Abstract:
A stroller for transporting a child includes a wheeled frame including at least two base rails interconnected by a cylindrical hub, a spine, and a bracing linkage. A basket attaches to the spine, confining the child and supporting a seat ring. The seat ring includes upper and lower connected concentric arcs having different radii and supports a seat back on its lower arc. The seat back reclines, and the seat ring rotates from center. A seat base is supported on the frame and includes a platform movable between an extended position disposed inside the seat ring and a retracted position withdrawn from the seat ring. The stroller permits the child to be safely and comfortably transported in a standing, seated, or reclined position.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application is a continuation of, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 120 to, application Ser. No. 11/175,602, filed on Jul. 5, 2005, which is incorporated herein by reference, and which is a nonprovisional of, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) to, application Ser. No. 60/584,991, filed Jul. 2, 2004, which application is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     present invention relates to an improved baby stroller, and more particularly to a baby stroller in which the baby may transported selectively in a standing, sitting, or reclining position.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     An age-old problem for parents with small children is in transporting them without having to carry them. Historically, the perambulator or baby carriage was used; devices of this type resembled a crib with wheels, a handle, and a cover, and the baby was laid in the carriage for transport. More recently, parents typically employ a stroller for this purpose. Strollers of a wide variety of styles have been developed, but the basic stroller generally includes a cloth seat, suspended within a wheeled frame, and a restraint of some type to keep the child in the seated position. Other solutions include front carriers, sling carriers, and backpack carriers, all of which have their own drawbacks, primarily because the parent must bear the burden of the child&#39;s weight. As the child grows older, comfort for the parent becomes an issue.  
         [0004]     While the stroller is indispensable to modern parents, there are drawbacks to its use as well. Babies spend a great deal of time confined in a sitting position—in a high chair at the dinner table, and in a car seat while traveling—and the time spent restrained in a stroller adds to that seated time. Most young children can only tolerate the restrained seated position for a short time before becoming antsy, irritable, and bored. For older babies and toddlers, who have begun to pull up or stand, the tolerance for a restrained seated position may be quite short, because of their inherent desire to stand.  
         [0005]     Additionally, recently published reports correlate the confining of babies to seated positions with the later sedentary preferences linked to childhood obesity, as well as to delayed development. As noted by the National Association for Sport and Physical Education, “Confining babies and young children to stroller, playpens, and car and infant seats for hours at a time may delay development such as rolling over, crawling, walking, and even cognitive development.” Consequently, there is a need to encourage physical activity and to discourage restraint to a seated position, where it is feasible to do so.  
         [0006]     The use of high chairs is certainly reasonable and valid for a child who is eating, and the proper restraint of a child into a car seat is legally required when the child is traveling by car. However, there is a distinct need for an improved stroller that permits the child to be safely restrained and strolled, while being kept in a supported, upright position, and in a safe, entertaining environment, so that the baby is afforded the opportunity to use developing muscles. Such a stroller would be an alternative to constant seated restraint, but would also ideally retain the familiar and convenient features of a conventional stroller. These features typically include the ability quickly and easily to fold the stroller into a compact configuration for storage and transport, the availability of adjustable, comfortable handles for parents of different heights, the availability of storage space for a diaper bag or the like, fully pivotable wheels, a canopy for shielding the baby from the elements, and a structurally sturdy design.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0007]     In accordance with the aforementioned goals and needs, the present invention is an improved stroller for transporting a child selectively in a standing, seated, or reclined position.  
         [0008]     Specifically, the present invention includes a stroller that has a frame that includes in principle at least three elements for sturdy construction: base rails interconnected by a cylindrical hub; a spine connected to the cylindrical hub by a concentric cylindrical sleeve that surrounds the hub, and from which the spine extends generally upward; and a bracing linkage, which is rotatably attached to the base rails and can be placed against the spine in order to support the spine.  
         [0009]     A plurality of wheels, typically at least four, are attached to the frame. These wheels are preferably attached at each end of each of the base rails and may pivot about a vertical axis in addition to rolling in the usual manner.  
