An example stroller includes a wheeled frame, a receiver coupled to the frame, and a seat. The seat includes a hub, a mount, and a lock disposed in the mount. The lock is to move from a first positon to a second position when the mount is disposed in the receiver to removably couple the seat to the frame. The seat includes a handle and a pin disposed between the handle and the hub. The handle is moveable from a retracted position to an extended position when the pin is in a third position relative to the handle and the lock is to move from the second position to the first position when the handle moves from the retracted position to the extended position.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

This disclosure relates generally to strollers and, more particularly, to strollers with removable seats and related methods.

BACKGROUND

Known strollers include a frame to support one or more seats and/or accessories (e.g., a basket).

The figures are not to scale. Instead, to clarify multiple layers and regions, the thickness of the layers may be enlarged in the drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawing(s) and accompanying written description to refer to the same or like parts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Strollers typically include a frame and a seat supported by the frame to receive a child occupant. In some examples, an accessory, such as a basket, is also supported by the frame. However, some known strollers are limited with respect to a number of seats provided. For example, some strollers include only one seat for one child. If a user wishes to carry a second child in the stroller, the user has to purchase a different stroller that includes two seats (e.g., a double stroller). However, a double stroller having two identical seats may not be appropriate if, for example, one child is capable of sitting upright but the other child cannot sit upright because of the child's age. Also, a double stroller may be difficult to push if there is only one child in the stroller because of the extra unoccupied seat and/or uneven loading of the stroller. Thus, some known strollers do not provide for flexibility in accommodating different numbers of occupants and/or occupants of different ages.

To provide for flexibility in the number of occupants, some known strollers include an expandable stroller frame which allows a user to move the stroller frame from a first width to a second width greater than the first width. In the non-expanded position having the first width, the stroller may have one seat coupled to the stroller frame. In the expanded position having the second width, two seats may be coupled to the stroller frame. To return the stroller to the non-expanded position, the user compresses the frame. However, such strollers are difficult for the user to manipulate, as these strollers require the user to reconfigure the stroller frame, including expanding the stroller frame before attaching the second seat. If the stroller frame is not properly secured in the expanded position or the non-expanded position, the stability of the stroller frame and, thus, the support provided by the stroller frame for one or more occupants seated in the seat(s) attached to the stroller frame may be compromised.

Disclosed herein are example strollers for removably coupling one or more seats and/or accessories (e.g., baskets) to the stroller frame. In the disclosed examples, the one or more seats and/or accessories are removably coupled to the stroller frame without changing a size of the stroller frame. Rather, one seat, two seats, or one seat and an accessory can be selectively coupled to the stroller frame without any adjustments to the frame itself.

Example strollers frames disclosed herein selectively move between supporting one seat or accessory, one seat and an accessory, or two seats or accessories via a coupling mechanism between the stroller frame and the seat(s) and/or the accessory/accessories. Example stroller frames disclosed herein include a mount bar for supporting one or more seats and/or accessories coupled to the stroller frame. The mount bar includes a plurality of mount receivers. Each mount receiver receives a corresponding part of a seat or an accessory to removably secure the seat or the accessory to the stroller frame at one or more positions relative to the stroller frame (e.g., left, right, or middle).

In some disclosed examples, the seat or accessory includes a coupling mechanism that is controlled by a user (e.g., a child caretaker) to selectively lock or unlock the seat or the accessory to a mount receiver of the mount bar of the stroller frame. In some such examples, the mount bar of the stroller frame is a passive mechanical part that receives the coupling mechanism, thereby reducing the number of moving mechanical parts on the stroller frame. In some disclosed examples, the coupling mechanism between the stroller frame and the seat(s) and accessories are same or substantially the same for each seat or accessory to provide for easy installation and removal of the seat or accessory by the user.

Some example seats disclosed herein include a napper bar and backrest portion that can be selectively adjusted to release a lock that enables a handle of the seat to be pulled by the user. In such examples, the pulling of the handle releases a coupling between the seat and a mount receiver to which the seat mount is coupled and allows the seat to be removed from the mount receiver. Thus, example seats disclosed herein include multiple locking mechanisms to prevent instances of unintended disengagement between the seat and the stroller (e.g., by a child, by mechanical failure), which could result in injury to the child occupant. Example seats disclosed herein provide for ease of access for the user to removably attach the seat to the stroller frame while providing for a secure coupling between the stroller frame and the seat to protect the child occupant.

Further, a position of the one or more seats or accessories coupled to the example stroller frames can be varied with respect to (1) placement relative to a left side, a center, and/or a right side of the stroller and/or (2) orientation including forward- or rearward-facing or sideways relative to a direction of travel of the stroller. The placement and/or orientation of the one or more seats or accessories can be varied without modification to the stroller frame or the coupling mechanism between the seats or accessories and the stroller frame. Additionally, the disclosed example strollers can receive different types of seats, such as an upright seat, a car seat, and/or a bassinet. In some disclosed examples, an upright seat and a bassinet can each be coupled to the stroller frame to accommodate differently aged children. One of the seats can be removed from the frame to reduce the occupancy of the stroller. The stroller can be used as a single-seat stroller. In other examples, a basket accessory can be coupled to the stroller frame in place of the second seat to provide storage space. Also, in some examples, the seat(s) may be removed and only an accessory may be coupled to the frame such as, for example, one or more basket(s), and the frame may be used to transport items (e.g., groceries).

An example stroller includes a wheeled frame, a receiver coupled to the frame, and a seat. The seat includes a hub; a mount; a lock disposed in the mount, the lock to move from a first positon to a second position when the mount is disposed in the receiver to removably couple the seat to the frame; a handle; and a pin disposed between the handle and the hub. The handle is moveable from a retracted position to an extended position when the pin is in a third position relative to the handle and the lock to move from the second position to the first position when the handle moves from the retracted position to the extended position.