         [0010]     A basket for supporting the child is attachable to and supported on at least the spine and in some embodiments attachable and supported on the bracing linkage. The basket includes a ring for confining the child and a sling for supporting the child in the standing position. Additionally a seat is attached to the spine below the basket. The seat includes a seat base member that is retractable for clearance when the child is in the standing position and may be extended to provide support for the child in the seated and reclined positions.  
         [0011]     The frame is movable between unfolded and folded positions by rotation of the sleeve about the hub.  
         [0012]     In another feature of the present invention, a handle is attached to the spine. Generally, the spine will included a sleeve member and a handle member, with the handle member being slidable along and generally interior of the sleeve member in order to lengthen or shorten the spine. This feature permits the handle height to be adjusted to a higher or lower position within a reasonable range to permit parents of different heights to place the handle at a comfortable position. Preferably the handle may be placed at one of a series of positions corresponding to varied handle heights. Because the spine will generally form an arc, the sleeve member and the handle member will be curved along the same arc. This specific arrangement and other arrangements belong generally to a class of telescoping spine configurations.  
         [0013]     In yet another feature of the present invention, the seat also includes a back member for providing back support to the child in both the seated and reclining positions. Depending upon the specific configuration of these positions, the seat back may recline and return to upright as desired. Regardless, however, the seated position is defined by positioning the seat base member proximate the back member and/or the spine, and the reclined position is defined by articulating the seat base member away from the back member and/or the spine.  
         [0014]     The present invention also includes a standing support member that is attached to the frame, usually in the region of the hub, and that extends generally parallel to and between the base rails. The purpose of this standing support member is to support the feet of the child when the child is in the standing position. While this member may be a rigid surface, it is preferably to some degree a soft, springy (or otherwise resilient) support surface, such as a trampoline, soft goods, or an air pillow, for example.  
         [0015]     In still another feature of the present invention, the spine and the bracing linkage define between themselves a storage area. Because of the generally triangular configuration of the frame, the storage area is ample for storing an article such as a diaper, a travel bag, or a purse in a manner in which the article is supported on the frame. A hook or other hanging structure may be provided for this purpose.  
         [0016]     Another feature of the ring and the sling, or more generally of the seating support for the child, is that the child is able to rotate through a significant arc of rotation at least while in the standing position. For example, at least a portion of the right and the sling may be co-rotatable from center in order to provide the child with the ability to turn to the left and right. This feature permits a greater range of motion for the child.  
         [0017]     The basket or some portion of it may include a port into which the bracing linkage may be inserted, against the spine, in order to complete the support structure when the stroller is in the “in use” position. This port retains the bracing linkage in a manner that ensures the structural integrity of the stroller when it is in use, and an interference fit, a press fit, a positive lock, or another suitable retention mechanism may be used.  
         [0018]     In another feature of the present invention, a canopy is provided in order to shade the child from elements such as sun, wind, or precipitation exposure. This canopy may include a series of individually adjustable canopy struts for full or partial coverage.  
         [0019]     In another feature of the present invention, one or more of the wheels may be lockable against rotation. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0020]     Further features, embodiments, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the drawings, wherein:  
         [0021]      FIG. 1  is a general perspective view of a stroller according to the present invention;  
         [0022]      FIG. 2  is a plan view of a base of a stroller as in  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0023]      FIGS. 2A and 2B  are detail views of wheels of a stroller as in  FIG. 2 ;  
         [0024]      FIG. 3  is a side perspective view of a spine of a stroller;  
         [0025]      FIG. 4  is a detail perspective view of a seat and basket of a stroller;  
         [0026]      FIG. 5A  is a side perspective view of interior components of a seat of a stroller;  
         [0027]      FIG. 5B  is a perspective view of the underside of a seat as in  FIG. 5A ;  
         [0028]      FIG. 6  is a rear perspective view of a stroller as in  FIG. 1 ; and  
         [0029]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a stroller as in  FIG. 1 , but in the folded position.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0030]     Referring now to the drawings, a stroller  10  according to the present invention, transportable along a path  8 , is shown in  FIG. 1  in a general perspective view. The stroller generally includes a frame  12 ; four wheel sets  14  attached to and supporting the frame  12  to permit the stroller to be rolled along to transport a child therein; a basket  16  for supporting the child; and a seat  18 . Each of these components will be discussed in greater detail below, in connection with  FIG. 1  and subsequent figures.  
         [0031]     In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the frame  12  includes at least two base rails  102 , 104 , which are interconnected by a cylindrical hub  106 . This hub  106  extends laterally interbetween the base rails  102 , 104  and joins with each of the base rails  102 , 104  each at a point  105  approximately midway along the base rails  102 , 104 , between rear ends  102 R, 104 R and forward ends  102 F, 104 F, to form a generally H-shaped base  100 . The frame  12  also includes a spine  120 , which includes a cylindrical sleeve  122  that is disposed concentrically about the hub  106 , such that the sleeve  122  may slide along the radius of the hub  106  while remaining supported on the hub  106 . The frame  12  further includes a bracing linkage  170  that is rotatably attached to the base rails  102 , 104  in the region of the rear ends  102 R, 104 R, and which may be disposed against the spine  120  at a support location  124  in supporting relation to the spine  120 . The bracing linkage  170  and its operation will be described in greater detail below. In this manner, a triangular support frame  12  is established.  
         [0032]     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a plan view of the base  100  shows the two base rails  102 , 104 , joined by the cylindrical hub  106  as described above. The base rails  102 , 104  are formed of a metal, plastic, or composite tubing which is selected and configured to provide sufficient strength to bear the weight of the remaining component parts of the stroller  10 , plus the weight of any child carried therein and any other materials carried thereon. The base  100  is itself supported on several (preferably four) sets  14  of wheels  108 , 109  attached to the base  100 , or more specifically to the forward and rear ends  102 F, 104 F, 102 R, 104 R of the base rails  102 , 104 .  
         [0033]     As will be seen by a person having ordinary skill in the art, these wheel sets  14  may take a number of different forms without departing from the scope of the invention, and not merely the form illustrated in the figures. For example, as is shown in  FIG. 2 , in a preferred embodiment the front wheel set  14  is mounted to the base rail end  102 F in a manner that permits the free revolution of the front wheel  108  about a vertical axis A (see  FIG. 2A ). Specifically, the base rail end  102 F is provided with a caster end  112 , which houses an axis pin  114 . The axis pin  114  freely rotates within an aperture  113  in the caster end  112  and is attached to a wheel fork  116 , onto which the wheel  108  is mounted. This configuration allows the stroller  10  to be turned rather easily, with a minimal turning radius, because the wheel  108  freely rotates with two degrees of freedom, being mounted upon an axis which is horizontal and parallel to the path  8  (see  FIG. 1 ), while also revolving about axis A. Alternatively, as is illustrated in the preferred embodiment shown in  FIG. 2B , the rear wheel  109  is mounted with axis directly on the rail  102 R, in a configuration that does not permit the free revolution of the rear wheels  109  about a vertical axis and therefore promotes lineal transport stability along the path  8  (see  FIG. 1 ). Those skilled in the art will recognize that for optimal stability and maneuverability, front wheels of the type illustrated in  FIG. 2A  and rear wheels of the type illustrated in  FIG. 2B  are preferred to be selected. However, this is merely one of many different configurations that are possible without departing from the scope of the invention.  
         [0034]     In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the base rails  102 , 104  are configured with an inward central bend, and the hub  106  has a width profile that is significantly narrower than the overall width of the stroller  10 . The base rails  102 , 104  are preferably curvilinear in appearance and configured in a way that simultaneously promotes quad-point stability, structural support of the central spine  120 , and a folding action (to be described in greater detail below). Specifically, the symmetrical inward central and upward bend of the base rails  102 , 104  provides for a four-way quasi-footed arrangement of the wheels, a central footing for the spine  120 , and a region  110  between the base rails  102 , 104  that is of sufficient size to accommodate motion of the basket  16  therethrough during folding for storage.  