In some examples, the hub includes a cam. The cam is to cause the pin to selectively engage a pocket of the handle. In some such examples, in the third position, the pin is spaced apart from the pocket.

In some examples, the stroller further includes an actuator disposed in the mount. The actuator is to rotate to cause the lock to move to the second position when the handle moves to the extended position. In some such examples, the stroller further includes a plate slidably coupled to the handle. The actuator is to rotate via sliding of the plate.

In some examples, the stroller further includes a plate slidably coupled to the handle. The actuator is to rotate via sliding of the plate.

In some examples, in the second position, the lock is disposed in an opening of the receiver and in the first position, the lock is retracted relative to the opening.

In some examples, the receiver is a first receiver and the stroller further includes a second receiver coupled to the frame. The seat is to be removably coupled to the first receiver or the second receiver.

Another example stroller disclosed herein includes a wheeled frame; a mount bar coupled to the frame, the mount bar including a plurality of receivers; and a seat. The seat includes a hub, a mount, and a handle. The hub is to selectively enable the handle to move between an extended position and a retracted position to removably couple the mount to one of the plurality of receivers.

In some examples, the mount includes a lock and each of the receivers includes an opening. The handle is to cause the lock to move relative to the opening to removably couple the mount to the one of the plurality of receivers.

In some examples, each of the plurality of receivers includes a substantially frustoconical portion and the mount includes a substantially frustoconical portion.

In some examples, the seat further includes a pin disposed between the hub and the handle, the hub to selectively cause the pin to engage a pocket of the handle to lock the handle.

In some examples, the hub includes a cam to engage the pin when the handle is in the retracted position. In some such examples, the cam is spaced apart from the pin when the handle is in the extended position.

In some examples, the seat includes a backrest arm coupled to the hub and movement of the backrest arm from a first position to a second position is to cause the hub to rotate to enable the handle to move from the retracted position to the extended position.

An example seat to be coupled to a frame of a stroller is disclosed herein. The example seat includes a hub, a mount, and a lock disposed in the mount. The lock is to move from a first position to a second position to removably couple the seat to the frame. The example seat includes a pin disposed between the handle and the hub. The handle is moveable from a retracted position to an extended position when the pin is in a third position relative to the handle and the lock is to move from the second position to the first position when the handle moves from the retracted position to the extended position.

In some examples, the seat further includes a backrest arm to be rotatably coupled to the hub. In such examples, when the backrest arm is in a first position, the seat is in an unfolded position and when the backrest arm is in the second position, the seat is in a folded position. In some such examples, the handle includes a pocket. The pin is to be disposed in the pocket when the seat is in the unfolded position. In some such examples, the pin is to move relative to the pocket during movement of the backrest arm from the first position to the second position.

In some examples, the seat further includes a napper bar rotabably coupled to the hub, wherein rotation of the napper bar is to enable the handle to move between the retracted position and the extended position.

In some examples, the mount includes an actuator and the lock is to operatively coupled to the actuator. The handle is to cause the actuator to rotate when the handle moves from the retracted position to the extended position. The lock is to move relative to the frame based on the rotation of the actuator.

Turning to the figures,FIG. 1is a right, front perspective view of an example stroller100constructed in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure. The example stroller100illustrated inFIG. 1includes a frame102having a first side104and a second side106. The first side104and the second side106of the stroller frame102include a plurality of frame members and wheels attached to the frame members. The frame members and wheels of the first side104of the stroller frame102will be described herein with the understanding that the second side106is a mirror image of the first side104. Thus, the second side106includes substantially identical frame members and wheels as the first side104and, in the interest of brevity, will not be repeatedly detailed herein.

In the illustrated example stroller100, the first side104includes an arm108extending from a parent handle110. The parent handle110is disposed between the first side104and the second side106of the stroller frame102. In some examples, the arm108and the parent handle110are integrally formed from a unit such as, for example, a tube. In some examples, a height of the parent handle110is adjustable via adjustment of height of the arm108.

The first side104of the stroller frame102also includes a front leg112and a rear leg114. A front wheel116is rotatably coupled to the front leg112. In some examples, the front wheel116is rotatably coupled to a front bar118that extends between the first side104and the second side106. A rear wheel120is coupled to the rear leg114. In some examples, a rear wheel120is coupled to a rear bar122that extends between the first side104and the second side106. Although the example stroller100ofFIG. 1includes four wheels (e.g., two front wheels116and two rear wheels120coupled to the first and second sides104,106of the stroller frame102), different numbers of front and/or rear wheels are used in other examples (e.g., a single front wheel).

In the illustrated example, the front leg112and the rear leg114are coupled via a joint124. The rear leg114and the arm108are coupled via a hub126(e.g., a second joint). The joint124and the hub126facilitate folding of the stroller such that front leg112and the arm108and, thus, the parent handle110are free to rotate relative to the rear leg114.

The example stroller100ofFIG. 1includes a first seat128disposed between the first side104and the second side106and a second seat130disposed between the first side104and the second side106. In some examples, the stroller100only includes one seat128,130. In some examples, the seat(s)128,130are arranged in different forward- or rearward-facing orientation(s) than illustrated inFIG. 1. For example, both seats128,130can face forward or rearward relative to a direction of travel of the stroller100or can face in different directions (e.g., as illustrated inFIG. 1). Each of the first and second seats128,130includes a seat frame132mounted to the stroller frame102. The seat frame132defines a backrest portion133of the seat128(e.g., a portion against which an occupant of the seat rests his or back when sitting in the seat128,130) and a support portion135(e.g., a portion that supports a body of the seat occupant). The seat(s)128,130can include accessories attached to the respective seat frames132, such as soft goods, a canopy, a footrest, etc. In some examples, the second seat130is substantially the same as the first seat128.