         [0035]     Referring again to  FIG. 2 , it should be noted that different configurations of the connection between the base rails  102  or  104  are possible. In  FIG. 2 , the base rails  102 , 104  are formed as two pieces which are attached, by welding or any other suitable attachment mechanism, to the hub  106 . Alternatively, the base rails  102 , 104  could be formed as a single piece, to each of which the hub  106  is attached on its ends by welding or any other suitable attachment mechanism. Depending on various configurations of the base rails  102 , 104  and the hub  106 , and depending on other manufacturing and durability considerations, either of these connections, or any similar connection, may prove suitable for an embodiment of the invention, without departing from the scope thereof.  
         [0036]     Additional features of the base also illustrated include an optional footrest stretcher  118 , which extends between the base rails  102 , 104  posterior of the hub  106 . This stretcher  118 , though optional, can be useful in certain embodiments to assist in maneuvering the stroller, such as to lift the stroller onto a curb.  
         [0037]     Also visible in  FIG. 2  is the cylindrical sleeve  122 , the purpose and construction of which will be described more fully below. The sleeve  122  surrounds the hub  106 , and in the embodiment shown, is formed for manufacturing reasons (because of the permanent connection between the base rails  102 , 104  and the hub  106 ) as upper and lower half-cylinders, which mate to form the cylindrical sleeve  122 . The two half-cylinders are held in place, potentially both in mated relationship and with side-to-side confinement, by a pair of collars  119 .  
         [0038]     A support surface  115 , which may be a resilient support surface such as a trampoline, is preferably rotatably mounted upon the. cylindrical sleeve  122  at attachment points  139  (see  FIG. 3 ), and releasably attachable to the base rails  102 , 104  with a pair of posts  117  (shown in  FIG. 2  in phantom). These posts  117  may be formed with an upper surface curved concavely to mate with the base rails  102 , 104 , and may feature a connection of sufficient precision and resiliency to hold the trampoline  115  in place during operation of the stroller in the standing position, yet be easily dislodged during folding. A magnetic connection may be preferred for this purpose. The support surface  115  is provided as a location for the child to stand and (if a trampoline is provided) to bounce lightly. The trampoline  115  may also be attached to the basket  18  by trampoline linkages  121 , as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 7 . These linkages  119  may be rigid metal or plastic, or they may be cables.  
         [0039]     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a spine  120  of the stroller  10  is shown in greater detail in a side perspective view. In a preferred embodiment, the spine  120  comprises a pair of spine tube members  130 , 131 , preferably made of the same material selected for the base rails  102 , 104 , which are fixedly attached to and extend upward from a generally cylindrical sleeve  122  that is sized to surround the hub  106  of the base  100 , in sliding relation along the curved surface of the hub  106 . Trampoline attachment points  139  are disposed on the underside of the sleeve  122 . In a preferred embodiment, the spine  120  forms the support structure for the basket area  16  and the seat  18  (see  FIG. 1 ) in which the child is to ride. The spine  120  is preferably formed in a slight arc that in the unfolded, operational position extends generally vertically from the sleeve  122  and back toward the operator (not shown), ending in a handle mechanism  140  which is disposed at a height of comfortable hand operation.  
         [0040]     In a preferred embodiment, the spine tube members  130 , 131  include spine outer tubes  132 , 133  extending from the sleeve  122  to a point at or above the seat mounting location  200 , and spine inner tubes  134 , 135  of slightly smaller diameter, which are sidably disposed within the outer tubes  132 , 133  to increase or decrease the length of the spine  120 , which therefore disposes the handle mechanism  140  at a variable location to accommodate operators of varying hand heights. In this embodiment, the spine outer tubes  132 , 133  are referred to as sleeve members, and the inner tubes  134 , 135  are referred to as handle members. The sleeve members  132 , 133  and the handle members  134 , 135  are for operational reasons bent on the same arc, which permits a telescoping action.  