In the example stroller100ofFIG. 1, the first seat128and the second seat130are removably coupled to the stroller frame102via respective seat mounts of the seat frames132. The seat mount(s) of the seat(s)128,130are coupled to a mount bar of the stroller frame102. For example purposes, the removable coupling of a seat to the stroller frame102will be discussed in connection with the first example seat128ofFIG. 1, with the understanding the second example seat130can be coupled to the stroller frame102in the same or substantially the same manner as disclosed in connection with the first seat128.

FIG. 2is a right, front perspective view of the first example seat128ofFIG. 1. The example seat200includes means for coupling the seat128to a mount bar of the stroller frame. As shown inFIG. 2, the first example seat128includes a seat mount200coupled to the seat frame132. In operation, the seat mount200is coupled to a ground-facing surface of the support portion135of the seat frame132, or side of the seat frame132opposite a side on which a child sits. As also shown inFIG. 2, the first example seat128includes a napper bar202extending between a first side204and a second side206of the seat frame132. The napper bar202is coupled to the seat frame132via respective seat connection hubs208disposed at the first side204(shown inFIG. 2) and the second side206of the seat frame132. The seat connection hubs208enable rotation of the napper bar202relative to the seat frame132when a user exerts a force on the napper bar202(e.g. presses down on the napper bar202).

The example seat frame132also includes backrest arms203at the first and second sides204,206of the seat128that define the backrest portion133of the seat128. The backrest arms203are rotatably coupled to the respective seat connection hubs208. In some examples, the backrest arms203rotate substantially simultaneously via the hubs208. The backrest arm203can rotate toward the napper bar202(e.g., to fold the seat128) or away from the napper bar202(e.g., to adjust a recline angle of the backrest portion133of the seat128). As disclosed below in connection withFIGS. 3-8, the example napper bar202and the backrest arms203can be selectively rotated by a user via the seat connection hubs208to release seat mount200from the stroller frame102such that the first example seat128can be removed or detached from the stroller frame102. In some examples, the napper bar202and the backrest arms203are selectively rotated via the seat connection hubs208to couple the seat128to the stroller frame102.

FIG. 3is a partial, right, front perspective view of the example stroller ofFIG. 1. As shown inFIG. 3, the example stroller frame102includes a mount bar300. The mount bar300extends between the first and second sides104,106of the stroller frame102. In the example ofFIG. 3, the mount bar300is disposed proximate to the joint124between the front leg112and the rear leg114of the stroller frame102. In some examples, the mount bar300ofFIG. 3is a cast part coupled to the example stroller frame102. In some examples, the mount bar300is integral with the stroller frame102.

The example mount bar300ofFIG. 3includes means for receiving a seat mount of a seat, such as the example seat mount200of the first seat128ofFIG. 2. For example, the example mount bar300ofFIG. 3includes a first mount receiver302, a second mount receiver304, and a third mount receiver306. The first, second, and third mount receiver(s)302,304,306can include cavities or openings310formed in the mount bar300. In some examples, the mount bar300and the first, second, and third mount receivers302,304,306are formed from a single mold. In other examples, the first, second, and third mount receiver(s)302,304,306are formed separately from the mount bar300and coupled to the mount bar300(e.g., via fastener(s) such as screw(s)). The example mount bar300and the first, second, and third example mount receivers302,304,306can be formed via one or more manufacturing methods including, for example, injection molding, arrangement of multiple pieces, laser etching, and/or three-dimensional printing. The example mount bar300can include additional or fewer mount receivers than illustrated inFIG. 3. Also, although the first, second, and third mount receivers302,304,306are arranged linearly along the mount bar300, the receivers can be arranged in other patterns such as, for example, a triangular pattern.

In the example ofFIG. 3, the each of the first, second, and third example mount receivers302,304,306are substantially identical with respect to shape and size. For example, the first, second, and third mount receivers302,304,306include a shell308having a substantially frustoconical or funnel-shape. The first, second, and third mount receivers302,304,306can have other shapes, such as substantially circular shapes, substantially square shapes, and/or can include portions having different shapes. The interior of the shell308of each of the mount receivers302,304,306defines a cavity or opening310. As disclosed herein, the shapes of the first, second, and third mount receivers302,304,306complements a shape of a mount of a seat (e.g., the seat mount200ofFIG. 2) or an accessory to be coupled to the stroller frame102.

In the example ofFIG. 3, the first mount receiver302is disposed proximate to the second side106of the stroller frame102, the third mount receiver306is disposed proximate to the first side104of the stroller frame, and the second mount receiver304is disposed between the first mount receiver302and the second mount receiver306(e.g., proximate to a longitudinal axis extending through a center of the mount bar300). Thus, one or more seats and/or accessories can be coupled to the stroller frame102at different positions. The example stroller frame102ofFIGS. 1 and 3can support a single seat or accessory and/or two more seats or accessories in any of the mount receivers without the risk the stroller frame102becomes unstable.

For example, the first seat128can be mounted to the stroller frame102via the second mount receiver304such that a longitudinal axis extending through a center of the first seat128is substantially aligned with a longitudinal axis extending through a center of the mount bar300. In other examples, a center of the first seat128is positioned right or left relative to the center of the mount bar300via the first mount receiver302or the third mount receiver306. Put another way, the center of the first seat128can be disposed closer to the first side104or the second side106of the example stroller100. In some examples, the first seat128is coupled to the first mount receiver302and the second seat130is coupled to the third mount receiver306(e.g., as illustrated inFIG. 1). In some such examples, a portion of the seat frame132may overhang in the stroller frame102when the first seat128and/or the second seat130is coupled proximate to the first or second sides104,106of the stroller frame102via the first and/or third mount receivers302,306. In some examples, the seat(s) and/or accessories can be coupled to the first, second, and/or third mount receivers302,304,306in a forward-facing direction or a rearward-facing direction relative to a direction of travel of the stroller100. In some examples, the seat(s) and/or accessories can be coupled to the stroller frame102sideways relative to the direction of travel (e.g., via the first mount receiver302and/or the third mount receiver306).