         [0041]     The particular handle height desired is set by a locking cuff  136 , disposed at the juncture of the sleeve members  132 , 133  and the handle members  134 , 135 , which may be released to permit the handle members  134 , 135  to be slid within the sleeve members  132 , 133  to the desired handle height, and engaged to retain the handle members  134 , 135  in the desired location. Ideally, the locking cuff  136  has a handle release mechanism  137  and additionally serves, in a two-tube or multi-tube system, as a spacer to assist in retaining the spine members  130 , 131  substantially mutually parallel throughout their respective lengths. Additionally, the top ends of the spine members  130 , 131  may be permanently affixed to the handle mechanism  140  to keep them parallel near the top ends. Alternatively, the handle members  134 , 135  could be bent severely to form handles and kept appropriately spaced by one or more spacer members.  
         [0042]     In a preferred embodiment, the handle mechanism may be provided with auxiliary mechanisms, such as a handle arc  138  for hanging articles, a cup or bottle holder, or similar members designed to be within easy reach of the stroller operator. These features may contribute significantly to the usability of the invention, but their presence or absence does not create a departure from the scope of the present invention.  
         [0043]     Referring again to  FIGS. 1, 2 , and  3 , it has been noted that the frame  12  generally features three components that relate to the stability of the stroller: the base  100 , the spine  120 , and the bracing linkage  170 , which together cooperate to form a generally triangular frame structure  12 . The benefits of this simplified frame structure  12  will become apparent in connection with the discussion of the seat  18  and basket  16  below. The base  100  and frame  120  have been previously discussed. The bracing linkage  170  is comparatively simple in operation.  
         [0044]     In a preferred embodiment as shown in  FIG. 2 , the bracing linkage  170  includes a curvilinear tube  172  having left and right ends  174 , 176  and formed into a U or scoop shape with a third-dimensional outward bend  178  in the central region. The left and right ends  172 , 174  are each pivotally attached to the axes  180  of the left and right rear wheels  109 , or thereabouts on the rear ends  102 R, 104 R of the base rails, so that the bracing linkage tube  172  may be pivoted into or out of contact with the spine  120 .  
         [0045]     Although the spine  120  may itself be provided with a receiving port for receiving the attachment section  184  of the bracing linkage tube  172 , in the preferred embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , the port  220  may be formed integrally with the basket  18  such that the linkage tube  172  is received in supporting abutment to the spine  120 . The bracing linkage tube  172  will ideally be provided with a positive locking mechanism  182 , for preventing spontaneous disengagement of the linkage tube  172  from the port  220 , for as will be seen in connection with the discussion of the operation of a device according to the invention, disengagement of the linkage tube  172  from the port  220  begins the process of folding the stroller for storage. Alternatively, the port  220  may be configured to provide a resilient interference-type fit or press fit with the linkage tube  172 , such that some significant force is required to dislodge the tube  172  from the port  220 . For example, a spring-loaded mechanism disposed on the linkage tube  172  between the members of the port  220  may be compressed by the locking mechanism  182  to facilitate quick release or insertion into the port  220 , then released to exert a spring force that retains the tube  172  within the port  220 . In this embodiment, the locking mechanism  182  comprises a lever that engages to compress the spring-loaded mechanism for release or insertion, and is configured with an arc profile to match the tube  172 , thus allowing the locking mechanism  182  to clip onto the tube  172  for securement once inserted.  
         [0046]     Regardless of the particular details of reception, however, the triangular arrangement provides support for the basket  18  (as will be described below) while maximizing the free space in the region of and below the basket  18 .  
         [0047]     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , a basket  18  and seat  16  mechanism is shown in a detail view. A seat  16  according to the present invention presents the user with three possible positions: a standing position, a seated position, and a reclined position, each of which is defined according to a position and configuration of the seat  16 .  