FIG. 4is a cross-sectional view of the example seat mount200of the first example seat128taken along the A-A line ofFIG. 2and the second example mount receiver304of the example mount bar300taken along the B-B line ofFIG. 3. In the example ofFIG. 4, the seat mount200is locked to the second mount receiver304and, thus, the first example seat128is coupled to the stroller frame102. AlthoughFIG. 4is discussed in connection with the first example seat128, another seat (e.g., the second example seat130ofFIG. 1) and/or accessory (e.g., a basket) can be coupled to the stroller frame102in a substantially similar manner as disclosed herein. Also, althoughFIG. 4is discussed in connection with the second (e.g., middle) mount receiver304of the mount bar300ofFIG. 3, the seat mount200of the example seat128(or another seat and/or accessory) can be coupled to the stroller frame102via the first mount receiver302and/or the third mount receiver306in substantially the same manner as disclosed herein in connection with the second mount receiver304.

As illustrated inFIG. 4, the second mount receiver304of the example mount bar300and the seat mount200of the first example seat128have complementary shapes. In the example ofFIG. 4, the shell308of the second mount receiver304has a substantially frustoconical portion400and a substantially square portion402. In some examples, the substantially square portion402includes a surface on which the seat mount200rests when disposed in the second mount receiver304(e.g., the cavity310is close-ended). In other examples, the substantially square portion402does not include such a surface (e.g., the cavity310is open-ended). Also, the seat mount200has a substantially frustoconical portion404and a substantially square portion406such that the seat mount200can be inserted into the cavity310of the second mount receiver304. In operation, the complementary shapes of the second mount receiver304of the stroller frame102and the seat mount200of the seat128provide for coupling of the seat128to the stroller frame102without requiring exact alignment between the seat mount200and the cavity310of the second mount receiver304when the user is inserting the seat mount200into the cavity310. In particular, because of the frustoconical portion400of the second example mount receiver304, the seat mount200is guided into the second mount receiver304without requiring precise alignment of the seat mount200and the second mount receiver304by the user. For example, to insert the seat mount200in the second mount receiver304, the user positions the seat mount200of the seat128over the second mount receiver304and lowers the seat128onto the stroller frame102such that the seat mount200is received in the cavity310of the second mount receiver304. In some examples, the user may not have aligned (e.g., exactly aligned) the respective square end portions402,406of the second mount receiver304and the seat mount200. As a result, the square end portion406of the seat mount200enters the second mount receiver304at an angle or offset relative to the square end portion402of the second mount receiver304. In such examples, the frustoconical portion400of the second mount receiver304facilities placement of the square end portion406of the seat mount200into the square end portion402of the second mount receiver304. In particular, the curved or sloped surface of the frustoconical portion400allows the square end portion406of the seat mount200to slide into the square end portion402of the second mount receiver304to couple the example seat128to the example stroller frame102. Thus, the second example mount receiver304provides for self-alignment of the seat mount200, thereby reducing potential user difficulties in coupling the seat128to the stroller frame102and any risks that the seat128is not securely coupled to the stroller frame102.

Referring the example seat mount200of the first example seat128, the seat mount200includes a base408and means for coupling the seat mount200to the mount bar300, or a coupler410extending from the base408. The coupler410can include a protrusion extending from the base408. As illustrated inFIG. 4, when the seat mount200is coupled to the mount bar300, the coupler410is disposed in the cavity310of the second mount receiver304and the base408is disposed on (e.g., sits on) a surface412of the mount bar300. The base408can be coupled to a surface of the seat128(e.g., the ground-facing surface of the support portion135of the stroller frame132) or an accessory via one or more mechanical or chemical fasteners.

The example seat mount200includes means for releasing the seat mount200from one of the mount receivers302,304,306of the mount bar300. For example, the seat mount200includes a release handle414. A first end416of the example release handle414includes a grip portion418that can be accessed by a user. A second end420of the release handle414is disposed in a slot422defined by the base408of the seat mount200. In the example ofFIG. 4, the grip portion418of the release handle414is disposed proximate to the backrest portion133of the seat128(e.g.,FIGS. 1, 2). Such a location of the grip portion418of the release handle414prevents unintended access to the release handle414by the occupant of the seat128during use of the stroller100.

In the example ofFIG. 4, a first plate424is coupled to the second end420of the release handle414. A second plate426is disposed between the first plate424and the second end420of the release handle414. The second plate426is slidably coupled to the release handle414. As disclosed herein, when the release handle414moves from a locked positon to an unlocked position, the second plate426slides relative to the coupler410to unlock the seat mount200from the mount bar300. The release handle414and the second plate426are slidably coupled to the base408via fasteners428that extend through openings429in the first plate424, openings in the second plate426, and openings in the release handle414.

The example seat mount200includes means for driving the locking of the seat mount200to the second mount receiver304. For example, the seat mount200ofFIG. 4includes an actuator430disposed in the coupler410. The actuator430includes a pinion432. As illustrated inFIG. 4, the pinion432extends through a first opening434formed in the release handle414and second opening436formed in the second plate426. As disclosed herein, the pinion432selectively engages a rack506of the second plate426(FIG. 5). The actuator430is coupled to the first plate424(e.g., via an interference fit between a portion of the first plate424and the actuator430via a mechanical fastener, etc.).

The example seat mount200includes means for locking the seat mount200to the second mount receiver304. For example, the seat mount200ofFIG. 4includes a first lock438and a second lock440. The first and second locks438,440are disposed in respective openings442formed in the coupler410. Each of the first and second locks438,440includes teeth444. The pinion432of the actuator430selectively engages the teeth444of the first and second locks438,440. In some examples, the first and second locks438,440are mirror images of one another.

The example seat mount200includes means for driving the means for locking the seat mount200to the second mount receiver304. For example, a first spring446is disposed between the first lock438and the actuator430. A second spring448is disposed between the second lock440and the actuator430. As illustrated inFIG. 4, the first spring446is disposed between a wall450of the first lock438and a first projection452formed in the coupler410proximate to the actuator430and the second spring448is disposed a wall454between the second lock440and a second projection455formed in the coupler410proximate to the actuator430. The first and second locks438,440move between extended and retracted positions via compression and extension of the first and second springs446,448during locking of the seat mount200to and unlocking of the seat mount200from the second example mount receiver304. When the coupler410is disposed in the second example mount receiver304, the first and second springs446,448are in extended positions. In particular, forces exerted by the first and second springs446,448push the respective first and second locks438,440outward relative to the actuator430, through the openings442of the coupler410and into respective notches456formed in the second mount receiver304to couple the seat mount200to the mount receiver304.

The retraction and expansion of the first and second locks438,440is controlled by the sliding of the release handle414into and partially out of the slot422of the base408, as represented by the arrow458ofFIG. 4. For example, a user can grasp the grip portion418to pull the release handle414outward relative to the seat mount200. As disclosed herein, when the user pulls the grip portion418of the release handle414outward relative to the seat mount200, the second plate426slides with the release handle414, and the rack506of the second plate426causes the pinion432of the actuator430to rotate and the first and second locks438,440to move from the expanded position shown inFIG. 4to a retracted position.

The example seat mount200includes means for controlling the release handle414. In the example ofFIG. 4, the ability of the user to pull the release handle414is controlled by a lock pin460disposed between the release handle414and the seat connection hub208of the first example seat128ofFIG. 4. In the example ofFIG. 4, a first end462of the lock pin460is disposed in a pocket464of the release handle414. A second end466of the lock pin460selectively engages means for positioning the lock pin460relative to the pocket464. For example, the second end466of the lock pin460engages a cam468disposed in a housing469of the seat connection hub208. Although inFIG. 4the lock pin460is shown as engaging the seat connection hub208located at the second side206of the first example seat128, the lock pin460could alternatively engage the seat connection hub208located at the first side204of the first example seat (FIG. 2). In some examples, the seat mount200includes two lock pins460that engage the respective seat connection hubs208located at the first and second sides204,206of the first example seat128. In such examples, the release handle414includes two pockets464to receive the respective lock pins460.

The example lock pin460includes means for driving the lock pin460. In the example ofFIG. 4, the lock pin460includes a spring470. In the example ofFIG. 4, when the lock pin460engages the cam468and the spring470is compressed, the spring-loaded lock pin460is disposed in the pocket464of the release handle414. In such examples, the lock pin460prevents sliding of the release handle414(e.g., the user cannot pull the grip portion418outward relative to the seat mount200) due to the presence of the lock pin460in the pocket464. As disclosed in greater detail below, rotation of the backrest arm(s)203and the napper bar202(FIG. 2) via the seat connection hub208causes the lock pin460to move out of the pocket464of the release handle414. In examples including two lock pins460, rotation of the seat connection hubs208can cause the lock pins460to move out of the pockets464at substantially the same time. The release of the lock pin(s)460from the pocket(s)464enables the grip portion418of the release handle414to be pulled by the user, which causes the first and second locks438,440to retract and the seat mount200to be removed from the second mount receiver304.

FIG. 5is a left, rear perspective view of the example seat mount200and a partial view of one of the seat connection hub208, the napper bar202and one of the backrest arms203of the first example seat128ofFIG. 2. In some examples ofFIG. 5, the seat mount200is coupled to first, second, or third mount receivers302,304,306of the example mount bar300of the stroller100ofFIGS. 1 and 3. However, for illustrative purposes, the mount bar300and the mount receivers302,304,306are not shown inFIG. 5. In other examples ofFIG. 5, the seat mount200is not coupled (or not yet coupled) to the mount bar300.

As shown inFIG. 5, the lock pin460is disposed in the pocket464of the release handle414. As disclosed above, although the lock pin460is shown proximate to the first side204of the seat128inFIG. 5, the lock pin460could be disposed proximate to the second side206of the seat128(e.g., as inFIG. 4). In some examples, a first lock pin460is disposed proximate to the second side206of the seat128and a second lock pin460is disposed proximate to the first side204of the seat128.

As also shown inFIG. 5, the backrest arm203is coupled to the seat connection hub208via a first connector500. The first connector500is at least partially disposed in the housing469of the hub208. The first connector500is pivotably coupled to the housing469to enable the backrest arm203to move between one or more angular positions relative to the housing469. Also, the napper bar202is coupled to the seat connection hub208via a second connector502. The second connector502is pivotably coupled to the housing469to enable the napper bar to move between one or more angular positions relative to the housing469. In the example ofFIG. 5, the backrest arm203is in a first angular position and the napper bar202is in a second angular position spaced apart from the backrest arm203. In some examples, the first angular position of the backrest arm203corresponds to a position in which the backrest portion133of the seat128is in a substantially upright position (e.g., substantially perpendicular relative to the support portion135ofFIG. 1, at a recline relative to the support portion135) such that an occupant of the seat128could rest his or her back against the backrest portion133.

For illustrative purposes, the first plate424is shown as transparent relative to the second plate426inFIG. 5. As shown inFIG. 5, the second plate426includes openings504through which the fasteners428extend to couple the first and second plates424,426and the release handle414to the base408. As also shown inFIG. 5, the second plate426includes the rack506having a plurality of teeth at least partially extending in the opening436of the second plate426. The pinion432of the actuator430selectively engages the rack506, as disclosed above. As also shown inFIG. 5, the second lock440is in an expanded position (and the first lock438is in an expanded position as shown inFIG. 4).

In some examples, the user may wish to retract the locks438,440of the seat mount200to enable the seat128to be removed from the stroller frame102. In other examples, the user may wish to retract the locks438,440to facilitate insertion of the seat mount200into the first, second, or third mount receivers302,304,306of the mount bar300.FIGS. 6-8illustrate the unlocking of the release handle414via the locking pin460, which enables the user to pull the release handle414to retract the locks438,440of the seat mount200.