         [0048]     The basket  18  is generally round or ovoid when viewed from above, with a generally void center section, and thus forms a confinement ring  201 , a portion of which extends around the spine  120  and in a preferred embodiment provides a port  220  for receiving the bracing linkage tube  172  (see  FIG. 3 ). The child may be placed into the remainder of the confinement ring  201  for transport. Viewed from the side, as can be most easily seen in FIGS.  1  or  5 A, the basket  18  is saucer-shaped, with a fairly substantial undersection  202  that extends downward from the saucer portion  203  near the spine  120 . On this undersection  202  the basket  18  is pivotally mounted upon the spine  120  at a seat mounting location  200  (see  FIG. 3 ), such that during folding the basket may be rotated down so that its forward portion is in contact with or near to the lower portion of the spine  120 .  
         [0049]     The seat  16  is in a preferred embodiment provided with three principal members: A seat back  204 , a seat base  206 , and a two-level seat ring  208 .  
         [0050]     Referring now also to  FIG. 5A , the basket  18  is optimally molded so as to provide a pair of tracks  210 , 212  for supporting and guiding a rotating motion of the seat ring  208 . The upper track  210  is disposed along the inner rim of the confinement ring  201 , in approximately the front half of the saucer section  203  of the basket  18 , and is co-radial with the upper level of the two-level seat ring  208 . The lower track  212  is disposed along the inner radius of the undersection  202 , but forward of the spine  120 , and is co-radial with the lower level of the seat ring  208 . The tracks  210 , 212  provide support for mounting the seat ring  208  in rotative sliding relation therealong.  
         [0051]     The seat ring  208  is provided with a number of friction-reducing members  230 , which may be wheels, ball bearings, rounded knobs, or a material of a low coefficient of sliding friction, or any other suitable material or construction that permits the seat ring  208  to rotate upon the basket  18 . As a specific alternative equivalent, the friction-reducing members  230  may be set into the basket  18 , and the seat ring  208  may be provided on its underside with a concave arc profile configured to mate and cooperate with the friction-reducing members  230 , all without departing from the scope of the invention. In a preferred embodiment, the seat ring  208  has two levels, one upper and one lower, which are concentric arcs having different radii. This configuration allows the seat ring  208  to form a mounting location for the seat back  204  that permits the seat back to rotate through a significant range (as much as 100° from center in either direction). This permits the child to be positioned, or to self-position, in a location other than a straight-forward view.  
         [0052]     Referring now to  FIGS. 5A and 5B , it can be seen that the seat back  204  is pivotally mounted upon the lower radius of the seat ring  208 , or more specifically on a short extension therefrom, so that the seat back  204  may be positioned in a straight-up “chair” position or in a reclined position. Depending upon the particular arrangement of the seat ring  208  and the basket  18 , the reclining action may only be available in the center-forward position, at which the seat back  204  is directed to face the front of the stroller directly.  
         [0053]     The seat base  206  includes a platform  232  that is disposable generally in the center of the seat ring  208 , and that is rotatably attached by a strut  234  to the spine  120 , independently of the remainder of the seat  16 . The strut  234  is mounted upon an axis  236  (perhaps coaxial with the lower point of attachment of the basket  18  to the spine  120 ) that by a ridge-and-detent system, a positive lock, an interference fit, or some other appropriate system may be locked into a firm “up” position that corresponds to a “sitting” or “reclining” position of operation. Upon release of this locking mechanism, however, the seat base  206  may be rotated in the direction of arrow B into a “down” position against the spine  120 , such that full clearance is provided to allow the child to stand in the “standing” position. In order to maximize the clearance, the platform  232  may be provided on its underside with a pair of recesses  238  that correspond to and cooperate with the spine tube members  130 , 131 . An optional handle (not shown) may be provided to facilitate the upward or downward motion.  
         [0054]     In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the platform  232  may be configured to be rotatable along with the seat ring  208 , in a barstool-like configuration.  