FIGS. 6-8are left, rear perspective views of the example seat mount and seat connection hub ofFIG. 5, showing the backrest arm and napper bar in different angular positions. For illustrative purposes, a portion of the release handle414is shown in a cutaway view with respect to the pocket464for receiving the lock pin460inFIGS. 6 and 7. AlthoughFIGS. 6-8illustrate one lock pin and seat connection hub, the release of lock pin460shown inFIGS. 6-8can apply to examples including two lock pins460associated with the seat connection hubs208at each side of the seat128.

As illustrated inFIG. 6, the second end466of the lock pin460engages the cam468of the seat connection hub208. In the example ofFIG. 6, the cam468is coupled to the first connector500of the seat connection hub208, or the connector to which the backrest arm203is coupled. In some examples, the first connector500and the cam468are formed from one or more molds, from two or more separate pieces mechanically or chemically coupled together, etc. Also, inFIG. 6, the spring470is in a compressed position. As shown inFIG. 6, the spring470is disposed between a collar600of the lock pin460and the pocket464. Thus, first end462of the lock pin460is held in the pocket464of the release handle414by the engagement of the second end466of the lock pin460with cam468, which acts on the spring470.

To release the lock pin460from the pocket464of the release handle414, the user rotates the backrest arm203toward the napper bar202(e.g., pushes the backrest arm203toward the support portion135of the seat128), as represented by the arrow602ofFIG. 6. The first connector500rotates via the seat connection hub208, which enables the backrest arm203coupled thereto to move toward the napper bar202. As the backrest arm203pivots toward the napper bar202, the cam468moves away from the second end466of the lock pin460due to the movement (e.g., rotation) of the first connector500, as represented by the arrow604ofFIG. 6. Put another way, during rotation of the backrest arm203and the first connector500, the cam468becomes spaced apart from the second end466of the lock pin460such that the cam468no longer engages the second end466of the lock pin460.

As the backrest arm203rotates toward the napper bar202via the first connector500and the seat connection hub208, the second end466of the lock pin460no longer engages the cam468. Thus, the tension of the spring470is released and the spring470moves from a compressed position to an extended position. As a result of the release of the spring470, the first end462of the lock pin460moves out of the pocket464and no longer engages the pocket464(e.g., the first end462is moved a distance from the pocket464), as represented by the arrow700ofFIG. 7. Put another way, the lock pin460is sprung back relative to the pocket464.

In some examples, as the user rotates the backrest arm203, the backrest arm203engages the napper bar202, which causes the napper bar202to move toward the support portion135of the seat128. Thus, in some examples, the seat128folds or substantially folds as a result of the rotation of the backrest arm(s)203and the napper bar202such that the backrest portion133is disposed proximate to the support portion135, which is disclosed below inFIG. 9.

As shown inFIG. 8, when the backrest arm203and the napper bar202are rotated such that the backrest arm203and napper bar202are substantially collapsed, the lock pin460is no longer disposed in the pocket464of the release handle414. Thus, the release handle414is free to slide relative to the slot422of the base408. As represented by the arrow800inFIG. 8, a user can grasp the grip portion418of the release handle414and pull the release handle414outward relative to the coupler410of the seat mount200. As a result of the pulling of the release handle414, an edge802of the second end420of the release handle414moves a distance x away from an edge804of the slot422.

When the user pulls the release handle414outward, the second plate426of the seat mount200slides with the release handle414. For example, the openings504of the second plate426move (e.g., slide) relative to the fasteners428extending through the openings504from the first plate424, as represented by the arrows806ofFIG. 8. The sliding of the second plate426causes the pinion432of the actuator430to rotate as a result of the engagement of the pinion432with the rack506, as represented by the arrow808ofFIG. 8. In some examples, the amount by which the second plate426slides and, thus, the distance x by which the release handle414slides relative to the edge804of the slot422is defined by a size and/or a number of teeth of the rack506, a length of the openings436,504of the second plate426(e.g., a length of the major axes of the openings436,504in examples where the openings are elliptical shape), etc. As disclosed above, the rotation of the pinion432causes the locks438,440of the seat mount200to retract.

FIG. 9is a right, perspective view of the example seat128in a substantially folded position, or a position in which the backrest arm(s)203and the napper bar202are substantially collapsed and, thus, the backrest portion133is disposed proximate to the support portion135. For example, a user may rotate the backrest arm(s)203and the napper bar202via the seat connection hub208to the positions shown inFIG. 9to unlock lock pin460from the release handle414as disclosed above in connection withFIGS. 5-8. In addition to releasing the lock pin460to enable the user to pull the release handle414of the seat mount200, the folded position of the seat128shown inFIG. 9provides for increase ease of access to the release handle414as compared to if the user had to reach around and under the backrest portion133of the seat128while the backrest portion133was substantially upright. In some examples, a degree to which the backrest arm203and the napper bar202rotate and the seat128folds is defined by the seat connection hub208(e.g., one or more stops disposed in the housing469of the seat connection hub208).

FIG. 10is a cross-sectional view of the example seat mount200of the first example seat128taken along the A-A line ofFIG. 2and the second example mount receiver304of the example mount bar300taken along the B-B line ofFIG. 3, with the seat mount200assembled in the second mount receiver304. In the example ofFIG. 10, the seat mount200is partially unlocked to the second mount receiver304(i.e., as compared to the example ofFIG. 4in which the seat mount200is locked to the second mount receiver304).

As shown inFIG. 10, the lock pin460is disengaged from the cam468(e.g., as a result of rotation of the backrest arm203and the napper bar202) and the first end462of the lock pin460is removed from the pocket464of the release handle414. Thus, the release handle is free to be pulled outward relative to the coupler410(e.g., via the grip portion418), as represented by the arrow1000ofFIG. 10.