         [0055]     As can be seen in  FIG. 5B , an optional but preferred seat sling  240  (shown in phantom indicated by dashed lines) is provided. The sling  240  is co-rotational with the seat ring  208 , and provides support for the child in all positions, but most necessarily in the standing position. The sling is provided with leg holes  242 , and is preferably formed of breathable Neoprene or a similar material.  
         [0056]     Additionally, the seat back  204  and seat base  206  may be provided with soft goods (not shown), which provide for extra comfort for the child in the seated and reclining positions.  
         [0057]     Referring again to  FIG. 4 , another optional feature found in the preferred embodiments of the present invention is an extendable canopy  250 . The canopy  250  provides optional shade for the child and includes a set of canopy struts  252  that support a fabric canopy cover, which is stretched across the struts  252  but not shown in the figures. The canopy struts  252  are U-shaped and attached to stackable discs  254 , which are rotatably mounted to either side of the basket  18 . The stackable discs  254  are configured with stops that prevent the extension of the associated struts  252  beyond a point predetermined for that strut  252 . In the retracted position, the struts  252  are “stacked,” to minimize the extension of the canopy cover, and the struts  252  telescope outward over the basket  18  to maximize the extension of the canopy cover. The presence of three struts  252  as shown in  FIG. 4  permits four degrees of canopy extension: no extension (full retraction), one strut&#39;s extension, two struts&#39; extension, and three struts&#39; extension (full extension).  
         [0058]     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , a stroller according to the present invention is shown in a rear perspective view, with reference numerals corresponding generally to those used in figures already described. The rear view shows an optional hook  270 , which in the figure extends from the locking mechanism  136 , but which could be placed at a different point on the spine  120  as desired. The hook  270  permits a diaper bag  272 , or a purse or backpack or other similar article, to be hung within a storage area  274  that is generally defined and bounded by the rear portions of the base rails  102 , 104  and the U of the bracing linkage  170 . The hook  270  could include any suitable mechanism for hanging such an article and may take a form specialized to a particular kind of article; thus, the term “hook” may include any support surface suitable for hanging or supporting such an article.  
         [0059]     Those skilled in the art to which the present invention relates will recognize the need to restrain the child within the confinement ring, in at least the sitting and reclining positions. In addition to the sling described above, the use of a safety belt, a harness, shoulder straps, or another similar conventional mechanism to restrain the child is recommended. The design of embodiments of the present invention is suited to the use of virtually any of these devices without restraining the operation of the stroller in any fashion.  
         [0060]     Another element essential to the utility of the present invention is in its capacity to be folded into a more compact unit for storage or transport in a car. As can be seen in  FIG. 7 , a stroller  10  according to the present invention is foldable into a folded position first by placing the seat base  206  in the “standing” position and lowering the handles to their minimum extension. Next, releasing the bracing linkage  170  from its port  220  permits the basket  18  to be rotated downward so that its forward end is proximate the spine  120 . By the nature of the trampoline linkages  121 , the trampoline  115  will also be rotated “under” (the stroller may need to be lifted for this purpose). The spine  120  may then be rotated forward, with the sleeve  122  slidably rotating about the hub  106 , into a “flat” configuration, and the bracing linkage  170  rotated forward into contact with the spine  120 .  
         [0061]     In view of the aforesaid written description of the present invention, it will be readily understood by those persons skilled in the art that the present invention is susceptible of broad utility and application. Many embodiments and adaptations of the present invention other than those herein described, as well as many variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be apparent from or reasonably suggested by the present invention and the foregoing description thereof, without departing from the substance or scope of the present invention. Accordingly, while the present invention has been described herein in detail in relation to preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is only illustrative and exemplary of the present invention and is made merely for purposes of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the invention. The foregoing disclosure is not intended nor is to be construed to limit the present invention or otherwise to exclude any such other embodiments, adaptations, variations, modifications and equivalent arrangements, the present invention being limited only by the claims appended hereto and the equivalents thereof.