As disclosed above, when the release handle414is pulled outward relative to the coupler410, the second plate426slides with the release handle414. The sliding of the second plate426causes the pinion432of the actuator430to rotate via the rack506of the second plate426(FIGS. 5, 8). As the pinion432rotates as a result of the sliding of the second plate426in the direction of the movement of the release handle414, the pinion432engages the teeth444of the first and second locks438,440. The rotation of the pinion432and the engagement of the pinion432with the teeth444of the first and second locks438,440causes the first and second locks438,440to be pulled inward toward the actuator430and the first and second springs446,448to move to compressed position. As a result, the first and second locks438,440retract from the notches456of the second mount receiver304, as represented by the arrows1002,1004ofFIG. 10. In examples, the first and second locks438,440are at least partially retracted relative to the respective openings442of the coupler410.

FIG. 11shows the example seat mount200removed from the second mount receiver304. As illustrated inFIG. 11, the retraction of the locks438,440from the notches456of the second mount receiver304enables the seat mount200to be removed from the second mount receiver304(and, thus, the seat or accessory to which the seat mount200is coupled from the stroller100). For example, a user may lift the seat128out of the second mount receiver304while grasping, for example, the grip portion418of the release handle414and one or more portions of the seat128, such as the support portion135.

If the user wishes to re-attach the first example seat128including the seat mount200or to couple another seat or accessory having the seat mount200to the mount bar300, the user inserts the seat mount200into the second mount receiver304(or the first or third mount receivers302,306) by aligning or substantially aligning the coupler410of the seat mount200with the substantially square portion402of the shell308of the second mount receiver304. In some examples, the release handle414is in an unlocked position when the seat mount200is inserted into the mount receiver340(e.g., as a result of a user folding the backrest arm203so as to release the lock pin460and holding and/or pulling the grip portion418of the release handle414while inserting the seat mount200into the second mount receiver304). Thus, the first and second locks438,440are in the retracted positions. When the coupler410is inserted into the mount receiver304(e.g., the base408of the seat mount200engages the surface412of the mount bar300), the user may lock the release handle414by pushing the release handle414inward relative to the coupler410. In other examples, the release handle414automatically moves inward or retracts when the user releases the grip portion418of the release handle414.

As the release handle414moves to the retracted position, the second plate426slides in the direction of the movement of the release handle414, or toward the edge804of the slot422(e.g., such that the distance x between the edge802of the release handle414and the edge804of the slot422decreases as compared to the example ofFIG. 8). The sliding of the second plate426as a result of the movement of the release handle414causes the pinion432of the actuator430to rotate due to the engagement of the pinion432with the rack506of the second plate426. When the second plate426slides toward the edge804of the slot422due to the movement of the release handle414, the pinion432rotates in a direction opposite the direction of rotation of the pinion432when the second plate426moves away from the edge804of the slot422and the release handle414moves the extended position. The rotation of the pinion432during movement of the release handle414to the retracted position causes the first and second locks438,440to move outward relative to the actuator430via the engagement of the teeth444of the first and second locks438,440with the pinion432. The first and second locks438,440extend into the respective notches456of, for example, the second mount receiver304to lock the seat mount200to the second mount receiver304. In some examples, the respective springs446,448of the first and second locks438,440facilitate the extension of the locks438,440by moving from compressed positions to extended positions.

In some such examples, after the user has released the release handle414(e.g., after pushing the handle inward) and the locks438,440have moved into the notches456of the second mount receiver304, the user moves the backrest arm(s)203away from the support portion135of the seat128to move the seat128from the folded position shown inFIG. 9to the unfolded position shown inFIG. 2. In such examples, the first connector500of the seat connection hub208rotates such that the cam468re-engages or pushes on the second end466of the lock pin460and causes the first end462of the lock pin460to move into the pocket464of the release handle414, thereby locking the release handle414. In some examples, the user further moves the backrest arm(s)203to adjust a recline angle of the backrest portion133of the seat128. In some examples, the user moves the napper bar202from the folded position to a desired height relative to the support portion135of the seat128.

Thus,FIGS. 4-11illustrate the removably secure coupling of the example seat mount200ofFIGS. 2 and 9to the example stroller frame102ofFIGS. 1 and 3. As illustrated inFIGS. 3, 4, 10, and 11the mount receiver(s)302,304,306are passive mechanical parts that do not include moving parts. Rather, the example seat128includes components that provide for locking of the seat mount200to one of the mount receivers302,304,306. In particular, the example seat mount200includes at least two locking mechanisms including (1) the lock pin(s)460which prevents unintended movement of the release handle414and (2) the locks438,440that removably secure the coupler410of the seat mount200to one of the mount receivers302,304,306via the rack-and-pinion of the actuator430and the second plate426. Providing the locking mechanism(s) via the seat mount200reduces the number of components on the stroller frame102and, thus, reduces the potential for components on the stroller frame102and the seat128to fail or to improperly engage. Providing the locking mechanism(s) via the seat mount200also increases user control over the locking of the seat128to the stroller frame102, as the operation of the seat mount200is controlled by the user via the backrest arm(s)203, the napper bar202, and the release handle414. Because the mount receiver(s)302,304,306are mechanically passive components, once the user releases the release handle414after inserting the seat mount200into one of the mount receivers302,304,306, the user can determine that the seat128is locked to the frame102via activation of the locks438,440of the seat mount200without wondering if any components in the stroller frame102have properly reacted to the insertion of the seat mount200. Further, the seats and/or accessories can be coupled to the mount receiver(s)302,304,306in different orientations (e.g., forward-facing or rearward-facing relative to the direction of travel of the stroller100) without the user having to make any adjustments to the stroller frame.

FIG. 12is a flowchart illustrating an example process1200for removably coupling a seat or accessory (e.g., the seat128,130or an accessory such as a basket) to a frame (e.g., the frame102) of a stroller (e.g., the stroller100). Although the example process1200is disclosed with respect to the flowchart illustrated inFIG. 12, many other methods of operating the example seat128,130(or an accessory) and/or the example stroller frame102may alternatively be used. For example, the order of execution of the blocks may be changed, and/or some of the blocks described may be changed, eliminated, or combined.

The example process1200ofFIG. 12includes positioning the seat or accessory relative to a receiver on a stroller frame (block1202). For example, a user can position the seat128over one of the mount receivers302,304,306of the frame102such that the seat mount200of the seat128is substantially aligned over an opening or cavity310of the one of the mount receivers302,304,306.

The example process1200includes removably coupling the seat or the accessory to the receiver (block1204). For example, the user can insert the seat mount200of the seat128in one of the mount receivers302,304,306. When the seat mount200engages the one of the mount receivers302,304,306, the locks438,440of the coupler410of the seat mount200engage with the openings or notches456of the one of the mount receivers302,304,306to lock the seat128to the frame102.

The example process1200includes a decision whether to remove the seat or accessory from the stroller frame (block1206). For example, the user may decide to remove the seat or accessory from the frame because the stroller is no longer being used and the user wishes to fold stroller. Or the user may wish to replace the seat or accessory with a different type of seat or accessory. For example, the user may wish to replace an upright seat for a toddler with a bassinet to accommodate an infant.

If a decision is made not to remove a seat or accessory from the stroller frame (block1206), the example process1200continues at block1214, as disclosed below. However, if a decision is made to remove the seat or accessory from the stroller frame (block1206), the example process1200includes unlocking a handle on the seat or accessory (block1208). For example, the user may move the backrest arm(s)203of the seat128toward the napper bar202such that the backrest portion133of the seat128folds toward the support portion135of the seat128. As the user moves the backrest arms203and, in some examples, the napper bar202to fold the seat128, the cam(s)468of the seat connection hub(s)208of the seat128move away from the second end466of respective lock pin(s)460, which releases the first end462of the spring-loaded lock pin(s)460from the pocket(s)464of the release handle414. The release of the lock pin(s)460from the pocket(s)464of the release handle414via the rotation of the seat connection hub208enables a user to pull the release handle414.

The example process1200includes releasing a handle on the seat or accessory to unlock the seat or accessory from the receiver (block1210). For example, the user may pull the release handle414outward relative to the mount receiver302,304,306to which the seat mount200is coupled, which causes the second plate426to slide with the release handle414and rotate the actuator430of the seat mount200. Rotation of the actuator430causes the locks438,440to retract from the openings or notches456of the mount receiver302,304,306.

When unlocked, the user can lift the seat or accessory out of the receiver (block1212). For example, when the seat128or accessory is unlocked from the mount receiver302,304,306via the pulling of the release handle414and the resulting disengagement of the seat mount200from the mount receiver302,304,306via the retraction of the locks438,440, the seat or accessory can be lifted out of the mount receiver302,304,306by the user.

The example process1200includes a decision whether to attach another seat or accessory to the stroller frame (block1214). For example, the user may wish to replace the seat (e.g., an upright seat) or accessory removed from the frame with another type of seat (e.g., a bassinet) or accessory. Also, if the user previously in the example process1200decided not to remove the seat or accessory from the stroller frame (e.g., block1206), the decision at block1214would be whether to attach another seat or accessory to the frame via a different receiver than the receiver to which the seat or accessory is coupled. If the user wishes to attach another seat or accessory to the stroller frame (block1214), the example process1100returns to the user positioning a seat or accessory over a receiver on the stroller frame to removably couple the seat or accessory to the frame (blocks1202,1204). The type of seat or accessory can differ from the seat or accessory currently attached to the stroller frame to provide for combinations such as one seat and one accessory, one upright seat and one bassinet, etc. Also, the orientation of the seat or accessory can differ from the seat or accessory currently attached to the stroller frame to include, for example, one forward-facing seat and one rearward-facing seat.

If the user does not wish to attach another seat or accessory to the stroller frame (block1214), the example process1200ends.

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that methods and apparatus have been disclosed to provide for removable coupling of one or more seats or accessories to a stroller frame. Disclosed example stroller frames provide for attachment of the one or more seats and/or accessories to the frame in different combinations with respect to type of seat (e.g., upright seat, bassinet), placement of the seat relative to the stroller frame (e.g., left, middle, or right side), and orientation (e.g., forward- or rearward-facing or sideways) without requiring the user to adjust the stroller frame or consider factors such as stability of the frame. Rather, the user attaches the one or more seats or accessories to the frame without modifying the frame and/or the seats or accessories, which provides for flexibility in coupling different seats and/or accessories to the stroller frame.

In disclosed examples, a seat mount of a seat or accessory is inserted into a receiver on the frame to couple the seat or accessory to the frame. In some disclosed examples, the seat mount includes locks that are engage with openings in the receiver to couple the seat mount to the receiver. In some such examples, the locks are operated via rotation of an actuator, which is activated by extension or retraction of a handle. In such examples, the rotation of the actuator causes the locks to extend and retract to mount the seat to the frame. The control of the locks via the handle of the seat mount increases user control over the coupling of the seat to the stroller frame and reduces the number of movable parts on the stroller frame, thereby simplifying the attachment of the seat and the frame while providing for secure coupling of the seat to the frame.

Further, in some disclosed examples, removal of the seat from the stroller via the slidable handle is controlled by a lock pin, which prevents unintended movement of the handle. Instead, a user selectively adjusts a positon of the backrest arm(s) and/or napper bar of the seat (e.g., to substantially fold the seat), which releases the lock pin disposed between a rotatable joint of the seat and the seat mount release handle. Thus, examples disclosed herein provide for secure coupling of a seat or accessory to the stroller to protect stroller occupants while also facilitating ease of access for the user (e.g., a caregiver).